Things to do in Wild Atlantic Way
Discover the best attractions and experiences Wild Atlantic Way has to offer
Historic Monuments
Discover ancient sites and enduring legacies along the Wild Atlantic Way, from hill forts to portal tombs.
Dún Aonghasa
An ancient hill fort perched on Inishmore’s cliff edge, with circular walls and dramatic sea views.
Poulnabrone Dolmen
Iconic Neolithic portal tomb on the Burren dating back to around 2500 BCE.
Ceide Fields
Extensive prehistoric field systems set in a stark Mayo landscape with a modern visitor centre.
Museums
Delve into local history and culture with museums spread along the coast.
Galway City Museum
Exhibitions on Galway’s history, archaeology and contemporary culture.
Clare County Museum
Local history and archaeology in Ennis, exploring life in Clare through the ages.
Sligo County Museum
Displays on Yeats, Sligo town history and regional archaeology.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites dot the coastline, from monastic ruins to active churches with storied past.
Skellig Michael
Uninhabited monastic site on a remote island, reached by boat and a UNESCO landmark.
Ballintubber Abbey
12th-century monastery ruins near Ballintubber, set in Mayo’s pastoral countryside.
Cong Abbey
Ruined Augustinian abbey in Cong, famed for its cinematic ties and tranquil setting.
National & Theme Parks
Beneath Atlantic skies, Ireland's landscapes are protected in national parks and dramatic nature reserves.
Connemara National Park
Open moorlands, bogs and mountains with scenic trails and wildlife.
Burren National Park
Stunning karst landscape featuring rare flora and expansive limestone pavements.
Ballycroy National Park
Atlantic blanket bog and forest trails in Mayo, ideal for wild coastal walks.
Neighborhoods
Coastal towns and cities offer character-packed neighborhoods with pubs, shops and sea views.
Latin Quarter, Galway
Historic lanes, craft shops and riverside bars in Galway’s vibrant heart.
Dingle Town
Colorful harbor village with pubs, seafood and welcoming Irish hospitality.
Clifden
Connemara’s market town with seaside views, shops and a creative, friendly vibe.
Free Things to Do
There are plenty of free ways to experience the Wild Atlantic Way’s scenery and culture.
Slieve League Cliffs
Take in the dramatic sea cliffs from accessible viewpoints with no admission fee.
Burren limestone pavement walk
Explore the otherworldly karst landscape on foot along broad, accessible paths.
Strandhill Beach, Sligo
Stroll along the oceanfront and watch surfers or a sunset over the bay.
Connemara Coast & Bog Trails
Follow coastal and bogland trails to glimpse wild Irish scenery at no cost.
Gastronomy
The route is a feast for food lovers, with seafood specialties and local producers.
Galway Oyster Festival
A celebration of Galway’s seafood with tastings and chef demonstrations.
Burren Smokehouse
Renowned for smoked salmon and other artisanal products from the Burren.
Dingle Food Festival
A flavorsome event with local produce, tastings and chef demonstrations.
Nightlife
In towns along the route, lively pubs and music keep evenings buzzing.
The Crane Bar, Galway
Intimate venue known for top-notch traditional Irish music sessions.
O’Flaherty’s Pub, Doolin
Famed for nightly traditional music and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
McCarthy’s Pub, Dingle
Iconic pub with live music and a quintessential Irish experience.
Entertainment
Live performances and arts festivals bring culture to life across the coast.
Galway International Arts Festival
A major festival with theatre, dance, music and visual arts across the city.
Clifden Arts Festival
Annual celebration of arts with performances, exhibitions and workshops.
Dingle Literary Festival
Writers’ festival featuring readings, talks and conversations in Dingle.
Sports
Adventure and water sports opportunities are abundant on and off the water.
Lahinch Surfing
Renowned surfing town with beginner-friendly waves and surf schools.
Bundoran Surf School
Donegal’s surfing hotspot offering lessons and waves for all levels.
Strandhill Surfing
Coastal town with good breaks, surf schools and a lively beach scene.
Off the Track
Discover offbeat sights and lesser-known experiences that reveal another side of the coast.
Inishmore Day Trip (Aran Islands)
Ferry to the Aran Islands for a bike or bus tour of traditional Irish life.
Killary Fjord Cruise
Sail Ireland’s only fjord for dramatic scenery and wildlife watching.
Connemara Marble Factory
Watch artisans at work and shop for distinctive Connemara marble pieces.