Highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way

 Yeats Country, Co Sligo

The Wild Atlantic Way journey can be broken up into 14 stages. One of those is travelling from Donegal Town to Ballina. There are so many highlights along the way, from Mullaghmore Head which has a wonderful beach and a picturesque harbour, to the magical island of Inishmurray, bringing you back to long-forgotten times.

But it’s Yeats Country on this route, or ‘The Land of Heart’s Desire’ as he once described it, which you need to see before you leave the west. The spectacular sights of Co Sligo, which inspired WB Yeats, one of Ireland’s most enduring poets, are a bucket list item. Walk through Sligo Abbey, which appears in two stories by Yeats, go surfing at Strandhill Beach, and walk Knocknarea Mountain whose beauty and legends fascinated Yeats.

 Achill Island, Co Mayo

Achill Island, on the west coast of Mayo, is one of the most remote parts of the country. So why not explore it by driving the Atlantic Drive? Driving this route is incredibly pleasant, as you could easily be one of the few people on the road that day. The drive takes you along the Achill Island side of Achill Sound, through the villages of Shraheens and Derreens to Cloughmore. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the islands of Clare and Achill Beg, take some time to park your car and explore the cliffs on foot, or just sit and listen to the crashing waves on the rocks below. There are panoramic views of Clew Bay and the Maumturk Mountains and who knows, you might even want to stop and climb the Croagh Patrick pilgrim route to get the most out of your trip!

 Clifden, Connemara, Co Galway

Clifden, an area which hosts rich archaeological sites including Neolithic tombs, standing stones, Iron Age forts, crannog lake dwellings, and more, is a real highlight along the west. Check out the Clifden Castle ruins and the stunning views over Clifden Bay from the 10-mile-long Sky Road. Did you know that at Derrigimlagh Bog, the first transatlantic radio signal was sent, and the first transatlantic flight landed in 1919? Truly a unique place to see.

 Buncrana, Co Donegal

Take a dip into the Atlantic Ocean in this scenic seaside town. The 5km-long golden Lisfannon beach offers incredible sights of the rugged coastline and the Inishowen Peninsula. While here, stroll along the beach and visit the little Buncrana Lighthouse, which was a comfort to many sea captains on stormy nights. Situated on the shorefront of the beach, it is a truly beautiful sight.

 Aillwee Cave, Co Clare

When you’re passing Clare while travelling the Wild Atlantic Way route, make sure to stop by the famous Aillwee Cave. Located in the Burren, the cave is 40 minutes from both Galway and Shannon, and it is one of the oldest caves in Ireland at 1.5 million years old. Families can enjoy exploring this underworld of winding passages, chasms, rock formations and waterfalls. The cave has an underground river and waterfall as well as large stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards, drop into the Birds of Prey Centre, adjoining the cave which is home to many different bird species such as eagles, falcons, and hawks.

Visit aillweecave.ie

 The Blasket Islands, Dingle Peninsula the case with young children in the car. Load up a playlist with your favourite songs (or take inspiration from Erica Cody’s ultimate playlist on page 11!). Crank up the volume and sing to your heart’s content. If available in your Volkswagen, take advantage of AppConnect to really get the tunes going.

This stunning archipelago of islands north of Co Kerry is renowned for its beauty and rugged wilderness. The population decreased over hundreds of years until it was finally abandoned in the 1950s by its Gaelic speakers. Today, the islands are uninhabited, but visitors can travel over by ferry and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

The literary heritage of the islands is well-documented. The art of the Seanchaí (a storyteller) was passed from parent to child. Irish playwright J.M. Synge famously wrote his well-known classic play, The Playboy of the Western World, based on his travels here and through the west. See the magical marine life – seals, whales, dolphins, puffins, and an array of sea birds. The Cathedral Rocks’ of Inis na Bró and the most westerly lighthouse of Ireland – An Tiaracht.

If possible, why not turn on audiobooks to keep the kids entertained? Or, play games they can tick off everything they see on the journey. Or why not play the classic game of counting how many of each colour car they can spot! The road trip itself can be a big part of the fun.

Ensure your car is safe and ready

Keeping your car safe on the road is an important part of every road trip. Here are some car checks you should do before and during your trip:

■ A spare tyre – make sure to check that the ones you already have are in good condition and properly inflated

■ Check all the lights are in working order

■ Make sure the oil level is correct

■ Check the brake fluid, wiper fluid, power steering fluid and coolant in the engine

■ Pack a roadside assistance kit – with booster cables, warning triangle, LED flashlight, emergency blanket, cable ties, PVC tape, bandages, emergency whistle, work gloves, screwdriver

■ Carry out additional checks and maintenance – before you head on your adventure, let the expert team at your preferred authorised repairer give your vehicle a full check.

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The charming town of Westport is a popular holiday spot in Ireland, and with good reason. It boasts pristine beaches, a lively nightlife, fabulous restaurants, and an abundance of outdoor adventure activities.

If you’re planning on visiting Westport soon for a weekend, here’s a little inspiration on how you could spend your 48 hours there.

Where to stay

Base yourself at the 4-Star, family-owned Castlecourt Hotel. Located at the centre of Westport Town, the hotel celebrates 50 years in business this year! There’s a range of stylish room types to choose from, including the Classic Double and Superior Family Rooms. While dining options include their elegant Orchard Restaurant and the laidback May’s Bistro.

The hotel also has its luxurious Sula Spa with a tranquil Thermal Suite. And their C Club Leisure Centre includes a 20m pool, kiddies’ splash pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and fully equipped gym. There’s even a hair salon in the hotel, so you can look your best when heading out on the town over the weekend! Summer breaks (B&B) from €75pps. Visit castlecourthotel.ie

 DAY 1

Morning: Start your first day with a light breakfast and pack your walking boots (and plenty of water) to take on the famous Croagh Patrick! Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland’s most stunning mountain climbs and offers panoramic views of Clew Bay at the top. The holy mountain of Croagh Patrick has also been a place of worship for thousands of years. Pilgrims climb Croagh Patrick in recognition of St Patrick’s (the patron saint of Ireland) 40day and 40-night stay on the mountain. The hike itself is about 7km. It will take at least three or four hours (return trip) and it can be quite difficult in areas, as it is steep. The upper slopes require good fitness and flexibility. Croagh Patrick is about a 13-minute drive from Westport and at the base of the mountain, there’s a car park. (However, there is a charge.)

Tip: If you’re not quite ready to take

48 hours in Westport

We share some inspiration of things to do and see during a weekend in Westport, Co Mayo on Croagh Patrick yet, or would prefer something more relaxed for all the family, check out the Westport House Loop at Westport House and Gardens. This 3.5km trail is relatively easy and takes approximately one hour. It takes you through Westport Estate, around the riverside and through woodlands. You can start the walk from three main points: Westport House, Hotel Westport Bridge or Quay entrance. There’s also a Pirate Adventure Park at Westport House and Gardens, with a range of amenities for children of all ages.

Lunch: If you completed Croagh Patrick, you’ll need to refuel afterwards! At the foot of Croagh Patrick is the Tavern Bar and Restaurant. This family-run bar and restaurant has built up a well-earned reputation for fine food, quality drink and friendly service over the years.

Or, enjoy food at Westport House and Gardens, where there are three dining options. If you’re in Westport Town, go to This Must Be The Place (thismustbetheplace.ie) to fill your belly with wholesome home-cooked food and great coffee.

Afternoon: After your hike, you’ll likely want to spend the afternoon relaxing! Head to the spa in Castlecourt Hotel for a treatment, or visit the pool. Or have a wander around Westport Town and check out some of the shops, such as Marlene’s Chocolate Haven (marleneschochaven. com), the home of delicious handmade Irish chocolate, and The Dressing Room Westport (dressingroomonline.com) for a new outfit.

If the weather is nice, sit back on one of Mayo’s beautiful beaches. Berta Beach is just a 16-minute drive from Westport and Mulranny Beach is approximately a 33-minute drive away.

Evening: Dine at the Orchard Restaurant in the Castlecourt Hotel, with dishes including Slow Roast Rump of Erriff Lamb, and Baked Fillet of Wild Seabass. Relax with a cocktail, beer, or non-alcoholic drink, at the hotel’s bar, Petie Joe’s Bar. Or, you could head out to one of the pubs in Westport Town, such as Matt Molloy’s (mattmolloy.com) for a pint and a traditional live music session!

 DAY 2

Morning: Wake up early and start your day right with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Then set forth on a day trip to either Achill Island or The Lost Valley of Uggool.

If you choose Achill Island, it’s about an hour’s drive from Westport. And there’s no need to worry about ferry times, because you can just drive straight onto Achill Island. Once there, you can choose to take in the views at your own pace. Stop by the beautiful Keel Beach and if you have kids, visit Achill Experience, Aquarium and Visitor Centre (achillexperience.ie). Achill is also a fantastic place for cycling, with three looped trails in the Achill Cycle Hub.

If you decide to visit The Lost Valley of Uggool (thelostvalley.ie) in Louisburgh, this is about a 45-minute drive from Westport. The Lost Valley is arguably the finest authentic memorial of the Great Hunger that remains today. You can visit the ruined famine village and see the multitude of potato ridges that have lain undisturbed and unattended for nearly two centuries.

The Lost Valley is now an active working farm owned by the Bourke family, so visitors can experience life on the farm, as well as experience a three-hour guided tour on welldeveloped trails, suitable for all ages. An adult ticket is €25, child is €10 and family ticket is €60. Note that no dogs are allowed. Prebooking is essential.

Lunch: Achill has a number of places to stop by for food, including The Amethyst Bar in the village of Keel, near Keel Beach, and Masterson’s Bar and Restaurant in Tonatanvally. Or Gielty’s Bar and Restaurant (gieltys.com), known as the ‘most westerly pub in Europe’, situated at the edge of Dooagh village on the road to Keem beach.

In Louisburgh, approximately a 20-minute drive from The Lost Valley, you could stop at the Derrylahan Bar and Restaurant or the Seven Wanders Café for lunch.

Afternoon/evening: Make tracks home. Or, if you are staying overnight in Westport Town on day two, then head back to the hotel to relax for the evening before getting ready to go out for dinner. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from for evening dinner, such as The Pantry and Corkscrew Restaurant (thepantryandcorkscrew.com) and An Port Mór Restaurant (anportmor.com).

Visit discoverireland.ie/Westport for more inspiration on planning a staycation in Westport