Read on for insider tips from avid traveler Devorah Walker on why any trip to Ireland absolutely must incorporate traversing the incredible gems along Ireland’s west coast.
When most people think of Ireland, the first thought that comes to mind is Dublin. Personally I must say that other than the capital city, Ireland was not on my radar. In fact, my original plan in Ireland was just to visit Dublin for a few days and then head to another European city. Luckily the opportunity to experience Ireland’s west coast came up and thankfully I went for it!
I was blown away by the breathtaking landscaping as well as how welcoming the people were. We strolled through bright and colorful towns and ate some of the best meals I’ve ever had. It’s safe to say that within just a few days, Ireland went from barely being on my radar, to being one of my favorite countries to visit. What truly made the experience so unforgettable was venturing with a guide who offered deep knowledge of the country and gave our explorations an exclusive and authentic touch. After exploring the winding roads along the Wild Atlantic Way, here are my top 7 reasons why Ireland’s west coast is a must-visit:
1. Off the Beaten Path Routes
Cliffs at the Baltimore Beacon
One of the things I loved about Ireland’s west coast was how quiet and practically empty it was in certain areas. Other than a smattering of welcoming locals, I often felt like our small group had the entire region to ourselves. As an avid photographer, this was an especially welcome surprise. To see more tips for photographing this region check out this guide.
We took a scenic drive along the Beara Peninsula offering truly amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean with lush greenery covering the hills. We strolled through the quiet and colorful town of Allihies which reminded me of a set from a Hollywood film it was so picture-perfect!
My personal favorite hidden gem was when we stayed in the far-flung town of Baltimore, and in particular watching the sunset from the cliffs at The Baltimore Beacon. From the village it was a short hike to the top of the hill where I found myself perched on what felt like the edge of the world as the sun descended over the Atlantic.
As we explored western Cork county we also stopped at Drombeg stone circle and Ardgroom stone circle, each dating back thousands of years and offering a glimpse into the hidden secrets of Ireland’s ancient past.
2. Delicious Food
As a food lover, the most pleasant surprise about Ireland was how delicious the different meals were in all of the towns we stopped in. Ireland had never occurred to me as a place for foodies so I really wasn’t expecting much. To my surprise I enjoyed so many tasty plates ranging from fresh seafood and grass-fed beef to freshly baked sweets and even great options for casual pub grub.
The fresh seafood in Ireland was a delicious find.
Some of my favorite restaurants were Grey’s Lane Bistro in Dingle where I loved the salmon dish I ordered, a farm-to-table restaurant in Cork city called Market Lane, fine dining at Mulcahy’s in Kenmare as well as casual eats at The Dingle Pub in Dingle town.
Another favorite pitstop was Dzogchen Beara where we had coffee, hot chocolate and other light refreshments while taking in stunning views of the Beara peninsula coastline in the background.
Also while in Dingle, we were able to stop at the Dingle Distillery to watch how gin is made from scratch from beginning to end. Though I’m not a gin fan, I’m told that for those who are the gin & tonics in this region are extremely hard to top!
3. Authentic Irish culture
For me Ireland redefined the phrase ‘authentic experience’, so often thrown around by travelers. While visiting certain towns I really felt like I lived there and found myself enjoying day-to-day things a local would, openly welcomed by all as I explored. I went shopping for winter clothes in Dingle which had a large variety of shops to choose from.
Yew tree in the Muckross Abbey central courtyard.
I also experienced the night scene and went pub hopping and even enjoyed live Trad music at Tig Bhric West Kerry Brewery located in what seemed like the middle of nowhere on the edge of the Dingle peninsula. Daltons in Kinsale and Crowleys in Kenmare are also authentic pubs great for frequent live music so when you’re there be sure to drop in, grab a pint and enjoy these wonderful towns like the locals do.
The authenticity continued even when we visited the popular Killarney National Park as our guide brought us to a special treat, exploring the stone passages of Muckross Abbey. Dating back to the 1400’s these well preserved ruins contain a beautiful open courtyard with an ancient yew tree growing in the center. The best part was we got to admire all of it with practically no one else around.
Another authentic experience I really enjoyed was when we got to watch two sheepdogs in their element as a local farmer called out various commands (in English and in Irish) and the dogs and farmer worked together to corral sheep in a sunny field along the Dingle peninsula.
4. Scenes from The Big Screen
For some reason it’s always a satisfying feeling to visit a place where a popular movie was filmed, especially one that you grew up watching. When visiting Ireland’s Atlantic coast a highlight is the Slea Head drive and other roads out on the far reaches of the Dingle peninsula. Of course the allure of this dramatic coastline is only amplified by the fact that scenes from one of Hollywood’s biggest movie series were filmed there: Star Wars. Avid fans will recognize scenes from The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens that were shot throughout the western reaches of the Dingle Peninsula.
Dingle Peninsula
Another top location for a huge Hollywood film is the Cliffs of Moher. Known for jaw-dropping views, these impressive cliffs are one of the top tourist attractions in Ireland, and you can also spot them featured as the Cliffs of Insanity in The Princess Bride and in the household favorite Harry Potter (and the Half Blood Prince).
5. awe-inspiring Nature
If you’re a lover of nature and lush greenery, Ireland will blow you away. This country has some of the most gorgeous landscapes I’ve ever seen. Whether you’d rather a hike, a light walking trail, or just park yourself on a bench with expansive views while enjoying the sounds of nature, you can do all of the above in quite a few locations starting with the trails and waterfalls of Killarney National Park.
Silver Strand beach, Sherkin Island
For a more intimate experience with less tourists you can visit Gleninchaquin Park which is a private family owned park with a beautiful waterfall that greets you as soon as you walk in. Although I enjoy a good hike here and there, this park put me in a more tranquil state and inspired me to take a quiet stroll along one of the walking trails which led me to the perfect rock to perch upon and take in the beautiful scenery.
With a waterfall tumbling down black rock and creating a small stream that cut through electric green fields with a scattering of sheep grazing, it was the perfect stop to relax and recharge.
As someone who also enjoys the sights and sounds of the beach, I loved visiting Silver Strand beach located on Sherkin Island and Clogher Head beach on the Dingle Peninsula. The weather was far from the ideal beach holiday, but I found it to be very peaceful and serene to watch the waves of the Atlantic crash against the rocks.
6. bucketlist Attractions
Just like any other travel experience, it can be very worthwhile to see some of the popular tourist attractions that drive countless people to these destinations in the first place. In addition to the imposing Cliffs of Moher mentioned above, another popular spot in Ireland is Blarney Castle in Cork which is home to the Blarney stone. Many people venture here solely for the purpose of kissing the Blarney stone because stories say that the kisser will leave with the gift of gab. However, it’s worth giving yourself much more time to explore this destination as it’s easy to get away from the crowds and get lost exploring the expansive gardens and walking trails in the surrounding grounds. (See more of our tips on site-seeing and planning your perfect Irish adventure!)
Ross Castle in Killarney National Park
Another popular stop we made along the way was to visit Ross Castle in Killarney National Park. This well-preserved castle situated in a picture-perfect location along the shores of Lough Leane dates back to the 15th century.
The guided tours are the only way to explore the interior and tickets can not be purchased in advance so be sure to call ahead and arrive at a strategic time to partake in the fascinating tour that offers a peek into medieval life.
All along the Wild Atlantic Way you will find an extensive amount of castles and forts with interesting historical facts and myths surrounding all of them.
7. Eco experiences
For responsible travelers keen to explore in a sustainable way and delve into the region’s unique eco-practices, there are plenty of options. One such stop is visiting Irish Seed Savers in the rural hills of east County Clare. While not exactly along the coast, this non profit organization is well worth the visit.
Touring the orchard at Irish Seed Savers
Dedicated to preserving Ireland’s heritage seeds and agricultural heritage, promoting bio-diversity, and teaching sustainability practices, Irish Seed Savers also boasts an incredible apple orchard with impressive varieties.
When you visit you’ll have the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens on a guided tour and even taste freshly pressed apple juice and local apples if your visit is during harvest season.
Another option for a unique eco experience in County Clare is the Wild Kitchen Foraging Walk that begins in Lahinch. During this 2 hour walking experience, you’ll be amazed at the wide variety of plants & seaweeds you can find easily around you, each with uniquely delicious flavors. Your guide Oonagh may even bring along some fresh haw jelly from a hawthorn tree and her homemade elderflower champagne.
All in all, the west coast of Ireland was an epic travel experience. From the amazing food, to the jaw dropping landscapes, the authenticity of the local towns, and visiting world famous landmarks, there is no reason why this region of Ireland shouldn’t be at the top of your travel list. See more tips and insight from my travels here.
Check out all the details and dates for our next departures to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!
Read more about Ireland on the blog
Feeling the urge to hop across the pond and experience the lush green hills, the charming accents and the fish and chips in the lucky land of Ireland? If you are, you’re definitely not alone. The Isle of Ireland is not one of the popular European destinations without reason. The views are stunning, the people are inviting, the music is jovial, and the beer is dark and stout.