Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork (With Map!)

old head of kinsale wild atlantic way

The Wild Atlantic Way route in County Cork is one stunning drive that takes in secluded beaches, colorful towns, and remote islands. It’s definitely worth it to drive this seriously scenic route – all in, it’s around 400 km.

Of course, the entire Wild Atlantic Way is much longer (it’s a whopping 2,500 km long), but for this blog post, I’ve just focused on the section in Cork and highlighted my must-see stops here. You see, I’m living in West Cork, so I know this part of Ireland like the back of my hand.

I advise breaking down this drive into 5 days, because I want you to take your time and really get to know this part of Ireland and its people. By taking it slow, it means less driving and more sightseeing. And the good thing, too, is that most of the stops I’ve listed in this blog post are close to each other (around 30 minutes apart), so you don’t have to do any really long bouts of driving either.

So, let’s get down to it – in this blog, I list 17 of the best places to stop along the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork.

Guided tour recommendations for this route

If you don’t fancy driving in Ireland, these excellently-rated guided tours are the perfect choice for you.

  1. Private tour in a luxury vehicle: Pick and choose exactly where you want to stop on the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork with this private guided tour, which will pick you up from anywhere in Cork. It costs €1,140 per group of up to 6 people, so around €190 per person.
  2. Private taxi tour of Kinsale, Drombeg Stone Circle, Timoleague & Glandore: This private tour visits a select few of my favorite stops along the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork. It takes place in a modern air-conditioned vehicle and costs from €525 per group of up to 7 people (around €80 each).

What is the Wild Atlantic Way?

lady outside stone mad gallery kinsale
Kinsale is the starting point for this road trip!

The Wild Atlantic Way runs from Kinsale in West Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal. At 2,500 km in length, it is the world’s longest coastal driving route.

Yup, from the dramatic cliffs of Donegal in the north to the laid-back shores of Cork in the south, this road trip is all about jaw-dropping views, cute villages, and loads of culture. You’ll find everything from windswept beaches to towering cliffs and rolling hills, each with its own slice of history and folklore.

Failte Ireland (Ireland’s tourism board) did an excellent marketing job on the Wild Atlantic Way. You see, the route has always been there – they haven’t built a new road – but they did give it a catchy name and promote it heavily around the world. The ‘new’ route was launched in 2014 as a bid to mitigate the financial effects of the global recession on tourism in the country.

harbour view beach
You could also tack on a visit to Harbour View en route to Courtmacsherry!

This blog post focuses only on the Cork section of the Wild Atlantic so, around 417 km of the route. As I have yet to drive the full length of the Wild Atlantic Way, what is it they say about not exploring the country you live in fully? Yep, it’s true – as I said earlier, I live in West Cork and have only made it to a few key places in Ireland (instead, we favor faraway, exotic places). But, this summer I plan to tackle Ireland and see the majority of the Wild Atlantic Way!

You can check out the map of my route here –

Best Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork

There are so many great places to stop along the Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork, some are quick stops like Lough Hyne and Courtmacsherry, and others require more time (or even a few nights), like Kinsale, Baltimore, and Schull. The road follows mostly regional (and a few narrower, local roads) and is considered a fairly easy drive for the most part.

Quick travel tip: The cost of renting a car in Ireland can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.

1. Kinsale

market square kinsale
Market Square in Kinsale!

Colorful Kinsale is one of my favorite towns in Ireland. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Cork Airport, and it’s made up of a web of narrow streets with brightly painted buildings. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants in Cork. Yep, if you’re a foodie, Kinsale is the place for you – it’s referred to as the gourmet capital of Ireland.

One of my favorite things to do in Kinsale is to simply explore the colorful town on foot with a coffee and stop into the stores and art galleries along the way. However, some of my other favorite things to do in Kinsale include –

  • Explore Charles Fort – Just outside the town lies the historic Charles Fort. A 17th-century star-shaped fort. There is a small visitor center here, with audio and visual exhibits for a self-guided experience. Or you can arrange a guided tour, which lasts about one hour.
  • Visit the Old Head of Kinsale – 13 km from town, you’ll find the Old Head of Kinsale Signal Tower. It’s not only a stunning viewpoint but also a fascinating museum. It’s over 200 years old, and the museum tells the story of the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in World War I, resulting in the loss of around 1,200 lives.
  • Join a harbor cruise – I reckon the best way to see Kinsale is from the water with Kinsale Harbor Cruises. The cruise departs on the hour between 12 and 4 pm during the summer season, and tickets cost €15 per adult.
old head of kinsale
Me at The Old Head of Kinsale!

Where to stay in Kinsale:

Definitely stay the night in Kinsale tonight if you can, we like Acton’s Hotel in the center of town, which offers lovely, spacious rooms – some with a view of the harbor. The hotel also has an indoor pool and bar, and restaurant on-site.

Another good option is Perryville House, a 4-star hotel in the center of town. You can’t miss it, it’s painted pink and is very eye-catching. The rooms here are luxurious, and there’s a lovely courtyard out back.

2. Courtmacsherry

courtmacherry beach
The beach in Courtmacsherry!
young girl courtmacsherry beach
My daughter walking on the beach here!

Courtmacsherry, a charming little village, is our next suggested stop, and it’s around a 40-minute drive from Kinsale (via the R600 road). It’s famous for its amazing coastal views, and there’s a lovely harbor that’s great for sailing, fishing, and kayaking. If you’re into walking or hiking, the trails around here (particularly the Fuchsia Loop) offer awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush Irish countryside.

We’ve spent many Saturdays walking through Courtmacsherry Woods with our two young daughters.

The locals are super friendly in this tiny village, and there are some cute pubs and eateries where you can enjoy tasty local dishes and good vibes. We love The Lifeboat Inn and The Courtmacsherry Hotel (which hosts live music in their huge beer garden every Sunday afternoon in the summer).

3. Clonakilty

clonakilty town
The main street in Clonakilty!

The drive from Kinsale to Clonakilty is around 20 minutes. And we recommend spending at least half a day here.

Start your time here off with a wander through the charming town center, where you’ll find colorful buildings, cute shops, and cozy cafes.

Next, pay a visit to the Michael Collins Centre to dive into the history of this iconic Irish revolutionary. If you’re into unique food, head over to the Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre to discover how the town’s famous black pudding is made – and, of course, try some!

teach beag clonakilty
An Teach Beag bar in Clonakilty!

If you’re traveling with kids or have a train-lover with you, you may want to check out West Cork Model Railway Village is one of the best things to do in Cork with kids. An outdoor, fully scaled, handmade model of the old West Cork Railway featuring model buildings of the town as it looked in the 1940s. Entrance to the Model Village costs from €12.50 per adult and €7.50 per child (under 12 years).

We highly recommend taking a trip on the Road Train from here I mean, what better way to see the town of Clonakilty than on a quick 30-minute train ride?

4. Inchydoney Beach

inchydoney beach
It’s a fabulous beach!

Before driving onwards to Rosscarbery, make a detour to Inchdoney Beach, which is a whopping seven miles in length. It’s one of the best beaches in West Cork for a nice, long beach walk. The popularity of this beach is probably due to the stunning Inchydoney beach hotel, which overlooks the beach. And I highly recommend having a meal or at least a coffee here.

5. Rosscarbery

rosscarbery town
Rosscarbery town!
warren beach
The Warren Beach nearby!

This small town is just over a 10-minute drive from Clonakilty, it’s very picturesque – it overlooks a lovely bay and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside.

While here, you can check out nearby beaches like Warren Beach or walk along the amazing cliff walk which connects The Warren (as locals call it) to the next beach over – Owenahincha. The walk takes around 30 minutes each way.

In the town itself, you can check out some cool historical spots, like the St. Fachtna Cathedral, and if you’re keen for some heartpumping fun, there’s an inflatable water park at the lagoon here. You can also try kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding here. Just outside of town, Smugglers Cove is a lot of fun, too. Here, there’s a tubing park, crazy golf, and more.

In Short, Rosscarbery is super welcoming, with cozy pubs and tasty eateries. We love the coffee at Drip Coffee!

6. Lough Hyne

On the route into Skibbereen, nature and photography lovers will likely be keen to check out Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve. It’s the perfect spot for a short hike.

This beautiful spot is surrounded by lush woodlands and hills, perfect for anyone looking to chill out in nature. What makes Lough Hyne really special is its unique tidal flow, creating a vibrant home for all sorts of marine life, including some rare plants and animals.

You can even do bioluminescent kayaking here; this phenomenon is usually visible at night between April and October. And you can book guided night kayaking tours here.

7. Skibbereen

skibbereen north st
North Street in Skibbereen!

Skibbereen is another large, colorful town along the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork. Like Clonakilty, we advise spending at least half a day here. Or it may be a good idea to spend the night here to break up your route nicely.

FYI, between Rosscarbery and Skibbereen, it’s also worth stopping in the tiny villages of Glandore and Union Hall (the setting for the Netflix series Bodkin).

union hall
The tiny village of Union Hall!

Kick off your visit here at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre to dive into the Great Famine and the area’s rich history.

Drombeg Stone Circle (aka the Druid’s Altar), which dates back to the Bronze Age, is a short drive away, too.

And when it comes to food, you can’t miss the local farmers’ market, which is held every Saturday until 2 pm, or The Church Restaurant in the town center (which is where we recommend having dinner while in town).

man and daughter church restaurant skibbereen
My husband and daughter at The Church!
skibbereen library
The library in town!

Where to stay in Skibbereen:

The West Cork Hotel is a popular place to stay here; it overlooks the Ilen River and is a short drive (or a 15-minute walk) from the town center. The rooms are spacious and stylish, and there’s a bar and restaurant on-site.

Or for something a little different, consider Liss Ard Estate – a magnificent country house that’s just over 2 km from the town center. This 163-acre estate boasts beautiful gardens, a 40-acre lake, and the famed Sky Garden crater.

8. Mizen Head

mizen head
This is the most Southwesterly point in the country!

Mizen Head is the most Southwesterly point in Ireland, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Skibbereen. While here, don’t miss the iconic arched bridge that connects the mainland to the Mizen Head Signal Station, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs below.

As you explore the walking trails, keep an eye out for wildlife, including seals and seabirds, and if you visit during the right season, you might even spot whales or dolphins in the distance, too!

Catching the signal station at sunset is sure to make for an exceptionally pretty photo!

Shelly Beach nearby is a secret spot that only really the locals know about (until now!) Adding to its charm is the trek to get there – hike through fields and down a narrow boreen. Pretty white shells dot the sand here, and the views are spectacular! For some reason, this beach reminds me of something from The Chronicles of Narnia.

Also worth checking out is Galley Cove, a lovely beach on the eastern side of the Mizen Head Peninsula, approx. a mile (1.5km) from the little village of Crookhaven. It’s a gorgeous golden sand beach and is backed by a rolling hill – very Irish! The beach is sheltered as it’s east-facing.

9. Baltimore

baltimore beacon by ian hutchison via unsplash
The Baltimore Beacon is a must-see!

Baltimore will be your next stop, and we advise spending a night or two here so that you can explore Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island (the ferry to these gorgeous islands leaves from the pier in Baltimore).

While in Baltimore, be sure to stop off at The Baltimore Beacon, a famous landmark that provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. And is the perfect spot for an easy morning walk. For those interested in history, the village has a rich maritime heritage, and you can learn more about it at the local heritage center.

You could also do this whale watching tour from Baltimore (where the ferry leaves from). It’s 3 hours long and along the boat ride you’ll highly likely get to see dolphins, basking sharks, humpback whales and maybe even a killer whale if you’re lucky. Tickets cost from €40 euro per person. And keep in mind that whale watching season here runs from April to December.

We recommend having a meal at Dede at The Custom House in Baltimore, it’s one of the best restaurants in Ireland and has two Michelin stars! Run by Chef Ahmet Dede, his dishes marry his Irish surroundings and his Turkish heritage perfectly. They offer a fine dining tasting menu and are open from Thursday to Sunday (they do open on Wednesdays in peak season)

Where to stay in Baltimore:

Baltimore is teeny-tiny, so there aren’t many accommodation options here, but luckily, there are two great hotels in the town center – The Waterfront Hotel and Casey’s of Baltimore. Both are small, but the rooms are comfortable and clean.

10. Sherkin Island

sherkin island
The scenery is magical on the island!

A short 10-minute ferry journey from Baltimore is the wild and rugged Sherkin Island. The ferry over costs €12. At just 3 miles long and with a population of approximately 100, Sherkin Island is also known as West Cork’s island of the arts. Many residents of Sherkin Island make a living from their art, including painting and writing. And so we recommend walking the Artist Trail, a walk that passes a few artist studios on the island.

With beautiful sandy beaches (we adore Silver Strand), four different walking paths catering to all abilities, and even two restaurants – Sherkin House & Jolly Rogers. There is plenty to fill your afternoon on Sherkin Island.

Plus, if you fancy staying the night, you can choose from Sherkin House (with its 21 ensuite bedrooms) or one of the locally-run B&Bs.

11. Cape Clear Island

cape clear harbor
Cape Clear Harbour!

As Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island, Cape Clear boasts jaw-dropping landscapes with epic cliffs, rolling hills, and killer views of the Atlantic. It’s a paradise for wildlife fans, especially birdwatchers, since it’s a pit stop for migrating birds like Blackcaps, Willow Warblers, and Common Whitethroats.

You can check out some awesome historical sites like ancient standing stones that are about 5,000 years old and the ruins of an old 12th-century church. The island also has a tight-knit Gaelic-speaking community and hosts a yearly storytelling festival (in early September) that keeps its rich oral traditions alive.

There are a few restaurants on the island, but we really like Sean Rua’s Seafood Restaurant and Pizzeria.

Schull

This place is a fantastic mix of stunning nature, laid-back village vibes, and cool culture. Around a 40-minute drive from your previous stop (Baltimore), Schull offers jaw-dropping coastal views and plenty of fun stuff like sailing, kayaking, and hiking on its beautiful trails. FYI, we like the Colla Loop trail.

The Schull Planetarium is the perfect spot here for anyone into stargazing or just curious about the universe. It’s part of Schull Community College and a great place to learn about the night sky. With its top-notch projection tech, the planetarium offers mind-blowing experiences that take you on a journey through the cosmos.

The village is super friendly and buzzing with cute shops, cozy cafes, and lively pubs where you can kick back and enjoy some traditional Irish tunes. Schull also has a buzzing arts scene, with events like the Fastnet Film Festival (held at the end of May) that draw creative folks from all over the world.

Nico’s is a great spot for dinner in Schull, and for coffee, we love Nickies Kitchen. As for a pint, The Bunratty Inn is our go-to here.

12. Bantry

bantry town
Bantry town!

Nestled on the edge of Bantry Bay, one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, this town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas.

Bantry is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with events such as the West Cork Chamber Music Festival and the West Cork Literary Festival attracting visitors from around the globe. The town also boasts historical sites like Bantry House, a stately home with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history.

Gougane Barra:

You could also take a short detour to Gougane Barra (a 30-minute drive away) while you’re staying in Bantry.

gougane barra cork
Gougane Barra is gorgeous!

Picture a stunning lake wrapped in lush green hills and thick woodlands—a dream for nature lovers and anyone craving some peace and quiet. The place is famous for the Gougane Barra Forest Park, full of trails that are awesome for walking or cycling and soaking in the scenery.

Right in the heart of Gougane Barra is the charming St. Finbarr’s Oratory, a tiny chapel on an island in the lake. It’s got this magical vibe and a cool backstory. Named after St. Finbarr, Cork’s patron saint, he supposedly set up a monastery here way back in the 6th century.

gougane barra front view
It’s a really peaceful spot!

Where to stay in Bantry:

The Maritime Hotel is our recommendation in Bantry. It overlooks the water and is the biggest hotel in town. It’s a 4-star property and has an indoor pool.

13. Whiddy Island

The ferry from Bantry Pier to Whiddy Island takes just 10 – 15 minutes. Whiddy Island is located in one of the world’s deepest harbors and is known locally as the hidden gem of West Cork.

bank house bar whiddy island
On my hen party at the Bank House bar, Whiddy Island!

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, why not hire your own speedboat to Whiddy Island? This is available from Bantry Bay Boat Hire. I did this last year with some friends for my Hen Party and it was so much fun!

Whiddy Island features a lovely 3-hour walk, which is part of the Sheep’s Head Way walking route. This walk covers small hills, beaches, and roads. Or if you don’t fancy walking, you can hire a bike from the Bank House bar.

The Bank House Bar is a lively venue on weekends in the Summer, where live Irish music bands play in the sunshine.

14. Dursey Cable Car

dursey island
Dursey Island! Photo by Jamie Pilgrim via Unsplash

Dursey Island is one of the few inhabited islands in Ireland. Dursey is situated at the western tip of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork and is just 6.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water called the Dursey Sound. It has become famous as it is connected to the mainland by Ireland’s only cable car. The journey costs just €10 return per adult.

Dolphins and whales are regular visitors to the Dursey Sound, so be sure to keep an eye out on your cable car journey. If you’re a bird-watcher, then Dursey will be heaven for you – there are thousands of seabirds to be seen.

15. Glengarriff

glengariff blue pools
The Blue Pools in Glengarriff!
mom and daughter glengarriff blue pools
Me with my daughter!

Glengarriff, also known as the Rugged Glen, is a paradise for hikers of all abilities. Walks in and around Glengarriff feature some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.

The Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is a lovely mature oak woodland in the heart of the old Glengarriff Valley. There are many picnic areas and several viewpoints within easy reach along the trail. Perhaps the best lookout point on the trail is Lady Bantry’s Lookout, which gives a panoramic view across Bantry Bay and up to the Caha Mountains. 

The Blue Pools is a short walk from the Main Street of Glengarriff village. You can access the blue pool beside Quills in the centre of the village. The Blue Pools has many trails and walkways through a magical forested area with beautiful views of the harbor. If you walk beyond the Blue Pool itself, you reach an area known as The Point. Here, there is a diving board and a beautiful sun-drenched bathing area. There’s also a pontoon for you to swim off.

Where to stay in Glengarriff:

We highly recommend the stunning Eccles Hotel and Spa here, situated right on the water – this 4-star property is one of the nicest hotels in Cork!

16. Garnish Island

Located in Glengarriff Harbour, this stunning horticultural gem is renowned for its unique microclimate and lush gardens. And you can catch a ferry to here from the Blue Pools in Glengarriff; the ferry ride is just 15 minutes.

This 15-hectare island is home to a diverse collection of exotic plants and trees and the gardens were designed in the early 20th century by Harold Peto, a renowned architect and garden designer.

On the island, you can explore the Italianate garden, Martello tower, and the tranquil Tea House while enjoying breathtaking views of Bantry Bay.

17. Allihies

allihies
Colorful Allihies!

Your last stop along the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork is Allihies, a charming little village tucked away on the Beara Peninsula.

It’s famous for its stunning coastal views and rich history, offering a cool peek into Ireland’s past and natural beauty. Back in the 19th century, the village was a hub for copper mining. You can check out the Allihies Copper Mine Museum to get the scoop on its mining days.

Allihies has some seriously amazing scenery, and the best way to admire the rugged scenery is from one of the many hiking trails here – the Allihies Loop and the Allihies Copper Mine Trail are two of the most popular hikes here. The village is all about community and traditional Irish culture, making it a friendly spot for anyone looking for a genuine slice of Ireland’s countryside.

Where to next?

After Allihies, we recommend driving on towards the Iveragh Peninsula (Ring of Kerry) and spending a night (or two) in Kenmare before continuing along the Wild Atlantic Way up to Donegal.

My tips for driving in West Cork:

driving in cork
Photo by Craig Adderley via Pexels!

Just like in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, they drive on the left-hand side in Ireland. So, that means that the steering wheel sits on the right-hand side of the car. Don’t be surprised if you try to get into the wrong door for much of the first day! Moreover, if you are driving a manual (which most rental cars here are), the gearstick will be on the opposite side. So it will take some time to get used to it.

Most of the roads along this route are in good condition, so you should find them easy to drive. However, if you go off the beaten path to more rural areas, some of the roads can be very narrow, twisty, and dotted with potholes. Hence, it pays to drive cautiously when traveling on those. Plus, there is little to no shoulder on these roads, so you have to be careful not to drive into the ditch!

It is worth noting that you might experience gravel roads or really narrow roads with grass growing down the middle if you plan to venture outside the villages and towns. And there’s an intimidating single lane bridge that takes you into Union Hall that may take some getting used to.

As for fueling up in Ireland, you will do so at a petrol station. Just be careful – the green pump is for unleaded and the black pump is for diesel. They should be clearly marked as such. Currently, the price of petrol per liter is around 171 cents and the price of diesel is around 165 cents per liter.

Practice makes perfect!

Because I’m someone who likes to be prepared when I travel, I’ve recently checked out Tripiamo’s Ireland Driving Guide. It’s a video driving guide that is specifically designed to teach you how to navigate Ireland’s challenging roads. It’s validated by the Irish School of Motoring and by completing this detailed driving guide (there are 11 sections), you’ll feel confident to tackle driving in Ireland. The course costs just $39.99 USD – a worthy investment, in my opinion!

Renting a Car in Ireland

fuchsia loop trail courtmacsherry
Courtmacsherry at sunset!

Considering all the stunning spots above that would be hard to get to without a car, it’s a no-brainer to rent a car in Ireland. After all, Ireland is known as one of the most stunningly beautiful countries in the world. And the best way to get to its hidden gem spots is by hiring a car. Public transport in Ireland is limited and typically only travels between the major towns, villages, and cities in the country!

The cost of renting a car in Ireland can be expensive. However, there are some ways you can save money. We tend to always book our rental car through Discover Cars. This is a search engine for rental cars and allows you to filter by price if you’re on a budget or by vehicle type if there’s a specific car you’re after.

You should always try to rent your vehicle from major cities such as Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick. As you would expect, hiring a car in the low tourist season months of November to February will be cheaper than if you book one in the height of summer, between June and September.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide has helped you plan the perfect road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork. If you found this blog helpful, be sure to browse around some more –

How to Spend 3 Days in Cork, Ireland: A Complete Guide

Visiting Killarney National Park + 8 Things To Know Before You Go!

How to spend one day in Cobh (Written by a Cork local)

Visiting Blarney Castle + 8 Things You Need to Know

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The Wild Atlantic Way route in County Cork is one stunning drive that takes in secluded beaches, colorful towns, and remote islands. It’s definitely worth it to drive this seriously scenic route – all in, it’s around 400 km.

Last Updated on June 29, 2025 by snaphappytravel

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