20 best stays on the Wild Atlantic Way

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 2,500km of dramatic Irish coastline. Experience the powerful Atlantic Ocean as you make your way along the west coast of Ireland; beautiful beaches, commanding cliffs and heavenly hikes meet you on this journey.

To make this already striking route more memorable, why not stay in an Ireland’s Blue Book hotel. With a range of luxurious hotels and country houses to choose from, you will be promised an exceptional experience.

Here are the top sights to see and recommendations to stay in, on your trip along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Donegal

To see:

Celebrating sweet success of the nation’s best small businesses

---

A businessman’s best friend, and unique selling proposition, is his dog

---

Start your entrepreneurial journey in Madrid

---

Bushmills Irish Whiskey explores new territory with “unmistakably different” 14-year-old Malaga cask single malt

---

Malin Head & Sliabh Liag

To stay:

Castle Grove offers a country house escape in Donegal. From open fireplaces to antique furnished bedrooms, a snug library to a cosy bar, this Georgian house welcomes you to relax and surround yourself with history.

Rathmullan House is the ideal spot for privacy, with two miles of beach on your doorstep and an indoor heated swimming pool to ease into after a busy day of exploring, you have the space to rejuvenate.

Sligo

To see:

Ben Bulben

To stay:

Coopershill House gives you the unique experience of having an 18th century mansion all to yourself. A place to enjoy all the sights and activities Sligo has to offer while offering log fires, super-king-sized beds and luxurious modern bedrooms. A fully equipped kitchen makes this house a home, but the option to hire a private chef is available.

Mayo

To see:

Céide Fields

To stay:

Belleek Castle presents a historic experience like no other, settle into four-poster beds and relax in period surroundings, but don’t forget to visit their own medieval museum.

Enniscoe House offers a country style escape, the estate has been in the family since the 1650s, the ornate interior furnishings celebrate the house’s history.

Ice House is the dream location for any spa-lovers out there. Overlooking the River Moy, you feel at one with nature, a place to rest and renew, mixing the modern and the classic.

Galway

To see:

Killary Harbour

To stay:

Delphi Lodge is an eight-minute drive from Killary Harbour; this house has been used in the past as a hideaway, an escape from the stresses of the modern world. You can immerse yourself in the nature of the Delphi Lodge Estate; from fishing to hikes, you can peacefully retreat to nature.

Rosleague Manor is located one mile from Connemara’s National Park and a five-minute drive from Kylemore Abbey, the perfect base to explore Galway. The Victorian style conservatory and the drawing room welcome you in to relax comfortably.

Cashel House Hotel not only offers an array of walks and coastline views, but you can also take your pets on holiday with you. Enjoy decompressing in your room after a busy day of exploring with your dog, in their pet friendly rooms.

Currarevagh House is the perfect lakeside retreat: swim in the lake, row a clinker boat or even ponder in the sauna which overlooks Lough Corrib.

Glenlo Abbey, a short drive from Galway City, is a restored 18th century abbey with views of Lough Corrib and guaranteed five-star treatment. The only thing that’ll make your stay more special is the fine dining in the Pullman Restaurant, set in two original carriages of the Orient Express.

Clare

To see:

Cliffs of Moher

To stay:

Gregans Castle is your eco-luxury option for Clare, a countryside retreat with a twist. Growing their own vegetables, supplying local produce and installing solar panels are just some of the many things that Gregans Castle do to make their property more sustainable.

Kerry

To see:

Beara Peninsula & Ring of Kerry

To stay:

Carrig House has some of the most beautiful views in Ireland. Situated on the Ring of Kerry, Carrig House boasts of views of Caragh Lake; nestle into your king bed or settle into your couch and lap up the views the hotel beholds.

The Estate at Dromquinna presents an alternative experience in Kerry, the grounds offer a wide range of accommodation, including Potting Sheds and the Estate House, but what may stand out on your trip to Kerry is the Hideaway, the opportunity to enjoy glamping with gorgeous views of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Cahernane House is situated a short drive from Killarney town and located on the edge of Killarney National Park, rolling hills are visible from the dining area at breakfast. Welcomed by an open fire on arrival, each bedroom is individually furnished, creating a luxurious, homely feel.

The Lansdowne Kenmare, a beautiful boutique townhouse, is set in the centre of Kenmare, a small town full of cafes, pubs and art galleries, a quiet alternative to the bustling town of Killarney.

Cork

To see:

Mizen Head

To stay:

The Liss Ard Estate is located on the outskirts of Skibbereen; with awe-inspiring interiors, you can immediately relax. Be sure to check out the Sky Garden which promises a surreal experience.

Fernhill House & Gardens is fully inspired by their gardens, designed by the Chelsea Award-winning gardener Mary Reynolds, the hotel makes the most of what the gardens have to offer by creating speciality gin and menus inspired by the garden.

Dunowen House, 10 minutes from Clonakilty, can be privately hired and sleeps up to 15 guests in the main house. The perfect location for a celebration or holiday with the option of a private chef.

Perryville House looks out onto Kinsale’s harbour, this period townhouse that has been beautifully furnished is a wonderful base to explore all Kinsale has to offer.

Ireland’s Blue Book is a collection of hotels and restaurants around the island of Ireland. To find out more about the collection or to purchase a gift voucher which can be used in any of the 65 properties visit www.irelandsbluebook.com