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Coastal Contrasts: Clare & Kerry
ACTIVITIES
Go Caving
Spot Whales and dolphins
Take a walking tour
HIGHLIGHTS
Burren National Park
Aillwee Cave
Kells Bay Gardens
LOCATION
Doolin
Listowel
Dingle
Costal Contrasts: Clare & Kerry
If powerful seas, soul-stirring vistas and otherworldly landscapes are your idea of a true adventure, this five-day journey from south County Galway down through Clare, Kerry and West Cork is not to be missed.
Overview
Famed for its invigorating culture as much as for its beauty, the southwestern shores of the Wild Atlantic Way’s Southern Peninsulas and Cliff Coast beckon to culture-seekers, adventurers, and escapists alike. Two regions that many say are at their most splendid during the winter months, here you’ll find rocky cliff lands stretching enticingly down to lush wooded peninsulas hemmed by sandy, salted shorelines. It’s a place to switch off from the bustle of modern life and reconnect with the bracing energy of Mother Nature, and we know just the route to take to get the most out of it.
DAY 1 (2 Stops)
BALLYVAUGHAN – THE BURREN – DOOLIN
Your Cliff Coast and Southern Peninsulas itinerary begins in what is arguably the most unique and unforgettable location in Ireland – The Burren. A strange and striking karst landscape, its eerie appearance and otherworldly allure is matched in peculiarity by the abundance of life it supports – there are species here that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Take time to explore all that this one-of-a-kind region has to offer; you won’t soon forget it.
Stop #1
BALLYVAUGHAN TO THE BURREN
Your adventure begins in the seaside village of Ballyvaughan. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Burren, it’s the ideal spot from which to embark, boasting vibrant music and art scenes that are well worth exploring as you gear up for the day ahead. Once on the coast road, head for Linnalla (16 mins); a great place for a pick-me-up, their sundaes and fresh fruit cocktails are famous for a reason! 25 minutes away, the Burren Perfumery will enliven the senses as you observe the creation and bottling of small-batch natural perfumes, balms and soaps inspired by indigenous plants.
Stop #2
THE BURREN NATIONAL PARK TO DOOLIN
The Burren is one of Ireland’s most striking and unique landscapes, and a visit to the Burren National Park is an absolute must. Explore the protected land – a blanket of limestone formed in a tropical sea over 325 million years ago – on your own or with a guide, who will fill you in on everything from its folklore and archaeology to the various forms of life which thrive here. While in the area, pay a visit to Aillwee Cave, a subterranean passageway that welcomes thousands of visitors each year deep into the heart of Aillwee Hill. As your day winds to a close, head for the seaside surf haven of Doolin, your home for the night.
DAY 2 (3 Stops)
DOOLIN – MILTOWN – LOOP HEAD PENINSULA
Let Mother Nature work her magic on you today as you trace your way along the Cliff Coast from Doolin to Miltown Malbay and on toward the Loop Head Peninsula and, finally, Kilkee. You’ll see wild marvels like the Great Stalactite and the cliffs at Loop Head, and get up close and personal with the wonderful people who make this region as distinct as it is.
Stop #1
DOOLIN
The welcoming town of Doolin may be well-known to many as the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher, but the town itself boasts plenty of treasures for the savvy sightseer. Don’t miss Doolin Cave, an underground system that winds its way deep beneath the Burren. Reached by a 45-minute journey to its core, the cave is home to the Great Stalactite, a mineral formation suspended like a giant chandelier from the cavern’s roof. The Nature Trail, included as part of the cave tour, traces a looped walk around the surrounding lands that brim with rare native flora and fauna.
Stop #2
MILTOWN MALBAY
With a distinct sound perfected over many centuries, traditional Irish music is the heartbeat of the Wild Atlantic Way. Thirty-five minutes south of Doolin, you’ll find the inviting town of Miltown Malbay, considered by many to be a nexus of indigenous music. Here, the Music Makers cultural centre offers terrific exhibits showcasing the history of local music and detailing the lives of its players through artifacts and films. Soak up the creative culture and enjoy a delicious lunch before hitting the road for the third and final leg of today’s journey.
Stop #3
LOOP HEAD PENINSULA
Break for the coast at Loop Head by following the N67 towards Kilkee (1 hour 10 mins). Join the Dunlicky Road along the coast, where you’ll find a landscape of sweeping cliffs that will more than clear away the cobwebs. Enjoy the view out towards the horizon from Loop Head Lighthouse, or see if you can spot dolphins basking in the estuary where the Shannon and Atlantic converge. For something different, join Long Way Round Walking Tours on a guided hike around the peninsula before setting out for Kilkee (30 minutes east) for some well-earned rest and relaxation.
DAY 3 (3 Stops)
KILKEE – TARBERT – LISTOWEL – DINGLE
From one county to another, today’s route will bring you further afield as you prepare to make your way south into the Southern Peninsulas region of the Wild Atlantic Way. Here, embracing this way of life is all about honouring man’s relationship with nature, and the creativity, innovation and rich traditions that have resulted from living a life in touch with the elements. From historical Tarbert to literary Listowel and on to dynamic Dingle, it’ll be a day to remember.
Stop #1
KILKEE TO TARBERT
Today you’ll be leaving the charms of County Clare for the gentler coastal landscapes of Kerry. Follow the N67 east to Killimer; from here, a car ferry departs hourly for the Shannon-side town of Tarbert (1 hour 31 mins). On arrival, don’t miss the Tarbert Bridewell Courthouse and Jail. This 19th-century judicial building operated for over 100 years before it was abandoned and eventually restored as a visitor centre and museum. The town of Listowel is your next stop; take the coastal route via Ballybunion, a little over 45 minutes away.
Stop #2
TARBERT TO LISTOWEL
It’s said that the Irish have a way with words, and perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in our country’s great literary tradition. A hub of writing talent, County Kerry has produced such esteemed writers as John B. Keane, Maurice Walsh and Bryan McMahon, and at the Kerry Writers’ Museum, you can enjoy a stimulating journey of discovery through their words and stories. Fuelled by the wealth of rich characters, humour, romance and tragedy found in the towns and villages of north Kerry, you’ll come away from your visit with a sense of the people and places that have shaped the county’s literary genius.
Stop #3
LISTOWEL TO DINGLE
The last drive of the day leads along the dramatic road to Dingle(1 hour 52 mins), with unmatched views and inspiring natural beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for Fenit and its neighbouring islands, the Aran Islands in Galway, and Loop Head in Clare as you traverse this once glacial landscape. With steep cliffs, jagged peaks, sharp ridges and deep corrie lakes – as well as the Conor Pass, the highest mountain crossing on the Wild Atlantic Way – it’ll take your breath away. Get set for a treat as you descend into bustling Dingle town, a place known for its hospitality, delicious food, and great nightlife.
DAY 4 (1 Stops)
DINGLE
There’s no better way to truly embrace the Wild Atlantic way of life than by spending a day in one of the route’s most vibrant towns – Dingle. Take a break from all that driving and get to know this very special part of Ireland, where local artists rub shoulders with artisan food producers; where musicians from all over the world come to share song and stage with legendary local players; where the small-batch beer and whiskey renaissance is in full swing, and where everything – from family-friendly activities to craic-filled nightlife – has a distinctly Dingle twist.
Stop #1
DINGLE
Enjoy breakfast in one of Dingle’s great cafés and restaurants and then hit the streets – the winding lanes here are perfect for a bit of sightseeing. Stop into the Dingle Cookery School, where you can learn to ‘eat like an Irishman’, or enjoy a tour of the Dingle Distillery, complete with tasting session. Kids will love the array of aquatic wildlife at Dingle Oceanworld, while folks who prefer their sealife on a plate will fall in love with the culinary scene in Dingle, where renowned chefs work their magic on the catch of the day. In the evening, settle into one of the famously lively pubs for a memorable experience.
DAY 5 (2 Stops)
DINGLE – KILLORGLIN – CAHERSIVEEN
Enjoy your final day on the Wild Atlantic Way by visiting some of the most special spots in the Southern Peninsulas. In Dingle and Killorglin, at Rossbeigh and finally, Cahersiveen, you’ll find essential examples of how life out west has been shaped by the elements. With breathtaking vistas around practically every corner and an irresistibly rich history to dig down into, you’ll come away from your journey with a renewed sense of time, place, and even self. Make the most of it.
Stop #1
DINGLE TO KILLORGLIN
Start your day with an invigorating breath of fresh air as you join Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours for a trip over the waves to visit local celebrity cetacean Fungie. Back on dry land, it’s off to Iveragh. Take the N86 for around 18 minutes before turning onto the R561, which runs past the beautiful strand at Inch. A short 12 minutes later, you’ll reach Killorglin, famous for its annual Puck Fair festival and the internationally unique ‘Seven Ages’ collection, donated to the state by Irish artist Pauline Bewickand featuring pieces from seven decades of Bewick’s life.
Stop #2
KILLORGLIN TO CAHERSIVEEN
Continue westward across the Iveragh Peninsula, stopping off to see the century-old sailing vessel ‘Sunbeam’, washed ashore on the sands of Rossbeigh beach. Stroll among the flowers at Kells Bay Gardens for a picture-perfect midday boost. Further along at Cahersiveen, (42 mins), birthplace of Daniel O’Connell, the past comes to life at the Old Barracks; overlooking the marina, it houses a fascinating visitor centre with memorabilia from the Irish Civil War. The selection of cosy hotels invites you to relax, unwind, and enjoy your final night on the Wild Atlantic Way.
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