Plan Your Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip
Planning a self-drive tour of the Wild Atlantic Way (WAW) can feel daunting at first. There’s a lot of information online about the world-famous route, plenty of opinions, and no shortage of suggested itineraries – many of which try to cram far too much into too little time!
​
This page is here to simplify the process.
Rather than throwing you straight into a rigid day-by-day plan, we’ll walk through how to plan the WAW from scratch – helping you make the key decisions that shape a great trip, avoid common mistakes, and choose the approach that suits you.
​
If you’re still deciding whether this route is right for you, start with our Ireland Roadtrips first. If you’re ready to plan, you’re in the right place!
How the Wild Atlantic Way Really Works
The WAW isn’t a road trip that rewards rushing. On paper, daily driving distances can look manageable – but in reality, road conditions, scenery, weather and unexpected stops all slow things down.
​
It’s over 2,500km of Irish road, winding down from the northern headlands to the south coast – it’s no easy feat! This is part of what makes the route so special.
Your plan should be less about creating a perfect itinerary and more about understanding:
How long you actually need
Where flexibility matters
What’s worth booking in advance
And what’s better left open!
​
Once you understand how the route flows, the rest becomes much easier to decide.
How Long Should You Allow for the WAW?
One of the biggest planning decisions is how much time to give to the route.
As a general guide:
Fast Pace (7-10 Days)
Goal: Hit the major, internationally famous highlights (Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Connemara).
​
Experience: Primarily driving, with short stops for photos and key activities – expect to cover 250-400km per day!
​
Merit: Ideal for those with limited time who prioritise ‘checking off’ the iconic sites.
Moderate Pace (14-21 Days)
Goal: A solid mix of driving and deep exploration. Seeing highlights while having time for hikes, boat trips, and exploring a few key towns.
​
Experience: Covering 150-250 km per day, allowing 1-2 nights in key hubs.
​
Merit: The most popular choice. Balances comprehensive coverage with the chance to relax and absorb the atmosphere.
Slow Pace (28+ Days)
Goal: Full immersion. Exploring every peninsula, lingering in small villages, and pursuing specific interests (e.g., genealogy, hiking, surfing).
​
Experience: Rarely driving more than 150 km per day. You can spend multiple nights in many locations!
​
Merit: The ultimate authentic journey that allows you to discover hidden gems and truly connect with local culture and people.
FAQs
Depending on your preferences, you may have options around:
-
Direction of Travel: Do you head north-to-south or vice versa?
-
Starting Point: Are you conquering the full route or coming in at a checkpoint further along?
-
Detours: Do you have pre-booked activities or must-see sights planned?
While there’s no single “correct” way to do the WAW, certain approaches work better depending on:
-
traffic patterns
-
ferry timings (if applicable)
-
seasonal daylight
-
your travel style
​
This is where a little planning up front can save a lot of frustration later!
-
You don’t need to book every night or activity before you leave. In fact, overplanning often makes trips more stressful and less flexible when it comes to setbacks or cancellations.
​
What is worth thinking about early includes:
-
overall trip length
-
vehicle choice
-
ferry crossings (if relevant)
-
accommodation during busier periods
-
any must-do experiences
​
Everything else can usually stay flexible, especially if you’ve chosen a realistic pace!
-
After years of travelling this route and speaking to people who’ve done it, the same issues come up again and again:
-
trying to cover too much ground
-
underestimating driving times
-
booking accommodation too rigidly
-
not allowing for weather changes
-
choosing an itinerary that doesn’t match their travel style
​
Being aware of these pitfalls before you go can completely change how your trip feels.
-
Follow our adventures on Instagram with 72k others