Launched in spring 2014, the Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km coastal route that invites the visitor to explore Ireland’s dramatic western seaboard.
Flagged as ‘the world’s longest coastal drive’, thanks to the many headlands and inlets that beg to be investigated along the way, it aims to highlight the most dramatic landmarks and attractions while also making it easier to find the interesting little out of the way places that might otherwise be by-passed.
It can be joined at any point and is divided into five sections, the first being Donegal in the north, with the other four (Donegal-Mayo; Mayo-Clare; Clare-Kerry; Kerry-Cork) leading you right down the Atlantic seaboard to the southern counties of Cork and Kerry.
A simple route map is available on discoverireland.ie where full information on each section is given, including activities and key ‘discovery points’.
The very distinctive bright blue ‘wave’ road signs make it virtually impossible to get lost - and we have plenty of suggestions for the best places to eat, drink and stay along the way, many of which are run by people who know the west coast back to front and will help visitors to find a genuine sense of discovery along this beautiful and fascinating coastline.
Found 189 matches, showing 1 -
10 below.
Liscannor, Co. Clare
Character Pub / Restaurant
The Vaughan family's traditional bar has great character, with open fires and lots of memorabilia - it is a former GCGuides Pub of the Year and it's just the place for some seriously good seafood at fair prices, either in the bar or in the elegantly-ap ...
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Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare
Country House / Hotel / Restaurant
John and Martina Sheedy run one of the west of Ireland's best-loved small hotels - it offers some of the best food in the area and quite luxurious accommodation, and yet it still has the warm ambience and friendly hands-on management which make a hotel ...
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Baltimore, Co. Cork
Character Pub
Everyone feels at home in this famous old bar, especially visiting and local sailors. It's choc-a-bloc with genuine maritime artefacts such as charts, tide tables, ships' clocks, compasses, lanterns, pennants et al - but it's the Bushe family's hospita ...
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Blarney, Co. Cork
Character Pub / Restaurant
In a quiet, wooded setting just a few minutes’ drive from Blarney, this pretty riverside pub is run by Anne Blair and her son Duncan, warmly hospitable hosts who take real pride in welcoming visitors. This is the real McCoy, a great Irish pub ser ...
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Castletownbere, Co. Cork
Character Pub
Dating back to the 1870s, and currently run by Adrienne MacCarthy, this famous old pub and grocery store really is the genuine article - and the family history is both intriguing and inspiring (just ask about her father's Japanese sword - or buy the bo ...
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Clonakilty, Co. Cork
Character Pub / Guesthouse / Restaurant
The O’Crowley family has owned this characterful bar and restaurant since 1979: it’s always been a friendly, well-run place and, although it can be very busy at times, their reputation for good food is generally well-deserved.
An Sugan is ...
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Glanmire, Co. Cork
Pub / Restaurant
In an almost rural location at edge of the city, the Dolan family's restaurant has had a devoted clientèle since it opened in 1980.
For four decades they came for the famously old-fashioned atmosphere, French/Irish cooking and exceptionally pro ...
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Gougane Barra, Co. Cork
Hotel / Restaurant
In one of the most peaceful and beautiful locations in Ireland, this delightfully old-fashioned family-run hotel is set in a Forest Park overlooking Gougane Barra Lake (famous for its monastic settlements).
The Lucey family has run the hotel since 193 ...
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Kinsale, Co. Cork
Hotel / Restaurant
This famous hotel has an attractive exterior, with its name emblazoned in blue and white stained glass above the entrance and flags fluttering on poles, giving it a cosmopolitan look. Since 2004 this landmark hotel has been in the caring ownership of t ...
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Recess, Co. Galway
Hotel / Restaurant
Renowned as a fishing hotel, this wonderful place has been recognised by many well earned accolades, including the Guide's Hotel of the Year and our Irish Breakfast Awards.
A crenellated Victorian mansion, it enjoys a most romantic position in 700 acr ...
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