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Lonely Planet names Wild Atlantic Way as Ireland’s top travel experience
Admire the sweeping views.
Wild Atlantic Way colour logo
In news to shout about, the Wild Atlantic Way has been named at number 21 on Lonely Planet's Ultimate Travel List 2020.

Described as ‘Ireland’s top experience’, the prestigious guide highly recommends the bucket list route with 2,500 km of magical coastline stretching from the dramatic wilderness of Donegal to the showstopping scenery of West Cork.

The Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way gets a major nod from Lonely Planet’s  global travel experts as ‘the ultimate road trip’. Not only does it feature in the top 30 global experiences collated by this iconic travel bible, it’s also the highest new entry of any destination or experience on the list.
 

A map showing the route of the Wild Atlantic Way
Discover the wonderful Wild Atlantic Way touring route


A journey along this magnificent coastal trail is a feast for the senses. Admire jaw dropping views as you turn sharp hairpin bends on winding roads, feel fresh air whip across your face and breathe in the salty scent of the sea. With 15 Signature Points and over 180 Discovery Points to choose from on the Wild Atlantic Way, plan your trip in advance to fit in as much as possible.

Sunny day and blue water at Keem Bay, Achill
Explore the breathtaking beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way.


Travel to Ireland’s most northerly point at Malin Head in Donegal, where scenes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were filmed, and watch daredevil surfers take on soaring swells at Mullaghmore in Sligo. Walk the golden sands of Mayo’s Keem Bay, marvel at the beautiful Beara Peninsula on a trip to Dursey Island in Ireland’s only cable car, and don’t miss the chance to see one of West Clare’s stunning sunsets at Loop Head.

Striking cliffs and sea views at Malin Head, Co. Donegal
Visit Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head.


Lonely Planet highlights a number of places along the Wild Atlantic Way on their list including the Ring of Kerry which is no surprise considering the mesmerising sea views, windswept beaches, and lofty mountains of this scenic drive.  The characterful charm of Connemara’s traditional pubs and the towering sea cliffs of Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) also make the cut.

The Ring of Kerry
Discover the magical Ring of Kerry.
Even more great places

The ancient chambers of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth in  Brú na Bóinne  in Meath is one of the other places in Ireland that retains a spot on this year’s list. The Georgian grandeur of Dublin’s Trinity College also gets a mention – after all, this is where you’ll find Ireland’s richest cultural treasure, the Book of Kells.

Check out our Wild Atlantic Way page and our Wild Atlantic Way map to plan your ultimate road trip.

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