The recent Lonely Planet article named Ireland’s top 10 beaches for 2021, 8 of which are on the now famous Wild Atlantic Way stretching 2600 km (1600 miles) North to South from the Inishowen Pennisula in Co.Donegal to the pretty town of Kinsale in Co Cork.

The ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ as a brand was launched by the Irish Government and Fáilte Ireland over the period 2015-2019 to inject a much-needed economic boost to the rural west coast of Ireland.  It’s rise in popularity as “the longest defined coastal route in the world” has been astounding, due in no small measure to its dramatic rugged coastline created by the Atlantic Ocean, boasting cliffs, beaches and villages shown as one in all their beauty to the world for the very first time.  All of the villages and towns dotted along this route hold their own special significance and some are still greatly influenced by old traditions, music, dance and the Irish language.

The beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way are too numerous to mention, but the 8 beaches named by Lonely Planet on this route certainly deserve their status.

In Co Donegal there is Trá Mór Beach with views of Horn Head and Ballymastocker Bay (Wardens Bay) a blue flag beach with views to the Inishowen Pennisula. 

County Sligo is famous for its beaches for surfing, but Streedagh Strand is known as a beach for swimming and has fantastic views of the ‘Hills of Donegal’. 

Achill Island in Co Mayo boasts two on this list, one is the secluded Keen Bay which is protected by the impressive Croaghan Cliffs and Trawmore Bay, a blue flag beach, which stretches for 4km and is very popular with surfers.  

The Gaeltacht area of Connemara in Co Galway has many beautiful beaches among them the very beautiful white sands of Gorteen Bay/Dog’s Bay. 

Co Kerry or the ‘Kingdom of Kerry’ boasts two on the list namely the 6km Inch Strand which stretches into Dingle Bay and has been used in the famous film ‘Ryans Daughter’ and the blue flag Banna Strand in Ballyheigue Bay close to the tourist town of Tralee.

Irish Luxury Tours : The Grand Tour of Ireland is the very best way to experience the entire length of the Wild Atlantic Way.  If you would like to customise a tour to visit these beaches and fully explore the wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way then arrange a call back by clicking here.