Ireland is a country that never ceases to amaze those who visit her emerald shores. Whether you’re here for the city or for the country, you can find an unnamable ancient peace, and a sense of order – this is the way things have been done here for a very long time.
Wherever you go in Ireland you will be only a moment away from luxury. There are Michelin stars restaurants that explore different takes on local and seasonal cuisine not only in the heart of Dublin, but also Kilkenny, Cork, Galway, and Belfast. You can stay in countless castles that have become hotels. There is mystery, history and romance behind every corner.
One of the secret hidden gems of Ireland is the Wild Atlantic Way. This spectacular winding road that takes you through breathtaking and dramatic scenery along Ireland’s Southern edge is often thought a bit inaccessible to those of us who dislike packed bus tours but want to concentrate on relaxing, not on driving.
Indeed, sometimes renting a car in a country that drives on the left side of the road may seem too stressful to undertake. But driving through Ireland can be a bit creative. There are tour companies that not only offer coach tours but can lend you a chauffeur too! With a chauffeur tour, you can sit and relax without having to deal with a bus full of people, and concentrate on what you want to see.
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way with a chauffeur is especially fitting because you can devote 100% of your time to looking out the window. This road is a perfect respite from city life, pubs, and the stress of travel, so sit back and enjoy.
Whether by a chauffeur tour, a bus tour or a self-drive, you might want to pick one of six regions of the Wild Atlantic Way and concentrate on one, especially if you don’t have all the time in the world. Here is a close-up of four regions that will have you remembering Ireland forever:
Surf’s Up on the Surf Coast
If you like Globo Surf and you have ever wanted to surf in colder climates, this may be the perfect opportunity. While not as cold and foreboding as some other cold surf spots around the world like Norway or Northern California, Ireland has its share of amazing waves. You will know right away looking at the Atlantic Ocean from the bluffs and see the neat rows of waves coming in – a surfer’s dream.
The best beach to visit here is just 5 miles outside of Sligo. Strandhill beach is a magnet not only for the surfers but for the people who come to watch them and take long walks on the beach. There is something awe-inspiring and free about these brave folks who don wetsuits and jump into the cold ocean. What would the people who lived here 100 years ago think? They would probably be absolutely amazed.
Northern Headlands
This stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way will take you from Malin Head to Donegal. Come here if you are seeking to be away from everything in a wild and unexplored place. This secluded and rugged area of Ireland has some of the most spectacular cliffs in Europe and was actually named the “Coolest Place on the Planet” by National Geographic in 2017.
If you want to immerse yourself in real ancient Irish culture, the secluded towns of the Northern Headlands are the best place to do it. Because of their remoteness, they have kept their local traditions alive and predominantly speak Irish.
The Northern Headlands are steeped in Irish culture, music, and mythology.
The Haven Coast
The Haven Coast is brimming with wildlife and brings you to a completely different planting zone – you will no doubt see voluminous fuschias when passing through here, as well as other subtropical plants.
Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars with you. When the time is right, you can stop on a cliffside overlooking the ocean and do some whale watching.
The many fishing villages here are amazing to explore, and Cork has a vibrant art scene. There will no doubt be a festival or two when you pass this area. If you get unlucky and there isn’t, then head straight to Kinsale. This little town is like a festival on it’s own – with amazing cafes and brightly painted houses that will brighten even the foggiest day.
The Southern Peninsulas
If you ever looked at the map of Ireland and saw protruding finger-like peninsulas at the very bottom – you have glimpsed one of Wild Atlantic Way’s most interesting spots.
This region stretches from South Kerry to West Cork, and there is some wildlife here you are not likely to see anywhere else. From Atlantic Puffins to dolphins, this area is worth exploring and getting out of the car for!
If you can find the time, take a boat tour to Skellig Michael, a stony island that is both a sanctuary and a home to ancient monastery ruins. It’s one of the most pictouresque places in the world, and you may already know it from the latest Star Wars films. The Puffins of the island got cast as the lovable Porgs, and if you happen to be in the vicinity in May then consider joining May the 4th festivities around this area!
There are many more regions to this amazing route. If you have the time, its’ worth it to leave it all behind you and and travel the Wild Atlantic Way’s winding roads from beginning to finish. This is just a small taste of what’s waiting out there for you.
