How long is the Wild Atlantic Way: Galway to Killarney route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Galway to Killarney in West of Ireland, Ireland.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Nature, Culture, Classic road trip.

Wild Atlantic Way: Galway to Killarney

1

Galway

2 nights

The route's gateway city and a confident start. Spend two days exploring the Latin Quarter, catching trad music in session pubs and taking a day trip to the Aran Islands by ferry. Galway sets the cultural tone for the whole coast: lived-in, musical, unhurried.The route's gateway city and a confident start. Spend two days exploring the Latin Quarter, catching trad music in session pubs and taking a day trip to the Aran Islands by ferry. Galway sets the cultural tone for the whole coast: lived-in, musical, unhurried.

Recommendations

2

Doolin

2 nights

Base for the Cliffs of Moher (a 15-minute drive) and a full day in the Burren. The cliffs reach 214 metres at their peak and stretch for 8km; walk the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk south from the visitor centre for the best views and fewer crowds. Return for live music in Doolin's pubs at night.Base for the Cliffs of Moher (a 15-minute drive) and a full day in the Burren. The cliffs reach 214 metres at their peak and stretch for 8km; walk the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk south from the visitor centre for the best views and fewer crowds. Return for live music in Doolin's pubs at night.

Recommendations

3

Kilkee

1 night

A compact seaside town with a sheltered horseshoe bay and some of Clare's most accessible cliff walking. Drive Loop Head Peninsula in the afternoon: the Bridges of Ross sea arches, the lighthouse at the tip and the Kilkee Cliff Walk are all within 30 minutes. Dolphins are frequently spotted off Loop Head.A compact seaside town with a sheltered horseshoe bay and some of Clare's most accessible cliff walking. Drive Loop Head Peninsula in the afternoon: the Bridges of Ross sea arches, the lighthouse at the tip and the Kilkee Cliff Walk are all within 30 minutes. Dolphins are frequently spotted off Loop Head.

Recommendations

4

Tralee

1 night

The main town of County Kerry and a brief one-night stop before the Dingle Peninsula. Cross the Shannon Estuary on the Killimer-Tarbert ferry (20 minutes, runs hourly) to save 90km of inland driving. Tralee is a practical base: stock up on supplies and book Conor Pass road conditions before heading west.The main town of County Kerry and a brief one-night stop before the Dingle Peninsula. Cross the Shannon Estuary on the Killimer-Tarbert ferry (20 minutes, runs hourly) to save 90km of inland driving. Tralee is a practical base: stock up on supplies and book Conor Pass road conditions before heading west.

Recommendations

5

Dingle

3 nights

The route's centrepiece: three nights in a harbour town at the tip of the westernmost peninsula in Ireland. Drive Slea Head (38km loop, allow 3 hours) past Iron Age forts, beehive huts and Blasket Island views. The peninsula also holds Inch Beach, Minard Castle and excellent seafood restaurants in town.The route's centrepiece: three nights in a harbour town at the tip of the westernmost peninsula in Ireland. Drive Slea Head (38km loop, allow 3 hours) past Iron Age forts, beehive huts and Blasket Island views. The peninsula also holds Inch Beach, Minard Castle and excellent seafood restaurants in town.

Recommendations

6

Killarney

1 night

The route ends in Killarney National Park, Ireland's oldest. One full day covers the Gap of Dunloe (best walked or cycled, then pony-trap back), Ladies' View and Ross Castle on the shore of Lough Leane. Killarney town has the best restaurant choice since Galway. Fly out of Kerry Airport or continue to Cork by train.The route ends in Killarney National Park, Ireland's oldest. One full day covers the Gap of Dunloe (best walked or cycled, then pony-trap back), Ladies' View and Ross Castle on the shore of Lough Leane. Killarney town has the best restaurant choice since Galway. Fly out of Kerry Airport or continue to Cork by train.

Recommendations

Wild Atlantic Way: Galway to Killarney