Ireland is often touted as the land with 50 shades of green. Known for its famous hospitality, there’s no place else on earth that so inspires artists and musicians.
Although there are several ways to plan your stay on the Emerald Isle, we’re going to take aim at a special roadway called the Wild Atlantic Way. It trails a large portion of the country, from the northwest all the way down and around to the East Coast near Dublin.
We’ll start in the northwest corridor in a special land known as Donegal, loop down and around towards one of the southernmost cities – Cobh – and finish up in one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
1. Donegal
Donegal is easily one of Ireland’s most beautiful counties – and that’s saying a lot. From towering cliffs to seaside retreats and ancient ruins, there’s so much to see here as you seek to absorb the unique history of the Celts.
The River Eske is certainly worth a visit, as is the 15th-century castle, aptly named Donegal Castle. You also have the ruins of Franciscan friaries to tempt the winds of fate, as well as the charming village itself, bedecked with beautiful boutiques and ravishing restaurants.
2. Roundstone
Roundstone is a small fishing village in the Connemara Region – a region that probably deserves an article all on its own. This town is one of the best examples of both the region and small-town life on this beautiful island.
The musician Sting found a lot of inspiration in this tiny slice of heaven. It’s also the setting of a fabulous movie called The Matchmaker starring Denis Leary and Janeane Garofalo. Watch the movie before you go for a taste of this decadent life in a small-town village.
3. Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a wide expanse of land brimming with bogs, lakes, and mountains. It’s hard to know which way to feast your eyes, but the winds will guide you.
Located on the Atlantic West Coast of the island, it’s steeped in history with ancient castles – or, more accurately, watchtowers – and coastlines that brave men and women fought many-a-battle over.
4. Achill Island
Speaking of battles on the shorelines, how’d you like to meet a 17th-century Irish pirate? Achill Island is a gorgeous expanse of land, most notable as the home of Grace O’Malley, an Irish pirate who was fierce enough to go toe to toe with Queen Elizabeth I.
Rockfleet Castle is what you’ll want to look for. The moment you face it eye to eye you’ll wonder, first, how it stands so tall and proud so close to the shoreline and, second, how one woman held such leadership over land and sea, especially in that time.
After you touch a piece of history by walking the lands Grace once roamed, you’ll be windswept away by the surrounding sea cliffs and pristine beaches. The strand beach at Keem Bay inspired many visiting writers, much like Roundstone.
5. Galway City
Galway City allows you to step out of history into the modern day, but not too far. Here we have, again, an Irish city or town that inspired another musical talent – Ed Sheeran.
When you arrive, you’ll want to head to Quay Street, the pedestrian-only main street in this magical city bustling with restaurants, cafes, and ancient pubs.
When five o’clock rolls around, grab a seat by the fire in any number of pubs on Quay Street – or the side streets – to immerse yourself in some live Irish music, also known as trad (short for traditional Irish music).
6. The Aran Islands
If the weather permits, you can catch a ferry out of Galway to a trio of islands known as the Aran Islands. You have to take them one at a time. But, if it’s the music that’s calling your name, you might want to go to Inisheer, the smallest of the three.
These are small islands where you won’t find a lot of car traffic. Most people move around on foot, live simply, open their windows to breathe in the fresh sea air, and understand the true meaning of a simple life.
Truth be told, Inishmore is the most popular of the three. And you can find the same healing dose of music on their shorelines, as well. But, Inisheer has a quaint little hostel called Sea View Hostel that’s worth a stay after your night of music at its neighbor, Tigh Ned.
7. Doolin
Speaking of live Irish music, the mecca for this is located just a little bit south of Galway in a teeny, tiny village by the sea with a population of only 300 people – except when the summer rolls around.
In the summer, they may see 300 visitors a day for a few reasons. First, it’s a colorful delight with pink thatched roofed cottages containing Irish sweaters and other delightful trinkets. Second, its magnetic energy draws some of the greatest Irish musicians the world has ever known.
On any given night, the fireside trad sessions here will completely immerse you, drifting you away to another time and space when all the world needed was a small community, a home-cooked meal, some hard days in the field, and a nice splash of music at night.
8. The Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is one of those tourist attractions that isn’t without merit. Depending on how ambitious you’re feeling, you can take a 4.2-mile cliff walk from Doolin to the Cliffs and save yourself some time trying to find parking.
Once you stand on these ancient sea cliffs, you’ll see why people are drawn to Ireland year in and year out. The healing breezes off the Atlantic let you know that everything’s going to be alright.
9. Ennis
Ennis isn’t often talked about the way Doolin and the Cliffs are. But, it’s a quaint village a little further inland, just a stone’s throw away from Doolin.
The best way to spend your time in this area is to book an Airbnb in Doolin, stay a while, indulge in the music and the cliff walks, and stock up on your supplies in Ennis.
There’s a gorgeous antique shop there called Tony Honan. If ever you’ve wondered what Irish life used to be like in the days of Grace O’Malley, Honan’s will gladly escort you there.
10. Lahinch
Lahinch is a surfer’s delight. This is the place to go with a spot of whiskey-laced tea in a thermos and an eager enthusiasm for the folks who know how to ride the waves.
There’s also a majestic golf course that even the pros love to frequent. While you’re there, you simply must grab a bite to eat at The Corner Stone Bar and Restaurant. The menu, live music, and overall atmosphere will easily relax and entice you.
11. The Burren
It’s hard to describe The Burren because there’s no place else on earth quite like it. So, how do you find the words? One thing to mention is that this is the type of land where vibrant wildflowers grow out of pure stone. Everything in this area is marked by beauty.
Try to plug The Burren Perfumery into your GPS to visit a unique perfume company that handmakes their own soaps, lotions, perfumes, and loose-leaf teas. Indulge in a sweet treat in their tea room, stroll the herb garden, and ponder how such a unique expanse of land can produce such wonderful treasures.
12. White Strand Beach
Now, we’re getting into the gorgeous county of Kerry. Much like County Donegal and County Galway, there’s a lot to explore here.
As you’re making your way down the Wild Atlantic Way – the same stunning coastal road that hugs the Atlantic and escorts you to paradise – you’ll find a beach with white sands and clear blue waters.
Looking like something out of the Maldives, rather than the land with 50 shades of green, you’ll be lured into those crystal blue waters for another soul-cleansing experience.
13. Loop Head Lighthouse
If you’re a lover of lighthouses, this is a can’t-miss destination on your drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. On a clear day, you can climb its tower and see clear out to the Blasket Islands – another remote set of islands that holds on tightly to wondrous and ancient traditions.
14. Dingle
Now, we arrive in a town that’s appropriately named for its position on the end of the Dingle Peninsula. With bright splashes of color on every building, this is the place to spend a few Euros in their eclectic shops.
You’ll find some of the freshest seafood along these streets. And, if you time it right, you can attend an awe-inspiring Literary Festival in the off-season – the best time to shake hands with the locals and get a real taste of Irish living.
15. Waterville
Did you enjoy your time on the golf course in Lahinch? If so, you might want to make another stop in Waterville, a much smaller village in Kerry, with the same show-stopping Atlantic scenery.
If you don’t eat at the golf course, then you simply must indulge in some fish and chips at The Lobster Bar and Restaurant – preceded by some lobster bisque, of course.
The thing with small towns like Waterville is that they have the most welcoming people in every pub, shop, and restaurant, who are more than happy to make you feel right at home and weave you into the fabric of their lives.
16. Killarney
You can kind of equate Killarney to Galway, although no two towns are alike on this rainbow island. Still, it has a similar sumptuous flavor where the buildings are colorful, the people are delightful, the cuisine is out of this world, and the trad music is right on point.
Stay a few nights here, if you can, because it’s the gateway to the effervescent Killarney National Park – a place that’s a photographer’s delight, offering a true sense of Irish history and tradition.
17. Kenmare
Feel free to detour off the Wild Atlantic Way for a moment and make your way a little inland to Kenmare.
This, too, is another alluring village filled with family-run shops and restaurants. It’s a lovely place to check out the local artisans, too, if you’re in the mood for a fine piece of jewelry at places like PFK Kenmare.
18. Bantry Bay
Here, we enter into County Cork – the rebel county. You can make your entry into this county through Bantry Bay, a delightful fishing village known for its Bantry Bay Mussels. They’re exported worldwide, and people simply cannot get enough.
When you’re not walking the bay, stroll the streets of one of the finest towns in Ireland. The clean sea air and welcoming locals will make you feel like you never want to leave.
19. Clonakilty
It’s strange we haven’t made it this far without mentioning whiskey, whose roots lie in Ireland – or Scotland, depending on who you ask. This is another colorful village that will charm you the moment you step onto its streets.
Instead of touring the ever-popular Jameson Distillery in Dublin, visit The Atlantic Distillery for a refreshing glance at this centuries-old process and a unique perspective.
While here, be sure to dip your toes into the refreshing waters of Inch Beach, best known for its Blue Flag Beach.
20. Cork City
Cork City can be ranked between Galway and Dublin. It’s a little more metropolitan than Galway, but not quite as bustling as the streets of Dublin.
Cork is very much worth your while for a few reasons. There’s a (not-so) hidden gem called the English Market where the fish is fresh, the bread is warm, and the cheese is like no other.
You can shop here when you arrive, stock up your Airbnb, and then go spend your hard-earned money on a few rounds of Guinness at any one of the local pubs for – you guessed it – an enthralling night filled with live Irish music.
21. Kinsale
Ah, here we have another Atlantic fishing village that’s just waiting to cast its spell on you. A surprising fact is that Kinsale is a bit of a mecca for gourmet food lovers.
The oysters, scallops, and crab cakes can’t be beat in any other corner of the world. And, if you think we’ve used the word “colorful” a little too much in this article… this is the town that truly earns the ribbon for colorful seaside retreats.
22. Cobh
Kinsale’s neighbor, Cobh, has a tragic and mystifying history. It was the last port of call for the passengers of the Titanic. Even if you’re not a museum aficionado, this one is worth visiting; they really take you back to this poignant moment in time.
Whether you’re religious or not, St. Colman’s Cathedral is also worthy of a drop-in. Light a candle, soothe your soul, and take in those decadent Atlantic views from atop the hill.
23. Rock of Cashel
From Cobh, if you’re mainly sticking to the Wild Atlantic Way, you might want to dip inland a bit and head north to the Rock of Cashel. It’s a huge tourist attraction for good reason.
Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in what’s known at the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel delivers historic significance and the savvy winds of fate on a sturdy silver platter.
Built in the 12th century, it’s a special kind of reminder of the steep history that abounds all throughout Europe, especially in places where the Celts and the Vikings once roamed.
24. Kilkenny
Kilkenny is another inland stopover that’s well worth the detour from the sea. Speaking of ancient times, they actually have a road called the Medieval Mile that will take you to yet another stunning castle – this one, fully restored.
To be more accurate, it’s not quite “restored” as it’s probably under constant restoration. More precisely, it proudly claims to be one of the oldest castles, with the longest continuous occupation since medieval times. This whole village will help you escape the rigors of the 21st century, even if only for a few moments in time.
25. Dublin
Finally, we end in the place you’re likely to fly in and out of. Where does one begin in Dublin? There’s so much to see. If you stick to O’Connell Street, you’ll have a good sense of what this charming metropolis is all about.
While there, you’ll also want to visit the Book of Kells in Trinity College, an illuminated religious manuscript of the Four Gospels dating back to medieval times. Then, there’s St. Steven’s Green – a peaceful oasis to drown out the city sounds for a moment in time.
Dublin is to the Irish what London is to the Brits. It’s a cultural touchpoint that will leave you with a full belly and happy ears – thanks to all the live music floating through the air.
Let Ancient History and Warm Hearts Enthrall You
Booking a plane ticket to Ireland means you’re about to be embraced by people who know the true meaning of hospitality and a land that knows its regal and majestic.
If you’re coming from America, Ireland also makes a wonderful stopping point to any number of European cities. Whichever one is on your list, we have a destination guide to help you plan your itinerary to perfection. Some day, we hope to see you out along the Wild Atlantic Way!