
Hugging the Irish coastline, The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most stunning places we’ve ever traveled. For nearly 1,600 miles, this sweeping landscape is home to some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery and cultural treasures, but with so much to see and do, trying to fit it all in can be tricky.
During our ten-day Ireland road trip, we hit many of the highlights but also fit in some off-the-beaten-path destinations that made our trip extra fun. In this Wild Atlantic Way Route Planner, we’ll show you what we did, how we got there, and give you our best tips and ideas to help you plan an amazing Irish road trip for your family as well.
Whether you’re planning a few days or a few weeks, our guide will help you get the most out of your trip along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!
AftT’s Wild Atlantic Way Route Planner
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Contents: AftT's Wild Atlantic Way Route Planner
Wild Atlantic Way Map
Derry: Driving the Causeway Coastal Route
County Donegal: Tweeds and other national treasures
- Eddie Doherty Handwoven Tweed
Connemara: Wild meets refined
- Connemara National Park
- Kylemore Abbey
Galway: Ireland's youthful melting pot
The Burren and West Clare: Rugged beauty and postcard views
- The Burren
- Cliffs of Moher
Tralee and the Dingle Peninsula: On the edge of Europe
Co. Cork: The gift of gab and colorful Kinsale
- Blarney Castle
- Kinsale and the southern coast
Cobh, Waterford, Glendalough, and Dublin: Extending your trip around Ireland
- Cobh - final stop of the HMS Titanic
- Waterford: All the sparkly things
- Glendalough: Exploring Ireland's ancient religious sites
Dublin: Castles and craic
Other tips for planning a Wild Atlantic Way road trip
- Renting a car in Ireland
- Pick up a Wild Atlantic Way Passport
Map of the Wild Atlantic Way
Click on the top left corner to expand the points of interest on the map. You can zoom by double-clicking on an area of the map and also click+drag to move it.
Use this Wild Atlantic Way route map to see some of our stops along the way. Zoom in to get a closer look and plan your perfect trip.
AftT Tip: Once you hop on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, keep an eye out for the signs that let you know you're still on the right track. We found everything to be well marked on our trip, and navigation in Google Maps always got us to where we needed to be.

Derry: Driving the Causeway Coastal Route
Why we loved it: While not officially part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland is incredible. Historic landmarks and UNESCO sites are just a short drive from the Dublin airport, making it an easy and rewarding first day on the road.
What to see and do: Take a walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, relive scenes from Game of Thrones at the Dark Hedges, and scramble around ancient basalt columns at Giant’s Causeway. Don’t forget to add castles and distilleries to your list if that’s your thing. Bushmills is the oldest whiskey distillery in the world and is right next door to the Causeway.
Where to stay: You can find major chain hotels in Belfast or Derry, but this is Ireland, so a stay at Bushmills Inn, or a local bed and breakfast is great also.
Click here for the latest prices at The Bushmills Inn Hotel.
Derry is technically the beginning of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way – any farther east and you’re in Northern Ireland – but our journey began from Dublin on this trip. If that’s the case for you as well, then we recommend building in a day or two to explore Northern Ireland and the Antrim Coast.

Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast is a bustling place and home to Titanic Belfast, a unique museum dedicated to the short life of one of the most famous steam liners ever – the RMS Titanic. We opted to skip the city this time and head straight to the coast. Our first stop was the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in the north east corner of the country. This famous bridge was erected by local salmon fishermen in 1755. Today, it’s managed by the UK National Trust and is a great spot for some outstanding views where on a clear day, you can see Scotland in the distance.
AftT Tip: If you drive to Belfast, remember you'll be crossing over into the United Kingdom. While Ireland and Northern Ireland have an open border with no passport control (at least when we visited), that policy could change at any time - especially because of Brexit.

Just a short drive from Carrick-a-Rede is the iconic Giant’s Causeway. These incredible basalt columns dominate the landscape and are the perfect way for the kids to burn off some energy on nature’s jungle gym. The sunsets here are spectacular, and we loved hiking around and listening to the waves crash into the columns. Be sure to spend some time at the museum and Visitor Centre to learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the legends surrounding it.

Finally, you might enjoy touring one of the oldest distilleries anywhere at historic Bushmills. If whiskey isn’t your thing, consider dropping into town anyway for a good supper at the Bushmills Inn.
AftT Tip: If you've got the time, take a drive from Derry up through the Inishowen Peninsula to Malin Head. It's the northernmost point in mainland Ireland and has spectacular views.
For our trip, we decided to finish out the day by driving on to Londonderry. We only stayed one night in Derry before setting off, but Londonderry / Derry has quite a history and would be worth exploring if you’ve got the time. Learning about Derry’s turbulent past through its museums and murals is a good way to get a feel for the city, but it also has its share of cathedrals and cool architecture.
Related: Read more about driving Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route here.
Renting a car? Car rentals in Ireland and N. Ireland can be tricky and expensive, which is why we rented with Auto Europe. They search multiple sites for the best prices, have loads of information on their site about what to expect when renting, and their team is top-notch. Highly recommended.
Donegal: Tweeds and other national treasures
Why we loved it: Driving through Co. Donegal’s open spaces and quaint towns offers a great taste of Ireland, but it was its famous tweed we were looking for. A stop in Ardara to watch a master at work was definitely worth the drive.
What to see and do: Drive out to Ardara to visit Eddie Doherty and pick up a few (or several) handwoven souvenirs. (Have it all shipped home from there so you don’t have to take it with you). Slieve League on the coast has some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, and Co. Donegal’s mix of beaches, megalithic sites, and sleepy Irish towns will keep you as busy as you want.
Where to stay: We drove on to Galway from here and stayed at the Jameson Court Apartments.
Click here to compare prices on Donegal accommodations.
Eddie Doherty Handwoven Tweed

Sometimes there’s a starkness between old and new in Ireland, and a trip to County Donegal to visit its famous tweed maker is one of those times. Just northwest of Donegal is the little hamlet of Ardara. Its not much more than a small main street with a few businesses and a smattering of houses, but downtown there is a tweed shop called Eddie Doherty Handwoven Tweed run by – you guessed it – Eddie Doherty. What’s unique about his place is that it’s one of the few remaining places in the world where bolts of tweed are still made on a loom by hand.
Irish wool from Irish sheep – spun, dyed, and woven into tweed.
Think about that for a second.
While Eddie works his loom churning out several yards of tweed a day, his wife runs the shop in the front, happily answering questions, folding newly woven blankets for sale, and shipping packages to customers all over the world (including us).
Eddie was gracious enough to demonstrate while we watched in awe as the click-clack of the loom did its work, and the system of pedals and pulleys had us mesmerized. Check out his Instagram feed where you find a mix of clothing models, beautiful tweeds, and the occasional cameo by a famous guest like Bill Murry who – just like the rest of us – wanted to get a glimpse of a nearly-extinct art form.
If I’m honest, I came to Ireland to see the landscapes, enjoy the people, and listen to the music, but a piece of handwoven tweed from Eddie Doherty is the one part of Ireland I really wanted to take home. I got what I came for, and we all found a little something to remember Ireland by, because when you find a master artisan like Eddie Doherty, what else is there to do but fall in love and take a small piece of Irish history home with you?
Shop Eddie’s tweeds at handwoventweed.com.
Connemara: Wild meets refined
Just to the south of Co. Donegal is Connemara, a region that’s part of Co. Galway in western Ireland. It’s home to two stops on our journey – Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens. Since they sit side by side, it’s possible to visit both in a day, and the juxtaposition of the Abbey’s refined beauty set against the ruggedness of the National Park is remarkable.
Connemara National Park

Why we loved it: Connemara National Park is small relative to America’s wide-open spaces that cover millions of acres, but it’s a beautiful place to take a hike, look out over the Atlantic, and even meet some native species like the Connemara Pony.
What to see and do: There are a handful of hiking trails to choose from in varying lengths and difficulties, but all of them showcase the beauty of the area.
National Parks are some of our favorite places to visit in the U.S. and the same is true overseas. Connemara National Park is a mix of bogs, forest, and grasslands, all easily accessible and full of awesome views. Its proximity to Kylemore Abbey makes this a great stop along the Wild Atlantic Way, allowing you to visit two places in just one day.
Kylemore Abbey
Why we loved it: The Abbey is great, but the gardens and barnyard animals were our favorite. Don’t miss feeding time with Ken and Gloria, the Abbey’s adorable Kune Kune pigs.
What to see and do: Take a ride over to the Victorian Gardens and stroll around while the weather is cooler. Be sure to tour through the Abbey, and finally visit the chapel up the road along the lake which was built in exacting detail by Mitchell Henry for his wife Margaret.
Where to stay: Galway is only about an hour away and is where we would recommend staying.
Click here for the latest hotel prices in Galway.
Nestled in the forest next to Lough Pollucapal (a lough is a lake to the rest of us) sits Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Gardens. This Benedictine monastery is part museum, part garden tour, and part church. Its fascinating past comes to life with fully restored rooms and beautiful Neo-Gothic chapel, and everyone will love a walk through the manicured gardens.
Galway: Ireland’s youthful melting pot
Why we loved it: A visit to Galway gets you all the history, pubs, and music of Dublin, but also a great melting pot of food and culture. Skip the Guinness Pie for a night and try some fabulous Indian cuisine from Tulsi or Neapolitan pizzas from Pizza & Pasta Napoli.
What to see and do: We used Galway as a home base for visits to Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Burren National Park, and the Cliffs of Moher. While in town, be sure to visit the 16th-Century Spanish Arch, The Galway City Museum, and The Claddagh Ring Museum for an authentic souvenir. Families will also love the Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland.
Where to stay: We booked three nights at the Jameson Court Apartments in Galway. They were perfect because the kids and adults got their own rooms, laundry machines meant we could pack half as much, and it was located near activities like the aquarium and Latin Quarter.
Click here for the latest prices at the Jameson Court Apartments.
AftT Tip: Look for self catering apartments in cities like Galway. They usually have kitchens and laundry facilities which can save families and lot of money and save precious luggage space on a longer trip like this.
If Dublin is the mature grown-up, then Galway is the younger, more rambunctious sibling. Because of its central location to many things along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a great spot to unpack and stay awhile. We made Galway our home base for several days while we made day trips to other nearby destinations, and loved coming back to Galway for a nice dinner and a stroll around town every evening.


A walk through Galway’s Latin Quarter with its pubs, street performers, and shopping is a lot of fun, and while I’m sure you could drive and find less expensive things to do or less crowded places to eat, we enjoyed soaking in the experience. The list of places to dine is nearly endless, and the kids really enjoyed picking the cuisine every night.
Take some time to enjoy some of Galway’s museums or book a day trip across the bay to the Aran Islands. Galway is also home to the Claddagh Ring, so if you’re looking for an authentic Celtic souvenir, drop by Claddagh Jewellers for a keepsake and learn about the legends behind them next door at Legend of the Claddagh Ring
The Burren and West Clare: Rugged beauty and postcard views

Why we loved it: Two of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes can be found on Ireland’s west coast – Burren National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. While the unique moonscape of The Burren is subdued and almost eerily quiet, the Cliffs of Moher are completely opposite. The green countryside drops off into the blue Atlantic in dramatic fashion. Amazingly, these two parks are only about thirty minutes apart in County Clare.
What to see and do: Have your camera at both destinations because both are show-stoppers in their own way. The Cliffs of Moher will be more crowded so be prepared to arrive early for the first entry, but enjoy hiking along the ridges taking in all the spectacular views.
Where to stay: Galway is only about an hour away and is where we stayed.
Click here for the latest hotel prices in Galway.
The Burren
We weren’t quite sure what to expect when we visited Burren National Park. In fact, we drove around it for quite a while wondering if we had actually made it or not. People and helpful signage are sparse, but we agreed the seclusion is one of its better features.
Once we got our bearings and began hiking around, the beauty of this park starts to come through. It’s remarkably not green like the rest of Ireland. The color palette is subdued with tans and greys, and the exposed limestone and sparse vegetation don’t really look like Ireland at all. And yet, here you are just a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean. If you enjoy getting off the beaten path, The Burren is a cool place to do it. You can learn more about the walking trails at Burren National Park here.

Burren National Park and the nearby Cliffs are part of the The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
Cliffs of Moher

On its western coast, the Atlantic Ocean crashes into Ireland in the most fantastic way possible. The Cliffs of Moher shoot up from the Atlantic nearly 400 feet, and as you might expect, the views are phenomenal. This is the classic postcard view of Ireland.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most visited parts of Ireland, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. Tickets can be secured online, and if you book early and choose an early arrival time, you won’t have any issues. The weather was perfect with bright sunshine when we visited, and our hikes around the Cliffs were some of the most memorable of our entire trip.
Be sure to give yourself some time to explore O’Brien’s Tower, recently restored in 2019, and do a little shopping at the visitor center and gift shop. Also take a look around at The Cliffs Exhibition inside the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience for more information about the Cliffs and their history.
Before you set out, fill a bottle up at one of the complimentary water stations and then when you’re done exploring, grab a meal or snack at one of the cafes. They even have picnic boxes and blankets available to enjoy lunch out on the Cliffs. How amazing is that?
Fun Fact! If the Cliffs of Moher look a little familiar to you, it might be because they have starred in several movies. Our favorite is the pop culture classic The Princess Bride where the Cliffs of Insanity make a cameo.
Tralee and the Dingle Peninsula: On the edge of Europe
Why we loved it: Castles, ice cream, and unbelievable scenery. What’s not to love about Dingle?
What to see and do: Plan a day to drive the Slea Head loop and take in the amazing scenery. If you have more than a day, consider a dolphin tour around Dingle Harbor where you might meet Fungie the dolphin, or take a ferry out to Great Blasket Island or Skellig Michael.
Where to stay: Tralee was our home base because of Ballyseede Castle, but there are plenty of accommodation options throughout the peninsula. Just like the rest of Ireland, you’ll find a good mix of hotels, B&Bs, and guesthouses.
There’s no shortage of dramatic views along Western Ireland. Driving the Ring of Kerry is a very popular way to see some of them (and certainly worth your time), but we decided to make our home base out of Tralee to drive the Dingle Peninsula instead. From our research, you get a lot of the same amazing views but with fewer crowds. We gave it a shot and came away impressed. Dingle itself is a fun little town to explore (Fungie the dolphin anyone?), but the drive impressed us with some of most beautiful overlooks on our entire trip through Ireland. Stunning stuff.
Balleyseede Castle

One of our must-do goals for this trip was to stay the night in at least one castle. While there are several to choose from, Ballyseede sold us as soon as we found out that their unofficial mascots are two friendly Irish Wolfhounds – Mr. Higgins and Molly.
The Castle is part of the Romantic Castles of Ireland hotel group, and though it’s a great place for a wedding, it was also one of our most memorable stays for our family. We booked the Castle Family Room which held the four of us comfortably and included breakfast. Tralee sits right along the Wild Atlantic Way, and Ballyseede Castle was the perfect home base to explore Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula.
Click here for the latest prices at Ballyseede Castle.
AftT Tip: Not far from Tralee is Killarney National Park and the famous Muckross House. Consider stopping by on your way to Cork.
Dingle
Start your journey around the peninsula in Dingle, a quaint little fishing village that sits next to the sea. Grab some last-minute snacks and some gas for the car, then set off along Slea Head Drive – Slí Cheann Sléibhe. Head west along the coast where you’ll come across ancient structures like the Gallarus Oratory and Beehive Huts, beautiful beaches like Inch Beach, and even some filming locations for Star Wars. Keep a eye out in the distance for the Blasket Islands and Skellig Michael. Make sure you have some cash with you on this drive because some of the sites require a cash-only admission.

As you round the western edge of the peninsula, stop at Coumeenole Beach and hike around Dunmore Head. If you want to venture farther west, stop in Dún Chaoin where you can book a ferry ride to Great Blasket Island and explore it during the summer months. Great Blasket Island is the westernmost point in Europe, so if want some street cred and bragging rights with your globetrotting friends, this is a good place for it.


Once you’ve made the trip around Slea Head drive, head back into Dingle for some fresh seafood and don’t forget to make a stop for County Kerry’s best dessert – Murphy’s Ice Cream. Condé Nast calls it one of the best in the world, and who are we to argue – it’s some of the best we’ve had anywhere too.
Their secret? They make it with milk from a special breed of Kerry cow that has richer milk than most. Try the Dingle Sea Salt flavor. You’re welcome.
Be sure to check out our Destination Guide to Ireland here.
County Cork: The gift of gab and colorful Kinsale
Cork is the second largest city in Ireland. With daily international flights from several major airlines, it makes a fine alternative to Dublin as a starting point to begin exploring Ireland. After a few days in Cork, visit Blarney Castle to the north and then kick off your Wild Atlantic Way tour from Kinsale to the south or head through West Cork towards Killarney and the Ring of Kerry.
Blarney Castle

Why we loved it: The Castle at Blarney is certainly impressive, but what may be even more fun are the gardens – particularly the poison garden full of toxic and poisonous plants.
What to see and do: Get your tickets ahead of time online to skip the line and save some time. Then get in line to kiss the Blarney Stone – no visit is complete without it – and explore the castle, gardens, and grounds.
Where to stay: You can stay in Blarney or nearby Cork. We stayed in Kinsale farther south on the coast, which is a great little seaside town full of character.
Click here for the latest hotel prices in Cork.
Blarney isn’t technically part of the Wild Atlantic Way, but since we weren’t keeping score for accuracy during this adventure, we made a quick detour. The draw of learning about the local lore and laying a smooch upon the sacred Blarney stone was an opportunity too big to pass up. Legend has it that anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will inherit the gift of gab. I’m pretty sure our crew already had it, but it’s nice to be sure.

We built in about a half day to visit the castle which was a good amount of time to tour the castle, grounds, and gardens. It’s a lovely place to wonder around, although the lines can get a little long to get up to the castle to kiss the stone.
We say, if your journey brings you close to Cork and Blarney, then by all means stop for a visit. We enjoyed our time here and especially loved the poison garden which is something you don’t see every day.
AftT Tip! Save time and skip the ticket line at Blarney Castle by booking your tickets online before your trip. Blarney Castle Tickets
Kinsale and the southern coast
Why we loved it: Kinsale’s charm is contagious, and we loved shopping and strolling through downtown.
What to see and do: Enjoy the shops and local seafood – especially dinner at Fishy Fishy next to the the harbor. Food tours and harbor cruises are also available.
Where to stay: We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast called Rivermount House just outside of town which was very nice and suited our family of four perfectly. Although it wasn’t directly in town, we would stay here again.
Click here to check prices for Rivermount House.
Kinsale is officially the beginning (or end) of the Wild Atlantic Way route in the south. Even so, that isn’t what convinced us to spend a day here. It was actually all the colorful photos on Instagram, along with an episode of Rick Steve’s Europe! This was such a fun stop as it was one of the few times we were able to get out and explore the town and not have an agenda or tickets to a specific attraction. It was pure Ireland and a great diversion from ticketed entries and lines of tourists.
Cobh, Waterford, Glendalough, and Dublin: Extending your trip around Ireland
Cobh – final stop of the HMS Titanic
Why we loved it: Not to be outdone by Kinsale’s colorful buildings, Cobh holds it’s own architecturally with pops of color and raises the bar with an magnificent Cathedral.
What to see and do: History buffs and casual tourists alike will enjoy the Titanic Experience Cobh. Cobh was the Titanic’s final port of call in 1912 before heading out to sea.
Where to stay: Cobh was a side trip for us so we stayed near Kinsale, but there a several choices near Cobh as well.
Click here to compare hotels prices in Cobh.
Cobh was another destination we felt we shouldn’t miss on our trip. It’s probably most famous for its connection to the HMS Titanic, but the town is charming, and the impressive Cathedral Church of St. Colman is worth exploring.
Cobh was the final stop for the “unsinkable” Titanic before its fateful journey across the Atlantic Ocean in 1912. Book a tour at the Titanic Experience Cobh where you’ll learn about the ship, her crew, and her passengers. While there may be similar attractions like this around (looking at you Branson, MO), there’s only one that inhabits the original White Star Line ticket office, and it’s here in Cobh. You can still see some of the piers where the passengers used to board.
Millions of Irish emigrated from Queesntown (Cobh), and it was interesting to learn about some of their stories. A little research at the Cobh Heritage Centre may reveal some of your relatives came to the United States from this very port!
Waterford: All the sparkly things
Why we loved it: From trophies to stemware, you get to see all the sparkly things at House of Waterford Crystal. If you’re lucky, they’ll even let you break a few things!
What to see and do: This visit was all about touring the House of Waterford Crystal. Learn how their master craftsmen make their most famous pieces by hand, start to finish. It’s a fascinating tour for the entire family.
Where to stay: Waterford is a large city with plenty of lodging options. We stayed farther up the road in Enniskerry, as we were just passing through for the day.
Click here to compare hotel prices in Waterford.

We stopped in Waterford specifically to tour the crystal factory, and we’re so glad we did! The tour will take a few hours and will show you the entire process of crystal-making from hand-blowing the glass, all the way to cutting the patterns and polishing it to a gleaming finish. We watched in awe as these master craftsmen turned hunks of glass into unbelievable pieces of art. We guarantee that the whole family will like this tour, and you’re sure to see something you recognize like a championship trophy or two, and even some one-of-a-kind art pieces that will blow your mind. If you’re near Waterford, book a tour at the House of Waterford Crystal.

Glendalough: Exploring Ireland’s ancient religious sites
Why we loved it: The historic monastic structures set against stunning Wicklow Mountains National Park is a prefect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some of Ireland’s ancient past.
What to see and do: Hike around the site while exploring 6th century structures, and enjoy the beauty of this important monastic site.
Where to stay: We stayed in nearby Enniskerry at the Summerhill House Hotel which put us closer to the Dublin airport for our flight home. There are some closer options around though.
Click here for latest prices at Summerhill House Hotel.
Founded in the 6th century by St. Kevin, Glendalough is a Christian monastic site which includes many buildings, cemeteries, and structures. Its most famous is the Round Tower that stands 30m high. It’s a fascinating look into the past, but also a great outing for nature lovers. Wicklow Mountains National Park surrounds the site and is a great place for hiking, scenic drives, or just enjoying Ireland’s lush green landscapes.
Dublin: Castles and craic

If you’re visiting Ireland from the US, chances are pretty high that you’ll be flying in and out of Dublin. If that’s the case, why not spend a few days exploring this cool city? Even if your focus is exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, you’re already here, so hit a few of the sights either before or after you set off.
We visited Dublin a few years back during a different trip and enjoyed the city a lot. Take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse to see how they make their famous stout, walk the aisles of the library at Trinity College, explore Dublin Castle, or take in a show at the Arlington Hotel. As the locals say, it’s a lot of craic all in one place.
Read more about Dublin here: Making Memories in Dublin with Kids
Other tips for planning a Wild Atlantic Way road trip
Renting a car in Ireland

Renting a car in Ireland can be a challenge, but here are some tips to help you out.
Use a rental car aggregator like Auto Europe
When it came time to rent a car, we settled on Auto Europe to help us out. I spent hours trying to find the best deal, but Auto Europe always came out ahead on price by correctly displaying the all-in price with insurance, and they provided easy to understand advice. Skip the hassle of trying to do it all yourself and trust Auto Europe do the heavy lifting to find you the best deal.
Don’t rely on your credit card for collision and supplemental rental coverage
Here’s the thing, most credit card companies and underwriters specifically exclude Ireland and Northern Ireland in their polices. It’s a tricky place to drive, and they know it, so they don’t even bother. This means that your fancy supplemental coverage that you normally get when you rent in the U.S. doesn’t apply here, so you need to pay for the extra insurance.
When you rent, research the coverage, take out what you’re comfortable with (some of it is required), and go with the flow. It will likely be more expensive than what you’re used to, but that’s just how it is. We witnessed some pretty gnarly damage on some rentals as we returned to the airport. It happens, so build in the extra insurance costs into your budget.
Be patient

Driving on the left with a steering wheel on the right will be a challenge for most. Trying to drive while the rest of your jet-lagged family nods off? Even more challenging. Be patient and take it easy out of the gate. Get used to what’s happening around you and pay attention.
Most folks understand your situation, so if you don’t nail that first roundabout don’t panic. Go around once more and live to see the next one (which will be in about 60 seconds from the last one – because Ireland!).
Navigation on your phone is fine (but not perfect)
Before our trip, we added international service to our phone plan and bought a nice paper map of Ireland. The plan was to navigate with the map and use the phone as backup. What actually happened was Carrie used her phone pretty much the entire time, and the map stayed in the glove box.
We didn’t have any issues with Google Maps getting us to our destinations for the most part, but there are no guarantees. Turn on Irish Siri in your settings and enjoy your trip. It will work out just fine*.
*probably

Pick up a Wild Atlantic Way Passport
Our family loves a fun and unique way to keep track of our travels. We usually pick up a magnet and a Christmas tree ornament, and if it’s a National Park, we always get a stamp in our book and a pin to remember the visit. Ireland has their own version of a passport book, and you can find them at about any post office along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Wild Atlantic Way Passport can hold 188 stamps that you can find at stops along the route and is a great way to track where you’ve been, but also find new places to explore. It’s less than $15 and makes a nice memento of your trip.
Unfortunately for us, we didn’t end up getting a passport because we were too busy trying to navigate to other places, drive on the left, etc. If we could do it again, we would just order one ahead of our trip and then pack it.
The Wild Atlantic Way is spectacular!
If you’re thinking of spending some time in Ireland, driving the Wild Atlantic Way is great way to do it. Our best tips are to take your time, don’t try to see everything, and know that western Ireland is every bit as good as Dublin and Eastern Ireland, if not better. We hope our Wild Atlantic Way Route Planner gave you some ideas and things to think about as you plan your ultimate road trip around the Emerald Isle.
Have you driven around the Wild Atlantic Way before? What was your favorite stop? Let us know in the comments!
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