The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for over 1,500 miles along Ireland’s western seaboard. From Donegal in the north to Cork in the south, through regions like Connemara, The Burren, Galway Bay and Kerry, the route is the longest defined coastal route in the world. The Wild Atlantic Way is set to become an iconic route that can be experienced by driving, cycling, walking or sea-kayaking. Along the route there are 159 discovery points and 15 signature experience discovery points that will help people to discover the culture and landscape that makes the west coast of Ireland so unique.
Click here to request more information on this tour
ItineraryDay 1: Arrive in Ireland. 2 nights stay in Derry. Tour DerryArrive in Ireland, and begin your Wild Atlantic Way experience by exploring the historic city of Derry-Londonderry. This historic walled city is best explored through a guided walking tour which will regale you with tales of years gone by and will show you the best of this culturally rich city. Venture along the coast and visit The Wild Atlantic Way discovery point of Malin Head; the most Northerly point in Ireland. Enjoy Stunning panoramic views and magnificent beaches and you visit the next discovery point; Fanad head. Stay 2 nights at the Beech Hill Country House. Day 3: See Sliabh League & Donegal Castle. Stay 1 night in DonegalContinuing your journey along the coast you will reach the quaint village of Dunfanaghy. A short walk or drive to the top of Horn Head, which overlooks the village and bay will offer stunning views of below. From here you will begin to drive south towards the next signature discovery point of SliabhLiag; which are amongst the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Visit the remains of Donegal Castle which was the stronghold of the O’Donnell’s. Donegal’s most famous beaches at Rossnowlagh will greet you with the Sandhouse Hotel as it hugs the beachfront and offers panoramic views of the bay. Stay 1 night at the Sandhouse Hotel. Day 4: Drive to Westport, stay 2 nightsToday, drive South to Westport. En route, venture through Co. Sligo and visit Markree Castle, one of Ireland’s most authentic castles. Arrive in Westport, and check into the Knockranny House Hotel for a 2 night stay. The bustling town of Westport offers unique opportunities to climb the dominating Croagh Patrick Mountain or take a trip on the sea by kayak. Westport is alive with traditional Irish music, and there’s also a stunning array of restaurants to choose from. Feast on fresh oysters and Guinness. Day 5: Explore Westport & Keem StrandExplore the Great Western Greenway, Ireland’s first off-road walking and cycling trail which is 26 miles long and runs from Westport to Achill Island. From here you can visit your next Wild Atlantic Way Signature experience at Keem Strand, wander through this deserted village, one of the last places in Europe to be used as a ‘booley’ – a place where people grazed their cattle on the mountainside in the summer. This evening, enjoy a stroll through Westport and soak up culture and genuine Irish hospitality surrounding you. Day 6: Visit Killary Harbour. Drive to Connemara, Stay 1 nightDrive onward to the beautiful Connemara region of the West. This unique landscape has been described as one of the most scenic regions in Ireland. Your next Signature Discovery point is Killary Harbour. This inlet is famous as the start of the Killary Fjord which is a glacial fjord that contains some of Ireland’s most awe inspiring and dramatic scenery. As you continue your journey, stop in Clifden for lunch. This lively harbor town is dominated by the 12 Bens Mountain range, with many shops, pubs and restaurants. Stay 1 night in Abbeyglen Castle. Day 7: See Galway City. Tour the Burren. Stay Co. Clare 2 nightsDrive to Co. Clare today. En route, make a stop in the vibrant City of Galway, renowned for its deep history, music, and food; Galway has a fantastically European feel. Visit the Burren; a limestone landscape with ancient druidic altars and the most magnificent flora and fauna. Make sure you see the Birds of Prey center, and visit the Ailwee Caves with its underground waterfalls. The quaint nearby town of Lisdoonvarna is celebrated for its traditional match making festival, held once a year. Stay 2 nights at Sheedy’s Country House Hotel. Day 8: Explore the Cliffs of MoherExplore the next discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, the world famous Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs tower 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. They are a stunning sight to behold. While there, check out the Cliffs Exhibition which is the exciting interpretive Centre at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. Housed at the center of the underground building a huge domed cave contains: images, exhibits, displays & experiences that will delight young and old alike. There are also many walking trails along the cliffs, providing the perfect vantage point, and a unique experience you’ll never forget. Day 9: See Foynes, Limerick. On to Co. Kerry, stay 2 nightsDepart Clare, and drive South to Co. Kerry. Take a short ferry ride, with your car, over the Shannon Estuary. There are 160 bottle-nose dolphins living in the mouth of the Shannon River so keep your eyes open for spectacular close-up views! Once you have reached dry land, take a short trip to the Limerick town of Foynes, home of the flying boats and Irish coffee. You must sample an Irish coffee here! Continue on to Kerry, known as the ‘Kingdom’. Stay 2 nights in the Cahernane House. Day 10: Tour the Ring of Kerry & DingleTour the famous Ring of Kerry. For centuries artists and writers have celebrated this beautiful landscape where the contrasting mountain, lake, and coastal scenery is at its most spectacular. Visit the fishing town of Dingle, offering fantastic Irish music, stunning views, and award winning seafood restaurants. Day 11: Co. Cork, stay 2 nightsThis morning, visit the discovery point of Skellig Michael; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 8 miles of the coast of Kerry is one of the wonders of the world, where 1300 years ago Christian monks built a home at the top of this jagged ocean rock. It can only be reach by a small boat. It’s truly worth the pilgrimage. Drive to Co. Cork and see the next discovery point; Mizen Head. From here you can walk across the arched suspension bridge connecting the mainland to a rocky crag that points out to the crashing seas. Stay 2 nights in the Seaview House Hotel. Day 12: Visit Old Head, and KinsaleTravel along the coast today and visit Kinsale. You will discover a town that is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland and is foodie heaven! This bustling town was once a Viking trading post that played a key role in Irish history. Your final signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way Tour, is the Old Head of Kinsale, It was from here, just off the Old Head that in 1915, a trans-Atlantic liner, The Luisitania, was sunk by a German U-boat. 1200 passengers and crew lost their lives which led to the USA being drawn into World War I. Another option to see the Old Head is to take a boat trip or to explore the caves beneath by way of sea kayak. Day 13: Tour Kilkenny. Stay 1 night DublinDrive to Dublin today. En Route, tour the medieval city of Kilkenny. Visit Kilkenny Castle, and the infamous Kilkenny Design Centre. Have lunch before continuing your drive to Dublin where you’ll stay for 1 night at Buswells Hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy a delicious dinner and a pint of Guinness at Davy Byrne’s Gastro Pub off Grafton Street in Dublin City. Day 14: Drive to Dublin Airport & depart IrelandEnjoy a good Irish breakfast this morning, and then drive to the Airport, return your rental car, and prepare for your return flight home. Optional 1 night Dublin City Trip extension:Day 14: Tour Dublin CityDublin is a prosperous and dynamic capital city, with a proud colourful past and a thriving present. Explore Trinity College and the Book of Kells, a beautiful manuscript created by monks ca. 800. Check out Dublin Writers Museum, Guinness Storehouse, trendy Grafton Street, and the youthful scene at Temple Bar. Visit Dublin Castle, O’ Connell Street, and enjoy a horse and carriage ride around St. Stephen’s Green; a beautiful Georgian Square. Dublin city never sleeps; in the evening, enjoy traditional live music in one of the many fine pubs. We recommend the Brazen head Pub, Dublin’s oldest Pub. Perhaps take in a night of theatre, at Dublin’s famous, ‘Gate Theatre’. Day 15: Drive to Dublin Airport & depart IrelandSlan Abhaile! Your Ireland Trip Includes:
AirfareAirfare is not included but may be booked with us at competitive rates – just let us know your preferred dates and U.S. Departure airport* PricingPlease contact our travel experts for current pricing 1800-832-1848
|
|
