Galway, Cliffs of Moher, & the Burren

If Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way could speak, it would tell tales as old as the Earth and as fierce as the ocean waves that crash along its rugged edges. Stretching from the wind-whipped cliffs of Malin Head in Donegal to the cozy streets of Kinsale in Cork, this coast offers a patchwork of stories, natural wonders, and stunning landscapes. 

Is the Wild Atlantic Way family-friendly? Yes, the Wild Atlantic Way is perfect for families! With scenic drives, outdoor activities, and historical sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Discover why families around the world choose the Wild Atlantic Way for unforgettable adventures!

Wild Atlantic Way Adventures: For Every Kind of Family

The Wild Atlantic Way isn’t just about scenic drives (though it’s one of the most beautiful in the world). It’s about experiencing Ireland’s natural splendor up close. In all, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 1,600 miles from north to south and there are 188 Discovery Points along the way. Of those,15 have been designated Signature Discovery Points. The coastal route offers everything from hiking and biking trails to whale-watching excursions and coastal kayaking. At night, you might even be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dance above the remote islands or spot bioluminescent waves glowing on Lough Hyne.

Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.

For thrill-seekers, surfing in Bundoran or Mullaghmore Head is unforgettable. Families can take a ferry to the Aran Islands or try whale and dolphin watching off the Dingle Peninsula. And for those who prefer to take things at a slower pace, Connemara’s sandy beaches invite you to relax while the kids splash in the tide pools. 

Each stop along the way is unique and provides a new experience. We’re providing a brief description of each of these Signature Discovery Points along with where to find them, beginning in the north and ending in the south. Don’t have time to see them all? No worries, keep reading and we’ll provide the details of our visit to the famous, “can’t miss” Cliffs of Moher as well as our stop in Galway. For an interactive map of the Wild Atlantic Way route, click here.

Wild Atlantic Way: From North to South

• Malin Head: Ireland’s Northernmost Gem in Donegal

• Malin Head is located on the northernmost tip of the Irish mainland on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, about 20km northwest of Culdaff. You can park at Banba’s Crown and walk along the headland from there.

• Malin Head gained international fame in 2016 when it was used as a filming location for Star Wars: The Last Jedi!

• Malin Head is free to explore with visitors spending an average of 2-4 hours here. 

• Accessibility: Those with limited mobility can be dropped off close to the top and will have the ability to enjoy views from the cliff tops but will not likely be able to navigate the gravel paths. 

• Fanad Head Lighthouse: A Coastal Treasure in Donegal

• Fanad Head, in County Donegal, features one of Ireland’s most beautiful lighthouses rising above the crashing waves. Fanad Head Lighthouse is a must-visit stop along the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning views of Donegal’s rugged coastline.

• This iconic working lighthouse, located on Lough Swilly, has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world! Visitors can not only climb to the top, they can actually book a stay in one of three former lighthouse keeper’s homes with unrivaled sea views! To learn more, or even book a stay, click here.

• Fanad Head is located on the Fanad Peninsula, about 26km north of Milford with a gorgeous view of the rough coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Fanad Head is free to explore and the average length of visit is around 2 hours. 

• Accessibility: Those with limited mobility can access the lighthouse via a wheelchair ramp, but access to the tower requires the ability to climb the stairs. Restrooms are available, including an accessible toilet.

• Slieve League: The Hidden Gem Cliffs of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal

• Located in Southwest County Donegal, about 22 km west of Killybegs, you’ll find the cliff scenery of Slieve League (known in Irish as “Sliabh”). These are one of the most outstanding natural wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way. 

• With a height up to 601 meters, these steeply sloping cliffs are the 2nd highest sea cliffs in Ireland (Croaghaun, located on Achill Island in Mayo, is the highest at 688 meters). That’s three times higher than the more famous Cliffs of Moher!

• There are several parking areas on the way to the cliffs. The hike to the summit is recommended for experienced hikers only and you’ll want to prepare for windy, cold, and wet weather.

• Slieve League is free to explore and visitors spend an average of 2-4 hours. 

• Accessibility: This location is fully wheelchair accessible and staff are available to help those who need assistance. 

• Mullaghmore Head: Scenic Views, Royal History, & Accessible Adventures in Sligo

• Mullaghmore Head, in Country Sligo, is located about 21km north of the town of Sligo. On the way to Mullaghmore Head you’ll pass through Mullaghmore, a holiday destination with a beautiful sandy beach and a pier. Looking inland from the coast, Classiebawn Castle dominates the scenery against the backdrop of Ben Bulben, a flat topped rock formation.

• If you’re a fan of The Crown or British royal history, you may know that Louis Mountbatten spent his summers at Classiebawn Castle. He was famously assassinated in August of 1979 when his boat was blown up by the Provisional IRA in Mullaghmore Harbour. 

•  If you’re up for an adventure, you can take surfing lessons at a renowned surfing spot with impressively large waves!

• Mullaghmore Head is free to explore and visitors spend an average of 2-4 hours. 

• Accessibility: In 2023, Mullaghmore opened “beach access for all” which included car park resurfacing, additional disabled parking spaces, and a wheelchair accessible beach path entrance.

• Downpatrick Head: St. Patrick’s Legend & Dún Briste Sea Stack in Mayo

• Downpatrick Head is located about 19km northwest of Killala in County Mayo.

• Downpatrick Head was named after Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick, who founded a church on the narrow land tongue. Legend holds that St. Patrick struck the ground with his staff, causing the Dún Briste sea stack to break away from the mainland. While the legend is fun, it’s more likely that a  violent storm in 1393 was responsible for separating the stack (and those who lived there) from the mainland.

• The gigantic sea stack Dún Briste is one of the highlights of the rugged Atlantic coast at Downpatrick Head in northern Mayo. It reaches a height of almost 50 meters!

• Downpatrick Head is free to explore and visitors spend an average of 2 hours. 

• Accessibility: Unfortunately, this particular stop along the Wild Atlantic Way is challenging for those with limited mobility. Grassy or gravel trails and uneven ground make this one stop that you might want to skip if mobility is a concern.

• Killary Harbour: Ireland’s Only Fjord & Marine Life in Galway

• Located a couple hours drive (106 km) from Downpatrick Head in County Galway, you’ll find Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord! It stretches 16 kilometers from the Atlantic ocean to the village of Leenane, forming a natural border between County Mayo and County Galway. The waterway is home to a rich assortment of marine life that includes otters, grey and harbor seals, dolphins, and even the occasional shark!

• The beautiful village of Leenane sits at the mouth of Killary Harbour, in the shadow of the Connemara Mountains. The village is a great place to enjoy the views, grab a bite to eat, or book a boat tour. While you can certainly enjoy the view from the shore, a boat tour allows visitors a chance to spot dolphins and see a different view of Connemara National Park.

• Killary Harbour is free to explore and visitors usually spend about 2-4 hours. 

• Accessibility: Much of this area is wheelchair accessible, including the boat tours that can be booked. 

• Derrigimlagh: Marconi’s Radio Station & an Aviation Monument in Galway

• Derrigimlagh is located in Connemara, about 6km south of Cliften in County Galway. In 1907, the radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi opened a radio station in the middle of the moor. News from London and Dublin was transmitted across the Atlantic, ushering in the age of global communication. 

• A few years later, on June 15, 1919, pilots John Alcock and Whitten Brown landed at Derrigimlagh completing the very first non-stop flight across the Atlantic. A monument in the shape of an airplane’s nose remains to mark the milestone in the history of aviation.

• Derrigimlagh is free to explore and visitors spend about 1-2 hours here. 

• Accessibility: The paths and boardwalks around the site are wheelchair accessible. 

• Galway: Ireland’s Festival Capital with Medieval Charm in Galway

• Located about 90km northwest of the Cliffs of Moher, in County Galway you’ll find the city of Galway. This port town along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is known as the festival capital of Ireland, hosting more than 100 festivals and events annually. 

• The medieval city boasts a wide selection of pubs, restaurants, markets, and modern art. 

•  Many tourists stop in Galway to enjoy a meal and shopping as part of a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. While you’re in town, be sure to pass through the 16th century Spanish Arch.

• Accessibility: You’ll find Galway to be surprisingly wheelchair and stroller friendly. There are plenty of accessible parking spaces along with accessible buses and taxis. Most of the streets are paved so you’ll be able to wheel through the Spanish Arch and enjoy the popular Quay Street activities. Even the promenade is paved!

• Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction in Clare

  • The Cliffs of Moher are located between Liscannor and Doolin in County Clare (about 40km west of Ennis). It is the most famous tourist attraction on the west coast of Ireland. The cliffs rise up 214 meters out of the Atlantic.

  • There is a huge car park opposite the visitor center and some smaller car parks near Liscannor from where you can walk to the cliffs.

  • Located about 3 ½ hours drive away from Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher was named Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction in 2023. These spectacular cliffs rising vertically from the Galway Bay below are a must-see. On a clear day, you can see the Aran Islands and the sunsets are breathtaking! 

  • Accessibility: Disabled drivers with a permit can proceed to the main coach park where several designated parking bays are available near the visitor center. Wheelchairs are available at the car park office and the visitor center front desk. The visitor center is entirely accessible and the cliffs can be accessed via 3 different paved paths. There are also buggies provided for those with limited mobility, subject to availability.

• Loop Head Lighthouse: Seabird Colonies & Unique Lighthouse Stays in Clare

  • At Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare stands a pretty lighthouse with surrounding buildings. Visitors to Loop Head Lighthouse can walk along the surrounding cliffs and observe huge colonies of sea birds, and even book a stay in the LightHouse Attendant’s Cottage!

  • Loop Head is located on the Loop Head Peninsula, about 27km southwest of Kilkee in County Clare.

  • Admission is required to tour the lighthouse and visitors spend about 2 hours here. 

  • Accessibility: This is not a suitable tour for wheelchair users or those with young children in strollers. 

• Blasket Sound: Scenic Beaches & Tranquil Walks in Kerry

• The Blasket Sound is located between Dunmore Head and the Blasket Islands in County Kerry. It’s about 18km west of Dingle Town along the Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula.

• The westernmost part of the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most beautiful areas of Ireland. Here, at Blasket Sound, lies the sandy beach of Carrignaparka Beach. 

• From the Car park you can walk up the headland and/or down to Coumeenoole beach.

• Blasket Sound is free to explore and visitors spend an average of 2-4 hours. 

• Accessibility: Loose gravel paths make this a challenging visit for those with limited mobility and/or families with strollers. 

• Bray Head: Scenic Hikes & Panoramic Views on Valentia Island in Kerry

• Bray Head, in County Kerry, is located on the western side of Valentia Island. It is home to Bray Tower, an abandoned two-story signal tower that rests daringly atop the cliffs overlooking the sea.

• For a true adventure, follow the Bray Head Loop, a 4.5km loop that offers a panoramic view of Bray Head, Dingle Bay, Valentia Island, and the Portmagee Channel. The loop will take almost 2 hours to complete but will provide some truly memorable views. 

• Valentia Island can be reached by a 5 minute car ferry service from Renard Point. The ferry is operated every ten minutes, 7 days a week from April to October. Alternatively, you can drive the road bridge from Portmagee to access the island.

• Bray Head is free to explore and visitors typically spend about 2 hours. 

• Accessibility: Unfortunately, this stop along the Wild Atlantic Way is not wheelchair or stroller friendly due to the rugged terrain.

• Dursey Island: Hiking, Birdwatching, & Ireland’s Only Cable Car in Cork

• Dursey Island is located on the Beara Peninsula, about 22km west of Castletownbere in County Cork. It is a paradise for hikers and bird lovers, as it is home to numerous rare species. 

• The island can be reached by cable car—the only one in Ireland! The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes. In a comical piece of trivia, the cable car is approved for 6 people, or 1 cow, at a time!

• Admission is required to make the trek to the island. Most visitors spend around 4-6 hours exploring. 

• Accessibility: The cable car does not have dedicated wheelchair access but the staff will be happy to try to accommodate your needs. Please note that there is no operator on the island side so boarding for return may be challenging. This might be a stop that those with limited mobility may choose to skip.

• Mizen Head: Rugged Cliffs & Historic Signal Station in Cork

• Mizen Head is located on the Mizen Peninsula, about 26km west of Schull in County Cork. Mizen Head is one of 5 impressive, rugged cliffs located in southwest Ireland. It rises out of the Atlantic waters offering stunning views of the treacherous surf below. 

• Despite the rugged landscape at Ireland’s most south westerly point, Mizen Head Signal Station was constructed over 100 years ago and has valiantly stood strong against the winds and sea to this day. The station was built to warn ships of the dangerous rocks near the shore. Mizen Head Visitor Center lies nearby, positioned high on the cliff and offering visitors exhibits and photos telling the story of this dramatic location. 

• It can only be reached via a 52 meter-long bridge that spans a deep rock incision and leads over to the other side at a dizzying height.

• Mizen Head requires admission and visitors spend an average of 2 hours. 

• Accessibility: There are ramps that make the path from the visitor center to the bridge accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Some viewpoints are accessible but many of the paths are steep and narrow making them more challenging. 

• Old Head of Kinsale: Renowned Golf Club in Cork

• The Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork is a narrow headland that stretches about 4.5km into the Celtic Sea. It is flanked by steep cliffs with a magnificent lighthouse on its southern tip.

• The Old Head of Kinsale is located about 13km south of Kinsale.

• Accessibility: Unfortunately, the headland is completely owned by a renowned golf club and therefore inaccessible to non-golfing visitors.

The Spirit of Galway: Festivals, Coffee, & the Sea

No journey along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast would be complete without a visit to Galway, the country’s festival capital, known for its creativity, tradition, and warmth. This is a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly, where cobblestone streets are lined with musicians and the scent of roasted coffee wafts from charming cafes. (Galway has the second-highest number of coffee shops per capita in Europe, after Athens!) The city is vibrant with activity regardless of season, hosting an average of 122 festivals each year.

If you walk through the Claddagh, the old fishing village at the edge of Galway Bay, you’ll spot the Claddagh ring—a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship—originating here in the 17th century. For history buffs, Galway’s St. Nicholas Collegiate Church is where Columbus likely worshiped before his 1477 voyage (you’ll even find a memorial in his honor). You can also visit Lynch’s Castle, the oldest building in Ireland still in commercial use, and let your imagination take you back to Galway’s medieval past.

We parked near the port where the rate was reasonable and we wouldn’t have to navigate a tight parking garage with our large rental car. From there, we walked toward the main part of town, passing under the Spanish Arch that dates back to 1584. We enjoyed wandering the main street of the city and venturing into some of the stores. We had to stop and appreciate the Oscar Wilde statue, the memorial to Christopher Columbus, and listen to a few of the street performers. We stopped at Freddy’s for some delicious pizza and discovered a new favorite: pepperoni and honey! 

Cliffs of Moher: Ireland’s Edge of Eternity

While we only explored a small portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, there is so much to see along the entire route. With limited time, we choose to spend a few hours discovering the Cliffs of Moher. There’s a reason why these cliffs are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland and attract over 1.5 million visitors per year!

Designated Ireland’s Best Visitor Attraction of 2023 by the Irish Independent’s Reader Travel Awards, the Cliffs of Moher deserve every bit of the praise they get. Standing on these cliffs feels like standing on the edge of the world. Stretching for 8 kilometers, this entirely vertical, abrupt edge of Ireland plunges 700 feet down to the Atlantic, with a view that’s enough to leave you breathless.

You’ll want to dress appropriately for your visit here. Even on a warm, sunny day, the winds off the sea are fierce at the top of the cliffs. Drizzling rain occurs frequently so we highly recommend that you dress in layers, bring rain gear, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes that can handle the terrain. While the Irish weather is notoriously unpredictable, even the mist and chill add to the dramatic atmosphere.

From the highest point at Knockardakin on the North Platform, you can take in the full drama of the cliffs. To the south, the Hag’s Head platform offers sweeping views, and for bird lovers, the South Platform opens up to the best view of Goat Island, home to a large puffin colony. Visiting at sunset? Prepare to witness a scene so stunning it feels like a painting, with the Aran Islands shimmering in Galway Bay.

And there’s history here too. O’Brien’s Tower, perched on the cliff’s edge, was built in 1835 by Cornelius O’Brien, a visionary local who believed tourism could help lift the community out of poverty. Today, this iconic observation point gives visitors a window into the past and a vantage point into the infinite.

The Cliffs have even provided the stunning backdrop for some pretty popular movies over the years. Fans of Harry Potter might recognize some of the scenery that was used for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (2009). In addition, the 1987 cult classic The Princess Bride, shot both a climbing and a sword fight at the Cliffs.

So, what is the best time to visit the Cliffs of Moher? The Cliffs are open year round, but their hours vary so check the website before you visit. As with most tourist sites, crowds peak in the summer. We recommend visiting in late spring or early fall. We visited in mid September and had wonderful fall weather. No matter what time of year it is, you’ll likely have significant wind. As far as the time of day, most websites recommend getting there early “to avoid the crowds.” We actually believe the best time is late afternoon and/or before sunset. While we loved our early afternoon visit, we found that the shadows cast at that time of day made our pictures a bit darker. We’d love to come back and capture better light and a beautiful sunset at the cliffs!

Planning a visit to the Cliffs of Moher with kids is easy, thanks to accessible paths, wheelchairs available at the car park office, and visitor center amenities like hearing aid amplifiers and accessible restrooms. The Cliffs are open year-round, except for a few days around Christmas.

For parking, designated spaces make it convenient, and the visitor center offers interactive displays to keep younger explorers engaged. Pack a picnic, bring your warmest coats, and get ready for an experience that feels like stepping into a movie!

The Burren: Ireland’s Limestone Labyrinth

Just south of the Cliffs lies the Burren, a landscape so unique it’s been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. The Burren, meaning “rocky place,” lives up to its name. Here, 330-million-year-old limestone pavements form an otherworldly terrain of fossils, clints, and grykes. This karst landscape, shaped by acidic rain and groundwater, hides water in vast underground cave systems. It’s like exploring a secret world where every rock and valley tells a story of ancient seas, tectonic clashes, and ice ages.

What’s truly extraordinary about the Burren is its botanical diversity: it’s the only place in the world where Arctic and Alpine plants grow beside Mediterranean flora! Over 70% of Ireland’s native flowers bloom here, including rare orchids, wild roses, and limestone-loving grasses, creating a kaleidoscope of colors each spring and summer. 

The Burren isn’t just rocks and flowers. It’s a land of mysteries, ancient sites, and a unique ecosystem that captivates kids and adults alike. The region’s 2,700 recorded monuments include the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb older than the pyramids of Giza! With over 20 medieval castles and hundreds of stone walls, the Burren feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

During the famine of the 1840’s, many people were forced to leave, yet traces of their lives remain in the form of famine roads and stone walls built in the early 20th century. Today, the Burren Food Trail celebrates the region’s culinary heritage, with local cheese, smoked fish, and fresh oysters that pair perfectly with the salty sea air.

Due to the rugged nature of the Burren, it is not particularly accessible for those with limited mobility.

The Wild Atlantic Coast: Where Adventure and History Collide

From the staggering heights of the Cliffs of Moher to the age-old mystery of the Burren and the spirited streets of Galway, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is like a living history book, a treasure chest of adventure, and a place of unforgettable beauty. This journey is about more than seeing; it’s about experiencing a place that’s as timeless as the tides and as spirited as the winds that shape it.

Our family’s journey to the Cliffs of Moher and to Galway gave us memories to last a lifetime, and we’re excited to hear from you! If you’ve explored any of these amazing places along the Wild Atlantic Way, what was your favorite? And if you’re planning a trip, let us know your must-see spots or any questions you may have. Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the Irish adventure alive together!