Best Scenic Views Along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

It will take some time to drive Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way scenic route. The incredible scenery will make you want to pull over your car whenever possible.

We were able to drive the Wild Atlantic Way in its entirety from South to North. We drove 2500 km along the Atlantic coast, enjoying its beauty at every turn.

Wild Atlantic Way: Best Scenic Views

Here are some of the best scenic spots along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Mizen Head County Cork

Our first scenic lookout on the Wild Atlantic Way was Mizen Head, County Cork. The massive sea cliffs were the ideal location for a lighthouse.

This station was strategically located in the southwest of Ireland and served as a cross-Atlantic communication hub during the early times. The museum showcases life in the Marconi Radio Room and the Lighthouse.

There are walking paths, viewing platforms, and a pedestrian crossing over a deep canyon. There are few tourists here either. It’s a great spot to grab a quick bite before heading around the Ring of Kerry.

Clogher Head at Slea Head Drive, Dingle

Clogher Head and the Three Sisters on the Slea Head Drive, near Dingle

A day trip to Slea Head Drive from Dingle is a must. The drive is filled with scenic stops, but we loved the view from Clogher Head. The Atlantic Ocean pounded against the coast as we viewed the sea cliffs.

We spent an hour walking along the paths carved in the area, taking in the different views of the coast.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

The Cliffs of Moher are not the highest sea cliffs in Ireland but they are the most impressive. The 214-meter-high jagged cliffs plunge into the sea below.

The best views are from the lookout at the visitor center. You can take different paths along the cliffs for different perspectives. It’s no wonder they built it. When there are fewer people, visit at sunset, and the admission is free. This is one of the most scenic views along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Dun Aengus – Aran Islands

The Wild Atlantic Way would only be complete by stopping at the islands. Choose an island and spend a few nights there to get a feel for local life.

We visited Inismor on the Aran Islands to view the remarkable two-thousand-year-old fort Dun Aengus. The defense is primarily rocks and ruins, but you can still see the foundations of what used to be a vast empire. What is the most fantastic part of the fortification? It’s the View.

It is located on a sheer cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Any fences do not protect the edge, so take care when walking to it. Rent a bicycle and enjoy the fort at your own pace. Rent a bike at Aran.

Kylemore Abbey, Galway County

Kylemore Abbey is located in Connemara, County Galway. We visited our friend Fearghus in the Dolphin Guest House and wished we had spent more time here. We’re returning to Connemara in October, so that we will spend lots of time there!

The Abbey is situated in a beautiful location that begs you to capture it in its splendor. This is a newcomer compared to Ireland’s other castles and ruin sites. The house was built in 1867 for a wealthy London doctor. Try the apple pie and cream at the cafe. It’s delicious. Read more about Kylemore Abbey, Ireland’s Lavish Castle.

Killary Harbour, Connemara

Killary Harbour is located on Ireland’s most significant and brightest Fjord, just slightly north of Kylemore Abbey. Connemara Tourism claims it’s Ireland’s only Fjord. But we got many angry replies when we posted that on Twitter and Facebook. We found contradictory reports; Lough Swilly and Carlingford Lough were also listed as fjords.

Slieve League, County Donegal

County Donegal has the highest sea cliffs in Europe. The ridges in County Donegal are more like sloping mountains than the jagged Moher cliffs but are no less stunning.

The top of the mountain has walking trails to enjoy different views. There’s no entry fee. The place was peaceful and quiet, but we felt sorry for the kid busking and the man trying to sell photos.

No one gave them a second glance. Refrain from listening to those who tell you to park your car in the lot at the bottom. Paying the child a Euro or two at the gate will allow you to drive up. The road to the top is long.

Horn Head in North West Ireland

It’s only a short drive from Dunfanaghy to Horn Head. You can either hike to Horn Head or park your car on the roadside and take photos of Horn Head. This is my favorite view.