The Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland is the longest defined coastal driving route on earth. It’s easy to navigate and understand, but there are a few things you should know before you go.
Summary
- Driving Tips
- Give The Wild Atlantic Way Time
- Spend Two to Three Nights in Each Location
- Check Distances
- Choose the Correct Automobile
- Stay in Different Types of Accommodation
- Food – Where to Eat on the Wild Atlantic Way
- Places to See on the Wild Atlantic Way
- Facts about Traveling the Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way Trip Guide – Driving Tips
We started in Dublin where you will most certainly want to spend a few days. Check out The Best Things to do in Dublin.
1. Drive South to North on the Wild Atlantic Way
The Ireland tourism website outlines the route from North to South, but we chose to drive it starting in the south of County Cork all the way to the northern tip. This longest organized coastal route in the world is one of the best road trips on earth.
Why drive South to North? For one, you will be on the ocean side of the road. Remember, driving in Ireland is on the left-hand side, so driving north means the Atlantic Ocean will be on your left, allowing you to pull over easily for photographs and to enjoy the view. You won’t ever have to worry about crossing traffic.
It’s difficult to get lost on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way; roads are marked with the “WAW logo.” If we ever took a wrong turn, we’d just look for the signs. If we didn’t see one for a few kilometers, we knew we were off the Wild Atlantic Way and would turn around until we saw the sign again. It’s brilliant!
2. Give The Wild Atlantic Way Time
Most people perceive Ireland as a small country, but remember, the Wild Atlantic Way is 2750 km in length. Hence, you can’t assume that you will be able to see everything in a week or two.
We found that two weeks felt quite rushed when driving the Wild Atlantic Way. Therefore, we believe that three weeks to a month would have been the perfect length to explore all that the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer. If you don’t have that long, choose either the South or North portion to explore, and don’t try to rush to fit it all in.
We could have concentrated on just one or two counties of the Wild Atlantic Way and still been quite content.
3. Spend Two to Three Nights in Each Location
We suggest giving yourself 2-3 nights in each location, allowing you to either explore less of the Wild Atlantic Way or take longer than the two weeks that we had.
Visiting Skellig Michael can take a couple of days alone to ensure that you have a window of good weather. While waiting, it’s easy to set out to explore the Ring of Kerry and the surrounding area. One of the must-see places on the Wild Atlantic Way is Skellig Michael, read all about it here!
4. Check Distances
Distances may seem short on the map; however, you will find that you are in your car quite a lot. In Canada and the US, 100 km takes about one hour to drive. (Less than an hour if you are like most people and set the speedometer at 118 kph).
While most speed limits posted on the Wild Atlantic Way are 100 km, you will be driving on narrow and winding roads.
We found it nearly impossible to maintain our speed due to sharp curves, yielding to oncoming traffic, following tractors, bicycles, and even stopping for cattle and sheep crossings. Consequently, you will need a few hours each day to reach your destination.
5. Choose the Correct Automobile
As mentioned, roads are narrow, so it’s advisable not to rent a large 4X4 truck. Instead, opt for a medium-sized sedan for comfort. Cars seemed a bit narrower and smaller in Ireland, so a medium-sized automobile should perform well.
If you can manage to drive a stick shift, rent a car with a manual transmission. Many North Americans prefer automatic, so we received an upgrade to a manual BMW.
Furthermore, manual transmissions are generally cheaper to rent. Additionally, consider booking a diesel vehicle, as they provide longer mileage and diesel is cheaper by a few cents per liter in Ireland.
Note: Ireland speed limits are in kilometers and fuel is measured in liters. 1 US gallon equals 3.7 liters, and 1 mile equals 1.6 km.
6. Stay in Different Types of Accommodation
There are various types of accommodation along the Wild Atlantic Way, ranging from BnBs to farmhouses, hotels, and luxury resorts. You can even stay in castles, with most places offering breakfast included in your stay.
It’s wise to plan your route and book your accommodation in advance; however, we visited in April and most places had ample vacancies.
Often, we were the only guests, so if you prefer a more flexible approach, you may be able to take a chance and look for accommodation on the road.
We spotted rates as low as €20 per person and stayed in places costing as much as €500 per night.
7. Food – Where to Eat on the Wild Atlantic Way
The dining choices along the Wild Atlantic Way can range significantly from budget-friendly options to five-star establishments, depending on your preferences. Frequently, we’d purchase lunch at a gas station and spend less than €10 on our meals.
Pubs generally offer reasonable dining options, and there are supermarkets in towns where you can prepare picnic lunches, as well as food carts scattered throughout the country.
Tim Hortons has made its mark in Ireland, enabling you to grab coffee and donuts on the go. In our experience, gas stations were excellent spots for takeaway coffee.
If you prefer upscale dining, hotel restaurants are an excellent choice for a night out. Moreover, locals in Ireland are always willing to provide recommendations.
However, for us, it was the pubs that provided the perfect combination of hearty meals and authentic Irish culture. You don’t want to miss that!
There are countless sites to explore along the Wild Atlantic Way, making it impossible to provide a comprehensive list of activities. We recommend focusing on what appeals to you and planning your journey accordingly.
Places to See on the Wild Atlantic Way
There are countless locations worth visiting along the Wild Atlantic Way, which warrants its own detailed exploration. Notable highlights in the southern half include:
- Mizen Head
- Skellig Islands
- Dingle Peninsula
- Ring of Kerry
- Loop Head
- Cliffs of Moher
Highlights in the Northern Half:
- Malin Head
- Fanan Head
- Horn Head
- Aran Islands
- Slieve League
- Killary Harbour
- Clifden
- Poulnabrone Dolmen
- Kylemore Abbey – The History of Ireland’s Lavish Castle
Activity Highlights: Surfing, horseback riding, kayaking, canyoneering, seaweed baths, cliff walks, hiking.
Facts about Traveling the Wild Atlantic Way:
- Ireland is a separate country from Northern Ireland, though both share the same island. The Wild Atlantic Way does not extend into Northern Ireland.
- Currency: Euro
- Distance: kilometers
- Crossing into Northern Ireland involves no border, but the currency switches from Euro to Pound and speed limits are in miles. (We initially mistook 30 km/h as very slow, until we realized it equated to 30 miles/h. Haha)
- Electricity: 230v 50hz, with the same three-pronged configuration used in the UK.
- Most hotels and guest houses offer free WiFi.
- Portable WiFi can be rented from Tep Wireless.
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to plan your next trip? Consider utilizing these tried and tested resources:
Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. They have provided us with excellent flight options for years.
Accommodations: For the best hotel deals, utilize these two providers: Booking.com in Europe and TripAdvisor for other locations.
Apartment Rentals: For the best rates on apartment rentals, check out VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Always prioritize travel insurance. Here are two recommendations:
- Safety Wing for occasional travelers.
- Medjet for global air medical transport and travel security.
Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? We recommend Get Your Guide.
