Hiking along the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way

Discover the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s most spectacular coastal driving route, offering unforgettable hiking experiences along the west coast. Spanning over 2,500 kilometers from Donegal to Cork, this amazing journey takes you through some of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes, including some of the best hiking spots in the world, perfect for hikers of all levels. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for short coastal walks or challenging long-distance trail, along the Wild Atlantic Way you can find a trail for everyone.

As you’re on the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll encounter dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and remote islands, around every corner providing a stunning view of the rugged Atlantic coastline. Popular hiking spots along the route include the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara National Park, and the inspiring Dingle Peninsula. The most iconic trail is undoubtly the Kerry Way, Ireland’s premier long-distance trail looping you around the Iveragh Peninsula. Each trail giving you a glimpse of Ireland’s natural beauty, offering panoramic views, rich wildlife, and opportunities to explore the country’s ancient history and culture.

For those seeking an adventure, hiking along the Wild Atlantic Way is an unmissable experience. The route also connects to charming villages, where you can enjoy traditional Irish hospitality, local cuisine, and pub culture.

How to get there

To explore the Wild Atlantic Way and enjoy its incredible hiking trails, there are several airports conveniently located along the route. Here’s how to get there by flight and the local airports you can fly into. You can find the best flights on Skyscanner from the airport nearby your home town.

• Shannon Airport (SNN)
  Located in County Clare, Shannon Airport is one of the most popular entry points for those looking to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, especially if you’re starting around the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren. Shannon serves flights from major cities in Europe, the US, and the UK.
• Cork Airport (ORK)
  Cork Airport is ideal if you’re starting your Wild Atlantic Way journey in the south. Cork offers access to the southernmost sections of the route, including the Beara Peninsula and Mizen Head. It has numerous connections across Europe.
• Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC)
  Located in County Mayo, this airport is a great option for accessing the central sections of the Wild Atlantic Way, including Achill Island and Connemara. Knock Airport provides flights to and from UK cities and some European destinations.
• Donegal Airport (CFN)
  For those starting in the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal Airport is the best choice. It’s a small airport serving domestic and UK flights, offering easy access to Slieve League cliffs and Malin Head.

From any of these airports, car rentals, buses, and tours are available to take you directly to the trailheads along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Top 5 day hiking trails

Here are some of the most iconic day hiking trails along the Wild Atlantic Way:

• Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk (County Clare)
  This 20-kilometer trail offers breathtaking views of the Cliffs of Moher as you hike from Doolin to Hags Head, showcasing the dramatic cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean.
• Diamond Hill, Connemara National Park (County Galway)
  A moderate 7-kilometer loop trail in Connemara National Park, Diamond Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the rugged Connemara landscape, coastal islands, and the Twelve Bens mountain range.
• Slieve League Cliffs (County Donegal)
  One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, the Slieve League hike offers incredible views of the coastline. A shorter, easy option to the viewing platform or a more challenging trail along the cliff edges.
• Croagh Patrick (County Mayo)
  A popular 7-kilometer pilgrimage hike to the summit of Croagh Patrick, offering breathtaking views of Clew Bay and the surrounding landscapes.
• Bray Head Loop (County Kerry)
  Located on Valentia Island, off the Ring of Kerry, the 5-kilometer Bray Head Loop is a rewarding hike offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Skellig Michael (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) up to the Bray Head Tower.

Each of these trails provides a unique perspective on Ireland’s wild coastline, perfect for day hikes along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Top 3 long-distance trails

Here’s top three of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails along the Wild Atlantic Way:

1. Beara Way

Distance: 206 kilometers (loop)
The Beara Way is one of the most scenic long-distance trails, looping around the Beara Peninsula. The route takes you through rugged mountains, quiet coastal villages, and remote landscapes, offering stunning views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Bantry Bay. Highlights include Dursey Island (with Ireland’s only cable car), Gleninchaquin Park, and Healy Pass. The trail can be broken into manageable sections for day hikes or multi-day trekking.

2. Kerry Way

Distance: 214 kilometers (loop)
The Kerry Way is Ireland’s longest signposted walking trail, circling the famous Ring of Kerry. This looped route offers a mix of coastal and inland hiking, passing through valleys, forests, and mountains. Highlights include views of Carrauntoohil (Ireland’s highest peak), the Black Valley, Killarney National Park, and the lakes of Killarney. The trail offers well-marked sections for both long-distance and day hikers.

3. Dingle Way

Distance: 179 kilometers (loop)
The Dingle Way is a beautiful coastal trail that loops around the Dingle Peninsula. This route showcases dramatic coastal scenery, sandy beaches, and remote mountain passes. It passes through charming villages such as Dingle, and along Slea Head, offering views of the Blasket Islands. Walkers can explore ancient sites like Beehive huts and standing stones. The trail is ideal for breaking into sections, allowing for both long-distance adventures and day hikes.

These three long-distance trails offer some of the most spectacular landscapes along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, each providing an immersive hiking experience through Ireland’s rugged wilderness.

Enjoy the Wild Atlantic Way

A short getaway along the Wild Atlantic Way offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Begin your day with a scenic coastal hike, like the Bray Head Loop or a cliff walk at the Cliffs of Moher, enjoying Ireland’s rugged beauty. After a day of exploring, unwind in a charming village with a cozy stay at a family-run B&B, where Irish hospitality shines. Evenings are best spent in a local pub, savoring traditional Irish music, hearty food, and friendly conversation with locals, giving you a true taste of Ireland’s warm, welcoming culture.

Slán go fóill!