Ireland’s coastal routes are undergoing a tourism renaissance thanks to inspired marketing that’s bringing the tourism opportunities to life
Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal route has long been on itineraries, its natural beauty making it one of the world’s most scenic drives.
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches 1,500 miles along Ireland’s dramatic and rugged west coast, from County Donegal in Ireland’s north west, down past Galway, the Cliffs of Moher and the Kerry peninsula to County Cork.
This is a route bordered with awe-inspiring views, stand-out visitor attractions, traditional Irish towns and villages, and a welcome second to none.
The biggest challenge though will be choosing which part of the route to include in a touring itinerary, or to head for with a private group.
Here are just a few of the main attractions along the way.
Malin Head is at the very tip of the Inishowen Peninsula, which is mainland Ireland’s most northerly point. Birds flock to this remote but beautiful place, blown in on the Atlantic winds. About 16km (10 miles) north of the village of Malin is Banba’s Crown, which offers magnificent panoramic views. Banba was one of the mythical queens of Ireland. Banba’s Crown on Malin Head was the spot where loved ones waved goodbye to their families and friends as they set out across the sea on the long voyage to a new life in America.
Fanad Head is a wildly exposed, romantic headland. A walk along the heavily indented coastline, with its magnificent elevated views over the shoreline below, might reveal grey seals bobbing in the sea, pretty coves and powerful waves crashing across the rocks.
The Slieve League Cliffs, on the south west coast of County Donegal, are said to be some of the highest and best examples of marine cliffs in Europe. To many observers, they’re even more majestic than their more famous neighbours to the south, the Cliffs of Moher.
Coaches park at the excellent visitor centre.
Downpatrick Head, 4.8km (three miles) north of Ballycastle Village in County Mayo, is a spectacular headland of great beauty 38 metres (125 feet) above the sea.
Westport House in Mayo is an impressive residence and the current home of the Marquess of Sligo. It was built in the 18th century, on what remained of the foundations of a castle that had belonged to the Irish Pirate Queen of Connacht, Grace O’Malley. In late June each year, the Westport Festival of Food and Music is held in the 400 acre grounds of this national treasure.
Killary Harbour is a picturesque fjord, which forms a natural border between Galway and Mayo, in the heart of Connemara.
Ringed by mountains, the fjord is often speckled with dolphins as they chase migrating salmon during spring and early summer.
With incredible views across the wild Atlantic, the Cliffs of Moher are probably one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations.
They soar 120 metres (393 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag’s Head to their maximum height of 214 metres (702 feet) just north of O’Brien’s Tower.
The Shannon Estuary is home to Ireland’s only resident group of bottlenose dolphins. There are about 160 in total, and with new calves being born this figure is growing every year. You can watch these intelligent, playful creatures in their natural habitat on a guided boat trip.
Towering 218m (715 feet) above sea level is the breathtaking Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the 6th century Christian monks built a remote hermitage on this jagged crag.
Climb the steep steps carved into the rock to the summit, where you’ll find a collection of beehive-shaped monastic retreats. Remarkably well-preserved, these solitary retreats for contemplation were deliberately built as far from civilisation as possible.
It’s a dramatic drive along the north edge of County Cork’s remote Beara Peninsula, with views north and west across the mussel rafts and seal colonies of Kenmare Bay.
The land ends at the Dursey Sound, where you’ll find Ireland’s only cable car sitting high above the sea: the only way to cross to Dursey Island.
A short 10 minute ride will carry you over the waves, and if you like peace and quiet you’ll love Dursey Island, which is free of shops, pubs, and restaurants. There’s a lighthouse, castle ruins, a signal tower, standing stones and the most breath-taking sunsets, locally known as ‘Europe’s last’.
Bantry House, originally called Blackrock, was built in around 1700 on the south side of Bantry Bay, County Cork. Today it is a privately owned stately home offering visitors an exquisite peek into history.
And that’s just a small part of what the island of Ireland has to offer visitors.
- Visit www.ireland.com
