Top 12 Activities Along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Out at the very edge of Europe, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1500 miles alond Ireland's western seaboard. From Malin Head in Co Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork, through regions like Connemara, Galway Bay and Kerry, it's the longest defined coastal drive in the world!

With so much to see and do along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, its hard to decide! Here are the top 12 activities to experience along the way!


Angling: cast your line in the Atlantic swell, feel the salty surge beneath your feet, hook your catch, sail for deserted shores, cook your feast.

Water Activities: Experience the mighty swell of the Atlantic with a plethora of spine-tingling water activities ranging from surfing to windsurfing and kiteboarding or scuba dive in crystal clean waters to check out the abundant sea life.

Cafes: Meander into warm cosy cafes dotted like pots of jam along the western seaboard; recharge with organic cheeses, artisan breads and charcuterie, wolfed down with tea or Fairtrade coffee from across the ocean.

Christian and Spiritual Ireland: discover the uplifting beauty of this wild, rugged and sometimes penitential landscape peppered with monastic settlements; pilgrim walks and churches; learn why St. Patrick came, converted and stayed.

Cycling: freewheel along the edge of Europe where few cars go. Meander along country lanes, skirt jagged cliffs, croppy outposts of rocks and sparkling beaches; cool off in forest glades. Stop only to rest awhile amidst the salt filled Atlantic air.

Equestrian: if John Wayne could do it so can you! Ireland... the Land of the Horse caters for leisurely hackers, cross country show jumpers as well as those who simply want to ride high in the hills above the Atlantic waves.

Nature and Wildlife: Experience a myriad of colors all in one day; smell the salty Atlantic landscape after sun and rain; discover flowers amidst the crevices of the limestone plateaux; spot a Golden Eagle along the North Western seaboard; hoops of dolphins off Loop Head or the black hump of a whale in West Cork.

Pubs and Bars: at the end of the day or even if you're halfway through its nice to stroll in and sample a craft beer or the local brew; have a chat with locals; perhaps listen to a tin whistle or two.

Walking Trails: so many paths to take; through landscapes of velvet green hills; dappled forests meeting shy fawns; crossing silver streams and pristine beaches pounded white by the swell of the Atlantic.

Tracing Your Ancestry: Reconnect with your past to discover new places of old.

Golf: Perfect that swing on magnificent parklands and links courses rated amongst the Top 10 courses in the world!

Restaurants: The day is done, hunger succumbs, step into a unique array of contemporary or traditional eateries; sample seafood caught that day or hand-reared beef, smokey back and organic vegetables from local farmers or artisan cheese boards.

Try one of these top activities on your next vacation to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way with Celtic Tours World Vacations