Check out our guide of places to stay & play on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

DONEGAL 

• STAY
  • Harvey’s Point is a 4-star hotel located on the shores of Lough Eske and has been repeatedly named Ireland’s best hotel by TripAdvisor. Nestled in the Blue Stack Mountains, breathtaking sights accompany the famous beaches and golf courses. After a long day of exploring, the Beauty Room is the ideal destination for rest and relaxation. There are a variety of suites offered, and the Lakeshore suites are notable for their panoramic view of Lough Eske. The Michelin Guide listed restaurant serves three meals daily in its new theatre style open kitchen.  You can count on a remarkable dining experience. — harveyspoint.com
• PLAY
  • Leo’s Tavern is a musical institution in Donegal. The longstanding pub in Gweedore is famously known for its singalongs and offers live music nightly during the summer months, with additional regular music sessions during the winter. It’s recognised as the birthplace of the famous talents Enya, Clannad and Moya Brennan. The interior walls hold unique memorabilia and numerous Gold and Platinum discs that follow its history as a place where people can enjoy live music. There is always something happening at Leo’s, so drop in for a chance to join in on the excitement. — leostavern.com

LEITRIM 

• STAY
  • The Landmark Hotel is a family owned, 4-star hotel located on the River Shannon. It’s become a renowned wedding destination and received much praise for its riverside views. Regardless of the room style you pick, it’ll be well-furnished for a comfortable stay. The diverse menu of the Boardwalk Restaurant includes curry, pasta, steak, burgers, and seafood to name a few. There are also gluten free and vegan items available. For a more casual setting, you can peruse the cafe menu in the Landmark’s Aroma’s Cafe. There are also multiple bars that contribute to the hotel’s lively social scene. — thelandmarkhotel.com
• PLAY
  • Want a relaxing afternoon in Carrick-on-Shannon? Look no further than Moon River Cruises. This luxurious cruise line operates right on the Shannon and sails daily. The enclosed viewing lounge keeps away any bout of Irish weather, or you can choose to sit on the open-air deck. Passengers are provided with coffee, tea, snacks, and access to a full bar while the lively pilot talks you through local history and attractions. The fully trained crew seeks to ensure your maximum comfort as you experience the beauty of Leitrim and the Shannon River. — moonriver.ie

SLIGO

• STAY
  • The 3-star Riverside Hotel, located in Sligo, gets its name from its location on the banks of the Garavogue River. It’s an optimal destination for guests interested in sightseeing, outdoor recreation, and shopping, and it’s committed to putting up clean and comfortable accommodations for its guests. The hotel offers two main dining options. The Mill Bar and Restaurant is known for its relaxed, traditional atmosphere and numerous meal and drink choices. The Riverside Restaurant unsurprisingly boasts remarkable views of the river that enhance the dining experience. Serving three meals daily, the Restaurant cooks up unforgettable hearty breakfasts and home-cooked dinners. — riversidesligo.ie

• ATTRACTIONS
  • Mullaghmore: While also wildly beautiful, Mullaghmore is best known these days as being one of the best big wave destinations in the world. 2012 was a landmark year as surfers from all over the world rode waves a staggering 15 metres in height, some of the tallest ever recorded in Ireland. There’s plenty more to do in addition to surfing. Go for a walk by the beautiful Sliabh Liag or watch the sea come in at Classiebawn Castle. The village of Mullaghmore is itself a charming fishing retreat, with accompanying sandy beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. The beaches are ideal for both walking and shore angling, and sea angling is also offered through other fishing trips. You can also check out the monastic site on the island of Inishmurray, which dates back to the 6th century.

— www.ireland.com/en-no/articles/mullaghmore/

• Streedagh Strand: Want to relax on a stunning beach with sand seemingly made of gold? Then Streedagh is the place for you. The 3km beach, found on the northwestern shore of a sandbar, links Streedagh Point to Connor’s Island. This stretch is one of the most serene walking trails along the west coast. If you’re feeling more adventurous, bring your surfboard so you can ride the perfect waves created by the exposed beach and reef breaks. Also steeped in history, it was the site of a Spanish Armada shipwreck and holds many fossils in its rocks. — sligowalks.ie/walks/streedagh-strand/
• PLAY
  • Though it’s known for its beaches and surfing, Sligo has much more to offer. Explore its coastal estuaries, rivers, and lakes by spending an afternoon with Sligo Kayak Tours. You will be given your own sea kayak and taken on a guided journey by famous landmarks and beautifully untouched nature. The company offers four routes: Lough Gill, Dernish Island, Glencar Lake, and Ballisodare Bay & The Seal Colony. Feeling extra adventurous? Go on one of their Woodland Wilderness Camping Trips and spend a night kayaking through and camping on the shores of Lough Gill. — sligokayaktours.com

MAYO 

• STAY
  • Sitting on the banks of the Moy Estuary, the 4 star Ice House Hotel was utilised during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century to preserve salmon under ice. Now, the staff commits to putting on a “new type of cool.” This is embodied in the hotel’s award winning and cleverly named Chill Spa. You can stay in standard rooms, riverside suites with breathtaking views, or heritage suites with timeless furnishings. Its Riverview Restaurant is most notable for its high quality food. The menu consists of locally caught seafood, Irish meats, locally sourced produce, and foraged wild herbs. — icehousehotel.ie
• PLAY
  • For as long as the residents of Belmullet can remember, there has always been a traditional fair day on the 15th of August. That singular fair day has now evolved into a week long celebration filled with live music, crafts, dancing, various competitions, and more. Peruse the street stalls for craft demonstrations and a chance to try the best local dishes or stay active with activities like kayaking, water sports, road races, treasure hunts. The festival closes with a fireworks display and block party, and it is a party you will not want to miss. — belmulletfestival.ie

GALWAY 

• STAY
  • Located in Taylors Hill, the 4-star Ardilaun Hotel is a former country mansion turned into a luxury hotel. Owned and independently operated by the Ryan family, its location in Taylors Hill puts it only one kilometre outside Galway City. This picturesque area is perfect for the hotel’s spacious gardens and outdoor patios. Single, double, family, and garden rooms all provide maximum comfort, as do the suites. Hungry guests need to look no further than the award winning Camilaun Restaurant housed in the hotel. You can try a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts that epitomise the fine dining experience. — theardilaunhotel.ie
• PLAY
  • If you want to experience some of the best traditional Irish music that Galway has to offer, then stop by Tig Coili in Galway’s Latin quarter. The pub puts on music sessions all year round, with fourteen sessions available per week, so there is never a dull moment at the Tig Coili. The walls are lined with photos of both local and famous musicians who have played a few songs within its walls. This speaks to the pub’s welcoming attitude towards anyone who wants to come in and enjoy some live music.  — tigcoiligalway.com

CLARE 

• STAY
  • The Doolin Inn’s perfect placement in an Irish coastal village, comfortable country charm, and thoughtful amenities make it a welcoming yet luxurious place to stay. The rooms all have different views of the gardens, village, river, or terrace and can come in sizes of anywhere from twin to family rooms. There’s a continental breakfast every morning comprised of home-baked items, locally sourced ingredients, and family recipes. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee in the Inn’s coffee shop. Access to nearby shopping, pubs with live music, and unique local restaurants further allow you to enjoy all aspects of Clare. — doolininn.ie

LIMERICK

• STAY
  • The 4-star Absolute Hotel, located on a bend of the Abbey River in Limerick City, puts you at the foot of Limerick’s bustling city centre. The rooms are individually furnished to match a unique but modern style that stresses comfort. Each room provides a plethora of amenities, and the Chic Suites guarantee a gorgeous view of the river. When it comes to dining, look no further than Harry’s On The River on the first floor. Fresh and locally sourced meat and produce combine with Harry’s unique indoor and outdoor dining experience to create a meal unlike any other night out. — absolutehotel.com

KERRY 

• STAY
  • Shelburne Lodge in Kerry is known for its country history. It was the first building in the Kenmare area, constructed by William Petty Fitzmaurice (known as Lord Shelburne) in 1769. The cosy and warm rooms overlook the lively garden and grass tennis court. Each room is furnished with antiques that speak to the country comfort you notice as soon as you walk through the doors. Guests are served a delicious full Irish breakfast in the main dining room every morning and can make restaurant reservations in town to enjoy Kenmare’s teeming nightlife. — shelburnelodge.com
• PLAY
  • Valentia Island: Tucked in on the Skellig Coast and next to the Ring of Kerry, the breathtaking sights of Valentia Island make it a must see while in Kerry. With not a single traffic light on the entire Island, walking, hiking, sailing are the favored ways to get around. Always teeming with festivals, sports games, and triathlons, you’ll never find a dull moment. When you get hungry, the Island’s own eateries proudly serve locally produced foods across their menus, and the homemade ice cream at Valentia Island Dairy House will be more than enough reason to save room for dessert. — valentiaisland.ie
  • Killarney National Park: At a whopping 10,236 hectare and filled with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and woods, Killarney National Park is a place for endless exploration. The truly picturesque scenes are unforgettable. Be sure to stop by the park’s focal point: the Muckross House and Gardens. The house remains true to the image of a 19th century mansion with its classic furnishings and is surrounded by vibrant greenery. Step inside to have a relaxing meal at the Garden Restaurant and relax as you enjoy any number of their self-serve options, all while appreciating the view of the old Victoria Walled Garden. — killarneynationalpark.ie

CORK 

• STAY
  • The 3-star West Cork Hotel sits on the banks of the River Ilen at the center of Skibbereen. Its 50 guest rooms are cosy and often have stunning views of the river, and you can even bring your pup along thanks to the on-site kennel. When it comes to eating, Kennedys Restaurant does it right. The hotel’s main dining destination highlights locally-caught seafood, locally-sourced seasonal game, local herbs, and organic vegetables on its menu. If you want a more casual setting, check out the hotel’s Bridge Bar. Its old-world leather seating and local delicacies create a great atmosphere.  — westcorkhotel.com