The Best of the Wild Atlantic Way – 7 Nights

From Quiet Rivers to Atlantic Shores

Your adventure begins the moment you touch down in Shannon, where you’ll be escorted to your vehicle. From there, head toward Dingle, traveling through Limerick City, the picturesque village of Adare, and the dramatic Conor Pass, entering one of Ireland’s most stunning peninsulas.

Highlights:

• Limerick City: Discover King John’s Castle and the rich cultural treasures at the Hunt Museum.
• Adare Village: Ireland’s prettiest village, with thatched cottages, lush parks, and an ancient church.
• Annascaul: Visit the birthplace of Tom Crean, famed Antarctic explorer, and the legendary “South Pole Inn.”
• Conor Pass: Experience panoramic views from one of Ireland’s highest mountain passes.
• Dingle Town: Enjoy the charm of this vibrant fishing town, where Irish tradition and scenic beauty meet.

Evening at Leisure: Relax at one of Dingle’s finest restaurants or a cozy pub, where the sounds of live Irish music will make for a perfect night.

From Clifftop Legends to Coastal Charms

Highlights:

• Ventry Strand: Explore the site of the ancient Battle of Ventry Strand, where Fionn Mac Cumhaill famously defeated Daire Donn, the King of the World, in an attempt to invade Ireland.
• Dunbeg Fort & Blasket Islands: Discover Dunbeg Fort, a fascinating Iron Age structure, and enjoy panoramic views of the Blasket Islands, just off the coast.
• Ferriter Castle & Dun An Oir: Visit the remains of Ferriter Castle and Dun An Oir, where in 1580, after a three-day siege, over 600 Irish and Spanish soldiers surrendered, only to be massacred by Lord Grey’s forces.
• Gallarus Oratory: Step back in time to see Gallarus Oratory, one of Ireland’s best-preserved early Christian churches, built entirely without mortar.

Evening in Dingle:

• Dick Mack’s Pub: Experience Dingle’s unique charm at Dick Mack’s, where you can enjoy a pint in a pub visited by celebrities such as Dolly Parton, Julia Roberts and Sean Connery.
• Foxy John’s Pub: Visit the intriguing Foxy John’s, a combined pub and hardware store—an arrangement that’s as delightful as it is unexpected.

From Dingle to the Edge of the World

Depart Dingle and head toward Brandon for the thrilling ascent of Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass. As the landscape unfolds, notice the panoramic views of the surrounding bays and let the wild beauty of Ireland sink into your soul. 

Highlights:

• Conor Pass: Drive over this legendary mountain pass, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding bays and hills.
• Ferry Across the Shannon Estuary: Board a ferry at Tarbert, crossing the Shannon Estuary into County Clare—a scenic shortcut to some of Ireland’s most stunning sights.
• Cliffs of Moher: Stand at the edge of the world at the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most iconic and awe-inspiring natural landmarks, towering above the Atlantic Ocean.
• Doolin: Visit the lively village of Doolin, renowned for its vibrant traditional music scene. Enjoy spontaneous live music sessions in its charming pubs.
• The Burren & Poulnabrone Dolmen: Explore the lunar-like landscape of The Burren, home to the ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen, a prehistoric tomb that has withstood the test of time.
• Aillwee Caves: Discover the dramatic underground world of the Aillwee Caves, where you’ll be awed by the stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millennia.

Today, embark on a captivating journey to Galway, the vibrant university city known as Ireland’s Cultural Capital. Then head into the untamed beauty of Connemara, a region that captures the very soul of Ireland.

Highlights:

• Dunguaire Castle: Visit the striking Dunguaire Castle, built in 1520 by the O'Hynes clan, perched on the scenic shores of Galway Bay.
• Galway City: Stroll through the City of the Tribes, where you can explore famous sites including Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch, and the bustling Eyre Square.
• Connemara: Continue your journey west to the enchanting Connemara, a region that has a strong connection to traditional Irish culture and the Irish language.
• Kylemore Abbey: Visit the Kylemore Abbey, a stunning neo-Gothic abbey set against the backdrop of a tranquil lake and surrounded by lush gardens.
• Lough Inagh Valley: Marvel at the peaceful beauty of the Lough Inagh Valley, where the landscape seems straight out of a fairytale.
• Sky Road & Clifden: Drive the stunning Sky Road, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the rugged Connemara coastline.
• Roundstone Village: Stop in the picturesque Roundstone, a charming fishing village, and experience the tradition of crafting a Bodhran (traditional Irish drum).

From Breathtaking Shores to Holy Paths

Highlights:

• Killary Harbour: Start your day with a visit to Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Stroll along its peaceful shores or take a catamaran cruise through the fjord’s serene waters, surrounded by towering mountains.
• Croagh Patrick: Continue to Croagh Patrick, also known as Ireland’s Holy Mountain. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick spent 40 days fasting on the summit. The area around the mountain is steeped in history, with archaeological remains dating back to 200 B.C.
• Westport House: Discover Westport House, an 18th-century gem designed by renowned architects Richard Cassels and James Wyatt. Located just south of Westport, this magnificent home is one of Ireland’s most historic estates open to the public, offering a glimpse into Ireland’s aristocratic past.

From Quiet Roads to Ancient Tombs

Venture north from Westport into North Mayo, one of Ireland’s most sparsely populated regions. Here, the countryside stretches for miles, offering nothing but the quiet company of local sheep, friendly locals, and the rugged beauty of the land.

Highlights:

• Céide Fields: Discover Ireland’s ancient past at the Céide Fields Visitor Center with its fascinating prehistoric landscape, showcasing the region’s geology, archaeology, and wildlife.
• Achill Island & Currane Peninsula: Explore Achill Island and the Currane Peninsula, offering some of the most remote and scenic views in Ireland.
• Museum of Country Life, Castlebar: Visit the Museum of Country Life in Castlebar, where you can explore Irish rural life from 1850 to 1950.
• Carrowmore Tombs, Sligo: See Ireland’s oldest megalithic tombs dating back over 6,000 years.
• Drumcliff Churchyard: Visit Drumcliff Churchyard, the resting place of W.B. Yeats, beneath the shadow of Benbulben, with a visitor center and crafts shop.

From Quiet Country to Galway’s Cultural Heart

As you journey south from Westport, you have the opportunity to visit Cong, the picturesque village immortalized in the classic film The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. 

Highlights:

• Cong Village: Walk through the charming streets where The Quiet Man was filmed, visiting key film sites like Castletown, Rev. Playfair's house, and the iconic "hats in the air" scene.
• Knock Village: Take a short detour to Knock, a major Catholic pilgrimage site, where the 1879 apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have occurred.
• Galway City: Arrive back into Galway, the ‘City of the Tribes’, a cultural hub known for its festivals, lively pubs, and captivating atmosphere, especially in the evening.
• Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas of Myra: Explore Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, dating back to 1320.