Tourism Ireland have recently opened up a new tourist trail around the west coast of Ireland, called the Wild Atlantic Way, stretching from the north of Donegal all the way down to Kinsale in County Cork. The trail is 2500 km of coastline, which you can drive/walk/run/cycle/jog, all at once or county by county. The route is very well signposted and there are great suggestions and itineraries and maps on the website, to help people plan their trip.
It is hard to believe that a country as small as Ireland would have a coastline on its western side of 2500 km, when the direct route from Kinsale to Donegal is about 420 km, but if you have ever been to Ireland, and driven on the narrow, twisting country roads, you will be able to imagine what this route is like.
Here are a few photos taken at Coolmore Beach, in my little section of the Wild Atlantic Way, in County Cork. There is so much information on the whole trail on the Tourism Ireland website, it is well worth a visit if you are thinking of exploring in Ireland.
Retirement and beyond 
Aug 08, 2014 @ 16:47:07
The Way is a great idea and will open up some treasures to travellers. Regards thom
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Aug 08, 2014 @ 17:28:24
I am sure it will, so many great places to visit. Thanks for your comment.
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Aug 08, 2014 @ 16:49:39
Wonderful post and photos!
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Aug 08, 2014 @ 17:40:23
Thank you, JF
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Aug 08, 2014 @ 18:24:51
Thank you! I feel that I want to walk the trail. 😉
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Aug 08, 2014 @ 19:35:05
Good on Bord Failte by doing this. Ireland’s natural features are manifold yet have often been difficult to access in the past. Hopefully this trail and others such as the Wicklow Way will grow in popularity with a spin-off for the economy.
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 00:25:36
Well said Roy. Here’s hoping.
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Aug 08, 2014 @ 20:43:58
It’s great to see the country getting it’s act together in order to ensure others can see just how much we have to offer. Lovely photos.
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 00:24:14
Thanks tric.
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 08:32:58
Thank you Tric.
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 10:06:53
Your timing couldn’t be better for me, Joan! We’re heading to the West of Ireland in about 3 weeks!
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 11:45:45
How fantastic, have a look at the website, and if you are in cork give me a shout!
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 11:51:05
Great that the West is being opened up more – especially Donegal, which is the jewel in the crown.I spent so many happy times there, and it is good to share it with others. Yet it could be so easily be spoiled if it “caught on”. Donegal used to have that advantage over places like Killarney and Connemara. It sure is a long way from New Zealand, but looking at photos is the next best thing. Des.
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 19:41:32
I am glad you are enjoying them. I have only been to donegal once but it’s very wild and beautiful.
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 15:32:45
dramatic skies – gorgeous photos!
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Aug 09, 2014 @ 19:38:00
Thank you. The weather can change quickly!
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Aug 19, 2014 @ 14:05:33
Such beautiful scenery !
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Aug 25, 2014 @ 06:35:43
I’ve seen the southern half but I’d love to go up to Galway and Donegal. Some day… 🙂
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Aug 25, 2014 @ 08:30:45
Me too, it’s beautiful wild country!
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