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If you’re looking for places to visit in Ireland other than Dublin or Galway, you should definitely consider driving the World’s longest defined coastal route; Wild Atlantic Way. Think of the Great Ocean Road in Australia, but several times longer. The route starts in South West Ireland in Kinsale and ends in the North, Donegal, covering an impressive 1,553 miles along the Atlantic coast.
This is one of the best drives in Ireland; fortunately well signed with 157 signature points where you can stop to see spectacular scenery Ireland has to offer.
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way
You can drive the full 1,553 miles (2,500km) in two weeks however 3 weeks or more would be ideal to explore the entire coastal route at a comfortable pace. If you have a week or two, then I suggest picking a section of the route such as the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry, Connemara in County Galway.
A Tourism Index survey shows 65% of tourists who traveled Ireland in a rented car drove a part of the Wild Atlantic Way during their time here and 39% spent two or 3 days exploring and the remaining opted a day-trip such as visiting the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher.
With a positive endorsement to the Wild Atlantic Way drive, 80% of Car Rental Ireland’s customers who have driven the route said they would highly recommend Ireland as a tourist destination.
Highlights on the Wild Atlantic Way Drive
Skellig Michael is one of the two Skellig Islands 12km off the Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry, gaining more recognition recently with featuring in Star Wars Force Awakens and the Last Jedi movies. You can get a local boat operator to bring you over to the island for incredible views and close up of gannet birds, make sure to check the boat operation times during the seasonal months.
The fabled Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s best known vista-packed driving route. It is hard to imagine how landscape that beautiful could ever be kept a secret. The circuit of The Iveragh Peninsula is 179 km long and takes at least a day to really appreciate starting in Killarney and finishing back in Killarney.
Nearby is the Black Valley & Gap of Dunloe which is highly recommended, you come across a very few people on the black valley road through the dramatic countryside with stunning views toward Gap of Dunloe.
Slieve League is a lesser known signature point located in Donegal with some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Three times higher than Cliffs of Moher, an hidden gem away from the beaten path at Cliffs of Moher with dramatic rugged cliff views.
County Mayo section is a worthy mention; Clew Bay, Westport, Achill Island and the Great Western Greenway are some of the recommended attractions to visit. Heading to Achill Island from Westport will take you through small fishing villages, blue flag beaches and wild landscapes.