July 21st 2024.
I embarked on a journey along the Wild Atlantic Way, a breathtaking route that winds through the rugged coastline of Ireland's west coast. As I traversed the narrow roads of Inishbofin, a small island off the coast of Connemara, I couldn't help but be in awe of the stunning surroundings. The inspiration for this trip came from the film The Banshees of Inisherin, a captivating tale set on one of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay. It had left a lasting impression on me, and I knew I had to experience the beauty of these islands for myself.
The Wild Atlantic Way spans over 2,500 kilometers and covers nine counties and three provinces, beginning in Derry and ending in County Cork. Along the way, there are 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions, and countless activities to enjoy. It took me two years to finally embark on this epic road trip, but it was well worth the wait. My journey began in Galway, where I explored the charming town and its traditional music, dance, and delicious local food. From there, I made my way to Inismór, the largest of the Aran Islands, where Gaelic is still the primary language and the landscape is dotted with film-inspired souvenirs.
The rugged cliffs and dramatic landscapes of Inismór were truly a sight to behold. I hiked along the famous Dún Aonghasa, a 3,000-year-old fort perched on a sea-cliff with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. I also had the pleasure of meeting Cyril O'Flaithearta, a local artist and tour guide, who shared his passion for the island and its history with us. As a fan of The Banshees of Inisherin, I couldn't resist picking up some film merchandise as souvenirs.
But the Wild Atlantic Way is not just about the sights and attractions; it's also about the journey itself. The route takes travelers through charming towns and villages, offering a taste of Irish culture and hospitality. I made sure to stop at some of these towns, including Galway and Kinsale, where I sampled some delicious traditional food and explored the unique arts and crafts of the area.
Getting to the Wild Atlantic Way is relatively easy, with flights and ferries connecting the route to major cities like Dublin and Galway. From London, I took a short and inexpensive flight to Dublin and then drove to the ferry port. The ferry ride to Inismór took only 50 minutes, and the views of the islands from the water were breathtaking. I also had the option to bring my own car on the ferry, allowing me to complete the road trip at my own pace.
My journey along the Wild Atlantic Way was filled with unforgettable experiences and stunning views. From dodging mountain sheep on narrow roads to exploring ancient forts and sampling delicious Irish food, every moment was truly magical. Whether you're a film buff looking to visit the locations of The Banshees of Inisherin or simply seeking a taste of Irish hospitality and dramatic landscapes, the Wild Atlantic Way is a must-visit destination.
As I made my way along the rugged coastline of the tiny island of Inishbofin, I couldn't help but be in awe of the spectacularly beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. The mountains, the sheep, the ocean - it was all so breathtaking. Taking a moment to catch my breath, I reflected on the incredible journey I had been on. From watching the Oscar-nominated film, The Banshees of Inisherin, to finally experiencing the magic of the Aran Islands for myself, it had been an unforgettable adventure.
The film, which starred Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, and Brendan Gleeson, had captured my heart with its story, characters, and the eerie island of Inisherin. Although the island itself doesn't exist, it is based on one of the three Aran Islands located in the mouth of Galway Bay. After watching the movie, I promised myself that I would visit this enchanting place as soon as I had the chance. And now, here I was, on the Wild Atlantic Way, a tourism trail that spans the west coast of Ireland. It starts in Derry, at the Inishowen Peninsula, and ends in County Cork, covering a distance of 2,500 kilometers.
Within the Wild Atlantic Way, there are 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions, and over 2,500 activities to choose from. It had taken me two years, but I had finally embarked on this epic road trip, starting in Galway and then heading to Inismór and Inishbofin, two islands off the coast of Connemara.
Whether you're a film buff like myself, eager to see the filming locations of The Banshees, or simply looking to experience Irish hospitality, the Wild Atlantic Way has something for everyone. With its dramatic landscapes, charming towns and villages, and a chance to enjoy some Guinness, it's a must-visit destination. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional music and dance, try local food and drink, and explore the unique arts and crafts of the area.
But how do you get to the Wild Atlantic Way? Well, the route passes through nine counties and three provinces, stretching from County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula in Ulster to Kinsale in County Cork on the Celtic Sea coast. However, it's unlikely that you'll find a direct flight from Gatwick to these destinations. Your options are flights and ferries, which thankfully are both short and affordable. From London, you can take a flight to Dublin or Galway for as little as £27 with Ryanair and then get a car to the ferry port.
One of the ports you can depart from is Rossaveal, which is only 38km from Galway City. From there, you can take a ferry to Inismór, which takes around 50 minutes and costs £33 per adult. To get to Inishbofin, you can head to the town of Cleggan and catch another short ferry for £21. The best part? These ferries offer stunning 360-degree views of the islands, making for a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, if you have your own car, you can take it with you and complete the road trip at your own pace.
My first stop on the Wild Atlantic Way was Galway, where we flew into Dublin and then took a road trip. Although our visit was brief, we still managed to discover some hidden gems in this famous city. We couldn't resist checking out O'Connell's pub, where Ed Sheeran's music video for Galway Girl was filmed with Saoirse Ronan. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The pub was much bigger than it looked, with an old sweet shop and a pizza parlour in the beer garden.
We also went on a walking tour with Brian Nolan from Galway City Walking Tours, who showed us around before taking us to the newly opened Daróg Wine Bar. Now, I'm not much of a drinker, but I have to say, their deep-fried hasselback potatoes with a herb hollandaise were to die for. I would go back just for those potatoes!
Our second stop was Inismór, the largest of the three Aran Isles. This island is a haven of Irish culture, and Gaelic is still the spoken language. As it is known for being the setting of The Banshees of Inisherin, you can find plenty of film merchandise, including fridge magnets, postcards, and coasters featuring Jenny the donkey and other beloved characters. We also stumbled upon some stunning artwork by our tour guide and artist, Cyril O'Flaithearta, who took us on a hike to Dún Aonghasa, an ancient cliff fort perched on the sea-cliff. Over 3,000 years old, this site offers spectacular views of the cliffs of Aran and the Atlantic Ocean.
After trekking along the cliffs, we arrived at the famous Worm Hole, a natural swimming pool carved into the rocks. Sound familiar? That's because you may have seen it in The Banshees! Overall, the Wild Atlantic Way had exceeded all of my expectations, and I couldn't recommend it enough. So why not start planning your own adventure and see for yourself the beauty and magic of the Wild Atlantic Way?
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