Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Explore the southwestern part of Ireland and parts of the Wild Atlantic Way route on this road trip itinerary, complete with recommended landmarks, towns and restaurants. Catch wonderful views and nature, sample regional delicacies and experience the best of what this part of the island offers.

From Cork to the Cliffs of Moher

This 4-day road trip starts in the city of Cork taking you along the southern coast and up to the west coast, leading you through Counties Cork, Kerry, Clare and Galway and to some of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most famous landmarks.

You can easily access Cork from most major UK airports – flights are direct and take less than 1.5 hours. Cork Airport has plenty of car hires for you to book and use throughout your road trip.

Day 1: County Cork

Your first official road trip day will focus on different places of interest in the county.

Start it off on the right foot with a cup of freshly-roasted coffee courtesey of Cork Coffee Roasters.

Then head on over to Midleton, a short drive east, to the birthplace of Jameson whiskey. The Jameson Distillery will lead you through the history of one of Ireland’s most famous and widely-distributed whiskey, from its start back in 1780 and the tedious distilling process up until today – ending with samples of its finest.

Then drive 20 minutes south to Cobh for a fun-filled boat ride in the East Channel viewing the town from its best side: the water.

Afterwards, head back to Cork to peruse the Black Market with its endless street food options and craft goods before enjoying a delicious cocktail at Cask cocktail bar.

Scenic view of Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry, Ireland.

Day 2: The Coast

Today you’ll start your exploration of the Wild Altlantic Way route.

Meander southwest to Skibbereen, enjoying the gorgeous views of the coast along the way.

There you can stop for lunch at the famous Church restaurant for some delicious Irish and international dishes in a setting that was once – you guessed it – a church.

Continue hugging the west coast, making your way up through Killarney National Park and stopping at Killarney’s Peat Baths Spa.

The spa uses therapeutic peat, which can be found in abundance in the area, to detoxify and nourish the body.

Lower yourself into a tub of heated peat and relax while reflecting on the beauty you witnessed this day.

Day 3: The Cliffs

Get an early start today – you’ll be driving north to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks.

Make your way up to Tarbert and take the short ferry ride to Killimer (ferries leave every hour on the half hour).

Then continue north to Lahinch and Ben’s Surf Clinic, where you can take a surf lesson from one of the experienced coaches or simply admire the local surfers on this prime bit of beach.

A bit further north, the Cliffs of Moher await. The Cliffs are an eight-kilometre wide stretch of dramatic, rugged cliffs that drop dramatically hundreds of metres down to the raw Atlantic waves.

Once you’ve explored them to your heart’s content, stop off at The Burren Perfumery for some wonderfully-scented soaps, cremes and perfumes that use local flora before turning in for the day.

Day 4: The Burren

Today you’ll go into the heart of the Burren.

Head due east to the Burren National Park and be treated to another world: a landscape of jutting limestone formed over millions of years that makes you feel like you’re on the surface of the moon.

Because of its unique terrain, the park has a combination of flora and fauna not likely found elsewhere on the planet. It’s a place for wandering, exploration and self-reflection.

Afterwards, drive north about 30 minutes to Ballyvaughan. O’Lochlainn’s Irish Whiskey Bar is a landmark in its own right and one not to be missed. The iconic bar is the perfect place to relax after a long day in the park – feet up, local whiskey in hand, listening to friendly conversation or simply the crackling fire.

End your day in Kolcolgan, another 30 minutes north in County Galway, at Morans Oyster Cottage. Here you’ll sample what many find to be the best oysters in the world: the Galway oyster.

Red hatchback car on white background - 3d illustration; Shutterstock ID 1578260833

Car hire in Ireland

Get your Ireland road trip started on the right foot (or in this case, tyre) with a car hire that’s perfect for your needs.