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Last updated on April 20th, 2022 at 03:49 pm
There’s something about the way the sun reflects off the wild Irish grass; wet with sea dew; it glows with a neon vibrancy that is pure Irish green. The long and rugged coast winds its way around the west coast of Ireland, passing jaw-dropping cliff views, ruined castles, gorgeous nature park, colorful little towns, and cozy local pubs with live trad music. The Wild Atlantic Way embodies quintessential Ireland around every corner and down every path. I could barely click my finger fast enough to capture all these photos to inspire you to visit the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. Every photograph transports me back to this special place in Ireland, where I felt wild, free, and at home. I hope these photos of authentic Ireland encourage you to go see the magical Irish green with your own eyes.
I want to thank Traverse Journeys for inviting me to travel Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way to take all these fantastic photos. If you’re looking for a small group tour with a sustainable and mindful tour company, then don’t miss this inspiring adventure by using code sk100 for $100 off.
Lush Killarney National Park has tumbling waterfalls and sweeping viewpoints. Extend your Wild Atlantic Way road trip with a drive around Muckross Lake, or get out of the car to stretch your legs with kilometers of scenic walking trails. Take time to experience the culture and history of Killarney by touring Ross Castle, or exploring Muckross Abbey with the historic graveyards and ancient Yule Tree.
The rugged Cliffs of Moher light up when the sun peeks out from behind the clouds. Visiting the cliffs for sunrise and sunset is a must to see how the light changes, but even with a bit of rain, the cliffs are striking. To avoid the crowds, start at the Cliff’s Walking Trail and continue down past the visitor’s center to watch the scenery unfold before your very eyes.
Sprinkled along the Wild Atlantic Way are hidden secrets only known to the locals from the county. If you slow down and take your time to get off the beaten path, you’ll be rewarded with ancient stone circles tucked away in a remote sheep pasture – looking out to sea; a secluded nature park on the Ring of Beara with a crashing waterfall and grazing sheep below; ruined castles without another soul in sight. Travel on the shoulder season, take it nice and slow and leave plenty of time to take stunning photographs along the Irish West Coast.
The Slea Head drive around the Dingle Peninsula is a truly magical place. With cliffs lower than Moher, you get an intimate look at the crashing waves as sea spray kisses your face, and the wind whips your hair. Break up the larger than life scenery with cultural experiences like sheepdog demonstrations with a real Irish farmer and historic sites like cross markers, museums, and beehive huts.
Stunning photo opportunities of Irish castles, abbeys, and ruins are strewn across the Wild Atlantic Way. Explore the manicured gardens and kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, wander the grounds expansive ruined Abbeys tucked away on remote islands off the coast of Baltimore.
One of the most surprising things about traveling the Wild Atlantic Way across Ireland was the colorful houses and bright seaside towns. Vivid pinks, blues, yellows, and greens light up the dark and rainy Irish days. The colorful towns of Kinsale, Allihies, and Sneem have picture-perfect flower beds, bright window sills, and wildly painted front doors. Spend plenty of time walking the side streets before ducking into a cozy pub.
Whoever said Irish food was bland and tasteless has never visited the Wild Atlantic Way. With fish and chips hole in walls to die for and Michelin, Star gourmet eat the food along the coast is as delicious as the scenery. Of course, you can’t forget the thick creamy Guinness – or Murpheys to wash it all down.
I hope these dreamy photos of the stunning Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland inspired you to visit. These photos don’t do the Irish coast justice. Being there to feel the wind and the sea, and to explore the colorful towns was one of the best trips I took in 2019. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the road and slow travel the Wild Atlantic Way with these photos to inspire you.
I’ve been to Ireland and I’ve heard so much about the Cliffs of Moher. Unfortunately I’ve not been to the coast yet. The ancient stone circles look pretty cool, interesting that it’s off the beaten track. All of your pictures look superb. Good you managed to finish it off with a Guinness too!
It was really cool the stone circles were just hidden in farmer’s fields with sheep grazing. I hope you make it back to see these amazing views along the Wild Atlantic Way.
We had just a taste of Ireland this year. And this view of the Wild Atlantic Way definitely gave us many more reasons to want to return. Killarney Park is high on our list of places to see. And we would definitely tour Ross Castle. Those views along the Dingle Peninsula are stunning. And with all that sunshine, it hardly looks like the Ireland that so many people think of. Those colourful houses are a photographers dream! We are definitely inspired to come back to Ireland.
I know we had great weather and it was shoulder seasons, so hardly any tourists were around either. It is well worth going back to see these stunning landscapes I photographed along the way.
I did the Wild Atlantic Way two years ago and loved it. The scenery us amazing and I love the rugged coastline, castles, abbeys and of course, the towns. This is where the Irish culture is for me. Love looking at your photos and they sure did bring back some amazing memories. :)
It really was quintessential Ireland, and I just loved capturing it all in all in photographs. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the best areas in Europe.
Wow, you took some incredible photos here. I regret not staying on longer when we were last in Ireland. Slea Head and the Dingle Peninsula are both stunning, and I love your photos of the colorful houses too. I totally agree about the food; it was delicious!
I know the food was so surprising. I guess you will just have to go back to see all these dreamy landscapes of Ireland and take your own photos!
While the colourful houses make the whole area lively!, the coastal walk provides a completely different feeling. I am always afraid of walking along the coast there because of the dangerous cliff edge. But if there is a paved way like in one of your pictures, I would also like to have a walk. Nice pictures!
OMG! Each of them is stunning! Loved the castle photography a lot! I was wishing to be in one of those pictures. Then I saw the colorful facades and couldn’t decide which were better. This post was a great visual treat!
Totally dreamy pics. From the castles to the wild rocks and the green meadows and even a colorful town – what a variety. I would love to get here and explore it myself. It has always been on my wanderlist but your pictures just pushed it much higher. Just amazing photos.
On all my visits to Ireland, I’ve only been to Dublin, I really need to branch out to see the rest of the country especial the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s simply gorgeous. Those waterfalls at Killarney National park would be our first stop, right after the Cliffs of Moher. Those towns look adorable, love the bright, vibrant colors of the houses.
Gooorgeous photos Sunsanna!
I do love the Cliffs of Moher, but I agree with you that this area is even better if you take it slowly and explore at a slow pace, spotting castles and ancient churches along the way. The photos you took of the coast line captured it perfectly, it’s wild, rugged and pretty.
I always love those seaside towns with their bright colours. All of this makes me crave a good pub with a fire.
I loved looking at your stunning photos again. Thanks for reposting them. I would love to visit Ireland and those area look amazing.
Hi, Do you allow artists to use your photos? Generally the finished product looks slightly different from the photos. I just need a starting point. Geraldine Ryan
Hi Geraldine, feel free to email me hello@curiositysaves.come If you are just painting the location based on the photo, that is totally fine, but I do not allow any commercial or personal use of my photographs themselves. I love your art by the way!