- Day 1: Arrive Dublin
- Day 2: Cliffs of Moher
- Day 3: Burren + Loop Head
- Day 4: Ring of Kerry
- Day 5: Dingle Peninsula
- Day 6: Kinsale + Cork
- Day 7: Drive North to Connemara
- Day 8: Donegal Highlands
- Day 9: Back via Sligo
- Day 10: Back to Dublin
- Rental Car Tips
- What to Pack
- Plan Your Road Trip
- FAQs
- Related Guides
- Related Articles
Quick answer: This 10-day road trip is one of the world’s most scenic drives. Below is a complete day-by-day itinerary with stops, accommodation tips, and what to expect.
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s stunning 1,600 mile coastal route from Kinsale to Donegal. This guide breaks it down day-by-day with mileage estimates, best stops, and where to sleep each night.
Day 1: Arrive Dublin
Pick up rental car. Drive west to Galway. Pub night.
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher
Drive Galway to Doolin via Connemara. Cliffs of Moher afternoon. Sleep Doolin.
Day 3: Burren + Loop Head
Burren rocky landscape, Aillwee Cave, Loop Head lighthouse.
Day 4: Ring of Kerry
Drive south to Killarney. Start Ring of Kerry loop (full day).
Day 5: Dingle Peninsula
More dramatic than Ring of Kerry. Slea Head Drive. Sleep Dingle town.
Day 6: Kinsale + Cork
Coastal drive to gourmet Kinsale. Cork city. Sleep Cork.
Day 7: Drive North to Connemara
Long drive but beautiful. Kylemore Abbey afternoon. Sleep Clifden.
Day 8: Donegal Highlands
Drive far north to Donegal. Slieve League cliffs (taller than Cliffs of Moher).
Day 9: Back via Sligo
Drive south. Sligo for Yeats heritage. Sleep Westport or Galway.
Day 10: Back to Dublin
Drive across country. Drop rental and fly home.
Rental Car Tips
- Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices, especially in summer
- Comprehensive insurance is worth it on long road trips
- One-way drop-off fees can add $200-500. Look for round trips when possible
- Check fuel costs in advance (some countries are 2-3x US prices)
- Download offline maps before each day’s drive
What to Pack
- Phone car mount and aux cable
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks (gas station food gets old fast)
- Layered clothing for temperature changes
- Charging cables and battery pack
- Cash for tolls and small towns
Plan Your Road Trip
FAQs
How many days do you need for this road trip?
10 days is the sweet spot for this route. You can stretch to 13 for more breathing room or compress to 8 for the highlights.
Is it better to rent a car or campervan?
Car is cheaper and more flexible. Campervan saves on hotels but requires planning campsite bookings.
What’s the best time of year for this drive?
Shoulder season (spring/fall) for fewer crowds and better weather in most regions.
How much does this road trip cost?
Mid-range budget: $130-220/person/day including car, hotels, food, gas, attractions.
Is this drive safe for first-timers?
Yes if you’re comfortable driving on the local side of the road. Take it slow on mountain stretches.
Related Guides
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