Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way (Irish: Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin) is a tourism trail on the west coast, and on parts of the north and south coasts, of Ireland. The 2,500 km[1] (1,553 mile) driving route passes through nine counties and three provinces, stretching from County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula in Ulster to Kinsale, County Cork, in Munster, on the Celtic Sea coast.[2]

Wild Atlantic Way road signs in County Clare

Description
Signature Discovery Point

Some of the most popular attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way include the Cliffs of Moher, the Skelligs Viewpoint, the Dingle Peninsula, the Old Head of Kinsale, and Downpatrick Head.

The route also passes through numerous charming towns and villages that offer a taste of Irish culture and hospitality. Visitors can sample traditional music and dance, enjoy locally produced food and drink, and explore the unique arts and crafts of the region.

The route is broken down into five sections:[3]

Along the route, there are 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions and more than 2,500 activities.

The route was officially launched in 2014 by the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, T.D.[4]

Key points of interest

North West - Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo
Slieve League, on the south-west coast of County Donegal in Ulster

West - Mayo and Galway
Sheep in a paddock by the Great Western Greenway near Mulranny. November 2014

Mid West - Clare and Limerick

South West - Kerry and Cork
Cliffs in West County Kerry
View of Skellig Michael, off the coast of south County Kerry

Impact

The Wild Atlantic Way has had a significant impact on tourism in Ireland, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. It has also provided a boost to local economies, particularly in rural areas where tourism is a key industry. The route has been widely recognized for its role in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the west coast of Ireland.[5]

See also

References
  1. "Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way aims to rival California's Pacific Coast Highway". Belfast Telegraph. 28 February 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
  2. Charles Karel Bouley (23 March 2014), "Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way: Heading West On Adventure", The Huffington Post, retrieved 31 March 2014
  3. "The Wild Atlantic Way". 28 January 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2017.
  4. "Minister Ring officially launches Wild Atlantic Way", Fáilte Ireland, 27 February 2014, retrieved 28 June 2016
  5. McCafferty, Hugo (June 2, 2017). "What is the Wild Atlantic Way effect?". Irish Independent. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Wild Atlantic Way.

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