Top Things to do in Wild Atlantic Way
10 Ancient Ruins in Wild Atlantic Way That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland including Three Castle Head, Dun Aonghasa, Dun Duchathair, Belleek Castle Museum, Killone Abbey, Church Island, Kilcrea Friary, Sli Grainne Mhaol, Hussey's Folly, Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.
Restaurants in Wild Atlantic Way
1. Three Castle Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Slainte1969 - Seattle, United States
Family roots took me to this location and the historic castle, and it was a highlight of my life. The path in was somewhat confusing to me - just know when you park in the area overlooking the ocean, you’ll follow the signs that lead you away from the private property. The walk to the caste was grand, not too hard, but wet during rainy periods. The views of the ocean are spectacular and then when you crest the last hill before the castle, what an amazing site to see! It was breathtaking and I spent a lot of time here before continuing further along the path to the highest point where you can see all the coastal area in that part of Ireland. Walking further (with the extreme wind!), you see amazing views, lush grasses, because fauna and lots of rocks. It’s an amazing hike/walk and I will never forget this experience. Could not more highly recommend it!
2. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.
Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland
Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.
3. Dun Duchathair
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By redhead_roaming - Seattle, United States
Honestly, it's quite an adventure just getting to this place! We rented mountain bikes in town and we were glad we got those versus gentle city bikes. The road that gets you closest, while it looks smooth and nice on Google Maps satellite view, is full of large rocks that would take out city bikes - there was more than one occasion I almost biffed it even with my mountain bike! While walking is certainly an option, it kinda makes sense just to get bikes for the whole day to explore the island anyway. Anyway, the path ends near the cliff side, with a lone bench. It's not America - there are no signs, no safety rails, nothing. Be safe and be informed as to where you need to go. We left our bikes there and I was really worried they would get stolen but no one touched them - thank you kind people! Walking through the limestone landscape, you have to be careful where you step, as you could easily twist an ankle if you're too busy looking around. You start to notice that the stone walls have a couple entries in them and you can follow some virtually all the way to Dun Duchathair. Once you get there, there's not much to see of the actual fort. There's no signs about not walking on the structure and you kinda have to but we tried to keep that to a minimum, to keep the integrity of the structure for years to come. We sat and enjoyed the views for a while though, especially loving waves crashing along the steep cliffs. As cool as watching the sunset would be here, I 100% do not recommend it. I can't imagine trying to navigate the cliffs or the limestone landscape in the dark. For clothing, it wasn't a terribly cold day but with the wind, it made it. We had lightweight fleece jackets, pants and good hiking shoes.
4. Belleek Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 231 reviews
Learn about the history of Belleek Castle & the story of its inhabitants the Knox-Gore family. Lean about the exciting life of Marshall Doran a sailor who made his fortune from smuggling & antique dealing who later became hotelier & restored Belleek Castle in the 1960's. Visitors will see the original Castle & Marshalls additions to the house such as the Spanish Armada Bar (built from salvaged wood from Spanish Armada shipwrecks) and the Medieval Banquet Hall,. The highlight of the tour will be the Marshall Doran Collection! One of the finest collections of antiques, Jurassic Fossils, Medieval weapons and Medieval Armour in Ireland! Other curiosities include the last wolf shot in Connaught & the bed of Grace O'Malley, Ireland's Pirate Queen.
Reviewed By sandramK8378SD
Went Nov. 2019, great tour, guide fantastically knowledgeable. Would be great for kids as well. Very interesting history. ????
5. Killone Abbey
6. Church Island
7. Kilcrea Friary
8. Sli Grainne Mhaol
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Are-any-left
Fantastic walk with really stunning views. Very well marked and easy to follow. A few seats / picnic benches en route. Takes about 2/2.5 hours. Weather was good but there had been lots of rain during the week and the ground was quite boggy in places, so would definitely recommend hiking boots for it. Well done to those involved in developing and maintaining this walk, it's fabulous!
9. Hussey's Folly
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ttturpin
We went walking to the tower in the morning. There is a gravel path, but you can also walk along the beach. It’s just a small tower, but a lovely time to experience dingle without tourists.
10. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
Reviewed By SFDANR
Get the leaflet at the visitor centre and do the self-guided tour- many intriguing passage tombs - one of the largest neolithic burial sites Probably best for people who thrill on archeology We enjoyed our visit.
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