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5 of the best weekend road trips on the Wild Atlantic Way
Go for a spin on the iconic driving route on the An Chonair (Conor Pass), County Kerry.
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In Ireland, we are fortunate to have some of the most striking landscapes on the planet. Take to the open road and drive the Wild Atlantic Way, a true bucket list trip packed with stretches of vast coastline, golden strands and grand landscapes.

Check out these five amazing weekend road trips on the Wild Atlantic Way.

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1Fish and hike in Donegal

Take the road less-travelled from the tawny-coloured sands of Rossnowlagh to Kilcar and explore the delights of beautiful Donegal on a three-day trip. Visit the bustling fishing town of Killybegs – it’s the perfect place to try a spot of angling.

Weave your way through the beautiful Glengesh Pass and on to Fintra Bay and see if you can spot the distinctive peak of Sligo’s Benbulben in the distance. Soak up the stunning scenery and appreciate the calming atmosphere.

Cliff view at Malin Head, County Donegal
Enjoy the scenic coastal views in Donegal.
2Grab a bite in West Cork

Far-flung West Cork is teeming with scenic coastlines and beautiful views. Start your trip at the Old Head of Kinsale, one of 81 signal towers dotted along the coastline, before heading the Lusitania Museum nearby. Built on the closest point of land to final resting place of the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed by German forces during WWI, the museum hosts a memorial sculpture which showcases the ship's story through imagery as well as the names of all who died onboard. 

Once you've worked up an appetite, enjoy a leisurely stroll to Kinsale proper for a bite to eat. The town is home to some of the best seafood spots in the country. 

Crashing waves against the headland at Old Head of Kinsale, County Cork
Take time to visit the Old Head of Kinsale.
3Enjoy the views in Galway and Mayo

Breathe in the salty sea air as you travel the rugged coastline between Galway and Mayo. Take a boat trip to Árainn (Aran Islands) and discover its ancient ruins and unspoiled scenery.

Then, make your way to the stunning Sky Road of Connemara where you can admire the area's towering mountain ranges and natural beauty. Stop off in pretty Clifden for a coffee in one of the friendly cafés before heading on to Westport to immerse yourself in the craic of the bustling town.

Aerial view of Inis Mór in Co Galway
Venture across the sea to the Aran Islands.
4Admire distant islands in Kerry

With historic castles, attractive beaches and dramatic cliffs, Kerry is well-worth more than a pitstop on your travels along the Wild Atlantic Way. Bring the camera as you follow the mountain roads from Killorglin to Caherdaniel, capturing gorgeous gardens and impressive islands as you go. 

Pay a visit to Kells Bay Garden on the way to Cahersiveen and drive the Skellig Ring for memorable views of Na Scealga (Skellig Islands)

Blue skies and golden sands at Derrynane Beach, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry
Stop off at beautiful Derrynane Beach in Caherdaniel.
5See ancient ruins and caves in Sligo and Mayo

Check out two of Ireland’s most photogenic counties with a road trip along the Sligo and Mayo coastline. Discover ancient secrets at the megalithic tombs in Carrowmore, Sligo and later, head to Downpatrick Head in Mayo and explore the impressive sea stacks, blowholes and Atlantic caves.

For a fun activity, book yourself into a wild food foraging tour or brave the waves with a surf lesson. After, chill out in lovely Strandhill and end your road trip with a vibrant sunset on the beach.  

Surfers at Strandhill Beach, Co Sligo at sunset
Watch the sky turn orange at Strandhill Beach.
See the Wild Atlantic Way car-free

Want to trade a road trip for a car-free adventure? Discover our car-free guides to the Wild Atlantic Way, from Kinsale and the Ring of Kerry to Sligo and Dunfanaghy.

More to discover
The great outdoorsGet out into nature car-free in Killarney National Park

Killarney has been in the business of welcoming visitors for over 250 years, so it knows a thing or two about taking care of its guests. Not only is it the gateway to the Ring of Kerry, but the town and its immediate surroundings are all part of Killarney National Park, the first of its kind in Ireland and one of the most beautiful corners of the country. And the best bit is you don’t need a car to explore any of it. Indeed, half the fun is doing it on foot, by bike or – if you really want to do it the traditional way – by jaunting car.

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