IRELAND’S WILD ATLANTIC WAY: UNIQUE THINGS YOU CAN DO

Ireland’s newest tourist attraction is the Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way was officially launched in March 2014. It connected existing roads to create a continuous route along Ireland’s West Coast. It is the longest coastal drive in the world, spanning 2500 km.

Many sights and stops are available along the route. You’ve heard about the breathtaking scenic views along the Atlantic coast. Now it’s time to tell about what to do along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Wild Atlantic Way: Things to Do

Our journey began in the south, where we rented a vehicle. Check out Best Things to Do in Dublin for ideas on what you can do before or after your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Skellig Michael in County Kerry

Skellig Michael is located in County Kerry. It requires a boat trip to the Skellig Islands but worth it. The monks lived on this island in the 6th Century. The monks built stone beehive homes at the top of this island. It’s steep to climb the stone path.

Signs warn people that they should climb at their risk. But if you go slowly, everything will be fine. It is hard to imagine how much hardship the monks endured to build this monastery over the years. They sought solitude, and they got it.

The ruins of this site are in a great state. It was inhabited up until the 12th Century. The views from the top are spectacular, including the Irish coastline and Little Skellig.

You should base yourself at Port Magee, as landings can be unpredictable. The Moorings offers excellent accommodation and hospitality.

Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare

Poulnabrone Dolmen is an ancient portal tomb located in Co Clare, Ireland. It dates back between 2500 BC to 4000 BC. In 1986, the site was excavated, and ancient human remains were found. The tomb is made up of 5 stones with a capstone on top. The tomb is also known as

These stones, also known as dolmens, mark the tomb’s entrance. This striking formation has made it Ireland’s most photographed place. The patterns in the limestone rock struck us and eroded over the centuries. It was like a complex puzzle.

Nighttime Kayak in County Cork

Dave and I are experienced kayakers, but this is our first time. We thought the time was wrong when we saw we had to meet Jim Kennedy, owner of Atlantic Sea Kayaking, at 7:00 pm. Is it a typo?

This is what he had to say about his kayaking adventure. We loaded our two-person kayak at the Loch Hyne boat launch in county cork and followed him around the lake. The animals were all settling down for the evening. We paddled in the dark, using our senses to take in the stars. He explained that he does not use flashlights. Learn more about What to do in Cork, Ireland.

We sat silently in the darkness as if we were all alone. Jim and his son lit their red lights to let us know when it was time for us to enter. This was a truly unique experience.

Doolin Cliff walks to the Cliffs of Moher.

The Doolin Cliff Walk is the best way to experience the Cliffs of Moher. Ireland is a walking country, and every trip to Ireland is complete with a stroll. Pat is an entertaining local farmer who will keep you interested and entertained.

He has been running his farm for several generations. His idea was to open up farmland to allow tourists to walk along the coast from Doolin up to the cliffs, giving them a new perspective.

Horseback riding in Dingle

Finding a better way to enjoy the peaceful Irish countryside than riding a horse up the hills is impossible. There are many horse riding operations along the Wild Atlantic Way in Dingle. You’ll only be able to ride English horses in Ireland.

You can ride at any level. Let them know your ability; they will set you up with the right trip. You want these views to be noticed, so make sure you go to the mountains!

Listen to Traditional Music from the Aran Islands

You can expect to hear a live Irish band in an Irish pub. It’s different from the live bands that you hear in other countries. The bar in Ireland plays lively, entertaining traditional Irish music while they drink beer at the table.

We could listen to the musicians all night. They are passionate and talented. The music is not intrusive at all. You can talk to each other, drink Guinness or even dance. We loved listening to music at Ti Jo Watty’s, Inishmore, on the Aran Islands.

Seaweed Bath Sligo

The famous Seaweed Baths are located in Sligo. Seaweed baths were prevalent and plentiful at the start of the 20th Century. Seaweed baths started to fade as the population moved away from the west coast. They all but disappeared in the 1960s.

Voya revitalized the Seaweed Bath experience in 1996, and they have attracted 40,000 visitors per year since. Dave and I were among them. You enter a room with a bathtub filled with seaweed and water. Start in the steaming room to let your pores open to get the actual detoxifying effects of seaweed.

Then, you sit in the bathtub for 50 minutes and let the seaweed heal your skin. It didn’t work, but it sure made me feel relaxed. The Guinness that we drank later wiped out all the healing benefits of the bath.