Would it surprise you to learn that a land known for its ‘hundred thousand welcomes’ is also a destination to Fill Your Heart? While far from our Aussie shores, you arrive in Ireland as family – one that’s finally returned. This is especially true on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Read on to discover why.
The Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest-defined coastal route, journeying 2,500 km from Mizen Head in the south to Malin Head in the north. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, it’s proven this is no ordinary drive.
It’s a soul-enriching, heart-uplifting passage where the craggy cliffs, wind-swept beaches, and tiny towns with rich heritage and culture command you to pause, absorb, and reconnect to the wild-at-heart part of you.
Touring the Wild Atlantic Way ignites the senses through quality food, uplifting traditional music, and some of the world’s most spectacular wild landscapes. When accompanied by the genuine and authentic desire of the Irish to connect, it’s a holiday like no other.
Add the opportunity to Fill your Heart with your own passions and interests – be it coastal walks, watersports, a spot of golf, or purchasing creative local souvenirs, you’ll soon discover why so many Australian travellers vow to return.
The key to your heart
A good trip is about following your heart’s desire – something it’s effortless to do on the Wild Atlantic Way.
To support your heartfelt travels, we’ve chosen a selection of Wild Atlantic Way stops that sum up how varied, enriching, and unique a tour along this coastal route is. Choose one, a few or weave them all into your itinerary.
- Glenveagh National Park This County Donegal gem is perfect for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and anyone with eyes because it’s absolutely stunning! Explore six epic hiking trails, tour a gorgeous 19th-century castle, and connect to ancient Eire at Gweedore, an Irish-speaking region.
- Slieve League Cliffs A trip to one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs is a chance to soak in the wild ways of the Irish coastline in an away-from-it-all destination that reminds you of what’s important in life. Only 22 km west of Killybegs in County Donegal, a top experience here is to walk the narrow One Man’s Path across the cliffs.
- Connacht Whiskey Distillery This County Mayo gem reveals the art of triple distilling single malt – and samples, of course! This is no ordinary whiskey: it won the 2023 Best Irish Whiskey of the Year 2023 at the Irish Whiskey Awards!
- Clew Bay Bike Trail If it’s your heart’s desire to cycle on your hols, you’ll love renting a bike to take in County Mayo’s Clew Bay Bike Trail’s scenic seaside towns and craggy vistas. While cyclable in one day, take two so you’ve time for beach stops, quaint eateries, and heartfelt yarns with the locals you meet.
- Galway Food Tours Lively Galway is more than just the festival capital of Ireland and its cultural heart: it’s also chockful of delectable treats! On this 2-hour walking tour, you’ll savour Galway’s best flavours from artisanal producers, traditional family businesses, and up-and-coming foodie entrepreneurs.
- Trad on the Prom Music is an affair of the heart in Ireland, and at Salthill in County Galway, you can experience the best of it to see why. Trad on the Prom is an epic contemporary event showcasing traditional Irish music, song, and dance, including world-champion performers.
- Slea Head Take the 30 km Slea Head drive to witness the winding roads of the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Along with the rugged cliffs, thrashing Atlantic Ocean, and vibrant green countryside, you’ll also witness the fascinating prehistoric settler’s Beehive Huts. If weather permits, visit nearby Blasket Islands, famous as a place of literary inspiration.
- Atlantic Irish Seaweed This is the tour you didn’t know you needed: a seaweed discovery workshop. Yes, really! Explore on foot to learn about the rich history of seaweed as a superfood and medicine while grazing on fresh samples as you go. The 8,000 BC Shell Midden is a tour highlight.
- Atlantic Sea Kayaking This County Cork adventure company offers day and night kayaking tours. The latter is a huge hit, as kayaking at dusk allows you to connect to the area in unexpected ways. As the evening shifts from the setting sun to the appearance of twinkling stars and magical bioluminescence, this is an unreal Fill Your Heart, Wild Atlantic Way experience.
- Kinsale Food Tours If the way to your heart is through your stomach, joining one of the three Kinsale Food Tours in County Cork is a must. Taste-test why Kinsale is such a foodie haven on their walking tour or try your hand at coastal foraging. You can also book a private yacht picnic around Kinsale Harbour. Whatever you decide, your tastebuds will thank you.
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The deets
Get inspired to have your clients hearts ‘filled with Ireland’ along the Wild Atlantic Way and visit Wild Atlantic Way | Ireland.com.
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