The Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches for 2500kms along Irelands western Atlantic Coast from The Old Head of Kinsale to Malin Head in Donegal. Tour includes a transfer from Dublin or Shannon to Kinsale

• For this tour we start in the Heritage town of Kinsale. A small harbour town, its waterfront filled with yachts, narrow streets that ooze history filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and bars.
• Kinsale is also home to Charles Fort a 17th century star shaped fort built during the reign of King Charles II, it has spectacular views over Kinsale town and harbour.
• Kinsale is also the gateway to The Wild Atlantic Way.
• Overnight: Kinsale

• After breakfast we depart Kinsale for Kenmare exploring the magnificent scenery along the way our route will take in some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal features starting with The Old Head of Kinsale. Jutting into the Atlantic, it was just off the headland that RMS Lusitania was sunk in 1915. We continue on to Timoleague and its Franciscan Abbey dating back to 1240. In Clonakilty the birth place of Michael Collins, his legacy has left a lasting impression on the town. Drombeg stone circle a collection of 17 standing stones believed to be over 2000 years old lies further along the road. In Skibbereen a bustling market town a lunch stop in one of its many pubs then on to the heritage centre which tells the story of The Famine in the local area.
• Then on through Bantry Bay and over The Caha Pass dropping into Kenmare.
• Kenmare or in Gaelic Neidin meaning little nest is home for the night.
• Overnight Kenmare

• The Ring of Kerry traces the outline of The Iveragh Peninsula this route covers 175kms of picturesque villages, historic landmarks, mountains, sandy coves & beaches. Driving through Molls Gaps, Ladies View, Killarney National Park stopping at The Kerry Bog Village and say hello to their two Irish Wolfhounds. Travelling further along through the town Cahersiveen birth place to Daniel O’Connell, we will divert of the Ring and take The Skellig Ring with spectacular views of Valentia Island and Skellig Michael a UNESCO World heritage site. The Skelligs comprise of two sandstone rocks jutting out of the Atlantic seven miles off the coast and are a sacred 1300 year old place of pilgrimage. Lunch at The Smugglers Inn in Waterville is a must.
• After lunch we travel over The Coomakista Pass to Derrynane Daniel O’Connell’s summerhouse dating back to 1702. Then back to Kenmare via Sneem and Kenmare Bay
• Overnight Kenmare

• We drive from Kenmare to Castlemaine the gateway to the Dingle peninsula, a quick stroll along Inch strand one of the peninsulas many blue flag beeches and where scenes from Ryan’s Daughter were shot. In Dingle town a great stop for shopping and lunch in one of its pubs.
• Then we continue around Slea Head rich with archaeological sites & history not to mention its spectacular views. One of the most famous landmarks on Dingle is Gallarus Oratory a thousand years old and resembles an upturned boat. Our drive brings us back to Dingle via Ballyferriter and Brandon Creek the starting point of St Brendan’s voyage to America sometime between 512-530AD, a little before Columbus.
• Overnight Dingle

• Today we depart Dingle via The Conor Pass the highest mountain pass on The Wild Atlantic Way, from the top of the pass we can get breath-taking views as far as The Aran Island in Galway and Loop Head in Co Clare.
• The we hug The Atlantic coast on our left and The Sleeve Mish Mountains on our right as we travel along Tralee Bay past Belnnerville Windmill for many men and women their final glimpse of home as they set out across The Atlantic in search of a better life.
• Then We drive back to Dublin/Shannon