The Wild Atlantic Way turns Ten

One of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world, the 2,500 kilometer/1550 mile long Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) is celebrating its 10th birthday this year. When signs with the now iconic squiggle appeared along the west coast 10 years ago, many were not sure what to make of it.

Ten years later it is clear that the Wild Atlantic Way is a hit. It is now one of the biggest attractions on the island, with over half of visitors to Ireland making at least one stop here on any visit. And it is not hard to see why. In a land of breathtaking scenery and rich history, the route takes in some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes and culture that goes back millennia.

Stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, the most northerly tip of Ireland, along the Atlantic coast around the most southerly point on the island on Mizen head, to the Old head of Kinsale in Cork, there are hundreds of spots to explore beyond the main tourist draws like the Cliffs of Moher, with something for everyone. And if recent reports are to be believed it could be extended to take in even more beautiful spots in the near future.

Our Guide to the Wild Atlantic Way:

Starting in the south and heading north, here are just a few of our favourite Wild Atlantic Way gems that you may want to include on your own travels in Ireland. Here is our guide to the Wild Atlantic Way:

Co. Cork

Starting in a seafood lovers paradise of Kinsale, admire the 17th century forts in this lovely seaside town before heading west along the coast, taking in other lovely towns like Clonakilty. For the adventurous, take to the water for one of the many marine wildlife tours out of Baltimore harbor for your chance to spot whales, dolphins, seals and countless seabirds.

Keep your eyes open for Fastnest rock, the spikey cragg with a lighthouse that marks the most southerly Irish land. This spot was the last part of Ireland that 19th century emigrants saw sailing to North America, earning it a rather bittersweet nickname, ‘Ireland’s Teardrop.’

These boat tours often also take in beautiful Cape Clear, Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island, and an official Gaeltacht. So be sure to have your cúpla focail ready. Still heading west, take in Mizen head, Ireland's most south-westerly point and the starting point for the iconic “Mizen to Malin” cycle.

Co. Kerry

Heading north you cross into the Kingdom of Kerry, home of the gold tier International Dark Sky reserve, the spectacular Skellig Islands, the lovely fishing village of Dingle, fossil footprints over 385 million years old, and many of Ireland’s enigmatic and ancient ogham stones.

There is impressive wildlife here too including dolphins, seals, humpback whales and basking sharks. The second largest shark/fish in the world, they are intimidatingly large but not at all dangerous and thankfully growing in numbers after being nearly hunted to extinction.

And it is not just the wildlife that can have you holding your breath in Kerry. Spectacular scenery like Conor Pass will certainly take your breath away, the roads are narrow and the routes are steep - not for the faint of heart.

But there are plenty of spectacular beaches where a few lungfuls of fresh sea air will have you recovered in no time!

Co Clare

Heading north again you come to beautiful Co. Clare, home to two of the biggest draws on the Wild Atlantic Way - the otherworldly Burren and Cliffs of Moher.

But visitors can find more than just spectacular scenery, many find love too at the famous Lisdoonvarna festival. And if the surf is your only true love, Lahinch is a must see for you.

Co. Galway

Feeling a world away from the lunar landscape of the Burren, head north to the bustling and vibrant city Galway, where the first Claddagh ring was made, or so the story goes.

Accessible by ferry from Galway city, are the Aran Islands. Home of the iconic Irish sweater that gave it its name, it’s an archipelago of three small islands just off the coast. And they have much more to offer than winter woolies. The Irish language is alive and well on the islands with traditional music and storytelling in the local pubs in the evenings. There are also beautiful forts, spectacular blowholes and sea cliffs and you guessed it, stunning landscapes.

Back on the mainland and farther north still is Connemara, home of the famous Irish Gemstone and hardy wild ponies of the same name. Explore some of Ireland's most dramatic scenery at Killary Fjord, the natural border between Galway and Mayo, the next stop heading north.

Co Mayo

Crossing into Co. Mayo, the distinctive conical shape of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s Holy mountain, rises above the scenery of Clew Bay. The busy town of Westport is a great spot to pick up tasty food for any attempt at the mountain's summit. Westport is also the start (or end) point of the Great Western Greenway.

This 42km route runs north along a disused railway, from Westport to Achill Island. In exchange for a relatively easy cycle, you get spectacular views of Clew bay and Croagh Patrick. Bike rentals are available at either end. With the lovely island of Achill as your destination, it is a rewarding cycle for all ages.

Achill, off the coast of Co. Mayo, is a bit easier to reach than many of the other islands of the Wild Atlantic Way - either by bike or car via the bridge at Achill sound. For fans of The Banshees of Inisherin, much of the fictional island was shot on location in Achill - there is even a trail to follow. There are The Croaghaun cliffs, a breathtaking 688 meters (2,257 ft) and the highest sea cliffs in Ireland and some of the highest in Europe, spectacular beaches, an eerie deserted village, still more surprising wildlife, and tasty cafés and restaurants to check out. Myself and my family spent a very happy week holidaying here a few years back - we had an amazingly relaxing trip and will be back.

Another spot worth a look just off the coast of Achill, Clare Island was once home to the famous pirate Queen Grace O'Malley. The largest and highest of Clew Bay's many islands, it has dramatic coastal cliffs too and a different and spectacular view of Croagh Patrick.

Co. Sligo

Back to the mainland and turning east now, we come to Co. Sligo, a surfers paradise and the final resting place of one of Ireland’s most famous literary talents, W.B. Yeats. You can follow in his footsteps, exploring his “Land of Heart’s Desire,” and pay your respects to the poet at St. Columba church in the shadow of the iconic, flat-topped form of Benbulben.

While you are in “Yeats Country” you can also take in a spectacular example of an Irish high stone cross, the 10th Century, Drumcliffe Cross. Decorated with Intricate carvings on every surface, the cross features unusual elements like a lion and camel. There are also scenes from the bible and what is thought to be the only representation of the Virgin Mary and Child on an Irish High Cross.

Co. Donegal

Back heading north, you come to one of my own family's favourites of the Wild Atlantic Way. The last but certainly not the least county on the route, Donegal. My family and I have spent countless holidays in this beautiful part of the world at every time of the year. Each time we are taken with the wild beauty of the place. And it often feels like we have the entire place to ourselves! A gem indeed.

Despite being the tallest sea cliffs in Ireland, dwarfing the Cliffs of Moher by some margin, Sliabh Liag is still surprisingly a bit of an undiscovered gem. The site of a Christian pilgrimage for over 1000 years, this sacred spot is really worth the trip. Just mind yourself if you head out onto the cliff walk, it’s not called ‘One Man's Pass’ for nothing!

Heading north, clear blue water, golden beaches and spectacular scenery abound. The bustling town of Dunfanaghy has plenty of lovely cafés and shops to explore too. And if the sea looks a little chilly for you, pairing a dip with a visit to Cocoon Sauna in nearby Portnablagh is an invigorating experience.

And you never know who you might bump into in this wild part of the world. My family and I were excited to meet the impressive residents of Wild Ireland on our latest trip to Donegal, animals like wolves, bears, boar and lynx that once roamed across Ireland.

Ireland for everyone

We hope this whistle stop tour has inspired you with wanderlust for the Wild Atlantic Way. In actual fact, almost anywhere along this spectacular coast is a safe bet for anyone visiting Ireland - the Wild Atlantic Way has something for everyone.

Many in the My Irish Jeweler team have been holidaying along this coast for years but we are still finding new gems with each visit. So our main recommendation is really to go and explore.

Share your story

What do you think? We are sure we missed many things that really do deserve a mention! Let us know. We love hearing your stories of visits to Ireland. Stories like this romantic Ogham stone inspired engagement, a cliff-top wedding in Clare, or tracing the footsteps of Irish ancestors around Ireland.

Just comment below or send us an email. We would love to hear from you!