Top 5 Scenic Drives Along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
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.
We’ve identified what we believe are the top 5 areas and driving loops you don’t want to miss along the Wild Atlantic Way coastline. Some are famous and filled with tourists, but a few are less traveled. Picking a ‘top 5’ was a daunting task because the Wild Atlantic Way pretty much has a picture-perfect vista around every corner. And there are so many villages and towns, excursions, and historical sites along the route that warrant a stop. Check out our other articles as well as you’re planning your travel itinerary to the Green Isle.
Heading from North to South:
Slieve League Cliffs (Donegal)
Allow 2 hours (more if you are hiking or taking a boat cruise)
Slieve League Cliffs (Photo: Edie L Kramer)
This is still a hidden gem. There are few visitors compared to the Cliffs of Moher, even though the Slieve League Cliffs are almost three times higher. The difference is that the Cliffs of Moher are a straight drop from the top to the ocean. Slieve League Cliffs slope into the ocean.
Visit by land or sea. By land, you can park at the visitor center and hike to the top or take the shuttle bus (for a fee). There’s also a small parking lot at the top next to the viewing area (Bunglass Point) for a fee. If the seas are calm, experience the sheer height of the cliffs from the water by taking a boat cruise out of Teelin Harbor, Carrick. You’ll see caves, waterfalls, and possibly sea life.
Cliffs of Mohr (Clare)
Allow 2 hours (to walk the paths and stop at different viewing points)
Cliffs of Moher. (Photo: Erik J. Kramer)
What more can be said about this natural wonder? It’s a beauty. Pray for a clear day and try to arrive by 10:30 am before the large daily tour buses from Dublin arrive. It’s a nicer experience.
The Burren (Clare)
Allow 2-2.5 hours
The Poulnabrone Dolmen (portal tomb), located in The Burren, dates back to the Neolithic period. (Photo: Erik J. Kramer)
There’s nothing like the Burren. The name comes from the Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place.
While the rest of Ireland offers different shades of green across its landscapes, The Burren section of County Clare offers different shades of gray. Slabs of limestone, rocks, and boulders are everywhere, making the area appear barren. Yet a variety of wildflowers grow in abundance between the cracks and crevices. The area supports arctic, tropical, and alpine plants. You’ll see a variety of wild orchids from spring to autumn in The Burren.
Additionally, the area has archeological sites such as the Poulnabrone Dolmen (portal tomb) dating back to the Neolithic period.
Slea Head Drive (Kerry)
Allow 3.5-4 hours
Slea Head Drive offers breath-taking views around every corner. (Photo: Erik J. Kramer)
Beginning and ending in Dingle, Slea Head Drive is one of Ireland’s most scenic routes. You’ll want to stop multiple times for photo ops. Some areas are very narrow and single-lane, so travelers are advised to TAKE THE ROUTE CLOCKWISE to avoid meeting big tour buses.
There are sandy beaches, rolling hills, low stone walls dividing fields, archeological sites (including bee hive huts), and many walking paths.
Ring of Kerry (Kerry)
Allow a full day.
Torc Waterfall, Killarney, is a popular stop along the Ring of Kerry. (Photo: Erik J Kramer)
The entire Ring of Kerry route is about 110 miles. It will take you about four hours to drive the route without stopping, but that is an unrealistic expectation. You’ll want to stop frequently for photos, have lunch in a seaside village, see Torc Waterfall, visit Muckross House and Muckross Abbey, Killarney National Park, and so much more.
Get an early start. Many bus tours take this route. Use Kenmare as your base camp (Killarney is too busy/touristy).
