Self-Drive Tours in Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland
Drive 2,500 kilometres of Atlantic coastline at your own pace — from the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara to the Skellig coast and Slieve League, with 150 discovery points to pull over and explore.
Self-Driving in Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is the ultimate Irish self-drive experience: 2,500 kilometres of signposted coastal road from Malin Head in Donegal to Kinsale in Cork, with over 150 official discovery points along the way. The route can be driven in either direction, and most travellers spend 10 to 14 days covering the full distance — though shorter sections work well if time is limited.
The driving itself varies dramatically along the route. In Kerry and Cork, the main roads (N70, N71) are well-surfaced and handle comfortably. In Connemara and parts of Donegal, the route drops onto narrow secondary roads that wind between bog, lake, and mountain — slower going but far more atmospheric. The discovery points are well-signposted with distinctive wave-shaped markers, and many have small car parks, so pulling over for photographs and viewpoints is straightforward.
A typical itinerary might start in Cork and head north: Kinsale to the Mizen Head peninsula, then up through Kerry (Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula), into Clare (Cliffs of Moher, the Burren), through Galway (Connemara, Aran Islands ferry), into Mayo (Achill Island, Westport), along the Sligo coast, and finally into Donegal for Slieve League, Fanad Head Lighthouse, and Malin Head. Each section has a different character, and the accommodation changes to match — from harbour-front hotels in Kinsale to farmhouse B&Bs in Connemara to stone cottages in Donegal.
Our self-drive packages include a diverse range of vehicles with fully comprehensive insurance and zero excess, unlimited mileage, and all tolls covered. We plan the route, book the accommodation, and provide a day-by-day itinerary with our local recommendations at every stop.
What's Included
Highlights of Wild Atlantic Way
2,500km Signed Route
Wave-shaped signposts and over 150 discovery points make navigation straightforward. Pull over at marked viewpoints without needing to search for them.
Five Distinct Sections
From the Beara Peninsula in Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, the landscape and character change dramatically every few hours of driving.
Flexible Pace
Drive the full route in 10-14 days, or tackle shorter sections — the Kerry-Clare stretch or the Galway-Donegal leg each make a standalone trip.
Varied Accommodation
From harbour hotels in Kinsale to castle stays in Clare, farmhouse B&Bs in Connemara, and stone cottages in Donegal — we match the accommodation to each section.
Sample Wild Atlantic Way Self-Drive Itinerary
A suggested rhythm — yours to bend.
Day 1
Cork & Kinsale to Kenmare
Start in Cork or Kinsale. Drive west through Clonakilty and Skibbereen. Stop at Mizen Head — Ireland's southernmost point. Continue via the Beara Peninsula to Kenmare.
Day 2
Ring of Kerry
Drive the 179-kilometre Ring of Kerry from Kenmare through Sneem, Waterville, and the Kerry Cliffs. Overnight in Killarney.
Day 3
Dingle Peninsula & Clare
Drive the Slea Head loop on the Dingle Peninsula, then cross into County Clare via the Tarbert-Killimer car ferry. Visit the Cliffs of Moher and overnight in Doolin or Lahinch.
Day 4
Connemara & Galway
Drive through the Burren into Galway city. Continue west into Connemara — Kylemore Abbey, Clifden, and the Sky Road. Overnight in Clifden.
Day 5
Mayo & Donegal
Drive north through Mayo, stopping at Achill Island or Westport. Continue into Donegal for Slieve League cliffs. Overnight in Donegal town or Ardara.
Driving Tips for Wild Atlantic Way
Essential Tips for Your Self-Drive Adventure
- 1The full 2,500km route takes 10-14 days at a comfortable pace. Driving it in under 7 days means missing most of the stops
- 2Road quality varies — main N-roads are well-surfaced, but secondary roads in Connemara and Donegal are narrow with passing places
- 3The route can be driven north-to-south or south-to-north. Starting from Cork heading north means the scenery builds in drama as you go
- 4Plan fuel stops carefully in remote areas. Stretches in Connemara, Mayo, and Donegal can be 40+ kilometres between stations
- 5Discovery points are marked with wave-shaped signs and most have small car parks. Pull over whenever you see one
- 6The Tarbert-Killimer car ferry crosses the Shannon between Kerry and Clare, saving a two-hour inland detour
- 7All tolls are included with your rental through our Peace of Mind Package
Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Drive in Wild Atlantic Way
The full 2,500km route takes about 44 hours of pure driving time. Most travellers spend 10 to 14 days with stops, though 7 days covers the highlights. You can also drive shorter sections — the Kerry to Clare stretch is a popular 3-4 day option.
Either direction works. Starting from Cork (Kinsale) and heading north means the scenery builds as you go, finishing with Slieve League and Malin Head. Starting from Donegal and heading south offers an equally rewarding experience.
No. The route follows public roads suitable for any vehicle. We recommend a mid-size car for comfort on longer driving days — larger vehicles can feel tight on narrow secondary roads in Connemara and Donegal.
Absolutely. The route divides into five natural sections. The Kerry-Clare section (Ring of Kerry, Dingle, Cliffs of Moher) and the Galway-Donegal section (Connemara, Mayo, Slieve League) each make excellent standalone trips of 3-5 days.
We book accommodation matched to each section of the route — harbour hotels in Kinsale, lakeside B&Bs in Killarney, seaside guesthouses in Doolin, farmhouses in Connemara, and coastal cottages in Donegal. The variety is part of the experience.
Yes. The route is marked with distinctive blue-and-white wave-shaped signs throughout. Over 150 official discovery points are signposted with small car parks for stopping.
Let's start dreaming —
Ready to Explore Wild Atlantic Way by Car?
Let our experts help you plan the perfect self-drive adventure through Wild Atlantic Way. We'll create a customized route based on your interests and pace.