The Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest coastal driving route. It takes in the North West, West, Mid-West and South West of Ireland. At 2,500 kilometres long, it is 1/8th the length of the Great Wall of China. The starting point is in Inishowen, Co. Donegal in the North West of Ireland, finishing in Kinsale, Co. Cork in the South West of Ireland.
The route includes; 1,500 activities, 500 attractions, 580 festivals, 159 discovery points, 120 golf courses, 100 museums and attractions, 55 art galleries, 53 blue flag beaches, 50 loop walks, 50 historic houses and castles, 39 churches, abbeys and monasteries, 37 gardens, 17 trails, 9 visitor farms and 7 national and forest parks.
The route has been recommended by the National Geographic as one of its ‘Best Spring Trips 2014’. There will be 4,000 route signs, many of which are currently being put in place. The route has been developed as a major tourism attraction. There were 8 million visitors to Ireland in 2013, almost double the population.
Highlights in the North West region include Sliabh Liag, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe and the 100 foot swells of surf at Mullaghmore Head. Keem strand, a hidden gem of a beach on Achill Island in the West has panoramic views and Galway city is one of the liveliest and cultural in Ireland.
The Mid West region includes the world famous Cliffs of Moher and visitor centre, the picturesque village of Doolin and the remote Aran Islands. The South West region takes in counties Cork and Kerry, perhaps some of the scenic areas in Ireland including the Dingle Peninsula and the remote but haunting Blasket Islands, Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the McGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland and the Old Head of Kinsale Golf Course. Check out for more information @ Hotel Killarney.
