Wild Atlantic Way facts for kids

The Wild Atlantic Way (Irish: Slí an Atlantaigh Fhiáin) is an amazing road trip along the west coast of Ireland. It also covers parts of the north and south coasts. This special route is about 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) long!

Imagine driving from the very top of Ireland, the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, all the way down to Kinsale, County Cork, in the south. That's the Wild Atlantic Way! It goes through nine different counties and three big regions called provinces.

The route is split into five main parts:

• From County Donegal
• From County Donegal to County Mayo
• From County Mayo to County Clare
• From County Clare to County Kerry
• From County Kerry to County Cork

Along this incredible journey, you can find 157 special "discovery points," over 1,000 attractions, and more than 2,500 fun activities! The Wild Atlantic Way was officially opened in 2014 by Michael Ring, who was a government minister at the time.

View of Skellig Michael, an island off the coast of south County Kerry

Amazing Places to See

The Wild Atlantic Way is packed with incredible sights and fun activities. Let's explore some of the highlights!

The North West: Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo

This northern part of the route is full of dramatic landscapes and history.

• Malin Head is the most northerly point in all of Ireland. It's a great place to feel like you're at the very edge of the world!
• The Slieve League cliffs in County Donegal are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. They are super tall and offer amazing views of the ocean.
• Bundoran is a town popular with surfers. If you love waves, this is a cool spot to visit.
• You can also find the site of Spanish Armada shipwrecks at Streedagh Beach. Imagine old ships from hundreds of years ago!
• Grianán of Aileach (Greenan Fort) is an ancient stone fort with a rich history.

Slieve League, on the south-west coast of County Donegal in Ulster

The West: Mayo and Galway

Moving south, the west coast offers stunning islands and unique natural wonders.

• The Céide Fields are ancient stone walls and fields hidden under peat bogs. They are over 5,000 years old!
• Achill Island is Ireland's largest island. It's connected to the mainland by a bridge and has beautiful beaches.
• Croagh Patrick is a famous mountain that many people climb. It has amazing views from the top.
• Killary Harbour is Ireland's only fjord, which is a long, narrow inlet of the sea between high cliffs. It's a beautiful place for boat trips.
• The Oileáin Árann (Aran Islands) are three unique islands where people still speak Irish. You can get there by ferry or even a small plane.

Sheep in a paddock by the Great Western Greenway near Mulranny. November 2014

The Mid West: Clare and Limerick

This section is famous for its incredible rock formations and wildlife.

• The Burren is a special place with a unique rocky landscape. It looks like the surface of the moon in some parts, but it's full of rare plants.
• The Cliffs of Moher are probably the most famous cliffs in Ireland. They are huge and dramatic, rising straight out of the Atlantic Ocean. You can even walk along the Doolin Cliff Walk for different views.
• Loop Head is a beautiful peninsula with a lighthouse at its tip.
• The Shannon Estuary is home to a group of wild dolphins! You might even be able to go on a boat trip to see them.

The South West: Kerry and Cork

The southernmost part of the Wild Atlantic Way is known for its rugged peninsulas and charming islands.

• The Beara Peninsula is home to Allihies and its Copper Mine Museum, where you can learn about old mining history.
• The Great Blasket Island has ruined cottages and a visitor center where you can learn about the islanders who used to live there.
• Dingle is Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht town, meaning most people there speak Irish. It's also famous for its friendly dolphin, Fungie, who used to live in the bay.
• The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre tells you all about the amazing Skellig Islands, including Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an ancient monastery.
• Dursey Island is special because you can reach it by Ireland’s only cable car! It's one of seven islands in West Cork where people live.
• Mizen Head is Ireland's southernmost point. From here, you can see the famous Fastnet Rock and Lighthouse out in the sea.
• Sheep's Head peninsula is a great place for walking and cycling, known for its beautiful trails.

Cliffs in West County Kerry

See also

In Spanish: Wild Atlantic Way para niños