Wild Atlantic Way Route – 6 Stages

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How long does it take to drive the Wild Atlantic Way?

On average, if you were to drive the entire Wild Atlantic Way without stopping, it might take a good day of driving. Given the scenic beauty and numerous attractions along the route, many travelers choose to spread the trip over several days or even weeks to fully enjoy the experience. It’s common for people to explore different sections of the route more thoroughly, taking detours to visit landmarks, towns, and natural attractions. There are a total of 188 Discovery Points. Check out the list of 15 Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Points here to add to your itinerary

Here are 6 geographical areas that take in the Wild Atlantic Way. Depending on how much time you have on your hands or what means you are entering Ireland ie Belfast or Dublin, it may be worth breaking your journey up into these different areas. The Wild Atlantic Way starts in Inishowen in the North and ends at Kinsale in the South.

  • The Northern Headlands (Inishowen to Bundoran) 200+km (Tip: Link on to the Causeway Coastal route to Belfast)
  • The Surf Coast (Bundoran to Erris Peninsula) 200+km
  • The Bay Coast (Achill Island to Galway Bay) 250+km
  • The Cliff Coast (from Galway to Ballybunion) 250+km
  • Southern Peninsulas (from South Kerry to West Cork) 250+km
  • The Haven Coast (from Bantry to Kinsale) 80km

Wild Atlantic Way Route Planner Map – 6 stages:

Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points map 6 stages
Wild Atlantic Way The Northern Headlands
Wild Atlantic Way The Surf Coast

The Northern Headlands (Inishowen to Bundoran)

Signature Discovery Points:

  • Malin Head, Co Donegal
  • Fanad Head, Co Donegal
  • Slieve League, Co Donegal

Also check out:

  • Waterfalls in Clonmany
  • Horse riding in Tullagh Bay
  • Sea Kayaking in Fanad
  • Glenveagh National Park and Castle in Gortahork
  • Historic Donegal Town

Have a look at ‘Donegal’s best Afternoon Tea‘

The Surf Coast (Bundoran to Erris Peninsula)

Signature Discovery Points:

  • Mullaghmore Head, Co Sligo
  • Downpatrick Head, Co Mayo

Also check out:

  • Seaweed Baths, Bundoran
  • Paddle boarding, Sligo town
  • Surfing, Strandhill
  • Connacht Distillery, Belleek
  • Clarke’s Salmon Smokery, Ballina
Wild Atlantic Way The Bay Coast
Wild Atlantic Way Cliff Coast

The Bay Coast (Achill Island to Galway Bay)

Signature Discovery Points:

  • Keem Bay, Co Mayo
  • Derrigimlagh, Co Galway
  • Killary Harbour, Co Galway

Also check out:

  • Celtic Crystal, Moycullen
  • Galway City Museum
  • Sea Safari, Letterfrack

The Cliff Coast (from Galway to Ballybunion)

Signature Discovery Points:

  • Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare
  • Loop Head Lighthouse, Co Clare

Also check out:

  • Seaweed foraging, Lahinch
  • Pub Theatre, Listowel
  • Doolin Caves
  • St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick
Wild Atlantic Way Southern Peninsulas
Wild Atlantic Way Haven Coast

Southern Peninsulas (from South Kerry to West Cork)

Signature Discovery Points:

  • The Blasket Centre, Co Kerry
  • Skellig Michael, Co Kerry
  • Dursey Island, Co Cork
  • Mizen Head, Co Cork

Also check out:

  • Dingle Brewing Co, Dingle
  • Muckcross House, Killarney
  • Gap of Dunloe, Co Kerry
  • Bantry House and Gardens, Bantry

The Haven Coast (from Bantry to Kinsale)

Signature Discovery Points:

  • Old Head Signal Tower, Co Cork

Also check out:

  • Whale Watch, Baltimore
  • Michael Collins Centre, Clonakilty
  • Kinsale Ghost Tours

Here are some very useful maps and guidebooks to start planning your Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points adventure.

Wild Atlantic Way Map
Wild Atlantic Way guidebook