The Most Beautiful Road in Ireland: the Wild Atlantic Way!
If you plan to visit Ireland, the west coast must definitely be on the list of things to do! There are many well-known tourist attractions on this side of the country. And the road itself is, as we think, the most beautiful road of Ireland: the Wild Atlantic Way.
Some practical things about the route
The Wild Atlantic Way is a series of almost all roads that run along the west coast. The total route has a length of approximately 2,500 kilometers and runs from Donegal in the north all the way to Cork in the south. The entire route is very clearly signed, recognizable by the blue rectangle with white zigzag line. The roads are usually quite narrow, full of bends and the road surface is bumpy.
The best stops on the Wild Atlantic Way
If you have planned a tour through Ireland in about ten days, it is not doable to drive the entire Wild Atlantic Way (unfortunately). However, even if you only cover part of the route, you can still tick off the most beautiful sights. And the roads? They are all equally beautiful. We drove this route for about three days and made a handy itinerary with the most beautiful highlights on this beautiful car route through Ireland! Plan full days for this itinerary ans there are many viewpoints and villages that require you to make a short stop.
Day 1: Sligo to Galway (250 km)
The first day we drove on the N59 from Sligo to Galway. The road is relatively easy to drive and leads through a number of very picturesque places. We made a stop in Ballina (coffee), Westport (coffee) and Letterfrack (dinner). But actually every place is suitable for a lunch or coffee break. The villages along this route are just all so cozy! In addition to pleasant places to take a break, the nature is also very beautiful. You will pass the Nephin National Park, the Killary Fjord, the Kylemore Abbey and the Sky Road (amongst others). The road largely runs through mountainous areas with often beautiful views over the ocean (when the weather is nice, of course).
Day 2: Galway to Killarney (250km)
Today the route mainly runs along the coast on the N67 and N69. It is a slightly less mountainous area, but today there are the cliffs to admire! We made a stop at Corcomroe Abbey, Corkscrew Hill and of course the Cliffs of Moher! Again, every place is suitable for a coffee or dinner break. And don’t forget that you have to use the ferry between Kilrush and Tarbert. Tickets can be ordered online in advance with 10% discount. Also pay close attention to the opening times, otherwise you will have to take a huge detour via Limerick!
Day 3: the Ring of Kerry
The Wild Atlantic Way is known as the most beautiful car route in Ireland. We think that the Ring of Kerry is perhaps the most beautiful part of it! The route is a loop that officially starts and ends in Killarney, but of course you can also start at any other point. There are so many highlights on this route that we have dedicated a separate blog to this: The Ring of Kerry.
Other parts of the most beautiful road in Ireland
It is impossible to drive the entire route in three days. Although there is already a lot to see during few days, the other kilometers are certainly just as beautiful. For example, we were told that the part in the north near Donegal is a lot less touristic. Furthermore, more south of the Ring of Kerry there is also the Ring of Beara, definitely recommended if you have more time. And a nice addition to the Ring of Kerry would be to drive the Gap of Dunloe!
