When we drove the Wild Atlantic Way we were simply blown away by the views that we saw. From the rugged coastline of Slea Head to the beautiful Loughs of Connemara there was something for everyone around every corner. This was by far the best way to Discover Ireland.
Discover Ireland Now!
We started our trip in Dublin, before leaving for your coastal trip, make sure to spend a couple of days exploring the capital city. Check out our Best Things to do in Dublin, Ireland article for travel ideas.
Now I could tell you about all of the great things we saw but I think that photos would do a better job at that.
Ireland Photos
Mount Errigal at Sunrise in Donegal, Ireland
Sunset at Fanad Head Lighthouse on the Wild Atlantic Way
The famous Ha'Penny Bridge in Dublin, Ireland
Reflections of the Twelve Bens in Connemara, Ireland
Read more about how to enjoy the best of Ireland
10 Best Scenic Views on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland will take a while. You will find that you end up pulling your car over every chance you get to take in the incredible scenic views.
Offbeat Things to do on The Wild Atlantic Way of Ireland
We’ve already told you about the incredible scenic views on the Atlantic coast. Well, now it is time to tell you about the things to do on the Wild Atlantic Way. There’s more to Ireland than simply drinking Guinness at the pub and here’s our top recommendations.
Where to stay while on the Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2500km motor route along the Atlantic coast of Ireland. There are hundreds of places to stay along the way ranging from hostels and B&Bs for as little as €20 a night.
A beautiful Sunset from Horn Head in Donegal Ireland
The Famous Bee Hive huts of Skellig Michael on the Wild Atlantic Way
Sunset at Lough Eske Castle in Ireland
The ruins of Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands in Ireland
Looking out over Little Skellig on the Wild Atlantic Way
Sunset over the Cliffs of Moher
Taking in the view from horseback over the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland
A Fisherman repairs his boat along the Wild Atlantic Way
The village of Port Magee in Ireland
The Slea Head Drive is not to be missed along the Wild Atlantic Way
Looking back over Killary Fjord in Glennagevlaugh, Ireland
Morning arrives on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Yes, there are beaches along the wild Atlantic way. Like this one at Rossbleigh Beach
Street Performers abound in Temple Bar in Dublin.
The mighty Mizen Head in County Cork.
You cannot miss the Kylemore Abbey.
The rugged coastline is never ending on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Burren and the Hole of Sorrows is just another place you have to visit in Ireland
The landscape is always changing on the Wild Atlantic Way
Malin Head is the Northern most point in Ireland.
The beauty of Slieve League in Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way
Golden hour on the Dingle Peninsula
By traboldeals July 28, 2014 - 2:31 am
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By Shaun July 12, 2014 - 11:49 am
Wow. I have yet to visit Ireland but it is on my list. This definitely makes me want to go sooner than later. Great shots.
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
By Clay July 11, 2014 - 10:21 am
Such beautiful photos! This is a really inspirational post to go there and explore. Thanks for posting!
By Valerie July 7, 2014 - 3:57 am
Where should I start visiting? Its really convincing! Ireland has so many places to visit. The pictures are awesome!Thank for sharing this pictures,I’m really exited to visit Ireland.
By Dave and Deb July 7, 2014 - 10:03 am
Hi Valerie, We highly recommend starting somewhere along the Wild Atlantic Way (It’s so far besides Dublin the only place we’ve been though 🙂 ) Really, you can choose any section and stick around there. County Kerry is a popular portion for the Ring of Kerry, Mizen Head and Skellig Islands. County Clare is great for the Cliffs of Moher. I would start with one of those personally.
By Ireland traveler July 7, 2014 - 1:07 am
Traveling to Ireland has always been one of my great dreams. These photos are breathtaking and you guys are very lucky to be able to see such amazing places!
By Marie @ Budgeting for Travel June 21, 2014 - 10:50 pm
Wow! Ireland is awesome. I love most the sunset photos. You have great photography. Thanks for sharing these pics, I have the eagerness now to discover Ireland. 🙂
By Dave and Deb June 24, 2014 - 7:54 am
Glad we could entice you to see Ireland!
By Dave and Deb July 2, 2014 - 9:13 am
Thanks Marie, we had some amazing sunsets in Ireland. Being on the Atlantic Coast, we had spectacular ones every evening.
By Christine @thetraveloguer June 19, 2014 - 11:03 am
Aw these are stunning photos! I’m really excited to start to explore Ireland when I get back. I used to have zero interest in it because I’m from there, but the more I travel, the more I appreciate how gorgeous Ireland is!
By Dave and Deb July 2, 2014 - 9:17 am
So glad we could intrigue you to explore your own backyard, You have a beautiful country.
By Mary @ Green Global Travel June 17, 2014 - 9:27 pm
The photo of the Ha’Penny Bridge is stunning! The various colors in the photo and the mystical reflection of the clouds in the water is spectacular.
By Dave and Deb July 2, 2014 - 10:15 am
Thanks Mary, we had an amazing sunrise that day. So glad we set our alarms and got out of bed!
By Jim Nix June 17, 2014 - 4:22 pm
nicely shot and processed Dave, my fave being sunset at the Cliffs of Moher – I’ve been to Dublin many times and need to find a way to explore more outside of town, there’s obviously a lot more to Ireland than Dublin (though it’s a fine city!)
By Dave and Deb July 2, 2014 - 10:16 am
Yes indeed, there is so much to see in Ireland. We enjoyed Dublin, but we truly loved the Wild Atlantic Way. Can’t wait to visit Northern Ireland in the fall!
By Backpacking Panda June 16, 2014 - 9:10 pm
Wow!! So many amazing places and beautiful photos…Especially I like the one of Ha’Penny Bridge…Beautiful colors!(=
By Dave and Deb July 2, 2014 - 10:17 am
Thank you! Ha’Penny Bridge does make for a great photograph doesn’t it?
By Maria from Nerd Nomads June 15, 2014 - 4:39 am
Wow, amazing photos! Ireland looks soooo beautiful! Will definitely put it on my bucketlist! Did you rent a car and drove around to these places? How many days did you spend in Ireland?
By Dave and Deb June 16, 2014 - 1:02 pm
Hi Maria, yes we rented a car. We spent 2 weeks in Ireland, but I think the WAW requires more time. We’re going back in October and are going to hopefully spend another week on the East Coast after we finish discovering new sights on the West and North of Ireland.
By Dave and Deb July 2, 2014 - 10:22 am
I Maria, I can’t remember if I answered this so apologies if it is a duplicate answer. Yes, we rented a car. It’s really the best way to get around, I can’t imagine doing it on the tour busses that we saw. We spent 2 weeks there, but suggest 3 to really explore the WAW. Although, if you choose just one area, two weeks is perfect.
By noel June 13, 2014 - 2:13 pm
Beautiful, the sunset shots are quite striking
By niamh June 13, 2014 - 12:54 pm
Your pics are amazing….brought a little tear as I rediscovered home all over again! Thanks…
By Dave and Deb July 2, 2014 - 10:24 am
Aw, so glad you liked!
By john smeeth June 13, 2014 - 3:04 am
nice post…….mind refreshing Pictures.I will share it with my friends. and here i want to share, if anyone is in search of adventurous travel then please visit to Kathmandu Guest House with its unbeatable service in Nepal (the country of world 8 highest peak) .
By Elena@Elena's Travelgram June 11, 2014 - 7:11 am
I think I should go searching for cheap tickets 😀 I’ve noticed that the last 3 countries I’ve visited all start with I – Italy, Indonesia, India, so Ireland should definitely be next!
Your pics look gorgeous with this HDR effect!
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:31 am
Oh, you definitely need to add Ireland to your list. You certainly have a trend going on here!
By Michelle June 9, 2014 - 3:05 pm
Lovely photos.
Weirdly, I’m from the UK originally but have never actually gotten to Ireland yet. It’s on my list though, and these photos have just convinced me it should probably be sooner than later 🙂 Thanks.
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:44 am
we’ve found that to be the case with a lot of people from the UK. I think we all make that same mistake of not visiting our own backyard. We almost need to see someone from another country or continent visit it with fresh eyes to become excited about it. I know it’s true for us. It took us going to Ireland to want to visit the East Coast of Canada. We said “I bet the East Coast is similar to this experience” Now we really want to go where as before, it wasn’t on our radar.
By 27 Photos that will make you want to Discover I... June 9, 2014 - 5:02 am
[…] When we drove the Wild Atlantic Way to Discover Ireland we were simply blown away by the views that we saw. From the rugged coastline of Slea Head to the beautiful Loughs of Connemara this was by far the best there was … […]
By Jen Seligmann June 9, 2014 - 3:14 am
I’m convinced! And I wanna go now!!!! Amazing photo’s guys.
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:47 am
Thanks Jen, glad we could convince you!
By Samantha June 8, 2014 - 7:59 pm
Absolutely stunning photos! I visited Ireland when I was 7 years old and have been wanting to go back desperately. These capture the rugged beauty and romance I remember from being there, just gorgeous.
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:48 am
Wow! Lucky you visiting at 7. We saw quite a few families visiting Ireland and it looked like they were having a great time. Your parents obviously gave you the travel bug at an early age.
By KAREN ANDERSON June 8, 2014 - 6:56 pm
Amazing photos, makes me want to get out there and travel….continually!
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:49 am
I know the feeling. We caught the bug and just keep on traveling. It took 10 years to figure out how, but now we finally get to stay on the road.
By Amanda June 8, 2014 - 6:16 pm
These are all sort of incredible!!! If these photos don’t convince people to go to Ireland, nothing will!
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:49 am
Thanks Amanda! Glad you like.
By Emily June 8, 2014 - 9:29 am
The sky looks alive in your photos! Ireland is high up on my list of places to go!
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:51 am
It was high on our list too. We kept saying for years “We have to go to Ireland” During our travels, we always said about places, “I bet this is what Ireland is like” As it turns out, Ireland is completely unique and it’s really not like anywhere on earth. It was a wonderful surprise.
By Katie June 8, 2014 - 7:50 am
Wow.
These are absolutely stunning.
Ireland has kind of been on my list for a while now – especially since my cousins moved there about a year ago. But I think it’s just moved up the list a few places!
Beautiful. Thanks for posting.
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:55 am
Ooh, lucky you! It’s great to have family at a place. It gives you a reason to visit and a chance to experience it in a more authentic way.
By Milena Yordanova June 8, 2014 - 6:09 am
Such beautiful photos! The Kylemore Abbey and Lough Eske Castle look gorgeous. I haven’t been to Ireland yet, but it is certainly on my list.
By Dave and Deb June 12, 2014 - 7:55 am
The Abbey is definitely beautiful. The setting is gorgeous. I hope you make it to Ireland too, it’s wonderfu!