- The full route is about 2,500km, so pick one or two stretches rather than trying to drive it all
- Fly into Shannon, Knock, Kerry or Cork to start near the coast, or take the ferry with your own car
- Allow plenty of time, as roads are narrow and slow
- Pack waterproofs whatever the month
- Airports
- Shannon (SNN), Ireland West Knock (NOC), Kerry (KIR), Cork (ORK), Donegal (CFN)
- Best time to go
- May-September; April and October for quieter roads
- Type
- Coast
The Wild Atlantic Way is a signed touring route that follows Ireland's west coast for about 2,500km, from Malin Head on Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula down to Kinsale in County Cork. Brown signs with a zigzag "WAW" logo mark the way past sea cliffs, sandy bays, islands, peninsulas and small towns where music sessions run late. Think of it as a menu of coastal road trips, not one drive.
For UK drivers, Ireland is easy: you drive on the left, the time is the same as at home and plugs are the same three-pin type. British citizens don't need a passport under the Common Travel Area, but airlines and ferries ask for photo ID. Distances and speed limits are in kilometres and the currency is the euro. For the wider picture, see our Ireland guide.
Where to stay
- Donegal – the wild northern end, with huge beaches, sea cliffs and few crowds. Base yourself in Donegal Town, Ardara or Dunfanaghy.
- Mayo and Sligo – Westport is a lively, attractive town and a good base for Achill Island and Croagh Patrick; Sligo has surf beaches and Benbulben.
- Galway and Connemara – a lively city plus lakes, mountains and the town of Clifden.
- Clare – Doolin, Lahinch and Ennistymon for the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and traditional music. Limerick and Shannon Airport are close.
- Kerry – Killarney, Kenmare or Dingle for the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula.
- West Cork – Kinsale, Clonakilty, Skibbereen and Bantry for coves, food and islands. Cork city is nearby.
Things to do
- Malin Head – Ireland's most northerly point, the official start of the route.
- Sliabh Liag – some of Europe's highest sea cliffs, in south-west Donegal.
- Achill Island – reached by bridge, with the Atlantic Drive, Keem Bay and deserted villages.
- Connemara – Kylemore Abbey, the Sky Road near Clifden and Killary Harbour.
- Cliffs of Moher and the Burren – Ireland's most visited natural sight, plus a strange limestone landscape and Doolin's pubs.
- The Ring of Kerry and Skellig Michael – mountain passes, beaches and boat trips to a monastic island.
- Slea Head Drive – a loop at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula with views of the Blasket Islands.
- Mizen Head – Ireland's most south-westerly point, with a dramatic footbridge and signal station.
Best time to visit
May, June and September are ideal, with long days, mild temperatures in the mid to high teens °C and fewer coaches than in midsummer. July and August are busiest, particularly in Kerry and Clare. Spring brings wildflowers and nesting seabirds; October can be lovely but days shorten fast. Winter is stormy and dramatic, but many seasonal businesses and island ferries scale back.
Getting there from the UK
Choose your airport by the stretch you plan to drive. Shannon suits Clare, Galway and Limerick; Ireland West Knock suits Mayo, Sligo and Galway; Kerry and Cork suit the south-west. Donegal Airport has limited flights, and many visitors to the far north fly to Belfast or City of Derry and drive across the border. Dublin has the most UK flights and is about 2h30-3 hours from the west coast.
By sea, you can bring your own car from Holyhead or Liverpool to Dublin, from Fishguard or Pembroke to Rosslare, or from Cairnryan or Liverpool to Belfast for Donegal.
Getting around
A car is almost essential. One-way car hire, such as picking up in Shannon and dropping in Cork, is possible but often carries an extra fee. Roads range from fast motorways to narrow single-track lanes, so plan on 150-200km a day at most if you want time to stop. Buses link the main towns, and tours run from Galway, Killarney and Dublin, but you'll miss the quieter corners without your own wheels.
Drive the route from north to south, or vice versa, but choose a stretch you can do in a week; a fortnight barely covers half of it comfortably.
Top attractions in Wild Atlantic Way
Wild Atlantic Way on the map
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Way?
Driving the whole route comfortably takes two to three weeks. With one week, focus on a stretch such as Clare and Galway, or Kerry and West Cork.
Where does the Wild Atlantic Way start and end?
It runs between Malin Head in Donegal and Kinsale in County Cork. You can drive it in either direction.
Can I drive the Wild Atlantic Way in a camper van?
Yes, and it's popular, but some roads such as the Conor Pass are unsuitable for large vehicles, and wild camping isn't permitted everywhere. Use campsites or designated stopovers.
Is it the same as the Ring of Kerry?
No. The Ring of Kerry is one loop along the Wild Atlantic Way, which takes in many other peninsulas and counties.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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