Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Villages Offer the Best of the Emerald Isle
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way stretches along the west coast of Ireland from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to Kinsale in the south. The route cuts through 9 counties (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, and Cork) and is over 1600 miles long.
This is the windswept Ireland you’ve read about and seen in photos and travel guides.
Here are a few villages and towns you don’t want to miss along the Wild Atlantic Way. Each has its own uniqueness and authenticity, even if a bit touristy. Each is known for at least one of the following: Irish music, pub culture, great food, forts, castles, or nature (scenic hikes, gardens, seashore).
Heading from North to South:
Doolin (County Clare)
Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music.
Doolin, Ireland. (Photo: M. Mulleady, Pexels)
Doolin is a small village with a handful of shops and pubs. Blink while driving past it, and you might miss it. That said, it’s a hidden gem.
The town has become renowned for its traditional Irish music and pub sessions. Some are calling it the ‘music capital of Ireland.’ Whether that is true or not (there’s tons of music options across Ireland), Christy Barry and friends play at Doolin Music House (Christy’s home) most evenings, so if you’re looking for good music and great ‘craic’, it’s a nice option. Wine and light appetizers are served.
For those interested in visiting the Aran Islands, Doolin is where you catch the ferry.
Dingle Town (County Kerry)
Loads of traditional pubs and good craic. Great location for a pub crawl.
Dingle is a favorite amongst locals and tourists for good reason. Rain or shine, it’s a ton of fun! (Photo: Edie L Kramer)
Stay in Dingle for a night or two and enjoy the seaside location. The quaint harbor, colorful commercial buildings, great selection of restaurants, bars with nightly local music (some have music during the day), and shops including locally crafted items will help you fall in love with this town. It’s a crowd-pleaser for even the curmudgeons on your family tree.
I spent a day in the ‘sideways rain’ poking in the shops and got soaked to the skin. I stopped into The Dingle Pub to listen to local musicians and dry out a bit, opting for a Dingle gin and elderflower tonic (the Irish gin market has exploded with more than 70 brands and 37 distilleries as of 2022.) Then I walked through a few more pubs, including Foxy John’s, Dick Mack’s, and Neligan’s Bar, to get a feel for each—all unique. Great town for a pub crawl.
If it’s your first time visiting Irish pubs, keep in mind that many have multiple rooms and can actually go deep. The front room isn’t always the pub's only room (or fully stocked bar).
Glengarriff and Garnish Island (County Cork)
A quaint community and renowned gardens where the mountains meet the sea.
Taking a self-guided tour of Garnish Island will give you a few hours to enjoy nature at its best. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
Glengarriff is a coastal village on the Ring of Beara. You can drive through its center in a few minutes. That said, it’s a great little spot for a meal or overnight stay. It’s surrounded by mountains, oak forests, peat bogs, and the Bay. Walking from the center to the water (Glengarriff Bay), you’ll see a few thatched-roof homes along the way.
Garnish Island, open from April to early November, is a 10-15 minute ferry ride from Glengariff in Bantry Bay. It is considered one of the most important gardens in Europe. Plants and trees are from all over the globe, including a significant portion from the southern hemisphere that thrives on the island because of its sheltered position and the warming effect of the Gulf Stream.
If you want a quiet few hours, take a self-guided tour around the island’s pathways. You’ll see the Italian garden and tea house, the formal lawn and gardens, the Grecian Temple, and the Martello Tower. Additionally, the historic Bryce House is accessible by guided tour only.
Kinsale (County Cork)
Great place to wander a bit or take a food tour.
What’s not to like about Kinsale, Ireland? Known for its food culture, brightly colored buildings, yacht-filled harbor, and so much more, there’s something for everyone. (Photo: Edie L Kramer)
Kinsale is the start or finish of the Wild Atlantic Way. It has also been called ‘The gourmet capital of Ireland’ with lots of fresh seafood and interesting restaurants and menus. Food tours are a great way to taste a variety of fare and learn a bit about the town's history.
You’ll be struck by how happy the town feels. The commercial buildings are brightly painted, giving the town a fun, laid-back vibe. You can’t help but smile while wandering through the streets. Its harbor is filled with yachts, and the many winding streets are filled with galleries, restaurants, shops, and pubs. To say it’s a popular tourist destination is an understatement, particularly in the summer months, so plan accordingly. It’s worth it.
Have you visited Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way? What villages and towns have you enjoyed the most? Leave a comment for our readers!
