The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic coastal route stretching over 1,500 miles along Ireland’s rugged western edge. From sheer cliffs, expansive beaches, and rolling hills dotted with charming towns, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the best road trips in Ireland any time of the year.
I had the chance to do a portion of it on my Ireland road trip this last year. And when I say it exceeded my expectations, I mean it. I’m already plotting a return trip to Ireland to do more of it. When deciding where to go along the Wild Atlantic Way, it can be quite challenging to do it all with 1,500 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline to choose from.
With one week to spend on the Wild Atlantic Way, you can get a taste of the grand coastal landscapes of Ireland. You’ll be able to explore memorable towns, dive into local cuisine, and take in the scenes from incredible drives. That’s why I’m putting together this 7-day Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary for any time of the year.
My travel style is something I share upfront. I like to go slow, soaking it all in, leaving something for the next trip. I’m okay with skipping some things in exchange for more quality time. So yes, I did skip the Cliffs of Moher on this trip to Ireland for instance. That doesn’t mean you have to, I give ways to include it below.
But that is the nature of the Wild Atlantic Way — if you did all 157 designated stops along the route, it would take quite some time or it would be rushed. And I think you’ll be happy to see some of these spots that aren’t technically on the route, but are right from where you’ll be.
So for this one-week itinerary along the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s all about reducing hotel changes and doing more from only two spots. I’ve taken my ultimate 8-10 day Ireland itinerary, adding more picturesque stops to focus on a week on the Wild Atlantic Way.
You’ll be surprised by how much you can see of the coastal route by placing yourself strategically! Read on to plan your one week along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland!
Note: This blog post is created in partnership with Tourism Ireland. As always, all opinions are my own. More Ireland planning tips can be found here.
Short on Time? Here is the Ultimate Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary for 7 Days:
Stop 1: Kinsale — 2 Nights
Fly into Cork or Dublin Airport, then head to Kinsale. Once there, explore Kinsale, enjoy the Scilly Walk, drive out to Old Head of Kinsale, and visit nearby Cork, Clonakilty, Drombeg Stone Circle, or Mizen Head.
- Actons Hotel Kinsale, for the best in-town stay
- The Old Bankhouse, for the best boutique hotel stay
- Trident Hotel, for the best upscale stay
- Perryville House, for the best luxury B&B stay
Stop 2: Killarney — 4 Nights
On the way to Killarney, visit the bustling market town of Skibbereen, Mizen Head, and Bantry House. Once there, explore Killarney, Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head Drive, Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, and Gap of Dunloe.
- Great Southern Killarney, for the best in-town hotel
- The Killarney Park, for the best luxury hotel
- The Europe Hotel & Resort, for the best luxury lakefront hotels
- Cahernane House Hotel, for the quintessential Ireland experience
- The Lake Hotel, for the best family-friendly lakefront hotel
- The Ross, for the best in-town boutique hotel
Stop 3: Add Nights in Galway — 2 Nights
On the way to Galway, explore the colorful town of Doolin, then visit the Cliffs of Moher and Dungaire. Once in Galway, visit Spiddal Pier, Sky Road, Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park.
- G Hotel & Spa, for the best overall hotel
- Harbour Hotel, for the best contemporary hotel
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
For more in-depth Ireland resources, don’t miss my ultimate 8 to 10-day Ireland itinerary and in-depth guides to Kinsale, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, and the Gap of Dunloe! If you’re traveling as a family, check out my guide to visiting Ireland with a toddler.
Travel Tip: The best way to explore Ireland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in Ireland is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly (For more, read my guide to renting a car in Ireland). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Ultimate Wild Atlantic Way Itinerary
Good to Know Before Planning Your Itinerary
Best Time of Year to Do this Route
Weather is all over the map in Ireland no matter what time of year. Yes, summer is more clear with the sun, but with it comes the crowds. I would consider doing this route during non-peak times like February-May or even September-November after peak season to enjoy Ireland’s off-season.
Which Direction to Drive the Route?
The Wild Atlantic Way starts in County Donegal and goes south to the town of Kinsale in County Cork. You can’t necessarily really go wrong with the direction you go whether it be north or south. I would plot your final itinerary and then decide which direction you’d like to go.
Which Airport Should I fly to?
For this one-week itinerary, my suggestion is to fly to Dublin Airport or Cork Airport. If you can get flights into Cork Airport, that would be the most conveniently located for beginning the itinerary. If not, Dublin Airport services incredible direct flights from the US to cities like Boston, NY, Philadelphia, and more.
Will I Need a Car to Do This?
Yes, you will need to self-drive and rent a car in Ireland. Don’t worry, I have an entire stress-free guide on how to rent a car in Ireland for your trip. Trust me, you’ve got this when it comes to driving on the opposite side!
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Ireland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
How Much Time Do I Need for the Wild Atlantic Way?
My suggestion for these stops is to do one week to get the most out of it. I would even add another week if you would like to see more of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way which I include information for at the bottom. Know there are 157 designated stops known as “Discovery Points” which are spread out across nine counties, and categorized by themes such as nature, heritage, adventure, and culture.
Following the Wild Atlantic Way Route
You can purchase verified physical maps of the Wild Atlantic Way, like this hard copy one to have on you. While on the route, it is very easy to follow as there will be brown Wild Atlantic Way signs posted on the route with the white zigzag on them. You just follow these!
Editor’s Note: One Week on the Wild Atlantic Way
This itinerary is broken out into two parts: time spent in Kinsale and time spent in Killarney. It’s designed to do things in both places as day trips nearby.
- Day 1: Fly into Cork or Dublin Airport, head to Kinsale
- Day 2: Kinsale
- Day 3: Drive to Killarney
- Day 4: Dingle Peninsula + Slea Head Drive
- Day 5: Ring of Kerry
- Day 6: Killarney National Park
- Day 7: Gap of Dunloe and Departure
- For 8-10 Days: Add 2 nights in Galway
Stop 1: Kinsale (Days 1 to 3 / 2 Nights)
Begin in the town of Kinsale, where the Wild Atlantic Way begins. It’s a great base for 2 nights to start your journey. Fly into Cork International Airport if you can. If not, Dublin International is only a few hours drive away (which is what we did), and be sure to rent your car at the airport for ease!
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Ireland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
Kinsale, often referred to as “The Gourmet Capital of Ireland,” is a charming coastal town that sits at the mouth of the River Bandon in County Cork. It’s the first stop on the southern stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way. With its colorful streets, vibrant harbor, and a rich blend of history and culture, Kinsale is a place that just has it all and you’re close to a lot.
Kinsale is just the most picturesque coastal town. I had picked it with little research after someone suggested it, and I’m so glad we stayed here. During our time with our toddler exploring Ireland, Kinsale became our favorite place we stayed and visited.
Where to Stay in Kinsale
- Actons Hotel Kinsale, for the best in-town stay
- The Old Bankhouse, for the best boutique hotel stay
- Trident Hotel, for the best upscale stay
- Perryville House, for the best luxury B&B stay
Day 1: Kinsale (Arrival Day)
Visit the Downtown
Spend a half-day in Kinsale exploring its charming streets and local boutiques like Kinsale Leather, Mamukko Shop, and Ruxx. Kinsale offers plenty of great coffee spots, and we made sure to try several. Our favorite was The Collector, where we returned twice. Other highlights included The Post House Coffee Shop, OHK Cafe, Wild and Tame, and for a sweet treat, Koko Kinsale for delicious hot chocolate.
For memorable dining, seek out restaurants like Fishy Fishy Cafe for fresh seafood or The Spaniard Inn for classic pub fare. Elevated cuisine is done best at Saint Francis Provisions, where this Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant gives its take on local cuisine. And don’t overlook the The Black Pig for a Meditteranean wine bar with small plates.
Enjoy the Scilly Walk
The paved path called the Scilly Walk winds along the River Bandon, leading to Charles Fort, the star-shaped fort on the river. It was one of our favorite things we did for views of the harbor.
Day 2: Exploring Kinsale
Drive Out to Old Head of Kinsale
The next official stop on the Wild Atlantic Way is the Old Head of Kinsale. I’ve been told it’s a more local, less visited cliff similar to the Cliffs of Moher. It’s about a 15-minute drive out of Kinsale, which makes it convenient to do while there.
To visit, you can go about it two ways. Either park at the free Garylucas Beach car park and go for a proper walk on the headland on the road out to the cliffs. Or you can just drive to the viewpoint at this point on the map to see the cliffs.
Visit Cork
You’re close to the city of Cork, known for its lively markets like the English Market, where you can sample local produce and artisanal foods. There are historic highlights including St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, the Cork City Gaol, and the Cork Museum. Strolling along the River Lee, you’ll find picturesque views of the city’s bridges, while the nearby 15th-century Blarney Castle is one of the top castles to visit in Ireland.
See More of the Wild Atlantic Way from Kinsale
If you’re looking to do more stops from Kinsale as a part-day trip you could easily go for a nice coastal drive hitting these stops:
- Stop 1: Clonakilty, a seaside town in West Cork to begin the journey.
- Stop 2: Drombeg Stone Circle, a well-preserved ring of 13 stones that is thought to have been used for ritual ceremonies and aligned with the winter solstice.
- Stop 3: Mizen Head, is a scenic drive out to the most southern point of Ireland. Entry is €7.50 for adults and €4.50 for children (under 5 are free). This fee grants access to the Visitor’s Centre, the cliff bridge, the historic Signal Station, and views from the viewing platform.
Day 3: Departing Kinsale to Killarney
As you make your drive to Killarney from Kinsale, you could go about it two ways. One would be to cut through the countryside and get there quickly, or you could drive more of the Wild Atlantic Way to see a few stops. If you choose that, you could do this route if you didn’t do the stops the day before, or even go straight to Bantry House:
- Stop 1: Skibbereen, a bustling market town along the way to Mizen Head. Grab lunch here.
- Stop 2: Mizen Head (noted above, would add about 1.5 hours)
- Stop 3: Bantry House, a grand 18th-century mansion overlooking Bantry Bay in County Cork, renowned for its stunning gardens, historic interiors, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Stop 4: Arrive in Killarney. Check into hotel and explore the downtown.
Stop 2: Killarney (Days 3-7 / 4 Nights)
Killarney makes for one of the best bases to see the southern part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The reason why? Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park are all right there in an easy day trip. That is why I suggest 4 nights here to slowly take it all in and do day trips each full day.
For this section, I’ll break out things to do in Killarney as 3 full days as you’ll spend your first day on arrival getting in late anyway. After you check in, go for a stroll to the downtown. The pubs are always a great time, most weekends you’ll find live music. For food, be sure to book in at The Laurels Pub & Restaurant.
Where to Stay in Killarney
- Great Southern Killarney, for the best in-town hotel
- The Killarney Park, for the best luxury hotel
- The Europe Hotel & Resort, for the best luxury lakefront hotels
- Cahernane House Hotel, for the quintessential Ireland experience
- The Lake Hotel, for the best family-friendly lakefront hotel
- The Ross, for the best in-town boutique hotel
Day 4: Drive to the Dingle Peninsula + Slea Head Drive
The Dingle Peninsula with the Slea Head Drive was the best coastal route we drove on the Wild Atlantic Way. The sights here are unreal, with beautiful beaches to enjoy and coastal views. From Killarney, it takes about 1 hour to get to the town of Dingle, where the main sights of the drive begin, so get an early start.
I have an entire blog post on the Dingle Peninsula here to help you plan your day in a logical order. Plan to explore the town, walk the beaches, and see incredible views. These are the highlights at a glance:
- Town of Dingle
- Inch Beach and Ventry Bay Beach
- Embarking on the Slea Head Drive
- Fahan Beehive Huts — incredible, curious cone-shaped houses made from stone from the 8th-12th centuries AD
- Hold a Baby Lamb — worth a stop if you want to hold lambs!
- Lunch at Caifé na Trá — my favorite find for lunch
- Coumeenoole Beach — a very scenic beach (Ryan S Daughter was filmed here!)
- Dunmore Head — consider hiking to the top from the parking lot for views
- Dunquin Pier — the famous Dun Chaoin pier is so stunning!
- Ceann Sibéal Viewing Point — this is where they filmed Star Wars episode VIII of the Old Jedi Temple
If you have extra time after doing the Dingle Peninsula drive, I’d drive the mountain route up to Conor Pass for the views. It’s truly spectacular, and you could go down to Kilcummin Bay Beach (Trá Chill Chuimín) from there as well.
Day 5: Drive the Ring of Kerry
One of the most famous drives on the Wild Atlantic Way which you could choose to do is the Ring of Kerry. It follows the coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula, which you can easily do from Killarney (the most popular starting point).
Truth is, we did just a portion of it and put efforts into enjoying the Gap of Dunloe on another day instead of doing the full ring. We knew we had ample time on the coast after our time in Dingle, so our priorities were a bit shifted.
That said, Ring of Kerry is worth visiting, and there are several sights to enjoy. These are the stops I would prioritize for a full day out on the Ring of Kerry Road:
- Stop 1: Rossbeigh Strand, either take in views or do a walk along the peninsula
- Stop 2: Cahersiveen, a small colorful town for a bite to eat
- Stop 3: Valentia Island, drive out to see the island, and the lighthouse, and soak in views
- Stop 4: Skellig Drive, embark on the scenic route to see this portion of the drive, which adds 18km to the drive. You’ll have views out to the Skellig Islands. Be sure to see the Kerry Cliffs too.
- Stop 5. Kerry Cliffs, are some of the best cliffs (higher than Cliffs of Moher) to see
- Stop 6: Kenmare, a good town to stop into for a snack
- Stop 7: Ladies View, a pretty view into Killarney National Park, though you can do this on your day in Killarney!
Day 6: A Day in Killarney National Park
While Killarney National Park is not technically on the Wild Atlantic Way, it would be a shame to be in Killarney and not spend time here. It’s only 15 minutes outside of Killarney town, so you can enjoy a nice day break from driving the coast.
In my detailed Killarney guide, I have lots to suggest for what to do in the park. Here’s an overview of what I would recommend doing during a day visit:
- Stop 1: Ross Castle, a scenic spot to soak in the lake views, you can tour the castle. Entry is for adults is €5.00 and Child/Students are €3.00.
- Stop 2: Muckross Abbey, this is free to enter the Muckross Abbey is absolutely beautiful to tour the remains of the abbey dating back to 1448.
- Stop 3: Muckross House + Gardens, one of our favorite stops in Killarney, we didn’t go in the house but simply enjoyed the gardens and strolling along the lake. Entry for adults is €9.00 and kids over 6 is €6.00.
- Stop 4: Torc Waterfall, a quick stop to see a 20-meter-high waterfall.
- Stop 5: Dinis Cottage, a quaint cottage on the lakes in Killarney National Park. You will have to park and walk there, but it is so worth it. Find pastries, hot beverages, and snacks to enjoy.
- Stop 6: Ladies View, a beautiful viewpoint over the park.
Day 7: Gap of Dunloe + Departure
On your final day before departing, I would make an early start to get out to the Gap of Dunloe only 15 minutes away from Killarney. It’s best seen before the tours begin so you can more easily drive the road. You could opt to do it in the late afternoon as well on another day if you have time if need be.
The Gap of Dunloe is a dramatic mountain pass nestled between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain in County Kerry, offering one of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes. This narrow, winding valley is flanked by steep, rugged slopes, and its beauty is highlighted by crystal-clear lakes, rushing streams, and scattered stone walls.
It is truly one of the most beautiful gaps I have seen, and well worth making the effort — it’s the last or first stop on the Ring of Kerry technically as well. I have an entire guide on seeing the Gap of Dunloe here.
To see it, you’ll drive the mountain pass if you’re short on time, or if you have time, you could even walk the paved road. Either way, it is a beautiful way to end your time!
Ideas for Continuing Your Trip: Galway + Beyond
If you want to continue or replace one of the days above, I’m including where I would go after Killarney. The most obvious next place to make it to would be Galway, with several stops to be had along the way while you transfer up there.
Stops from Killarney to Galway
- Stop 1: Doolin, an iconic colorful town close to the Cliffs of Moher
- Stop 2: Cliffs of Moher, the famous Atlantic cliffs of Ireland. (Note: main lot is paid parking)
- Stop 3: Dunguaire Castle, 16th century scenic castle.
- Stop 4: Arrive in Galway
Galway would be the next stop to go to, where I would plan on spending two nights in. It’s a vibrant city known for its Latin Quarter, and close to several stops on the Wild Atlantic Way. While you drive from Killarney to Galway, this would be your time to stop at the Cliffs of Moher if you want to.
Where to Stay in Galway
- G Hotel & Spa, for the best overall hotel
- Harbour Hotel, for the best contemporary hotel
Places to Visit from Galway
- Spiddal Town and Spiddal Pier, scenic town and pier on Galway Bay
- The Sky Road (a good loop drive for views)
- Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park, one of the most famous abbeys in Ireland and nearby to the scenic national park for hiking.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
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Xx,
Jessica
