The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2500km motor route along the Atlantic coast of Ireland. Choosing where to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to help you choose the best accommodation. There are hundreds of choices for accommodation along this epic road trip way ranging from hostels and B&Bs for as little as €20 a night to five-star resorts costing several hundreds of Euros per evening.
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Wild Atlantic Way Accommodation
We had the chance to sample a wide variety of Wild Atlantic Way accommodations from hotels and farmhouses to castles and boutique hotels. For more information on the WAW – Get your hard copy of the Wild Atlantic Way Route Atlas
Of course, we can’t cover everywhere to stay on the Wild Atlantic Way. We’re only two people. So if you have some suggestions, please feel free to leave a link and suggestion in the comments.
When planning our trip up the coast starting in Dublin, working our way across the country and up the coast. We made sure to plan a route that included all types of accommodation fitting all types of budgets.
The glorious thing about the world’s longest-defined coast touring route is that there is something for everyone including camping. So no matter what your budget is, you can enjoy it as we did.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, here are Dave and Deb’s suggestions for Where to Stay on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Best Places to Stay on the Wild Atlantic Way
We made our way up Ireland’s coast from South to North beginning in County Cork. So let’s start there.
Stanely Guest House – Cork County
The Stanley House Guest House is located in Schull, West Cork. It has a spectacular view of the sea and is a pleasant and quiet setting on a hill.
It makes for a good base when exploring Cork with Mizen Head just a short drive away.
We only had one night at the guest house, but another couple had booked their stay for two weeks while they explored the surrounding area.
The Moorings – County Kerry
The Moorings is located in County Kerry, the Moorings is an excellent spot to base yourself for a trip to the Skellig Islands.
It’s located just off the Ring of Kerry, so you can stay here and do day trips around the ring and make your way back in time for dinner at the restaurant. Owner Gerard is welcoming, friendly and passionate about his area.
He and his wife Patricia own the hotel, but also the restaurant and adjoining pub, as well as a gift shop.
There’s local traditional music in the Bridge Bar and in the summertime across the street, they have storytelling about the history of this fishing village and the Skellig Islands.
Benners Hotel – Dingle
Dingle Benners Hotel is located in the town of Dingle and it was a place we could have stayed for days.
Its charming old world feel is exactly what you’d expect of the Wild Atlantic Way and Dingle Benners is the place to stay.
This historic hotel is located in the heart of town and is one of the most luxurious in the area. It’s also the oldest hotel in town and it is filled with old photographs and artifacts transporting you back in time.
Doonegore Farmhouse – County Clare
Doonegore Farm House is located in County Clare just a short drive down the road from the Cliffs of Moher.
Owned by Pat Sweeney, this farm is the place to stay if you want to explore Ireland’s most famous sea cliffs. Pat runs daily walks from the town of Doolin to the cliffs. The farm is a working farm run by Pat and his wife Mary.
At breakfast, you may have the opportunity to meet his well-mannered kids.
His son was setting out to work for the day and we were impressed with his confidence and respect for visitors and his family. We don’t see such well behaved kids these days so kudos to the Sweeney’s.
Dolphin Beach House – County Galway
Dolphin Beach House is located near the town of Clifden in Connemara and is an s an excellent spot to unwind and relax.
It’s another perfect place to base yourself on the Wild Atlantic Way. Nearby you can explore Killary Harbour, Kylemore Abbey, The Clifden Castle Walk and the Sky Road Loop.
Dolphin Beach House is comfortable and modern but is also has a homey and welcoming feel set directly on the sea, you can spend hours walking along the 14 km of rugged coast or relaxing in the quiet garden.
G Hotel Galway
Located in the city of Galway the G-Hotel was as modern and chic as it gets on the Wild Atlantic Way. It was Easter Sunday when we checked into the G-Hotel so there wasn’t much open to exploring in the city that day. If there was one time when we were grateful for not having to explore, it was today.
We were so happy to relax in luxury and bask in the opulence of our room. Our favourite part of the hotel was all the different colored dining rooms themed for different experiences to enjoy high tea.
Pier House – Aran Islands
Pier House on the Aran Islands is a must-stop on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Pier House is a good choice for Inishmore. It’s located right at the ferry pier, or it’s a €5 return ride from the airport. They’ll drop you off and pick you up any day you wish to catch your return flight back to the mainland.
You can rent bicycles across the street and they can take you anywhere you want around the island.
Westport Plaza Hotel – County Mayo
Westport Plaza Hotel is located in the town of Westport in County Mayo, the Westport Plaza Hotel is a good family spot in the centre of the city.
It’s located in a courtyard with several restaurants to choose from. There’s a spa and the rooms are well appointed and cozy with jacuzzi tubs and interactive TV.
Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel – County Donegal
There are many opportunities to stay in a castle on the Wild Atlantic Way and we got our chance at the Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel in County Donegal.
Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel is an award-winning hotel that has the honour of being named Ireland’s best hotel, it has claimed the world’s luxury hotel award, and it’s been recognized as one of the world’s best castle hotels.
Dinner was to die for and rooms were so luxurious, you’ll never want to leave. If you are going to stay in a castle, this is the place to be.
Arnolds Hotel Dunfanaghy
Located in the town of Dunfanaghy, Arnolds Hotel – Dunfanaghy is the place to stay for your Northern Wild Atlantic Way experience.
From here you can easily drive to Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland but also other lookouts such as Slieve League, Fananhead and Hornhead.
There are so many scenic lookouts in the area, you’ll need days to explore. Arnold’s is a great spot with a down-home feel.
The front of house is friendly and informative and happy to help if you need any suggestions.
Everyone’s Friendly on the Wild Atlantic Way
To help plan your route, get The Wild Atlantic Way Road Atlas on Amazon – $12.41
An ongoing theme we noticed at all accommodation on the Wild Atlantic Way was how friendly everyone was.
It didn’t matter if it was a farmhouse or a castle, everyone was down to earth, welcoming and just plain nice. Irish hospitality is alive and well.
Everyone goes out of their way to make sure your stay is a good one and everyone takes pride in their corner of the country.
They know it inside out and are happy to share a story or some tips on where to go and what to see.
No matter where you stay, I know you won’t be disappointed. So get yourself to the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s like nowhere else on earth.
Do you have any suggestions for Wild Atlantic way Accommodation?
Leave your tips in the comments below.
Foyleside Caravan Park in Quigley’s Point on the Inishowen Peninsula (near Malin Head) charges €15 per night for a tent and has all the facilities you would want, perfect convenient location along the Foyle.
Great base for a tour into Derry city or hopping across on ferry from Greencastle to Giants Causeway and Antrim coastline in. Northern Ireland
Great photos and good to hear that visitors still think Irish hospitality is still alive. Living in Ireland I have done lots of the Atlantic Way in small parts but I must take a few weeks off to do the whole epic journey.
Ireland has been on my bucket list since I watched a film with Hilary Buff. It was an Irish love story so it was!
Never been in Ireland before.. I bet it’s a must.. Great pics Dave.. 😉
I love the silver ball chandelier. It’s very chick and modern.
I think Galway has the missguided reputation as being a bit of a stag party destination in Ireland. Sure it does have a few however that shouldn’t be what this amazing city is known for. It has heaps of character and is definitely well well worth a visit!
The Solis Lough Eske Castle was a great place to stay. My cousin actually had her wedding reception there, and I was upgraded to the Presidential Suite! I wrote a whole post on it.
My absolute favorite B&B was in Letterkenny at Oaklands B&B. The owners were super friendly and resourceful. They also had a man-cave like area they invited us to drink with them in! I was traveling with my parents, so we mainly stayed at B&Bs. Here is a post on why B&Bs are a great place to consider when traveling Ireland, which also includes that B&Bs we stayed in. http://www.angelatravels.com/2013/10/reasons-stay-bed-breakfast-ireland/
I would also definitely recommend anywhere in West Cork, Schull as you mentioned is fabulous but I would also recommend Baltimore, Glandore and night time kayaking on Lough Ine where you can see the bio luminesence. There are also plenty of hotels in West Cork to stay in along the way too. Definitely one of my favourites! Great post!
Book a luxury holiday at Belmullet Coastguard Station on Claggan Island, Co Mayo. The beautiful accommodation is steeped in history & offers spectacular views of the Mullet Peninsula. Set in the heart of Howard’s farm it is truly a hidden gem.
If you would like to experience an eco certified natura beach camping experience on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Cifden ecoCampsite is the place for you. Enjoy the vast natural beauty, sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, cosy campfires, under a star friendly sky.