Wild Atlantic Way Northern Headlands & Surf Coast

The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal driving route in the world, with a spellbinding mix of exhilarating ocean panoramas and enchanting little villages. Following Ireland’s Atlantic coast, this colossal 2,500km route weaves around wave-lashed peninsulas and through chestnut-coloured bog.  It stuns with soaring sea cliffs and castle ruins.  From moments of quiet beauty on golden beaches to thrilling moments in traditional music pubs, here’s how to experience the Wild Atlantic Way.

Named “Coolest place on the planet for 2017” by National Geographic Traveller, Donegal is a remote and captivating county in the north-west corner of Ireland. It’s also the starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way.  Deserted shores and pristine sands mix with craggy cliffs, isolated lighthouses and some of the best seafood restaurants on the island.  This incredible tour takes in the great wilderness of the Inishowen Peninsula before striking out along the epic northwest coastline towards Sligo and Leitrim and into the desolate beauty of County Mayo.

Please Note:  This is a sample itinerary to offer suggestions and ideas for planning trips, you can contact your local Tourism Ireland representative for further information.  Any mention of specific product on this itinerary is meant to be used only as an example and does not represent an endorsement of that product by Tourism Ireland.

Nearest airports: Belfast International Airport, Ireland West Airport Knock, Dublin Airport
Total distance: Approximately 580km
Number of days: 5 (tour can be customised to 2, 3 and 4 days, as required)

Day 1

Distance:  Approximately 150km

Morning

Sitting at the most northerly point of Ireland, Malin Head’s unspoiled landscape is renowned for its weather-beaten beauty, thriving birdlife and ancient sites.  At its very tip is Banba’s Crown (named after a mythical goddess of Ireland), with a tower that was built by the British Admiralty in 1805 to guard against a possible French invasion.  Views stretch out in all directions and take in the rolling hills of Inishowen, Fanad Head and the distant island of Inishtrahull, which boasts Ireland’s most northerly lighthouse.  And you can look out for Malin Head in Star Wars: Episode VIII – it was used as a filming location for the latest blockbusting space adventure.  From Easter to September, a fabulous little coffee shop Caffe Banba sets up in the car park, with sandwiches, wraps, pies, soups, stews and coffee.

Sweeping around the coast, the road winds around Dunree Head and through the town of Buncrana, on the edge of Lough Swilly.  There’s an option to stop in Buncrana to visit the Amazing Grace Viewing Platform, which explains about the local area’s connection to the famous hymn.
Next stop is Grianán of Aileach.  Perched on a hilltop 250 metres above sea level, the origins of this stone fort date back thousands of years, and it was the seat of the high kings from the 5^th to the 12^th century.  The fort is open to visitors during the summer months, and there is ample parking available.  

Lunch

Lunch in the Old Church Restaurant or the Fort Bar and Lounge at An Grianán Hotel.

Afternoon

Fanad Head is calling – this exposed headland is a haven for wildlife and is tipped by a stately-looking lighthouse, which has been safeguarding seafarers since 1817.  Take the tour and you will be brought back in time with stories of lightkeepers and navigational aids, while a climb to the top reveals remarkable views of the surrounding sea and landscapes. For groups of more than 15, tours can be arranged in advance by calling: +353 83 809 1199 or emailing info@fanadlighthouse.com

Evening

Overnight at Arnolds Hotel Dunfanaghy, overlooking Sheephaven Bay.

Day 2

Distance: Approximately 80km

Morning

The majestic Glenveagh National Park awaits – a Special Area of Conservation within 16,000 hectares of untamed landscape.  On the shores of Lough Veagh sits the entrancing Glenveagh Castle, a 19^th century gem that was inspired by the Victorian idea of a romantic Highland retreat.  Access to the castle is by guided tour only; email glenveaghbookings@ahg.gov.ie  
Beside the castle and sheltered from the elements are the gardens, considered to be among the finest horticultural masterpieces on the island of Ireland. Glenveagh National Park also boasts an abundance of gentle walking trails, such as the 1km View Point Trail.

Lunch

The Glenveagh Restaurant in the visitor centre offers salads, hot dishes and home baking.  For group bookings, email bookings@glenveaghtearooms.com

Afternoon

A drive around the dramatic headland known as the Bloody Foreland reveals a landscape that really puts the wild in Wild Atlantic Way.  Stop at the Cnoc Fola Discovery Point to enjoy views that stretch out over the rugged coastline and across to three islands. 

Evening

Overnight at the Waterfront Hotel in Dungloe.

Day 3

Distance:  Approximately 110km

Morning

Right in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region) on a scenic hill overlooking a secluded bay is the Glencolmcille Folk Village, a compelling thatched-roof replica of a traditional rural Irish village.  Take a guided tour among the small clutch of cottages here and the realities of life in this starkly beautiful part of the island are brilliantly brought to life.  The tea house is open for home baking, soup and sandwiches and can be booked ahead for larger groups.

Lunch

The Cook’s Pantry at the Slieve League Lodge can accommodate groups with a menu that offers hot dishes, snacks and salads.  To book, contact cookspantrycama@outlook.com or telephone +353 74 97 399 73.

Afternoon

A highlight of any visit to Donegal are the Slieve League cliffs, among the highest sea cliffs in Europe at 601m.  From the designated viewing points, an astounding panorama opens up – on a clear day you can see right across to Sligo and Leitrim, and all the way to the mountains of the Mayo coast.
At the Slieve League Cliffs Centre, local crafts and knitwear are available to purchase, while the Tí Linn Café offers light refreshments.

As the road meanders towards Donegal town, stop off at Studio Donegal in Kilcar to watch the weavers and spinners of Donegal’s famous tweed at work.

Evening

Overnight at the Abbey Hotel in the heart of Donegal town.

Day 4

Morning

Distance:  Approximately 94km

Sculpted over millennia, the wave-beaten landscapes around southern Donegal speak of churning Atlantic storms and raging waves.  These huge swells have caught the attention of the world’s top big-wave surfers, who frequently come here to test their skills against nature at its most untamed.  A little further down the coast, great stop-off is the tiny village of Mullaghmore in County Sligo, overlooked by Ben Benben, Ireland’s “table mountain”.  A gentle half-hour walk leads to the privately owned Classiebawn Castle.

Lunch

The tea rooms at the 19^th century Greek-Revivalist Lissadell House in County Sligo make a delightful place to stop for lunch, which can be combined with a tour of the house and the gardens.

Afternoon

With Benbulben Mountain at its back, the small church at Drumcliff is a fitting burial place of Ireland’s famous poet, WB Yeats.  Slightly inland, the Glencar Waterfall has a beauty that so impressed Yeats, he included it in his poem The Stolen Child.  Tumbling 15m to the lake below, the waterfall is reached by an idyllic walk through deep woods.

Evening

The Great Southern Hotel in Sligo makes a good choice in a town that’s filled with traditional pubs and restaurants.

Day 5

Distance: Approximately 146km

Morning

Downpatrick Head stands nearly 40m above the sea, with unparalleled views over the waves and out towards the Stagg Islands.  The cliffs were once connected to the Dún Briste (Broken Fort) sea stack by a rocky arch, which collapsed in to the sea in the 14th century.  Rich in flora and fauna, especially nesting sea birds, Downpatrick is where St Patrick chose to establish a church.  Today, pilgrims travel from all over the world to visit the holy well and stone cross that mark this land. Parking is available at the entrance.

Lunch

At Céide Fields visitor centre.

Afternoon

Within the boglands of North Mayo lies the exceptional 6,000-year-old landscape of Céide Fields – the oldest known stone-walled field system in the world.  The award-winning visitor centre sits next to fascinating cliff and rock formations and includes a viewing platform and AV presentation. Guided tours for a maximum of 40 are available.

Evening

If you’re just exploring the Northern Headlands and the Surf Coast, return to airport.  If you’re continuing on your Wild Atlantic Way journey, overnight at the Broadhaven Bay Hotel in Belmullet.

Want to use this tour?

This is a sample itinerary to offer suggestions and ideas for planning trips. You can contact your local Tourism Ireland representative here for further information.  Please note, any mention of specific product on this itinerary is meant to be used only as an example and does not represent an endorsement of that product by Tourism Ireland.