Wild Atlantic Road Trip

The Wild Atlantic Road Trip is an unforgettable journey through the beautiful coastal regions of Ireland. Starting in Culdaff and ending in Cork, this 1126mi route takes you through the towns of Carrigart, Sligo, Mallaranny, Galway, and Tralee. Along the way, you will be able to experience the stunning landscapes, historical sites, and local attractions that make Ireland so special. The best time of year to drive this route is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. The roads are in good condition, making this an ideal trip for drivers of all experience levels. You can complete the trip in 14 days, but it is recommended to take your time and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Irish countryside. While the trip can be managed on a moderate budget, it provides an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So, if you're looking for a road trip that is full of culture, history, and natural beauty, the Wild Atlantic Road Trip is the perfect choice.

Culdaff is a picturesque Irish village located in Donegal, on the Inishowen Peninsula, and is the perfect starting point for the “Wild Atlantic Road Trip”. The town offers a range of attractions and activities to explore, from its long sandy beach to its many historical sites. The beach is a great spot for swimming, surfing, and bird watching, as well as a great place to watch the beautiful sunsets. The nearby Culdaff Castle ruins and the ruins of St. Patrick's Church, dating back to the 5th century, are interesting historical sites to visit. Other attractions include the Culdaff Folk Museum, which houses exhibits on local history, as well as the nearby Trawbreaga Bay Nature Reserve. The closest international airport to Culdaff is City of Derry Airport (LDY). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin your “Wild Atlantic Road Trip” from Culdaff. The village also has a range of accommodation options, from traditional B&Bs to self-catering cottages. From Culdaff, you can explore the rest of the Inishowen Peninsula, which is dotted with picturesque villages, stunning coastal scenery, and a range of activities and attractions. Take the time to explore the area and experience the beauty and culture of this unique corner of Ireland.

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Culdaff to Carrigart! This 57mi journey will take you less than 3 hours, but you'll want to take your time and enjoy the scenic views. In some sections, the road is very winding and narrow, so drive with caution. Along the way, you'll find plenty of interesting places to visit. In Culdaff, be sure to check out the ruins of the ancient church and the nearby beaches. As you drive through the countryside, keep an eye out for the Stone Crosses and other ancient monuments. When you reach Carrigart, you won't want to miss the beautiful views from the pier and the old graveyard. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for a road trip that will take you from Carrigart to Dungloe? This 63 mile journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete, and you'll be able to take in the stunning views along the way. The roads are winding in some sections, so be sure to drive with caution. There are also some narrow sections of road, so be sure to keep an eye out for other vehicles. When you reach Carrigart, you'll be able to take in the sights of the picturesque harbor and the historic buildings. There's also plenty of shopping and dining options to enjoy. As you make your way to Dungloe, you'll pass by the beautiful Glenveagh National Park, where you can explore the breathtaking scenery and wildlife. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Dungloe, where you can explore the quaint streets and visit the many shops and restaurants. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as fishing, boating, and walking. Make sure to take advantage of all the sights and activities available along this road trip. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on an exciting 111mi road trip from Dungloe in Ireland to Sligo! This journey will take you approximately 4 hours and you will be able to explore some of the most stunning and interesting places in the area. As you drive from Dungloe, be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the spectacular mountains of Donegal. You may even spot some of the local wildlife, such as dolphins or seals. You will also pass through the picturesque village of Ardara, with its traditional Irish pubs and craft shops. Further along the route, you will come to the rugged coastline of Sligo, with its dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches. Here, you can take a stroll along the beach, or explore some of the nearby historical sites such as the ruins of the Caves of Kesh or the ancient megalithic tombs of Carrowmore. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and the road can be quite winding and narrow in places. Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful and interesting parts of Ireland. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on a 110mi road trip from Sligo, Ireland to Aghleam. The drive should take fewer than 4 hours and you will be able to take in some of the best sights in the region. Along the way, you will drive past some of the most picturesque landscapes in the area, with winding roads and narrow sections. Be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning views of the coast and the countryside. Once you arrive in Sligo, you will find plenty of interesting sights to explore. Visit the Sligo Abbey, a 13th-century Franciscan friary, or take a stroll on the banks of the Garavogue River. If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, take a drive to the shores of Lough Gill and explore the beautiful countryside. Finally, you will arrive in Aghleam, a charming fishing village. Here, you can visit the ruins of the O'Donnell Castle, a 16th-century fortress. You can also take a boat trip along the River Erne, or just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Aghleam to Mallaranny! This scenic route of just 47 miles (76 km) will take you fewer than 2 hours to drive. As you make your way through the winding roads, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the Irish countryside. Along the way, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the small villages and towns, as well as the narrow roads that run through the lush green hills. Don't forget to take a few moments to admire the stunning landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see! The first stop of your journey is Aghleam, a small village that is home to a variety of historical sites. Visit the ruins of the Aghleam Castle, the remains of a 12th century castle, and the old church of St. John the Baptist. Continue your trip to Mallaranny, a charming seaside town located on the western coast of Ireland. Here you can explore the beautiful beaches and the nearby cliffs, or take a stroll along the harbor. Don't miss the Mallaranny Promenade, a scenic walkway that offers stunning views of the coastline. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome to the Mallaranny - Clifden road trip stage! This route is about 59 miles long and will take you about 2 hours to complete. Along the way, you will be able to take in the stunning views of the Irish countryside. The road is quite winding in some sections, so make sure to drive carefully. In other places, the road will be quite narrow, so be sure to stay alert. There are plenty of interesting places to visit while on the road. Mallaranny is home to several historical sites, including the Mallaranny Castle. Clifden is known for its beautiful beaches, so make sure to take a stroll along the shore. There are also plenty of quaint shops and restaurants in the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Clifden to Galway? This journey will take you on a scenic journey of 79 miles, with an estimated driving time of less than 3 hours. You will be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and winding roads. Along the way, you will be able to explore the beautiful Connemara National Park, the ruins of the 12th century Kylemore Abbey, and the quaint village of Leenane. You will also get to experience the natural beauty of the Killary Harbour and the majestic views of the Twelve Bens mountain range. As you drive, be sure to look out for the famous Sky Road and the lovely village of Roundstone. At the end of your journey, you will arrive in the vibrant city of Galway. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, hop in and enjoy the ride!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Galway to Spanish Point? This journey is 72 miles long and takes less than 3 hours to complete. You'll be mesmerized by the winding roads and narrow sections, with plenty of scenic views to enjoy along the way. Make sure to stop and take in the beauty of the Irish countryside, with its rolling hills and vibrant colors. You'll find plenty of interesting attractions in Galway and Spanish Point to explore. Galway has some of the best shopping in the country, and Spanish Point is home to a beautiful beach. If you're looking for a unique experience, you can take a tour of the old Spanish fort, or visit the nearby lighthouse. For a truly unforgettable experience, make sure to check out the traditional Irish pubs and restaurants in both towns. You'll find a wide selection of local cuisine, as well as plenty of live music and entertainment. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Get ready to hit the road and explore the beauty of Galway and Spanish Point!

Welcome road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Spanish Point to Tralee, a distance of 123mi that can be covered in fewer than 5 hours. Along the way you'll have the opportunity to take in some spectacular scenery, with winding roads in some sections and narrower roads in others. As you travel, take in the sights and sounds of the Irish countryside, and be sure to keep an eye out for any interesting attractions or landmarks you might pass. When you reach Tralee, you'll find plenty of attractions to explore, from the Kerry County Museum to the Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on a road trip from Tralee to Portmagee and explore the stunning landscapes of the Irish countryside! This 120mi journey will take you less than 4 hours, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of the region. As you drive, keep an eye out for historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. In some sections, the roads will be winding and narrow, so be sure to drive carefully. Once you arrive in Portmagee, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the sea and the Skellig Islands. Don't forget to check out the Blasket Islands Visitor Centre and the Kerry Cliffs for a unique experience. If you're looking for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

Are you ready for a road trip through some of the most beautiful Irish countryside? Start your journey in Portmagee, Ireland, and make your way to Bantry, a 132mi drive that will take you fewer than 6 hours. Along the way, you will pass through some of the most scenic roads in the country, so be sure to keep your eyes open for stunning views. On your journey, you will come across some historical sites, so take your time to explore and learn about the history of the area. As you drive, you will also pass through some winding roads, so make sure to take your time and be extra careful. In some sections, the road will be quite narrow, so be sure to pay attention to the road. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on a 91mi journey from Bantry to Clonakilty in Ireland and discover some of the most beautiful sights the country has to offer! The drive should take you fewer than 5 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to take in the sights along the way. The roads are winding in some sections, so be sure to take it slow and enjoy the scenery. In other sections, the road is narrow, so be extra cautious. As you drive, you'll be able to take in the rolling hills, open fields, and vibrant green landscapes that Ireland is known for. Along the way, stop in Bantry Bay for some of the freshest seafood around, or visit the stunning Garnish Island for some incredible views. When you reach Clonakilty, be sure to explore the town's colorful streets and visit the Clonakilty Distillery for a taste of the local whiskey. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Welcome to the Clonakilty to Cork stage of your road trip! This scenic route will take you through some of the most beautiful and interesting places in Ireland. The 61-mile journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete, so you will have plenty of time to explore the local sights. As you drive, you will be surrounded by lush green hills and winding country roads, so keep your eyes open for some of the most picturesque landscapes that Ireland has to offer. Along the way, you will find historical sites, monuments, and even a few hidden gems. Be sure to take your time and explore the area, as you never know what you may find. As you drive, be mindful of the winding roads and narrow sections. When you're done, you can rest up in Cork and prepare for the next stage of your journey. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your journey. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Cork, located in the south of Ireland, is the perfect ending point for the Wild Atlantic Road Trip. It is a vibrant city, full of culture and history, and is a great place to explore. Cork is known for its amazing food and lively atmosphere, which can be experienced in the many restaurants and pubs throughout the city. The English Market is a great place to sample some of the local produce, from fresh seafood to artisan cheeses. For those wanting to explore the city's history, there are plenty of places of interest to visit, such as the Cork City Gaol and the Cork Public Museum. The Cork Butter Museum is a great place to learn about the city's traditional butter-making industry, while the Cork City Hall is a stunning building with a fantastic view of the city. For those wanting to explore the surrounding area, there are plenty of scenic walks and hikes in the nearby countryside. Blarney Castle is a must-see, with its impressive gardens and famous Blarney Stone. The nearest international airport to Cork is Cork Airport (ORK), which is located just 6km from the city centre. From here, visitors can easily explore the rest of Ireland or continue their journey to other destinations. Cork is the perfect ending point for the Wild Atlantic Road Trip. With its interesting attractions, lively atmosphere, and stunning scenery, it is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Hopefully, the presented Wild Atlantic Road Trip has become a superb inspiration for your future travels.
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a template that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original attractions.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around Ireland, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a list of things to be mindful of to make your trip safe. The following road rules will surely become useful for all holidayers considering renting a vehicle or renting a camper.
When sightseeing around Ireland, there are multiple road rules to be followed. When moving around Ireland in a car, try to avoid spirits at all. Tourists ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is rather low and is only 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 50km/h, around the city streets may lead to a speeding fine. When it comes to rural areas, the maximum permissible speed is 100km/h. Avoid driving faster than the speed limit of 120km/h when travelling on motorways. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit heavily increase the safety of your passengers.
You’re probably wondering about the costs of the whole trip. Depending on the budget option that you go for, the amount of money that you have to spend during the whole road trip will vary. A wide range of budget configurations is showed below.
In the budget option, you have to pay the maximum of 200 EUR for gasoline to cover the planned 14 stages. You will have to spend roughly 770 EUR on economy accommodation. Those who want to benefit from this option will spend around 756 EUR on food and restaurants. If you also aim for the economy car hire option, you will pay approximately 525 EUR. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to about 1,726 EUR without vehicle rental and 2,251 EUR with vehicle rental.
Tourists who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 275 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses may amount up to around 1,386 EUR. Food and restaurants from the standard range will cost around 1,008 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 630 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 3,299 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend roughly 2,669 EUR.
Drivers who are searching for the highest level of convenience will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 5,504 EUR for holidayers who are considering car hire and 2,669 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium hire vehicle can expect a cost of roughly 1,575 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the trip, you should expect the average cost of around 338 EUR when it comes to gasoline. Drivers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their road trip should expect to pay about 2,079 EUR for overnight stays and roughly 1,512 EUR for restaurants and food.
Wild Atlantic Road Trip can be easily adjusted to the needs of all camper lovers. For those who are interested in this transport option, you will pay up to around 3,150 EUR. You will spend roughly 413 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Holidayers who opt for camper rental should expect to pay more or less 385 EUR for accommodation and about 756 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the above-mentioned expenses in detail.
The part of Ireland presented in our Wild Atlantic Road Trip is superb to be explored between May and October. There are numerous interesting road trips and scenic drives that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. The wide spectrum of trips will definitely meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.