Ireland's Culinary & Coastal Heart. English Market artisan fare, Cliffs of Moher drama, and castle-hotel stays.
Cork, Ireland's second-largest city, acts as a culinary gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500-kilometre touring route along the country's western seaboard. The region is known for its celebrated food scene, centred around Cork's historic English Market, and the dramatic landscapes of the Atlantic coast. Travellers typically undertake self-drive journeys to experience the route's distinctive geological formations, coastal villages, and sheer cliffs, such as the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
This area provides direct access to the English Market, numerous restaurants, and cultural sites. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the city on foot before venturing out to the coast.
Positioned between the Ring of Kerry and the Ring of Beara peninsulas, Kenmare is a well-regarded food town. It offers a strategic location for exploring the dramatic coastlines of the southwest.
Staying in this region places visitors near key attractions of the Wild Atlantic Way, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Accommodation options often provide direct access to the coastline and rural landscapes.
A covered food market that has been trading since 1788, located in the centre of Cork City. It features a wide array of stalls from local and international artisan producers.
These sea cliffs run for about 14 kilometres along the Atlantic coast, reaching 214 metres at their highest point. They form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.
A historic port and fishing town in County Cork known for its colourful streetscapes and its concentration of restaurants. It marks the southern starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way.
A region in County Clare dominated by a glaciokarst landscape. The area is noted for its unusual combination of Arctic, Alpine, and Mediterranean flora growing together.
May–June and September. The summer months of July and August offer the warmest temperatures, though this is also the peak tourist season with the highest visitor numbers. The shoulder months provide a good balance of mild weather and fewer crowds, with long daylight hours in late spring.
The primary international airports for this region are Cork Airport (ORK) for the southern coast and Shannon Airport (SNN) for access to County Clare. For touring the coastal route, pre-booked car hire is the most practical mode of transport from either airport.
In Ireland, driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Many routes along the Wild Atlantic Way, particularly in rural areas, are narrow and winding, requiring careful navigation.
The weather is highly changeable, and it is common to experience rain and sunshine in one day. Entry and health requirements change, so check current official government guidance and speak with a travel health professional before you go.
The full route is extensive, and most visitors choose to focus on specific sections. Popular itineraries include the southern peninsulas in Cork and Kerry or the stretch through Clare and Galway.
All destinations · Best hotels · Compare hotels · Plan & Book
Back to Luxury Travel Guides
Hotel reviews · Destinations · Best hotels · Compare hotels · The Journal · Plan & Book
Published by Peters Signature Travel.