Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland's Spectacular Coastal Route
The Wild Atlantic Way, 1600 miles (2600 km) in length, is one of the longest defined coastal route in the world. It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north at Malin Head, Co. Donegal down to Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way on the outer edge of Europe stretches along the west coast of Ireland. It goes through the counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry, finishing in the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south. picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south of Ireland.
The Wild Atlantic Way from start to finish unleashes the power and beauty of nature, the roar of the crashing waves of the ocean and its mark on how it has changed and sculpt the west coast of Ireland makes for amazing landscape photography and for those who love nature photography this is paradise and also for a landscape picture of a sunset.
Here are a few videos from the Donegal start on the Wild Atlantic Way.
This is one of my favourite locations I love to visit here in Culdaff, Inishowen, Co. Donegal, Clonca Church ruins and Cross. I was up the other evening with...
The 17th century planter's church ruin at Cloncha is believed to have been built on the foundation of an earlier church associated with a monastic site founded by St Morialagh in the 6th Century. The monastery was one of the most important foundations in the development of Christianity on Inishowen. It's proximity to Carrowmore and another monastic site founded by St Boudan in Culdaff made this area a great seat of skill and learning. Only two high crosses remain - an upright tall cross with one reconstructed cross arm, and the head of another cross. The 10/11th Century tall cross, known as St Boden's Cross, is 3.95 metres high with carving divided into panels. The west face shown left, has two celtic interlace designs with the hermits St Peter and St Paul between them, immediately above the saints are two lions. The east face also features celtic interlace panel and the only sculptural panel has been identified as the miracle of the loaves and fishes. In the same field west of the High Cross, is the head of a 12th century wheel cross lying prostrate with a large base next to it.
The stunning landscape of Ireland in all its diversity with its villages are sleeping along the coast as well as ancient historic monuments Around Donegal you have Donegal castle, Doe castle in Creeslough, Carrickabraghy Castle in Clonmany and the Isle of Doagh. High on the hill overlooking Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland you have Grianan of Aileach in Burt where the ancient high kings of Ireland were crowned.
The wild Atlantic with its ruggedness and wild weather has continuously been shaping the west coast of Ireland. So many great places to visit and stay along your route especially here in Co. Donegal, defiantly plan your visit around these places to see and stay.
Strand hotel Ballyliffin, The Doagh Famine Village, Inishowen Gateway hotel, Central Hotel Donegal, Shandon hotel Donegal, Mill park hotel Donegal, The Downings, Redcastle hotel, Ardara, Abbey hotel Donegal town, you could try Glamping in Donegal at Binion Bay Caravan Park, the Inishowen peninsula and the Inishowen 100, Magees Donegal, Moville and Movilles boutique and hostel, Gateway lodge, Redcastle hotel, Jacksons hotel, Ballybofey, Portnoo, Lough Eske, Greencastle, Killybegs fishing port and harbour, Harvey's point, Kees hotel Stranorlar, Bundoran, The Glenties, Gweedore, enjoy a wild atlantic seaweed bath, Annagry, a trip on the Donegal waterbus, Carrick, Ramelton, Fanad lighthouse, to name just a few amazing places to stay and visit.
From the wind battered Malin Head to the calmness of Kinsale Harbour, immerse yourself in the wilderness of the west coast of Ireland on the world's longest defined coastal touring route. The Wild Atlantic Way is a sensational journey of soaring cliffs and buzzing towns and cities, of hidden beaches and epic bays. So whether you drive it from end-to-end, or dip into it as the mood strikes, it's going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Go Visit Donegal in the beautiful North West of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way touring route. Donegal has three Signature Points of the Wild Atlantic Way including Sliabh Liag, Malin Head and Fanad Head Lighthouse.