Wild Atlantic Way – Self Drive with B&B Accommodation

Explore the beauty of Ireland’s first long-distance touring route, stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork.

Wild Atlantic Way – The Experience

Day 1 – Arrive at Shannon Airport and pick up your Hertz rental car. Travel west to the coast stopping at the Cliffs of Moher. This famous landmark will take your breath away. It is the perfect way to start your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way. Arrive in the town of Doolin know for it’s great music pubs. After you have settled into your B & B take a stroll into town and enjoy some traditional music and an opportunity to meet the locals. Overnight: Doolin, Co. Clare (B)

Day 2 – After a traditional Irish breakfast travel north along the coast stopping in the little town of Fanore. Take a walking tour of the Burren with a local guide. In Irish it is Boireann, or ‘rocky country’ – a vast limestone landscape with pops of color from beautiful wild flowers. Arrive into Galway city with time to explore the Spanish Arch, the Claddagh region and the Latin Quarter around Quay Street. There are many wonderful shops, pubs and restaurants here. Overnight: Barna, Co. Galway (B)

Day 3 – Today travel west to the town of Rossaveel and take the ferry to Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. You can tour the island in several ways…by foot, bike or take a bus tour. However you choose to do it, don’t miss Dun Aengus perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. Return to Galway by ferry. Overnight: Barna, Co. Galway (B)

Day 4 – After breakfast travel into the wild and wonderful Connemara region. You will enjoy beautiful mountains, lakes and vast boglands. Stop in Clifden to rent a bike and strike out across the starkly strange blanket bog – a mosaic of tiny lakes and peat or go horse riding on a Connemara Pony – the only horse breed native to Ireland. It is the perfect way to explore the region’s dazzling beaches. Legend has it that the ponies are descended from Arab stallions that swam ashore when the Spanish Armada sank off the Connemara coast in the 16th century. Continue your journey into Co. Mayo. Overnight: Westport, Co. Mayo (B)

Day 5 – This morning cross the road bridge to Ireland’s largest island,Achill Island, with its tall seacliffs, bare mountains and sweeping sandy beaches, and follow the Atlantic Drive before turning north towards the Golden Strand. Visit the Deserted Village abandoned in the early 20th century. Return to Westport where you may choose to visit Matt Molloy’s Pub to hear some traditional Irish music. Overnight: Westport, Co. Mayo (B)

Day 6 – Today travel south leaving behind the lovely town of Westport and views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay. Arrive in Bunratty with time to visit the famous Castle & Folk Park and maybe do some last minute shopping in the little village. Tonight visit Durty Nelly’s Pub or enjoy a farewell Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle. Overnight: Bunratty, Co. Clare (B)

Day 7 – Drive the short distance to Shannon Airport for your return flight to the U.S. (B)