// Horn Head to Killahoey Beach – 13-minute drive (leave Horn Head at 9:47, arrive at the beach for 10:00) //. The lower road will give you a close-up gander of the landscape, while the upper offers views out over the entire area. I was driving by here and it was the name that caught my eye, so I decided to head up to see what it was all about. Standing proudly between Lough Swilly and sandy Mulroy Bay, Fanad Head Lighthouse has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. Thanks so much Keith! Silver Strand Beach is one of those places that makes me question why I’m living in Dublin. Over the course of your stroll you’ll encounter sand dunes, beaches, salt marshes, saltwater lakes, rock face and, of course, coniferous and deciduous woodlands. The next couple of days are dedicated to Donegal. Hop into our guide to the best places to visit in Sligo if you fancy seeing what else this county has to offer. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The Gleniff Horseshoe Drive is a roughly six-mile loop of single lane road enveloped by spectacular mountain views. It’d be tempting to add in some other locations, but those extra few days should give you some nice cushion time to chill and explore. // Enniscrone Beach to Knocknarea – 47-minute drive (leave Enniscrone at 14:00, arrive at Knocknarea for 14:47) //. In my opinion, these are the kind of places that you need on your Wild Atlantic Way itinerary. The view that unravels in front of you as you drive into Sneem is worth the visit alone – rolling mountains seem to fold in upon you from every angle as you enter one of Kerry’s most wonderfully quaint villages. Stop off here, take the shoes and socks off and get a lungful of Atlantic air as you trudge along the shore. I can recommend the Doolin Ferry Company based on past experience. I hope the trip with friends goes well. At this stage, you’ll have driven and walked a fair amount, so you should be wrecked. The Céide Fields consist of field systems, dwelling areas, and megalithic tombs. This is the only time that we’ll be in Galway City on this Wild Atlantic Way itinerary, so I’m keen for you to get as good a sense for the place as you can in a couple of hours. Leenaun is hands-down one of my favourite little (and I mean ‘little’) villages in Ireland. Day 2 sees us hop aboard Ireland’s only cable car, before moving into Kerry and taking one of the best road trip routes in the world, according to Lonely Planet). If you’ve never visited Mamore Gap before, then you’re in for a treat. Aim the car in the direction of Rossbeigh Beach Car Park – the starting point for the Rossbeigh Hill Loop Walk. Take your time and just enjoy the scenery that envelopes you from start to finish. The Wild Atlantic Way takes in 9 coastal counties. There are now many of these markers along the western coast of Ireland. Love attractions that are a little bit quirky? As the car will be back in Doolin, we’ll need to take a shuttle bus back. Our first stop-off is the car park near Bray Head. Enter Malin Head along the west side of the Wild Atlantic Way’s Inishowen Peninsula and continue to the tip called Banba’s Crown. Unspoiled. It sounds like you’d driven around a lot of Ireland already. // Lahinch to Fisher Street, Doolin – 18-minute drive (leave at 7:45, arrive for 8:03) //. For those that fancy giving this a shot, the entire circuit of the Lower and Upper trails measures around 7km and should take between 2.5 – 3 hours. Take your time here and bask in the brilliance that surrounds you. Tip: There’s limited space to park at the top of the hill, and the road up. Pure raw natural beauty. The minute you step out of the car and start to soak up the view, you’ll understand why so many people recommended adding it to your itinerary. // Knocknarea to Shell’s Cafe – 11-minute drive (leave Knocknarea at 16:40, arrive at the cafe for 16:51) //. Although you won’t need a hiking GPS guide by Globo Surf for this hike, they’re handy to have with you for some of the longer hikes in Ireland. Our next stop is a beach that you’ll regularly hear people state to be the best beach in Ireland. OK, so this isn’t necessarily a stop, but you’ll be stopping plenty of times over the course of the drive. I have a question, what would be the best time to go on this trip and where would you fly in/out of to start and end this trip. // Glencar Waterfall to the start of the Gleniff Horseshoe Drive – 35-minute drive (leave Glencar at 17:25, arrive for 18:00) //. Delighted you found the guide useful. These locations are all well worth checking out but if you are pushed for time you should really try to visit the 3 Donegal Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Points listed below: Malin Head, Co Donegal; Fanad Head, Co Donegal; Slieve League, Co Donegal; These are highlighted with orange map markers on the map of Donegal below. Once you’ve eaten, have a stroll around the town. I’ve visited here a handful of times in the past and am always blown away by the sheer lack of people that you meet. The mountainous, ever-changing landscape that you’ll pass through over the course of this stretch of road is simply superb. Dunree Fort and Wild Atlantic Way Signature Marker from the tiny pier that sits below. // Fanad Head to Ballymastocker Bay – 22-minute drive (leave Fanad at 16:40, arrive to the bay for 17:02) //. Tip: Read our guide to visiting the Cliffs of Moher to avoid getting scammed before/when you visit. I am sure it will be used be many many visitors. 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