Some of the best Christmas moments captured through a lens
The most northerly point in Ireland, visit Malin Head in Co. Donegal to see the dramatic coastline. On a clear weather day, you might just spy the Scottish Hills across the Atlantic.
Pay a visit to the ancient ring fort on the Inishowen Peninsula, Grianán of Aileach, which dates back over 4,000 years.
Wedged between Lough Swilly and Mulroy Bay in County Donegal, Fanad Lighthouse dates back to 1817 and has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.
Extending over 16,000 hectares of the Donegal wilderness, Glenveagh National Park is the perfect place to stop for a hike, with both moderate and more strenuous routes to choose from.
The highest sea cliffs in Ireland, it's a must-visit to Slieve League to see the epic panorama first-hand. It's one of the most Instagram-worthy spots along the Way.
Stop at the highest point in Co. Donegal, the breathtaking Mount Errigal. Made of quartzite rock, a rose glow appears against the light reflection of the setting sun in the evening.
The "lake of the fish," a mythical castle stands next to Lough Eske, the historic seat of the O'Donnell family that dates back to the 1400s.
This beach with stunning views is a favorite with local residents and tourists alike. It's also one of the best surfing beaches in Ireland.
Offering vast vistas of Sligo's backdrop scenery, Strandhill boasts a number of walking routes where you can take in the salty ocean air and magnificent views.
Regarded as one of the best surfing beaches in the world, stroll the sands of Mullaghmore before exploring the imposing Cassiebawn Castle that keeps a vigil over the headland.
The imposing Benbulben is a famous, table-shaped mountain in Co. Sligo. Due to its elevation, it contains unique flora not found elsewhere on the island.
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Lough Gill, where you will find serene walking trails among hazelwood forests, rich with a sense of folkloric charm.
Famous for its literary heritage, notably due to local poet W.B. Yeats, Sligo town is home to a medieval abbey, a busy contemporary arts center, and an up-and-coming food scene.
The spectacular sea stack at Downpatrick Head rises 126 feet (38 meters) above sea level and has become entwined in local stories and legends.
The scene of rugged rock and lush green fields, you might never guess that below ground exists one of the oldest (and most extensive) Stone Age megalithic tombs. Vist the award-winning visitor center on the site to learn more about the Céide Fields.
A hidden paradise awaits at Keem Bay on Achill Island. Here you can surf, kayak, swim, snorkel, or abseil—weather permitting!
A hidden gem, Silver Strand is a remote stretch of picturesque beach surrounded by high sand dunes and crystal clear waters.
Enchanting woods, majestic mountains, and sprawling grasslands are set across 3,000 hectares of land at the Connemara National Park, in Co. Galway.
The Baronial Castle, Neo-Gothic church, and Walled Garden of Kylemore Abbey were originally built by Mitchell Henry, as a romantic gift to his wife Margaret.
Take a beat off the coastal trail to see the beautiful valley of Lough Inagh, which translates to the "lake of the place of ivy." Salmon and trout swim in the waters which are considered sacred to fishermen.
Running through the center of the Connemara National Park, the Twelve Bens, also known as the Twelve Pins, are a set of peaks accessible from the village of Letterfrack that sits on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ireland's only fjord, spend time seal-spotting at Killary Harbour, where you can fish, kayak, or hike. The harbor is also home to whales, dolphins, and eels.
A great place to enjoy the slower pace of life, Inishbofin Island is home to local establishments where traditional Irish music is played and fresh seafood is served.
A lively town at the water's edge, Clifden is the largest urban center in Connemara. It's a wonderful pitstop where you can find souvenirs, shopping, and fine dining.
As the name suggests, this elevated, panoramic road just outside Clifden offers superb views of the town and the coastal hinterland.
A charming, waterfront fishing village, Roundstone in Co. Galway is home to numerous craft, pottery, and artisan shops worth visiting.
Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay are two white sand beaches located back-to-back outside Roundstone. Interspersed by a sand spit, the bays are popular for swimming and windsurfing.
A place of crystal waters and unique beauty, Coral Beach in Mannin Bay is filled with a type of coralline algae called maerl. Over time, the maerl breaks off into fragments, giving a pinkish hue visible from above water.
Featuring a distinct limestone landscape, these three offshore islands are the site of several monasteries and a preserved, prehistoric hill fort called Dún Aonghasa.
Set outside the fishing village of Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle was built in the 16th century by the O'Hynes clan. It was the seat of the legendary King Guaire of Connaught, known for his hospitality.
The karstic limestone landscape in the Burren, Co. Clare, has been compared to the surface of the moon. The region is internationally recognized and contains a unique combination of flora.
One of Ireland's most famous dolmens, dating back 5,800 years, Pounabrone is a must-see if you're exploring the Burren area.
One of the best villages to visit on the Wild Atlantic Way, pretty Doolin is bursting with life and traditional Irish music. You can catch ferries from here to the Aran Islands too!
The Aillwee Cave is situated in the heart of the Burren, a dramatic underground world of stalactites and stalagmites open to visitors.
Featuring fantastic cliffs, that are free to visit, Loop Head is a remote and refreshing stop along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The site of a monastery dating back to the 6th century, Inishkeel Island is a tiny tidal island off the Donegal coast, accessible at low tide from the mainland village of Narin.
Two ships of the Spanish Armada were wrecked here in 1588, leading to the origin of the village's namesake. Today it's home to a stunning, blue-flag beach and scene-stealing sunsets.
The awesome crescent-shaped beach at Lahinch in Co. Clare is one of the most famous surfing spots in Ireland. This Liscannor Bay town is also home to a sprawling golf course.
A small village on the shores of Galway Bay, Ballyvaughan offers plenty of activities such as rock climbing, walking, kayaking, and angling, as well as a place to rest your head for the night.
One of the enduring symbols of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher need to be seen in real life to appreciate their scale. These impressive landmarks have served as an inspiration to artists throughout history.
A sheltered beach on the coast of Co. Kerry, Derrynane is said to be one of the best in Ireland and one of the cleanest in the world!
The site where the first transatlantic cables were laid connecting Europe to North America by telegraph, Valentia Island has a rich history. It also offers visitors a Skellig experience.
Wild and windswept dunes await at Inch Beach, and surfing for those brave enough to take on the chilly Atlantic waters!
The vibrant town of Dingle awaits visitors to the Peninsula of the same name, where you can also find the gateway to explore the Blasket Islands.
Take one of the Heritage Loop walks in historic Bantry, West Cork. Then sample this harbor town's world-famous mussels before you get back on the road.
Situated on the southern tip of Ireland, Baltimore in West Cork has its own local landmark, the Beacon—a white-painted signal tower—found at the entrance to the town's harbor. Apparently, if you make a wish and walk around it three times, it'll come true...
Ireland's most south-westerly point, the treacherous and powerful waves at Mizen Head demonstrate the "wild" in Wild Atlantic Way. Cross the reinforced steel bridge between the cliffs, if you dare!
Not for the faint-hearted, the Beara Peninsula is filled with hairpin bends on the approach to a breathtaking drop between the Caha Mountains, known as the Healy Pass.
Located in the glen between the Caha Mountains and Bantry Bay, Glengarriff is a picture-perfect paradise. From here you can also take a ferry to the lush surrounds of Garnish Island.
The Sheep's Head Way is a 54-mile (88 km) walking trail through the Sheep's Head Peninsula. Take the lighthouse loop to enjoy unrivaled scenery at this low-key location.
A creative hub painted in a kaleidoscope of color awaits visitors to Kinsale. The town is famous for being a foodie haven, hosting its very own Food Festival, as well as a Literature and Jazz Festival each year.
Sources: (The Wild Atlantic Way) (Ireland.com) (Discover Ireland) (All Around Ireland) (Visit Clare) (Galway Tourism) (Megalithic Parks)
See also: What's the craic? Ireland's culture and traditions
Colorful Kenmare is set at the head of the sea, with a dramatic scenic backdrop. It's also a wonderful place to explore the Killarney National Park if you want to take a worthwhile detour off the Wild Atlantic Way.
Ireland's only cable car connects the Beara Peninsula to Dursey Island, an off-grid home to dolphins, birds, and whales.
Ballybunion Castle stands overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the cliffs above the beach, a great place to take a walk. Down below, explore caves or take a cleansing dip in the area's Seaweed Baths.
The Slea Head drive in Co. Kerry is known as being one of the most spectacular drives in the entire country. But make sure to drive around it clockwise: you don't want to encounter an oncoming bus on this narrow route!
If you're looking for a pitstop on your travels, try Tralee. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants, and cafes to be found in this market town.
One of the most iconic viewing points on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Connor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland.
Now uninhabited, the Blasket Islands have a rich cultural and historical significance. A Special Area of Conservation, the Great Blasket Island is home to a variety of wildlife.
Medieval, cobbled streets and the bustle of busy shops, pubs, and cafes, not to mention a thriving arts scene: Galway has it all! Many festivals take place here throughout the year.
A little off-piste, the village of Lisdoonvarna is just a short car journey from Doolin and is home to a historic spa, where the waters are said to have "healing" properties.
A route of epic scenery, Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way covers 1,600 miles (2,600 km), of rugged ocean coast. Its length makes it one of the world's largest defined coastal routes, through the diverse flora and fauna of the Emerald Isle's Atlantic seaboard; punctuated in parts by a stark lunar landscape of limestone, in others by cute and colorful towns and villages. The windswept western periphery of the island, no stranger to storm-force tides, has a distinctive, untamed shoreline. From the most northern point, Malin Head in Co. Donegal, to the most southerly point, Mizen Head in Co. Cork, you will encounter mythic sites, and nature at its most raw and beautiful.
Intrigued? Click through the gallery to discover the places you must see along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way.
Unmissable stops along Ireland's stunning Wild Atlantic Way
Don't forget to pack an umbrella!
TRAVEL Road trip
A route of epic scenery, Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way covers 1,600 miles (2,600 km) of rugged ocean coast. Its length makes it one of the world's largest defined coastal routes, through the diverse flora and fauna of the Emerald Isle's Atlantic seaboard; punctuated in parts by a stark lunar landscape of limestone, in others by cute and colorful towns and villages. The windswept western periphery of the island, no stranger to storm-force tides, has a distinctive, untamed shoreline.
From the most northern point, Malin Head in Co. Donegal, to the most southerly point, Mizen Head in Co. Cork, you will encounter mythic sites, and nature at its most raw and beautiful.
Intrigued? Click through the gallery to discover the places you must see along the scenic Wild Atlantic Way.