Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's Epic Coastal Road
Ireland, europe
2,500 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime! The Wild Atlantic Way hugs 2,500 km (1,553 miles) of Ireland's wild Atlantic coast, stretching from Donegal all the way down to Cork. Seriously, this is one of the most stunning coastal drives on the planet.
Known locally as Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin, this route clings to the edge of the island, meaning endless twists, turns, and some seriously narrow stretches. Even experienced drivers will be kept on their toes! If you're in a larger vehicle, like a campervan, be warned—some sections can be tricky. The whole thing is paved, but with all the curves and squeezes, you'll be taking it slow.
I'd recommend sticking to 250-300 km per day max. To do the whole shebang, give yourself around two weeks. Trust me, you'll want the time.
Keep an eye on the skies! The Atlantic weather is famous for being, well, temperamental. High winds are common, and the conditions can change in a heartbeat. Late March to mid-June, or September to mid-November are usually your best bet. You *can* drive it December to February, but be prepared for potential closures due to gnarly Atlantic storms. And if you're new to the route, definitely avoid driving at night or in low visibility.
This epic route (featured in Lonely Planet's Top 50 Drives!) winds through nine counties and three provinces, serving up a glorious mix of nature, history, and culture. Think rugged coastline, remote mountains, and over 150 "discovery points" showcasing the region's best bits. Get your camera ready - you'll be stopping every five minutes for another postcard-perfect shot. This trip is pure magic!
Where is it?
Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's Epic Coastal Road is located in Ireland (europe). Coordinates: 54.0175, -8.1436
Road Details
- Country
- Ireland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2,500 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 54.0175, -8.1436
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