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Updated on May 2nd, 2024
A road trip around the Wild Atlantic Way is the perfect way to discover Ireland. If castles, spectacular landscapes, ancient stone forts, rainbows and sampling the famous Irish hospitality interests you, then look no further. Exploring the coastline of Kerry & Cork gives the perfect mixture of well-known sites and less trodden paths. Here is the perfect itinerary for anyone looking to discover the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 days.”
Where?
Ring of Kerry in Kerry and Beara, Sheep’s Head & Mizen Peninsulas in West Cork. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Why?
In 2019 I turned 50 & to celebrate climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, took a tour of the Galapagos Islands & lived on Antigua in the West Indies for 6 months. These were mainly solo endeavours & I also wanted the chance to celebrate with my wonderful friends. I opted for hiring a house over a November weekend in Killarney, Ireland. However, I also wanted to get to know the Emerald Isle a little better. I chose to take a Wild Atlantic Way road trip around the Ring of Kerry & then head south to discover the less well-known routes of West Cork. My partner in crime was Nicky, who has been a friend since we met at university, over 30 years ago.
Where to start?
This Wild Atlantic Way route is circular, starting & finishing around Killarney. As I spent a few days at the end celebrating there, we chose to begin on day 1 in Killorglin. The closest airport is Kerry (20 mins drive), I flew to Cork (1 hour 15 mins) or there is Shannon (1 hour 45 mins).
In Killorglin, I stayed at Rivers Edge Guest House which was in a great location by the river. They offer a fantastic breakfast & have very helpful & informative staff. A perfect place to start the journey!
When to go?
The summer months are incredibly busy on the Ring of Kerry. The small roads are swamped by coaches & all the attractions are crowded. If you visit, then consider which way round you take the route. We went in November. There was hardly any traffic on the road, but a few of the sights were closed or not running. The weather is less of an issue.
If you are hoping for blue skies & sunshine, then I would not visit Ireland! One of the locals told us that Ireland is more beautiful with angry skies. I couldn’t agree more!”
Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way in 5 Days – Kerry & Cork
Day 1: Ring of Kerry – Killorglin to Waterville
Our first stop was at Rossbeigh Strand, for a view of the wild seas out across the bay over to the Dingle Peninsula. It seemed like an appropriate place to start the journey before we headed over to the ancient stone forts of Cahergill & Leacanabuile. These 2 stone forts are estimated to date back to between 500BC to 400AD. That blew my mind! Cahergill in particular is worth exploring to admire the views from the top of the wall.
To take a tour of the Ring of Kerry in Ireland rather than drive yourself, check out the options below:
Valentia Island
Valentia Island was next on our list, via the pretty harbour town of Portmagee. This is one of Ireland’s most westerly points, with amazing views & interesting history. For the best vistas, don’t miss Bray Head, Fogher Cliffs & Geokaun Mountain for its 360-degree views. In addition, the Tetrapod Trackway is a set of footprints from 385 million years ago. It is the first evidence of four-legged creatures leaving the water to live on dry land.
Skellig Islands
The Skellig Islands consist of Skellig Michael & Small Skellig which lie 13 km from the southwest coast of Valentia Island. The larger island is home to an impressively preserved 6th Century Monastic Settlement & a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, tours here have increased exponentially in popularity since the island was featured as the home of Luke Skywalker in the latest series of Star Wars films.
As well as Jedi knights, it is also famous for its birdlife, including thousands of puffins & gannets (April to August).”
If you are keen to visit, I advise booking well in advance (think 6 months). Be aware that the boat trips are also dependant on the weather conditions so may not be running every day (even if you do book). Unfortunately, we were not able to get out to the islands due to the conditions in the ocean. They don’t call this the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ for nothing!
Our final stop for the day was ‘Kerry’s most spectacular cliffs’. Before you ask, “Which ones?”, they are actually called “Kerry’s Most Spectacular Cliffs” & are very well signposted as such on your approach! We made it just as the sun was setting. They certainly lived up to their billing. Truly spectacular!
As the darkness descended, we made our way to Waterville for an overnight stay at O’Dwyer’s The Villa. The place is a shrine to the owner who is a local Gaelic Football hero, with some interesting décor for those of us who don’t follow the sport! But it is in the perfect location.
If you are loving the Ring of Kerry & want to read more, check out: The Ring Of Kerry, A 3 Day Self-Drive Itinerary
Day 2: Waterville to Kenmare
If you have read any of my other blog posts, you will know I like to take my time on my travels. It’s the journey & not the destination. Many people do the Ring of Kerry in a day, but we had enjoyed it so much on day 1, we needed to backtrack to see what we had missed after the sun went down on previous days adventures.
So, after a short stop for a photo opportunity with Charlie Chaplin in Waterville (he stayed here often for his summer holidays in the 1960s). We made a pit stop for some breakfast chocolate 😉 at Skellig’s Chocolate (perfect for any self-respecting chocoholic), before heading to Ballinskelligs. Here we blew away the cobwebs by taking a walk to the iconic ruin of McCarthy’s Castle.
Derrynane
Next came Derrynane House, the former home of Daniel O’Connell. He is known locally as “The Great Liberator” & an important figure in the history of Ireland. The house sits on 120 hectares of well-maintained parkland & gorgeous sandy beaches. Our final stop on Day 2 was Kenmare where we explored the Bronze Age stone circle.
Kenmare is the biggest example of over 100 circles in south-west Ireland. It is believed that the monument was built around solar & lunar events for ceremonial purposes.”
Our bed for the night was in the Kenmare Bay Hotel, a large hotel with plenty of rooms, a good location & friendly staff.
Day 3: Beara Peninsula – Kenmare to Bantry
The next day we made a decision. Do we head up to the busy tourist trail of the Dingle Peninsula, or venture south to Cork? We did a bit of research & decided that the road less travelled was more our style. There are far fewer tourists along the peninsulas of West Cork which gave the perfect contrast to the Kerry Wild Atlantic Way.
The full route around the Beara Peninsula is 140 km which you can easily complete in a few hours. But that is without stops. And you will want to make a lot of stops!
Eyeries & Allihies
Eyeries is a pretty village with cottages painted in all colours of the rainbow, making it perfect for a wander. Then head for Allihies.
The road from Eyeries to Allihies is spectacular. Winding, baron but with views that will take your breath away. In addition, look out for the remains of the old copper mines.”
Dursey Island
From the tip of the peninsula at Lambs Head you will discover the famous Dursey Island Cable Car. The only one in Ireland. Dursey Island is a wildlife sanctuary & there are no cars or houses there. It is around 14km, so if you fancy walking it, allow 4 hours.
By this time, we were in need of refreshment & gratefully discovered the gem that is Dzogchen Beara Retreat. It is a serene, peaceful & relaxing Buddhist & meditation retreat with magnificent views out to the sea & a lovely café.
There is lots more to see & experience on the Beara Peninsula so if you would like to explore further then head to The Ring of Beara Route. A Road Less Travelled on the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork
Day 3 of our Wild Atlantic Way itinerary finished in Bantry. Bantry is home to a bustling town with plenty of bars & restaurants to keep you well fed & watered.
In addition, if you are here in the summer or early autumn, keep your eyes peeled as they have one of the largest populations of harbour seals in the country.”
Unfortunately, where I stayed is no longer in operation but you may like to try The Maritime, Doireliath, or Strelitzias for a self-catering option. All are centrally located with good ratings & most importantly an excellent cleanliness score! Or check out the other options using the search box below:
Booking.comDay 4: Sheep’s Head & Mizen Peninsula
If you are looking for unspoilt & undiscovered Ireland, then you will find it at Sheep’s Head. The landscape is rugged & raw but it’s a great place to escape the crowds. The perfect spot to see Sheep’s Head in all its splendour is from the viewpoint at Seefin. Then head for the Sheep’s Head Lighthouse. Unfortunately, when we visited the wind was too much to contemplate the 2km walk to the lighthouse itself. You can see me battling the elements in the video earlier in this post!
The Mizen Peninsula is the most south-westerly in the country, known as one of the “Extreme Points of Ireland”. A drive around the peninsula takes you 64 miles (103 km) with much of the road hugging the impressive coastline. The towering cliffs & dramatic seascapes make this a major tourist spot. It is an area of exceptional natural beauty, culminating in a magnificent bridge & lighthouse.
Mizen Head
Our main goal when we arrived on the Mizen Peninsula was to aim for the spectacular arched bridge at the end. The bridge connects the tip of Mizen Head to the mainland over a deep chasm which has been created by the towering cliffs.
As you cross the bridge keep your eyes peeled as it’s one of the best places in the world to see minke, fin, humpback whales & dolphins. Also seals & their pups often bask on the rocks below.”
Unfortunately, the bridge was closed in November. However, when open, you can visit the Signal Station, which was built to combat the huge loss of life on the treacherous rocks back in 1906.
To read all about how I managed to get these photos, check out: Misadventures on the Mizen Peninsula, Ireland. The Joys of Travel Out of Season
On the drive back, Barleycove Beach caught our eye. We crossed the causeway to access the beach, but it was worth it for a stroll across the boardwalks & over the sand dunes to the pristine beach below.
Our final stop was O’Sullivan’s in Crookhaven, the most southerly pub in Ireland. During the summer months, it gets busy, but we were lucky to have this friendly establishment all to ourselves. Don’t miss the crab sandwiches which are delicious…washed down with a pint of Murphy’s. We then returned to Bantry for our 2nd night before we made it back onto the Ring of Kerry in the morning.
Day 5: Bantry to Killarney & Killarney National Park
As we said goodbye to the Cork Wild Atlantic Way, we took the route over the Caha mountains, heading to Molls Gap & The Gap of Dunloe. The only disappointing aspect of this drive was that there were not enough viewpoints to stop & stand in awe of the spectacular scenery!
Then we entered Killarney National Park & realised that we had saved the best to last. This awe-inspiring park treats those who visit to Irelands highest mountain range (MacGillycuddy’s Reeks), picturesque lakes & over 10,000 hectares of magnificent landscapes.”
Killarney National Park
The morning we arrived; we were blessed with glorious blue skies & sunshine. It was breath-taking. We started with Ladies View giving us a panoramic outlook of the park. Then continued to stop at numerous viewpoints as we followed the road past the lakes towards Killarney. For me, this was the highlight of the whole trip.
The Meeting of the Waters is where all three of Killarney’s lakes merge together. It is a peaceful, picturesque spot marked by an Old Weir Bridge. Then, nestled in the base of Torc Mountain, it is well worth the short walk to 20-metre high Torc Waterfall.
Closer to Killarney, we checked out Muckross Abbey, & its eerie graveyard. The Abbey is an old 15th century Franciscan Friary, burned down in 1652. Nowadays it stands, roofless but with some impressive carvings on the walls. Our penultimate stop was Ross Castle which sits on the banks of Lough Leane. From here you can take a boat trip to the monastery island of Inisfallen.
Finally, the journey on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way ended in Killarney. In order to sample the Irish nightlife, do not miss the opportunity to stay overnight here. I had a ball! To find your perfect bed for the night in Killarney, check out the search box below.
Booking.comIn conclusion, to see Ireland at its best, I thoroughly recommend driving the Wild Atlantic Way in 5 days using this itinerary. For me, it provided all I needed from iconic bucket list routes to some of the less travelled ones on the Emerald Isle. What better place to experience the most dramatic scenery set off by tempestuous skies & some of the friendliest locals anywhere in the world? I just hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
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Would love to do this. What incredible scenery and I had no idea there were so many islands to explore. Although, it’s the angry skies that put me off visiting, but they are great from a photographer’s point of view!
Thank you, Sarah. I had no idea Ireland was so beautiful but agree about the angry skies. I only really noticed how gorgeous they made everything look when I saw it through the camera! Sue x
I love how much you are showing me of Ireland. But it does mean we need to plan a long stay. We certainly would be looking for castles, landscapes and some great Irish hospitality on the Wild Atlantic Route. We would want to miss the crowds so would definitely want to avoid the summer. It certainly looks like the weather in November was good. Even if angry skies are what make Ireland special. As good chocoholics, we would not miss a stop at Skellig’s Chocolate. So many lovely spots along the way.
Thank you, Linda & I am sure you would love it! I can’t wait to go back & discover more. Sue x
I love the Atlantic in Winter! Obviously, it’s not the standard beach vacation, but the rough waves, the strong breeze – you really feel the elements. Hence, now would probably be a good time to explore all these gorgeous places you are introducing – especially Sheep’s Head and Killarney look really beautiful – if only we could travel (I’m in continental Europe….)
Thank you, Renata & I wish I could travel there too right now! I’d love to see more & would happily return even if it is as cold & windy as last year inn November. Sue x
Fantastic scenery and Ireland never disappoints. Having only spent a brief time in Ireland, I would love to explore more, especially after reading this post.
Thank you, Alma, & I have no doubt that you would love it! Sue x
This looks like a perfect itinerary, we were actually planning a similar one but for a week this summer. We´ve only been to Dublin almost a year ago for my Bday and absolutely loved it! Hope the situation gets better soon and Ireland is on the top of our list for future travels, I´m saving this post for later, thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Katja & fingers crossed that you can actually make it there soon. I know you would love it. Safe travels when you can, Sue x
I visited Cork when I was younger and went on a couple of day trips, but missed a lot of these places you’ve listed so I’ll have to go back again!
Thank you, Krista, & definitely looks like you need to plan another trip…as do I! 😉 Sue x
I can’t wait to visit Ireland. It was on our list of places to go last year but people talked me out of going in February haha. The scenery is just stunning. This is a great itinerary for 5 days!
Thank you & although I think we were lucky with the weather, we still got plenty of rain…but that’s why they call it the Emerald Isle! You will love it when you finally get there. Safe travels, Sue x
You had me at the title. Perfect to tuck this away, as this is high on my travel list. I love all of the insider tips and places you shared. This will help with my future plans to visit here.
Thank you & I hope you can make it there sometime soon. I think you would love it too! Sue x
Wow, what a beautiful area. Looks like you had an incredible trip and have packed this article with lots of tips. I traveled to Ireland several years ago, and absolutely loved my time there. Can’t wait to go back and see more!
Thank you, Katie, & it was an incredible trip! I hope we can both go back & continue the journey there soon ;). Sue x
Sue, I love following your Ireland adventures! There is so much to see and do. It really makes me want to get back there.
Thank you, Nancy, glad to hear you’re enjoying my travels & I hope you get to experience it soon too! Sue x
after a few day in Ireland I knew our seven day itinerary was not going to be near enough to enjoy this spectacular green rock. You present it so well and as always I love your photos. I hope to return to Ireland in a year or two. thanks for a great reminder as well as some awesome new ideas.
Thank you, Laureen. I hope to return there soon too as there is so much more to see. Fingers crossed, Sue x