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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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
About Wendy O'Dea
Born and raised in western New York, Wendy O’Dea moved to Los Angeles to attend the USC graduate School of Journalism and stayed for the innovative and creative lifestyle the city offers. Other than traffic and the drought, there’s not much about California she doesn’t love. Wendy passed the travel bug on to her daughter who drove her to write not only about luxury travel and spas, but also family adventure travel and all things Disney. She currently edits and blogs on her travel site, theinspiredtraveler.com.
Read more about Wendy O'Dea here.
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