Planning a visit to the Wild Atlantic Way? Then you’re in for a treat! This 2,500km stretch of glorious rugged coast along the west of Ireland is home to soaring mountains, jutting headlands, breath-taking cliff faces and lush green forests. Whether you’re seeking an epic adventure or a remote, tranquil getaway, you’ll find it here, on the world’s longest coastal touring route.

Top tips to explore the Wild Atlantic Way

• Fly direct to Ireland from the UK to Cork Airport and plan your trip northwards along the Wild Atlantic Way.

• Stay at the Travelodge hotels Cork Airport, Limerick (Castletroy or Ennis Rd) and Galway City.

• Return flight to the UK from Knock (Ireland West) Airport or Shannon Airport, both within a 1 hour drive from Galway City.

Must see along this route:

• Old Head of Kinsale – Co.Cork

• The Ring of Kerry and Dingle Penninsula – Co. Kerry

• The Cliffs of Moher – Co.Clare

• Loop Head – Co. Clare

• Galway City “The City of the Tribes”

• The Arran Islands

• Connemara

Day 1 – Cork to Limerick

Cork city is renowned for its culinary flair and vibrant cultural scene. The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2005 and listed by the Lonely Planet Guide among the top ten cites for ‘Best in Travel in 2010’. A strong festival programme attracts the best of film, jazz, folk, literary and musical talent year round.

Things to do in Cork

The English Market:
Located in the heart of Cork city, this roofed food market has been trading since 1788. One of the oldest municipal markets of its kind in the world; it is Ireland’s most famous covered food market. Open 7 days a week, the English Market is a cornucopia of tastes and flavours – from organic foods to express and handmade chocolate.

Visited by Prince Charles & his wide Camilla during their trip to Ireland in June 2018.

Old Head of Kinsale:
This scenic headland in Cork is home to a picturesque 17th-century lighthouse and juts more than two miles into the Atlantic. If you fancy a round, visit the world-renowned golf course. A gourmet haven, Kinsale’s vibrant streets and atmosphere are utterly charming.

Mizen Head:
From the rugged cliff top of Mizen Head in Cork (Ireland’s most southwesterly point), you can see imposing Fastnet Lighthouse. It sits on a rock known as ‘Ireland’s Teardrop’, since it was the last sight of Ireland emigrants had as they left during the Great Famine (1845 – 1849).

The Jameson Distillery, Midleton:
Enjoy a guided tour through the romantic past of Irish whiskey making, learn about the Angels Share, Triple Distillation and the smooth taste of Jameson Irish Whiskey. It is a distillery steeped in history, set on 15 acres; this visitor attraction is both a cultural and educational experience

Camden Fort Meagher:
For almost 400 years the fort played a key role as a strong strategic position for the defense of Ireland, the west coast of England and Wales. 65% of the fort is located underground in a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers. The fort is a prime location to watch ships passing through Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world. Camden Fort Meagher is in the Ancient East and just 20 minutes from the Wild Atlantic Way
 

Travelodge Cork Airport

Travelodge Cork Airport is located just off the Cork South Ring Road at the Airport Road, just 5 minutes from the main terminal at Cork Airport and 15 minutes from Cork City Centre. Hotel facilities include Complimentary Guest Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. There is also a restaurant located next to the hotel.

Limerick City

Day 2: Limerick to Galway

Limerick boasts a wonderful variety of historical attractions – as well as the internationally renowned Hunt Museum with its exceptional art collection including works from Picasso, da Vinci and Renoir, Limerick also has a fantastic medieval precinct with the famous 800-year-old King John’s Castle and St Mary’s Cathedral.

Things to do in Limerick

King John’s Castle:
King John’s Castle, on ‘King’s Island’, is in the heart of medieval Limerick City. The stunning new exhibition at King John’s Castle brings to life over 800 years of dramatic local history.

Thomond Park:
Thomond Park is the home ground of Munster Rugby. The famous venue, known international for its history and atmosphere has a capacity of 25,600 with an extensive range of conference and banqueting facilities since its recent redevelopment.

Loop Head:
The Loop Head peninsula boasts panoramic cliff views, picturesque seaside villages and a lighthouse that’s served as a beacon for those at sea since 1670. It’s a haunting place, where you can experience huge Atlantic swells smashing into cliffs.

The Cliffs of Moher:
Looking out at the wild Atlantic from atop the towering Cliffs of Moher in County Clare is guaranteed to take your breath away. Head to the spectacular O’Brien’s Tower, and gaze out to sea towards the Aran Islands.

You may recognise the Cliffs of Moher and the surrounding area from movies such as Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince and The Princess Bride.

Travelodge Limerick, Castletroy

Travelodge Limerick Castletroy is located next to the Parkway Shopping centre and is just 5 minutes from the University of Limerick and 15 minutes from Limerick City Centre. Hotel facilities include complimentary Guest’s Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. There is also a restaurant located next to the hotel.

Travelodge Limerick, Ennis Rd.

Travelodge Limerick Ennis Rd. is located just off the N18 Limerick to Galway road at the Coonagh Roundabout. The hotel is 17 minutes from Shannon International Airport and 10 minutes from Limerick City Centre (O’Connell Street). Hotel facilities include, Complimentary Guest’s Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2017. There is also a restaurant located next to the hotel.

Aran Islands Galway

Day 3 & 4 Galway City, The Aran Islands and Connemara
Galway City is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city on the western coast of Ireland and was recently bestowed the honour of European Capital of Culture 2020. Galway boasts an impressive variety of festivals and events – including the Galway International Arts Festival & the Galway Races.

Things to do in Galway

The Aran Islands & Galway Bay:
Galway Bay is about 50 kilometers long and from 10 to 30 kilometers in breadth. The Aran Islands are to the west across the entrance and there are numerous small islands within the bay. Galway Bay is famous for its unique traditional sailing craft, the Galway Hooker.

Quay Street:
Quay Street has long been one of the most popular attractions in Galway city, with many of the city’s oldest pubs and restaurants located on and around the street. Many traditional pubs will have live Irish music and serve some classic Irish dishes

Visit Connemara:
You can hire a bike in Connemara’s largest town, Clifden, and set out on one of the area’s cycle routes which brings you through the townland of Derrigimlagh on quiet country roads. Your journey will take you by the blanket bog, a stunning mosaic of tiny lakes and peat, where you can stop and view two sites of international historical significance.

Galway Atlantaquaria [National Aquarium of Ireland]:
Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland’s largest aquarium. Galway Aquarium offers guided tours, talks throughout the day (including the Big Fish Feeding), Touch Pool tours and fresh water Fish Feeding.
 

Travelodge Galway City

Travelodge Galway City is located just 5 minutes from Eyre Square in Galway City Centre. Hotel facilities include a Restaurant & Bar, Complimentary Guest Car Parking & Wi-Fi and 24 hour reception. The hotel was most recently refurbished in 2017.

For more information please visit www.wildatlanticway.com