Hidden Gems of the Wild Atlantic Way

Most visitors to Ireland have heard of the Cliffs of Moher. It’s Ireland’s most visited site – over 1.5 million visitors a year – which means it’s crowded and not necessarily unspoiled (although still certainly worth a visit). If you find yourself in the north west of Ireland, however, you’ll find cliffs that are far quieter and even more breathtaking. The Slieve League cliffs, at nearly 600 m/1,970 ft, are almost three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher, and you’ll often have days where you have it practically to yourself.

The Bunglas viewpoint, the iconic Slieve League panorama, is the most famous stopping point. But, if you’re looking for a lesser-known option, the Pilgrim’s Path behind Teelin village offers a more secluded experience.

The Pilgrim’s Path brings you to the ruins of an old church before leading you to the edge of the Slieve League cliffs. From there, you can go back the way you came, or there is the more adventurous (and challenging) option of the One Man’s Pass.

Learn all about Slieve League in our travel guide below.

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Knocknarea is one of Ireland’s most hallowed hills. Atop its summit sits the storied tomb of Queen Meadhbh, the ancient queen of Connacht. Believed to be over 5,000 years old, this is the largest passage tomb outside of the Boyne Valley. Leading up to the summit are many other historical tombs, and it is believed that this hill was the traditional burial place of the kings and queens of Connacht. There is a clearly marked trail to the summit, with three separate areas for parking.

Near Knocknarea is the idyllic town of Strandhill. Well-known today as a surfing hotspot, this town offers beautiful beaches, fantastic restaurants, and a number of excellent hotels and guesthouses for overnight stays.

Find out more in our guide to Sligo.

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Achill in County Mayo is Ireland’s largest island, but it still feels as if, in many ways, it is yet to be discovered. Accessed from the mainland by a bridge, Achill is well-connected yet retains its unique feel thanks to a strong local community and stunning landscapes.

The landscape of Achill is vast, with many iconic trails and vistas to be seen. The deserted village of Slievemore is a captivating place, with abandoned homes from living memory standing right next to megalithic sites dating back over 5,000 years.

Keem Bay is one of the highlights of Achill Island, offering an idyllic setting for a day on the beach or a night of peaceful camping. Basking sharks can be seen here in summer, and the Atlantic Drive around the island’s southern coast is one of the finest roads in Ireland. Many views on the island may also seem familiar, thanks to many scenes of the hit Banshees of Inisherin (2022) being filmed here.

Discover our travel guide to Mayo below.

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Situated in the heart of the Burren, Cahercommaun is one of my own personal favourite spots. The Burren, one of the world’s most unique biodiversity areas, abounds with historic sites and stunning viewpoints. The Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch, Kinvara, and a litany of other world-famous locations can often be inundated with tourists, especially in the summer. Caharcommaun, a lesser-known fort, is a hidden gem amongst these busier locations.

Archaeologists dispute the fort’s original foundation date, but it has been there since at least the 9th century. Once parked, you can enjoy a clear trail leading through stunning countryside towards the fort itself. Here, you’ll find that you can explore the area with complete freedom, scaling the walls yourself and looking out across a sheer cliff and beautiful countryside views.

This is a quieter spot in the Burren, but it is also excellently located, just a few minutes’ drive from the Burren Perfumery, one of the best places to explore the Burren’s biodiversity and enjoy a delicious meal.

Get to know the Burren National Park with our travel guide.

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If you’re looking for wilderness, the Blasket Islands are one of the more fascinating and adventurous stops on the Wild Atlantic Way. These islands, inhabited for millennia, were officially evacuated in 1953 due to the ageing population and extreme weather. Now, by ferry, you can visit this abandoned village. There is no modern infrastructure here, and you are free to wander the island and explore one of the wildest and most westerly points in Europe.

​These islands are also world-renowned for their birdlife and enormous colony of grey seals. If you want to see Ireland in its true, natural state, the Blasket Islands are where you need to go.

​Ferries go from late spring to early autumn from the town of Dunquin. If you can’t make it to the islands, there is also a heritage centre in Dunquin that you can visit to learn more about the history and culture of these iconic islands.

Explore more of the Dingle Peninsula with our guide below.

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Old Head sits just a few miles outside of Kinsale, one of Ireland’s most beautiful and celebrated towns. Perched at the very edge of the Atlantic, this viewing spot offers one of the most iconic vistas of the Irish coastline. There is also a world-class golf course, which welcomes visitors. Additionally, there is a now-decommissioned lighthouse here, turned into a museum commemorating the sinking of the Lusitania, which occurred just a few miles off the coast.

Although just a few minutes’ drive from one of Ireland’s most popular villages, you will have no problem finding a place to yourself at Old Head. It is also part of a longer drive that offers stunning views of the Atlantic coast.

Start planning your adventure with our guide to Kinsale.

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