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When it comes to epic road trips, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is at the top of the list!
This 2,500-kilometer coastal route from Donegal in the north through to Cork in the south takes you through some of the most scenic and historic spots in the country.
From magical castles and lush green hills to dramatic cliffs and serene lakes, every turn reveals a new piece of Ireland’s beauty.
Today we’re going to cover a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way on this trip AND in this post. If you’re looking for more Ireland castle crawl adventures – here’s my guide to the 8 Castles You Need to See in Ireland’s Ancient East!
And in THIS post: Here is your guide to exploring the most enchanting castles along the Wild Atlantic Way. Including Glenveagh Castle, Doe Castle, and the legendary Cliffs of Moher!
Pack your bags, fire up the car, and prepare to fall in love with the castles in Ireland along the western Wild Atlantic Way!
Ireland Road Trip: Castles in Ireland You Can’t Miss
Stop 1: Glenveagh Castle, County Donegal
Start your adventure in County Donegal, known for its rugged landscapes and sweeping coastlines.
Your first castle stop in our one week in Ireland itinerary is Glenveagh Castle, nestled in the heart of Glenveagh National Park. As you drive into the park, you’ll feel like you’ve entered an autumanl fairy tale. Surrounded by misty mountains and a shimmering lake, Glenveagh Castle is nothing short of magical.
I’ve got to say, visiting Glenveagh Castle in the autumn feels like a dream come true, the colours this time of year are extraordinary!
Built in the 19th century, Glenveagh Castle combines Gothic and Victorian charm, with impressive interiors and gardens meticulously designed for visitors to wander.
The views over Lough Beagh are unforgettable, and the walled gardens beautiful. For the best experience, take a tour of the castle, followed by a leisurely walk around the grounds.
Oh and their café on site is pretty great too! We had lovely sandwiches and even a warm piece of apple pie – yum!
Castle Ticket for Adults: €7
Parking is super easy too – they have a lot right on site with plenty of space and parking is free.
You can also get a quick shuttle bus up to the castle for a €3 return ticket – I’d really recommend this as the walk from the car park is around 30-40 minutes!
Stop 2: Doe Castle, County Donegal
A short 20 minute drive from Glenveagh, Doe Castle is a lesser-known gem that’s perfect for castle enthusiasts!
Standing tall overlooking the water, Doe Castle was once a stronghold of the MacSweeney Clan. It boasts impressive defensive walls and offers stunning views of Sheephaven Bay.
Doe Castle doesn’t have as many tourists as some of Ireland’s other castles, so take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet upon your visit, it’s the ideal spot for a picnic with a view.
And it’s actually open 24/7 (the grounds, not tower access) so you can visit as and when you like! And parking is free too.
Hotel options for the night?
Stop 3: Kylemore Abbey, County Galway
Next, continue south to County Galway for a stop at one of Ireland’s most iconic spots, Kylemore Abbey. This is a big driving day from Donegal down to Galway. You’re looking at 4 hours of driving time but it’s the best way to cover the distance and you’ll see so much beauty along the way.
Set against the rugged backdrop of Connemara, you’ll reach Kylemore Abbey. This 19th-century abbey reflects elegantly on the lake, making it one of the most photographed spots in Ireland.
Originally built as a private castle estate, Kylemore later became an abbey and home to Benedictine nuns.
The abbey’s Victorian walled gardens are an absolute must-see. I’d probably recommend a summertime or spring visit as the flowers aren’t as prominent in the autumn.
And don’t forget to take some time to explore the Gothic chapel. It was built in memory of the original owner’s wife, and stroll along the lake for the views.
Kylemore might not be an official castle today but it’s certainly not one to miss on your journey!
Ticket Prices for Adults: €18.00
Car Park: It’s free and has plenty of space!
Stop 4: Ashford Castle, County Mayo
Just an hour’s drive from Kylemore Abbey, you’ll find yourself at Ashford Castle in County Mayo. This is one of Ireland’s most luxurious and historic castles.
Dating back to the 13th century, this castle has been transformed into a 5-star hotel. And you can actually stay overnight if you’re feeling indulgent!
We spent the night here and WOW!! When I started this job I never thought I’d stay in so many amazing places in the world. It’s truly a magical place.
But even if you’re not staying, you can still come to the castle for a visit with a booking for food or an activity. I’d highly recommend booking in for an afternoon tea experience.
And you can take a falconry lesson, go horseback riding, or simply enjoy a stroll through the enchanting woodland trails and gardens. We tried our hand at archery which was AMAZING.
Turns out, I am pretty good at archery! So all of my dreams to survive in a fantasy novel seem like a go!
The interiors of the castle are like stepping into my Pinterest boards… featuring wood-paneled rooms, grand staircases, and beautiful antique decor. Visiting Ashford Castle feels like stepping into a movie scene, it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Pit-Stop in Galway
We spent a few days in Galway for a little city-break in the midst of the grand adventure! Galway is a super fun little city and I’d really recommend at least an overnight to enjoy it!
Stop 5: Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
After exploring Galway, continue south into County Clare for a visit to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute MUST on any Wild Atlantic Way itinerary.
Did you know the cliffs are towering over 700 feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean?! Eek! The cliffs stretch widely along the coastline, offering views that are nothing short of spectacular.
Did you know that they even used the cliffs for scenes in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? So cool!
Take the Cliff Walk for the best views, but be prepared for wind!
Apparently, the sight of the cliffs at sunset is unforgettable too. We’ll have to come back for a sunset someday! And on a clear day, apparently you can even see the Aran Islands in the distance.
Tickets are From €8.00 for adults. Parking cost is included in the ticket and is super easy to find right next to the Visitor Centre.
Hotels close to the Cliffs of Moher
Wild Atlantic Way ⬇️
Stop 6: Dromoland Castle, County Clare
Just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher is the magnificient Dromoland Castle. This is a STUNNING 16th-century fortress that’s now one of Ireland’s finest hotels. We absolutely LOVED staying here – I really can’t recommend it enough!
But even if you’re not staying overnight, Dromoland welcomes visitors to explore its lush gardens and picturesque lake. Or for a bit of luxury, enjoy afternoon tea in the castle’s drawing room.
Dromoland offers activities like falconry, archery, and even golf, so it’s a great spot to unwind for an afternoon.
Book in a stay here: Dromoland Castle Stay
Stop 7: Birr Castle, County Offaly
Head inland toward County Offaly, where you’ll find the grand Birr Castle. This 17th-century castle is famous not only for its history AND its role in scientific discovery.
The Parsons family, who have lived in Birr Castle for centuries, constructed the “Great Telescope” here in the 1840s. This was once the largest telescope in the world! And the structure is still on the grounds today!
Stroll through the extensive gardens, which feature exotic plants, manicured lawns, and Ireland’s tallest box hedges. The Science Centre at Birr Castle is a fascinating stop for families or anyone interested in Ireland’s contributions to science.
Car Park: There is no parking on site, so you’ll have to park in the town and pay for parking and then head into the grounds. Use the public car park beside the Marian Hall or alternatively have road parking outside the Demesne’s walls. Please note! Some of the parking is CASH ONLY. So we had to go buy some hot chocolates to get some change to use!
Ticket Price: Adult €12.00
Stop 8: Leap Castle, County Offaly
End your road trip with a spine-tingling stop at Leap Castle, one of the most haunted castles in Ireland. When you arrive here, you’re going to feel like you’re in the wrong place or trespassing on someone’s private property…
Leap Castle is a private residence but is open to visitors. There is no official sign posted entrance, go up to the main castle doors and knock to be let in. It was also probably the strangest castle experience of the trip that we had. It’s a cool spot to visit but we definitely felt like we were intruding by being there even though it is open to the public.
Originally built in the 13th century, Leap Castle has a dark and storied history full of legends, feuds, and ghosts. It’s said to be haunted by the spirit of an “elemental,” a shadowy figure that some claim to have seen on the grounds.
Leap Castle is privately owned, but the owner allows visitors to explore some of the castle’s interior. You can climb up the stairs to the top of the tower… visiting in the light of day isn’t quite so spooky. But I’m not sure I’d be quite so brave when the sun goes down!
Ticket Price: A €6 each donation is suggested.
Car Park: It’s kind of chaos as you are just parking in the front yard of the castle, no parking fee but when you get there, try and find some available space and park where you like.
Tips for Your Wild Atlantic Way Castle Road Trip
- Plan Your Stops Wisely: The Wild Atlantic Way has so much to offer that it’s hard to see everything in one trip. Pick a few must-see spots and leave time to explore whatever catches your eye along the way. This trip took us a week!
- Pack for All Weather: The weather is famously unpredictable, so bring layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. You can truly experience all of the season in one day. Many of these sites, especially the Cliffs of Moher, can be windy! (Equally, you could be strange like me and climb about these spots in heeled boots!)
- Don’t Rush: One of the best things about a road trip is the freedom to take it slow and soak up the surroundings. Allow yourself plenty of time at each stop, and don’t be afraid to wander.
- Chat with Locals: I always recommend making friends along the way with locals and fellow travellers. Ireland is an incredibly friendly, welcoming place. And you never know, when you get to talking, you may be recommend hidden gems that aren’t on your map! Embrace the welcome and get ready to discover places you’ll remember forever!
Embrace the Magic of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is definitely a road trip like no other, blending natural wonders with centuries-old history. Exploring Ireland with their best castles in mind is truly one of my favourite ways to travel!
From the eerie tales of Leap Castle to the grandeur of Ashford Castle, each castle on this route offers a unique glimpse into Ireland’s heritage.
So buckle up, bring a sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the Wild Atlantic Way—an unforgettable road trip awaits!
Kelly xoxo