The Wild Atlantic Way is a stunning driving route in the Republic of Ireland. The trail encompasses the West Coast and parts of the North and South Coasts. The route is 2,500 kilometres in total and passes through nine counties. It is possible to complete the whole trail or sections of it. One thing is for sure; you will struggle to find a more beautifully rugged and dramatic coastline elsewhere in the world.
Car hire is available from a large number of locations across
Ireland including all of the major airports and city locations. With so many unique regions and examples of beautiful scenery to visit along the Wild Atlantic Way, it can be hard to know where to begin. Rhino Car Hire has put together this handy guide that helps you discover some of the many highlights along the route, including the best places to hire your car from.
Explore the Northern Headlands: Cool, Rugged, Unexplored
County Donegal’s fantastic coastline is ideally observed from the front seat of your hire car during this fantastic part of the trail. Starting in Muff, County Donegal it is then possible to drive along the western coastline of Lough Foyle to Greencastle. You’ll enjoy superb views of moorlands and the ocean as you continue around the coast to Kinnagoe Bay.
Areas not to be missed:
- Malin Head - a great stopping point to take part in activities including, walking, bird watching or fishing.
- Trawbreaga Bay – a beautiful beach area with large sand dunes and in low tide you may see the wreckage of the ‘Twilight’.
- Ballyhillion Beach – take part in treasure hunting, you may even find one of the area’s precious stones.
- Letterkenny – stop off at the wonderful and idyllic Lisfannon Beach.
- In amongst the Derryveagh Mountains is Glenveagh National Park
- The Village of Carrick and Silverstrand Beach at Malin Beag.
- The breath-taking Sliabh Liag Cliffs
- Donegal Town
Car hire available from: Donegal Airport, Derry Airport, Londonderry or Letterkenny, Donegal County.
Explore the Surf Coast: Wild, Waves, History
Stretching from Donegal Town to the region of Erris this is the rugged and Wild West coast of Ireland. The area is a surfer’s delight and also home to some international surfing events.
Areas not to be missed include:
- Mullaghmore Head – a long sandy beach, perfect for swimming or windsurfing.
- The beach of Strandhill - red gold sands attract visitors looking to relax
- Down Patrick Head, a headland looming above the Atlantic sea and offering spectacular views.
- The main town of Erris is Belmullet – an ideal place to go wild!
Car Hire available from Donegal Airport, Ireland West Airport, Knock
Explore the Bay Coast: Beautiful, Fresh, Green
Spanning a large area from Erris to the popular Connemara, you’ll encounter a huge range of scenery with islets and Islands set off of the bay. There are splendid beaches and Blueway trails suitable for water sports, especially Kayaking.
Areas not to be missed:
- Clew Bay – with 365 islets
- Connemara – with its numerous coves and beaches
- Croagh Patrick Mountain and Twelve Bens range - both attracting walkers to these sacred and historic trails.
- Westport – elegant Georgian buildings
- Galway City – a cultural highlight known as the ‘City of the Tribes’
Car Hire available from: Ireland West Airport, Knock, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport
Explore the Southern Peninsulas: Mountains, walks and views
Travelling around Ireland’s South West is a delight; Kerry meets West Cork and covers an area of outstanding natural beauty. Stop off on your journey to take in the scenery, complete a walking trail or simply admire the coast.
Areas not to be missed:
- Bray Head – showcasing the best views of the Blanket Islands, Skellig Iskands and the wonderful Dingle Peninsula
- Dursley Island – you’ll need to jump in a cable car (the only one in Ireland!)
- Mizen Head – Ireland’s most south westerly point with some great trekking options
Car Hire available from Kerry Airport and Cork Airport
Explore the Haven Coast: Nature, gardens and harbours
The furthest point south on the Wild Atlantic Way will take you from Bantry Bay to Kinsale. The Blue flag beaches are idyllic as are the many hidden coves and inlets. The area is perfect for beach lovers, fishermen and even whale watchers.
Areas not to be missed:
- West Cork – It has a thriving festival scene and superb artisan food.
- Lough Hyne - a marine biologists idea of paradise
- Baltimore Beacon – an iconic emblem of Baltimore
- Galley head – offering a great vantage point overlooking two beaches
Car Hire available from Cork Airport and Cork country.
Wherever you are visiting along the Wild Atlantic Way,
hiring a car with Rhino in Ireland will give you the freedom to explore at a pace that is suitable to you. We have a range of vehicles available from small economy style cars to larger SUVs and people carrier options, and for those wanting a little bit of luxury for their unique road trip then why not hire a convertible car? There are few places better in the world for this degree of scenery with stunning views from your car window at every turn.
Enjoy road trips? Read our blog on the
North Coast 500, Scotlands epic 500 mile highland route.