Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way refers to a scenic route on the West Coast of Ireland, a tourism trail, a network of coastal roads, or simply the quintessential Irish road trip.
The full route runs from Derry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, to Kinsale, just south of Cork on Ireland’s southern coast. For endurance cyclists and bike touring enthusiasts, the route from Derry to Kinsale—or the journey between Malin Head and Mizen Head, from Ireland’s northernmost to southernmost points—is appealing.
Not everyone, however, has the time, stamina, or inclination to tackle the entire coastal stretch. The EuroVelo network, which includes 17 long-distance routes across Europe, offers even a longer alternative. EV1, also known as the Atlantic Coast Route, extends from Belfast to Rosslare Harbour, the ferry pier to Wales; it is well-marked with consistent signage, ensuring that cyclists can navigate it with ease.
So, how much of the WAW should you ride? If time is on your side, you can take as long as you like to explore. Most people, however, break the journey into manageable segments or select specific sections to enjoy. Your decision will depend on several factors: your available travel time, cycling ability, points of interest you wish to visit, weather conditions, lodging options, and your overall travel preferences. Arguably the best part of it, some 1,100 kilometers, stretches between Achill Island and Dingle Penisula. Download the PDF version of this route, Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way: Achill Island to Dingle Peninsula, using the link below.
The paperback version of this guide is available at Amazon.