The Wild Atlantic Way is perhaps Ireland's most scenic and breathtaking coastal route. The 2600 km (1600 miles) of rugged landscapes and expansive blue waters off Ireland’s West Coast is an absolute wonder. The route features 157 designated Discovery Points, with dozens of those Discover Points located in County Galway. To help you make the most of your time in Galway, we’ve put together a Wild Atlantic Way Galway Guide to share some of the sights you can’t miss along this route!
Below you’ll find a guide to some of our favourite designated Discovery Points for the Wild Atlantic Way across Galway… keep reading to inspire your next Galway adventure!
Connemara
Connemara’s vast and wild landscape situated on Galway’s West Coast is an adventure just waiting for your discovery. You can explore Connemara via the long winding roads running through the West Coast of Ireland. Be sure to check out both Gorteen Bay and Dog’s Bay. These neighboring stretches of sand have beautiful views of the Atlantic and are perfect for a beach day. Along with scenic stop offs, there is a rich history and story hidden in Connemara. In the moorlands of Derrigimlagh you’ll discover the very first radio station that transmitted news from London and Dublin across the Atlantic. The Marconi Station was established in 1907 by radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi. Later in 1919, Derrigimlagh was the site where pilots John Alcock and Whitten Brown completed the very first non-stop transatlantic flight.
Photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Clifden
Clifden is affectionately known as ‘The Capital of Connemara’. The picturesque town is filled with magic, music and some of the best pubs and shops in Galway. Putter around the local shops, like Connemara Blue, a family-run fused glass art and gift shop. We also adore Love Vintage, a shop that curates timeless vintage pieces along with stunning and unique new clothes and jewellery. For lunch discover Upstairs at E.J. Kings where you’ll be invited to indulge in deliciously fresh seafood with a nearly panoramic view of Clifden’s town centre. For pints we highly recommend Lowry’s Pub. The perfect Guinness every time! Continue the pub crawl to MC McGrath's for more Guinness and live music. While you’re in Clifden enjoy the scenic drive along Sky Road. The loop is a panoramic route that is just over 16 kms taking you through the most beautiful landscapes of Ireland. The Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point reveals breathtaking views of Clifden Bay and the Atlantic.
Killary Harbour
In the heart of Connemara, Killary Harbour is an absolute must when exploring the Wild Atlantic Way. The fjord is one of just three glacial fjords in all of Ireland, and is a true sight to behold. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience, partake in a 90 minute awe-inspiring sightseeing tour with Killary Fjord Boat Tours. Killary Fjord is nestled between the magnificent Mweelrea and Ben Gorm mountains and the Maumturk Mountains. If looking for a place nearby to grab a bite to eat, be sure to head to Snappy Snappy in Letterfrack for indulgent crab rolls on a fresh baked bun.
The Aran Islands
Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer make up the archipelago located off the coast of Galway. These three islands are seeped in history, rugged adventure and Irish culture. Each island has its own unique beauty to discover. Getting to the islands is made easy with a short ferry ride from Aran Island Ferries, departing from Rossaveal in County Galway. Inishmore is the largest of the three islands. Unmissable sights on Inishmore include; the prehistoric fort of Dún Aonghasa, Poll na bPeist or the Wormhoel, a completely naturally formed rectangular sea pool, and of course for food the picturesque Teach Nan Phaidi one of our favourite places to eat in Galway.
Photo by Thatsnaps_photos
Inishmaan is your opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle and retreat to a quieter space. Inishmaan is the least populated of the islands and the slow island life is fully embraced here. Spend the day walking the island, literary fans will delight in visiting J.M. Synge’s Cottage where the Irish playwright spent every summer from 1898 to 1902. Be sure to grab a pint of Guinness at Teach Ósta, where you can also grab a delicious lunch. Inisheer is the smallest and most Eastern of the three islands. From exploring spectacular ruins like O’Brien’s Castle and The Plassey Shipwreck to having the perfect pint accompanied by traditional music in Tigh Ned, there’s so much Inis Oírr has to offer.
Photo by Lukasz-Warzecha
Salthill
When in Galway, be sure to walk the Salthill Prom for beautiful seaside views along the Wild Atlantic Way. The prom is about 3km and conveniently located in Galway’s City Centre. Along the prom you’ll find incredible views and beaches. On warmer days Salthill is full of locals and tourists alike soaking up the sea air and sunshine. Blackrock Diving Tower is at the very end of the prom and is one of the most iconic swimming spots in the city. If you’re feeling brave, pack your swimming togs and jump off at high tide!
Silverstrand
Silverstrand is a short 6.5km outside of Galway. The white sandy beach is absolutely stunning, offering incredible views of Galway Bay. On a summer's day, pack up a picnic and make your way out to the beach for a seaside lunch. During the summer season, a lifeguard is present ensuring it’s a safe swimming experience for everyone. The shallow waters make for a very family friendly swimming outing. The views at Silverstand make it a favourite Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point.
Photo by Chaosheng Zhang
Barna
Be sure to visit the quaint seaside village of Barna when exploring the Wild Atlantic Way. Barna is situated a short 7kms outside of Galway. From incredible views to amazing dining experiences, Barna is the perfect place to go when looking for a bit of a get away, with the scenic backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way. For shopping, pop into Áitiúil where you’ll find an abundance of coffee, homeware, artisan groceries and lifestyle products. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Meltd 2.0 serves up some seriously good toasted sandwiches. For the freshest seafood along the coast, you can’t go wrong with O'Gradys on the Pier. For pints Donnelly’s of Barna is the perfect choice for a traditional pub along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Spiddal
An Spidéal is an Irish speaking Gaeltacht region in Galway. The village is incredibly picturesque and a must see destination in Galway. Spiddal is located just 25 minutes by car outside of Galway City. The village is home to Ceardlann Craft Village, an artisan's delight in the centre of Spiddal! Brimming with incredible food, craft workshops and stunning shops Spiddal is a must visit village along the Wild Atlantic Way in Galway.
Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Kinvara
Nestled by the iconic Burren landscape of Clare, Kinvara is a stunning seaside village 30kms outside of Galway City. Known for its incredible views and artistic atmosphere, Kinvara is a must visit destination along the Wild Atlantic Way. Kinvara is home to the iconic Dunguaire Castle, one of the most photographed castles in the West of Ireland! The Secret Garden Craft shop is a quaint little shop full of candles, fairies, jewellery, original artwork, fair trade pieces and everything in between. Grab a bite to eat at SIAR, where you’ll be met with warm smiles and delicious bagels and sweets treats. Upstairs at Connollys offers a more refined dining experience, with live music and pints flowing downstairs. Pop into Green’s Bar for incredible Guinness and traditional music. (Be sure to bring cash as Green’s is a cash only pub!)
Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
This is just a handful of Destinations and Discovery Points for the Wild Atlantic Way in Galway. County Galway is home to even more beautiful sights along the picturesque route. If you want to discover even more, we suggest you just hop in the car and truly immerse yourself in the adventure of the Wild Atlantic Way…
Feature image courtesy of Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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