Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

  • The Cliffs of Moher
  • Doolin, County Clare
  • The Doolin Cliff Walk
  • The Walk to the Cliffs of Moher
  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold
  • Nightlife in Galway
  • Burren Chocolatier
  • Linnanes Lobster Bar
  • The Burren Smokehouse
  • Cafe Linnalla
  • St. Tola's Goat Farm
  • The Burren Perfumery
  • Dromoland Castle
  • Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

    Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

    The Wild Atlantic Way stretches along the western coast of Ireland providing visitors with itineraries, signature experiences and discovery points to make travel in the west easier to manage and explore. The route has been conveniently sectioned into manageable touring areas and signposts with a blue zig zag logo mark the way, although a GPS doesn’t hurt. Details and inspiration can be found by clicking on the Explore Ireland tab on Ireland.com. (For easy access, fly into Shannon Airport. United offers direct service from Newark year round and seasonally from Chicago.) Scroll through this photo gallery for highlights along or near the route in Connemara, Galway, and County Clare. 

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • The Cliffs of Moher

    The Cliffs of Moher

    The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare is Ireland's most-visited attraction with over a million visitors each year. Towering as high as 702 feet, the cliffs are one of the Signature Discovery Points along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

    Photo courtesy of Wendy O'Dea

  • Doolin, County Clare

    Doolin, County Clare

    About five miles from the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way is the village of Doolin, famous for it's local music scene. Visitors can stay at friendly B&Bs or at the Hotel Doolin which won the 2014 Green Hospitality member of the year award for their sustainability and environmentally-friendly design.

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • The Doolin Cliff Walk

    The Doolin Cliff Walk

    Local farmer Pat Sweeney spearheaded the Cliff Walk trail from Doolin to the Cliffs of Moher. For only five euro per person Sweeney will guide the walk sharing not only information about the rugged and craggy coastline but also details about the history of the land and his childhood growing up here. "This is my destiny," Sweeney says. "It's where I was born and where I will die."

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • The Walk to the Cliffs of Moher

    The Walk to the Cliffs of Moher

    Few people have had the opportunity to walk along these jagged cliffs, privately owned by Irish farmers, until 2013 when the Doolin Cliff Walk was created. Parts of the trail are still rough and the climb can be steep as it nears O'Brien Tower.

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • Kylemore Abbey

    Kylemore Abbey

    One of the great views in Connemara, north of Galway, is that of Kylemore Abbey, home to a community of nuns. Visitors can view the restored rooms of the Abbey and visit the Victorian Walled Garden.

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold

    Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold

    Owner Jonathan Margetts stands in the doorway of Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold on Quay Street. The shop was established in 1750. Margetts is the only jeweler allowed to claim their Claddagh rings as “original.”

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • Nightlife in Galway

    Nightlife in Galway

    Traditional Irish music is a mainstay at pubs throughout Galway including The Crane Bar on Sea Road.

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • Burren Chocolatier

    Burren Chocolatier

    Hazel Mountain Chocolates, housed in a converted farmhouse alongside an operating cattle farm, is one of only two chocolate makers in Ireland making chocolates from bean to bar. One of the stops along the Burren Food Trail (a short drive from the Wild Atlantic Way), their chocolates are infused with the flavors of the Burren, from a milk chocolate bar with crystalized violet petals to caramelized Irish stout truffles. The farmhouse in front has been converted into a charming farm-to-fork café where you can enjoy a light bite or treat. They even offer gluten free and dairy free options.

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • Linnanes Lobster Bar

    Linnanes Lobster Bar

    Eileen and Vincent Graham run Linnanes Lobster Bar, a local seafood favorite along Clare's Flaggy Shore where guests can watch the catch of the day being brought in by boat at the dock in the back of the restaurant. 

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • The Burren Smokehouse

    The Burren Smokehouse

    Lisdoonvarna may be known for its matchmaking festival but to many it's better known as home of the Burren Smokehouse. The smokehouse was built by Birgitta and Peter Curtin who also own the neighboring Roadside Tavern where Peter brews craft beers. Their award winning smoked wild organic Irish salmon can be purchased online for shipping to the U.S. and other countries. 

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • Cafe Linnalla

    Cafe Linnalla

    Brid Flahy scoops ice cream, made from the milk of her family's shorthorn cows, at her cafe along the Flaggy Shore. The award-winning Linnalla ice cream can be found throughout Ireland.

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • St. Tola's Goat Farm

    St. Tola's Goat Farm

    Inland from the Wild Atlantic Way is St. Tola's Goat Farm where you can not only visit the goats and get a tour of the cheese-making process but also try some of their critically-acclaimed artisan cheese. (Don't miss the ash log goat cheese.)

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

  • The Burren Perfumery

    The Burren Perfumery

    The Burren Perfumery is one of Ireland's oldest working perfumeries. Visitors are invited to watch an educational film about the flora and fauna of the Burren, see the perfumers at work and shop for perfumes, soaps and organic face and hand creams all made on site. About a 15-minute drive from the coast, the perfumery is an easy day trip when exploring the Wild Atlantic Way.

    Photo courtesy of Wendy O'Dea

  • Dromoland Castle

    Dromoland Castle

    Dromoland Castle in County Clare is a short drive from Shannon Airport, a great option if you have an early flight but want your first or last nights (or any in between) to be memorable. The castle belonged to the O'Brien Clan, the predominant and ruling clan in the area for centuries, but is now a five-star hotel with a spa, championship golf course, school of falconry, horse riding and more.

    Photo courtesy of © Wendy O'Dea

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