The Wild Atlantic Way sweeps the coast of Ireland, stretching over 2500km from Malin Head to Mizen Head. This coastal experience is like no other and has been recognised as one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland by Lonely planet.
To save you time, we are going to break down the top destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way that are no more than two hours from our doorstep here at Adare Manor. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and delve into our local insight …
The island of Skellig Michael is located in County Kerry and is less than 2.5 hour’s drive from Adare. This attraction is one of the most breath-taking along the Wild Atlantic Way and allows you to dive into Irish history in a way like no other. Not only will you expiernce captivating views, but you will also have a chance to explore a monastic settlement dating back to the 6th century. Wander through the ancient monastery and see the famous beehive huts.
Cast your mind back to a time when monks inhabited the island as you scale 600 steps to reach the top of the island. Key tip: Wear very comfy shoes. These were the very stairs the monks embarked up and down every day to fish the waters below; our very own stairway to heaven.
Don’t forget to take in the amazing views of the Kerry shore-line and bask in the fact that you are standing on an island in the middle of the Atlantic ocean in Ireland.
Skellig Michael is open from April to the beginning of October and the majority of the boat tours run from Portmagee pier. You can do two types of tours: Eco and Landing. The Eco tour allows you to explore the island from a boat as you sail around the islands. Whereas on the Landing tour you visit the island and explore the monastic settlement. Both tours are as amazing as each other and offer different experiences.
Top Tips
Loop Head is one of the most remote and wonderful places in Ireland. It remains a place to itself, protecting the waters of the Shannon estuary from the open ocean. It is located in county Clare and is less than 2 hours away. The lighthouse is over 340 years old and stands 90 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. It is an untouched beautiful area of Ireland and truly captures the essence of the Wild Atlantic Way with its cliffs, wildflowers, birds, and powerful waves below. This destination is more than a lighthouse. This rural spot truly brings you to be one with nature and gives your mind space to breath.
The best thing about Loop Head Lighthouse is its proximity to popular seaside towns that are enjoyed by Limerick natives in the summer. Kilkee is only a 30-minute drive and is an exciting seaside town. It has lots to offer; great food, pubs, swimming spots and most of all, the cliffs of Kilkee which are also a top spot on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The rock pools in Kilkee are the most surreal way to take a plunge into the Atlantic Ocean. The Pollock Holes are the best rockpools as they are set with the most amazing backdrop of George’s Head. After your brave plunge you can then venture up to the Diamond Rock café for food and a hot drink to look over the amazing views and see the waves crash over the rocks.
Loop Head and the surrounding area has a lot to offer and is the perfect way to not only escape but to live like a local for a day.
Top Tips
You cannot explore the Wild Atlantic Way and not visit the crown jewel of cliffs in Ireland; The Cliffs of Moher. Situated in county Clare and only an hour and twenty-minute drive from our doorstep here at Adare Manor, it’s not one to miss. These 214-metre cliffs are captivating and place you on what feels like the end of the world. Sea spray fills the air and creates a feeling of freshness as it sprinkles over you. To round off the experience walk along the clifftop as wind swirls around you and you hear the crashing of the waves below. Don’t forget to look out for the fauna that sprouts up when you are walking along.
The Cliffs of Moher can also be seen by boat. Sail along the edge of the cliff face and watch as the waves batter the cliffs, and the birds fly out of the jagged rock face. Take in the amazing nature that thrives on and around the cliff.
The Cliffs of Moher is such an amazing place we have written a separate detailed blog on it which is worth reading to get the top tips, pricing, and the best viewpoints: Plan Your Visit to the Cliffs of Moher from Adare Manor | Adare Manor
We will be posting more blogs highlighting further top stops along on the Wild Atlantic Way so make sure to keep an eye out. Check out our other travel blogs which we have made for you to make your stay here at Adare Manor truly beyond everything.
By Charlie Hanrahan
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