Journey to the west

giving yourself 2-3 nights in each location to make the most of the locations you are visiting.

“Drive south to north. The Atlantic Ocean will be on your left-hand side, allowing maximum opportunity to stop off and take in the views. Check your distances before setting off. While they may seem short on the map, the reality of narrow and winding roads can make the driving time longer.”

Visitors can plan their journey around a trip to some of the 180 Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points that are mapped out along the coastline. “And you can visit 15 incredible Signature Discovery Points, which have some of the most striking scenery and views on the Wild Atlantic Way. But do be more adventurous and go off the beaten track too.

Activities, funded under the Platforms for Growth 2 Scheme.”

■ Walking the Edge – A Wild Island Immersion Tour of Tory Island, Co Donegal. Stories of seafaring, legendary conflict and survival intertwine with the dramatic coastline of Tory Island. (farandwild.org)

■ Galway City Distillery – This company distils in the heart of Galway city and serves a range of award-winning gins, whiskies, vodkas, rums and cocktails. (galwaycitydistillery.ie)

■ Strandhill People’s Market –Every Sunday, from 11am to 4pm, the market sells an array of local crafts, foods and textiles. Lots of new stalls have been added. (strandhillpeoplesmarket.ie)

■ Anthony’s Restaurant, Doolin –Anthony’s is a brand new restaurant located in Doolin, Co Clare at Doolin Inn. Experience the flavours of the Burren. (doolininn.ie/anthonys)

■ Scattery Island RIB ride – Explore the stunning coastal scenery of the majestic Shannon Estuary onboard an adventure RIB ride from Kilrush, Co Clare. (scatteryislandtours.com) Visit discoverireland.ie for lots more things to do and see

“Embrace the magnificence of Wild Atlantic Way beaches, and feast upon the delectable flavours of the West Coast, from Sligo’s edible seaweeds and native oysters to succulent Connemara lamb.”

Niall continues, “There are many fantastic attractions for tourists to enjoy all along the Wild Atlantic Way. The new visitor centre at Mayo’s Céide Fields has just opened. This tells the incredible story of 5,000 years of Irish heritage and culture, with a state-of-theart immersive visitor centre. The new visitor centre at the spectacular Blasket Islands in Co Kerry is also expected to open this summer.”

Be inspired

Niall adds, “There are also one-of-akind experiences that immerse you in the wonderful nature and tranquillity of the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy a rejuvenating seaweed bath, catch a wave, head out on a sea-swept coastal walk, or gallop along the beach on horseback.”

Explore the west

Within this special supplement, you will find tons of tips to help you plan a safe road trip in the glorious west of Ireland – whether that’s to Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Sligo, Galway in the northwest or Kerry, Cork, Clare or Limerick in the mid- and southwest. From the highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way, to the top local attractions, to getting the best out of your Volkswagen on the journey, we have it all covered.

Set forth and create some incredible memories on your Great Western Adventure!

Visit volkswagen.ie

Niall says there is lots to look forward to in 2023 and beyond. “Fáilte Ireland also made a significant investment in developing waterbased activity tourism around Ireland, with €19m allocated in April 2021 for 20 worldclass Facilities Centres for Water Based

Turn to page 4 for more tips on planning a road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way. Niall, who lives and works in Sligo, also recommends stopping by his home county. “To me, Sligo is outstandingly surprising in so many ways. But I particularly love the variety of walks, suitable for all ages and abilities. Sligo has the most amazing scenery with iconic mountains, hillsides, glens, and beaches, with Instagrammable opportunities at every turn.

“For the surf lovers, we eagerly await the opening of the new Strandhill Surf Centre later this year. I encourage everyone to come and see Sligo for themselves to understand why so many people visit and want to live there!”