Top Things to do in Wild Atlantic Way
What to do and see in Wild Atlantic Way, Wild Atlantic Way: The Best Things to do Adventurous
Discover the best top things to do in Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland including Blasket Islands, Great Blasket Island, Glengowla Mines, Knocknarea, Conor Pass, Dun Aonghasa, Skellig Michael, Burren Birds of Prey Centre, Dun Duchathair, Clare Coastal Walk Project.
Restaurants in Wild Atlantic Way
1. Blasket Islands
2. Great Blasket Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 521 reviews
The Great Blasket Island – the most westerly point in Europe – is the largest Island of an archipelago of islands located 3 miles off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. The Great Blasket once had a thriving population of inhabitants but in January of 1954 the remaining O'Sullivan family abandoned the Island due to a child contracting meningitis and dying. Many stories and literature have been famously published since this time generating a new found interest in this special area. Since 1954 the Great Blasket Island has been derelict with only visitors coming to a from the Island. In the past few years a number of the houses have been restored and amenities such as overnight accommodation and coffee shop are provided for visitors to the island.
Reviewed By RoryG234 - Dublin, Ireland
This deserted island is stunningly beautiful but thee less.Story has it , that a poster of a tree hung on the wall of the school (which was open from 1864 to 1941) for the information of pupils who had never seen one in real life. The island's claim to fame is it's literary history ,it had remarkable literary output including Tomas Ó Criomhthain's An t-Oileanach and Muiris O' Súilleabháin's Fiche Blian ag Fás and of course Peig Sayer's autobiography Peig.
3. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
4. Knocknarea
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By brianf197 - Sligo, Ireland
I always go up the back way so cant say anything about the new walk way. Its a lovely easy climb and the views are class on a nice day
5. Conor Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 676 reviews
A scenic stretch of land surrounded by rugged coastline.
Reviewed By MartletwyOnTour - Wales, United Kingdom
Talk about 'WOW'! The drive up heading north/south was steady and pleasant and then we got to the pass itself which is indeed narrow and right on the cliff edge! My friend who was driving loved it and the challenge - I just looked right away from the sheer drop alongside us! Completely worth it though of course because as soon as we reached the car park at the summit of the road path, the views back across the valley were quite simply breathtaking! Then a pleasantly steady descent down into Dingle to steady the nerves!!
6. 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.
7. Skellig Michael
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 736 reviews
Reviewed By Yonderluzt
First, you need to book this well in advance. They only allow so many visitors per day. I won't comment on the tour companies because I only have experience with one (and it was good). Some days the weather is too rough to land boats. Because the trips are booked full weeks in advance, you can't reschdue for another day. That being said, if you get a reservation, and if the weather cooperates, this is well worth the trip. There are a lot of steps, so being in decent shape helps, but I wouldn't call it trecherous by any means. There are plenty of videos that give a good idea of what to expect. Watch them and take that into consideration if you have young children or folks who particularly don't like heights, or jumping on and off a rolling deck, into consideration. IMHO the trip is well worth it.
8. Burren Birds of Prey Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 688 reviews
DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds as they fly overhead and through the audience. A HOME to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.EDUCATION into the amazing world of Raptors, their biology, conservation and the ancient art of Falconry.HAWK WALKS which are a once in a life time opportunity to interact with some of nature's top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, this hour long 'Walk with a Hawk' through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience.
Reviewed By 346katier
The centre is staffed by knowledgable and friendly people. The birds are well-kept and in great condition. Toilets (importantly!) also clean. There's a shop with a good collection and also a farm shop with local produce. The bird show is informative and the staff clearly engaged very much in conservation: staff are also very much on hand and welcome questions. In the show we saw, volunteers were allowed to have a hawk fly to their fist which was done as part of the show very well indeed. We loved it, and I am certain fellow visitors did too. It was lovely to see handlers so clearly interested in conservation and bird welfare. Very well done.
9. 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.
10. Clare Coastal Walk Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By WhereToTry - Waterford, Ireland
Spectacular views on this walk. Truly amazing and well-worth taking a few hours out of your day to go on it. It is not too difficult but good walking runners or boots are definitely a must. There are quite a lot of boggy areas (even in dry weather) to cross over. This is definitely a must if in Doolin or nearby.
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