Itinerary
The Wild Atlantic Way is a journey of magical landscapes – from untamed oceans to towering cliffs, enchanting villages and isolated beaches – it is a stunning coastal route of 1600 miles along Ireland’s wild west coast. We explore the highlights of this stunning journey on our superb 12-day holiday
Bantry, Garinish Island and County Cork
We travel southwest stopping at the pretty city of Cork for free time. Cork has a maritime city spanning over 1000 years and its city centre nestles between two arms of the river Lee. We continue south, passing Clonakilty, Rosscarbery and Skibbereen for our first taste of the Wild Atlantic Way, before arriving in Bantry
Garinish Island is a spectacular island garden nestled in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff, known to horticulturists all around the world for the richness of its plant form and colour, as well as fascinating buildings including the Grecian temple, casita and original Martello Tower. We return to Bantry for some free time exploring the town
Kenmare, Ring of Kerry and Muckross House
We follow the eastern edge of Bantry Bay passing Whiddy Island and on to Kenmare, joining the last section of the Ring of Kerry through Moll’s Gap and to Ladies View. We have a brief photo stop here before continuing to Muckross House
Muckross House is a 19th century mansion nestled on the shores of Muckross Lake, within Killarney National Park. We have free time here to explore before continuing to our hotel in Killarney for 3 nights
Dingle, Tralee and Killarney
The Dingle Peninsula is the Ring of Kerry’s lesser-known cousin, but no less beautiful. We spend time exploring the pretty town of Dingle, nestled on the edge of Dingle Harbour, before continuing to Tralee, famous for the Rose of Tralee International Festival
Our free day in Killarney includes a trip on the famous Jaunting Cars, which take you through the National Forest, before enjoying a relaxing Lake Cruise and free time in the town
County Clare, River Shannon and Cliffs of Moher
Departing Killarney, we travel northwards to the River Shannon and on through County Clare, for glorious coastal views of the west coast of Ireland at the Cliffs of Moher, with its visitor centre, exhibition and cafe. We continue to our hotel in Gort for 2 nights
Connemara, Kylemore Abbey & Killary Fjord Cruise
Connemara is famous for its stunning landscapes, with rust coloured bogs, grey-blue lakes and misty mountains. We spend the day exploring the area with visits to Kylemore Abbey and Killary Fjord Cruise included
Westport House & County Sligo
We travel to Westport House, one of the few privately owned historic homes left in Ireland, dating back 400 years. Discover more about the history of the house and its connections to kings, queens and even pirates! From Westport, we continue through county Sligo to Donegal Town for 2 nights
Doagh Famine Village & County Donegal
County Donegal is a largely Irish-speaking area made up of castles and rugged coastlines, a beautiful wilderness of moor and mountain. We travel into the wilds for a scenic drive to Letterkenny, before heading northward to the northernmost point of the Wild Atlantic Way on the Inishowen Peninsula. At Doagh Famine Village we discover some of Ireland’s tragic history during the Famine, from the 1840s onward
Finally, we have a free morning to explore Donegal Town at leisure before heading back to Dublin for our overnight stay and homeward journey
Your Hotels
We stay in multiple hotels through our holiday in Ireland. All the hotels have lift access, ensuite rooms and restaurants. Hotels in Bantry, Killarney and Gort also have swimming pool and leisure facilities.
Our hotels are: Maritime Hotel, Bantry; Dromhall Hotel, Killarney; Lady Gregory Hotel, Gort; Abbey Hotel, Donegal; plus overnight hotels in Dublin area
