{"id":17278,"date":"2018-10-24T12:08:05","date_gmt":"2018-10-24T11:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=17278"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:57","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:57","slug":"things-to-see-wild-atlantic-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/things-to-see-wild-atlantic-way\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Things on the Wild Atlantic Way You’ll Have to See to Believe"},"content":{"rendered":"

As far as road trips go, you\u2019d be hard pressed to find so much natural diversity, gorgeous views, and unique activities anywhere but the Wild Atlantic Way.<\/a> Stretching for 2500 kilometres along the coast of Ireland, the trail enters nine different counties, each with their own incredible sights and attractions. From a galaxy far, far away, to ancient history, to bucket list-worthy events, here are six things on the Wild Atlantic Way you\u2019ll have to see to believe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\r\n
\r\n

Travel to: <\/em>Ireland <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n

1. A real-life sea monster<\/b><\/h2>\n

Are the Cliffs of Moher on your bucket list? If not, they should be. These gorgeous cliffs, located on County Clare, rise 120 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most popular tourist locations in Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher are a \u201csignature point\u201d on the Wild Atlantic Way.<\/span><\/p>\n

But we\u2019re focusing on what\u2019s brewing below the cliffs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Said to be the site of ancient Celtic gods transforming into foals and leaping into the afterlife, three kilometres from the shore at the Cliffs of Moher lives one of the biggest waves in the world. The waves can grow to up to twelve metres high, and weigh more than 400 tonnes! John McCarthy, the first person to surf Aileen in 2005, describes it as \u201cone of the most terrifying waves in the world.\u201d It\u2019s an unforgettable and unique stop on an already-unforgettable road trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
There’s something lurking near the Cliffs of Moher… | \u00a9 Leighton Smith\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Luke Skywalker’s hideaway\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Looking to get away from it all? Well, if the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal is good enough for Luke Skywalker, it\u2019s good enough for us! Fans of <\/span>The Last Jedi, <\/span><\/i>2017\u2019s installment to the Star Wars universe, will recognize a number of sites from the planet Ahch-To, Luke\u2019s hideaway planet. While you won\u2019t find any Porgs, you\u2019ll be treated to stunning ocean views and craggy cliffs to explore in Ireland\u2019s northernmost point.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
You won’t find any Porgs here, but the views make up for it | \u00a9 Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. A lighthouse at the end of the world<\/b><\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll find the Sheep\u2019s Head Way on the Sheep\u2019s Head Peninsula, after a 4.2-kilometre hike twisting through rough terrain. In this little peninsula, much of the population are native Irish speakers, and things move a little more slowly. You can treat yourself to fresh, homemade snacks at local bakeries, hike the Sheep\u2019s Head Way, or just sit back and enjoy the view of the Atlantic crashing into the south coast of Bantry Bay. Hidden away in the trail lives the Sheep\u2019s Head Lighthouse; a gorgeous white structure that seems to sit at the edge of the earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
The Sheep’s Head Lighthouse seems to have been built at the edge of the world | \u00a9 Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\r\n
\r\n

See Also: <\/em>How to Spend a Week in Ireland Without a Car<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n

4. A 3,000-year-old grave<\/b><\/h2>\n

Knocknarea Mountain is known as the hill of the faeries, and, legend has it, their queen is buried here. The mountain is thought to be a Neolithic ritual site, and the massive cairn jutting out from the earth makes this site jaw-dropping enough as it is. However, a mixture of history and mythology make this a mysterious opportunity for exploration! <\/span><\/p>\n

Legend has it that Queen Maeve, or \u201cThe Warrior Queen of Connacht,\u201d discovered that if she possessed her husband\u2019s valuable bull she would be wealthier than him. She raised an army and took it by force, and people have been telling stories about her ever since! Maeve is allegedly buried in the cairn at Knocknarea Mountain, spear in hand, but the grave has been undisturbed since Maeve entered it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Queen
Is Queen Maeve truly buried at the base of this hill? | \u00a9 Alain Rouiller\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Incredible Beaches<\/b><\/h2>\n

While you may not consider Ireland to be a beach destination, no drive along this unique country\u2019s coastline would be complete without at least one sandy stop! Inch Beach, in County Kerry, is a personal favourite. This Blue Flag Beach offers miles of golden sand, ancient cliffs, and beautiful, colourful houses dotting the shore. Whether you\u2019re looking to take a dip in the Atlantic, finding the perfect shot for your Instagram, or just trying to sit back and relax, the beaches along the Wild Atlantic Way never disappoint.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The
Inch Beach offers miles of sandy beach and incredible views | \u00a9 Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\r\n
\r\n

See Also: <\/em>Ireland vs. Scotland: Where Will You Go?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

<\/div>\n

6. The Northern Lights<\/b><\/h2>\n

Think the Northern Lights are reserved for travellers in the Arctic Circle? Think again! The remoteness of parts of the Wild Atlantic Way allows for much less light pollution, and Ireland\u2019s location between the 52nd and 55th latitudes means that lucky travellers in the spring and fall are sometimes treated to this dazzling natural light show! <\/span><\/p>\n

While the lights are slightly more rare to see in Ireland, there are a few things you can do to give it your best shot. <\/span><\/p>\n