Start: Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal
Distance: 1,600 mile (2,600 km)
Terrain: Road
Bike Types: Hybrid, Road Bike
Grading : Hard
The Wild Atlantic Way is 1600 miles or 2600 km long and is one of the longest coastal routes in the world. It follows the West Coast of Ireland from Inishowen Peninsula in Co. Donegal in the north to the town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south. The route can be driven or cycled.
The route is divided into 14 stages and passes through nine counties (Co. Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry) and three provinces.The route can be done either way of just sections. These sections include
Inishowen Peninsula – Muff to Letterkenny (122.5 miles / 197km)
Things to see in this section include Carrickabraghy Castle, Northburgh Castle and the Bocan stone circle.
Fanad Head – Letterkenny to Bunbeg (101 miles / 163 km)
See the Cara Na Mara Bunbeg, a ship stranded on Maheraclogher Strand near Bunbeg, Doe Castle or visit the town of Dunfanaghy.
Slieve League Coast – Bunbeg to Donegal Town (105.5 miles / 170 km)
On this section you can visit Fall Island, the lovely Maghara Beach or the town of Killybegs.
Donegal Bay and Sligo – Donegal Town to Ballina (119km/192 km)
Visit Enniscrone Castle, Kilbarron Castle or Rosses Point, where Yeats used to holiday.
Erris – Ballina to Belmullet (132 miles/213 km)
One of the highlights of this section is Dún Briste, a 50 meter seastack at Downpatrick Head. Other sight worth seeing are the spectacular landscape at Doonamo Point and the village of Killala.
Achill Island and Clew Bay – Belmullet to Westport (148 miles / 238 km)
Visit Achill Head to see the spectacular rock foundations. Other sights include Carraigahowley Castle and Kildavnet Castle.
Killary Harbour – Westport to Clifden ( 102.5miles / 165 km)
Things to see in this area include the the Aasleagh Falls, Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery and set in 1,000 acres of mountainside in Connemara and Killary Harbour which is Ireland’s only fjord.
Connemara – Clifden to Galway (109 miles / 176km)
This section include Cliden Castle and Bunowan Castle. Also Coral Beach where the sand is finely ground mussels.
The Burren and West Clare – Galway to Kilkee (102 miles / 164 km)
There are a number of castles to visit in this section including Dunguaire, Doonagore and Doonbeg.
The Shannon Estuary – Kilkee to Tralee (134 miles/ 216 km)
The Bridges of Ross rock arch is a must visit in this leg of the Wild Atlantic way. Also visit Carrigafoyle Castle situated on the banks of the Shannon estuary.
Dingle Peninsula – Tralee to Castlemaine (93 miles / 150 km)
Enjoy the spectacular views of Blasket Sound and the lovely Carrignaparka Beach. At the top of Dunmore Head there are fabulous views over the sound and Blasket Islands.
Ring of Kerry – Castlemaine to Kenmare (109 miles/175 km)
This section overlaps the Ring of Kerry which is the most frequently travelled tourist route in Ireland .
Beara and Sheep’s Head – Kenmare to Durrus (130.5 miles/ 210 km)
This section comprises of a spectacular rugged coastline with narrow roads and lanes making it much quieter than some of the other sections of the Wild Atlantic Way.
West Cork – Durrus to Kinsale (128.5 miles / 207 km)
The picturesque Mizen Peninsula in this section coinsists of quite sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs and quaint little fishing villages. For those who havent the time to do the full Wild Atlantic route, the MizMal route from Mizen Head to Malin Head (or vice versa) can be done in 5-7 days.
The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal cycling route and as such its challenging. How long it takes to do depends on fitness, weather and personal preference. Competent cyclists should be able to do the route in 3-4 weeks covering between 55 – 75 miles per day. To be able to explore many of the sights along the way we would recommend 6-7 weeks (32-36 miles per day). This would allow days off along the route. For those short of time consder the MizMal route (5-7 days).
There are many tour companies that will arrange accommodation and transport luggage between stops covering the whole, or just parts of the Wild Atlantic Way. If you wish to do the route unsupported there are plenty of campsites and B&B accommodation along the way.
Preparation is important before embarking on a trip such as this. Ensure your bike is well maintained and carrfy spares along the way such as spare tubes, puncture repair equipment, chain splitter, quick links etc. Ensure you wear suitable clothing and its comfortable. Also make sure you are physically prepared
The development of the Wild Atlantic Way has given the Irish economy a huge boast. Its generated over £3 billion in revenue, created around 35000 job and increased visitor numbers.
Wild Atlantic Way Accommodation
Killarney Glamping At The Grove
Aran Islands Camping & Glamping
Top of the Rock Pod Pairc & Walking Centre
Strand Camping
Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park
Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park
Sextons Caravan and Camping Park
Pod Umna Village
Wild Atlantic Way Route Map and GPX
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