Wild Atlantic Way Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary as one of Ireland's Most Popular Visitor Trails

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Malin Heal, Donegal

Launched in 2014 by Irish tourism officials, Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way has been a stellar success over the past decade, attracting nearly 2 million more visitors to Ireland, increasing tourism spending by 59% and creating an additional 35,000 jobs, according to a new report launched today at Meitheal, an annual trade event for the Irish tourism industry.

The Wild Atlantic Way stretches from counties Cork to Donegal, across 1,500 miles and nine counties.  The nine counties include Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal.

Ireland's Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin joined Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, in hailing the positive impact the Wild Atlantic Way has had on Ireland. Read full press release.

“Ten years ago, a vision for the future of tourism in Ireland was launched, a route that stretched for 2,500 kilometres along our rugged Atlantic Coast," said Minister Martin. "This is now a household name and cements Ireland’s reputation as a must-visit tourism destination, and I commend Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland on their work in driving this success over the last 10 years.”

Geokaun Mountain, Valentia Island, Kerry

"The Wild Atlantic Way generates employment and revenue for businesses and communities from Malin Head to Kinsale, and continues to be a key motivator for domestic and international visitors," said Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly. "Domestically, the Wild Atlantic Way is our most popular region with 51% of all domestic tourism revenue being generated there."

“At Tourism Ireland, we’ve loved making the Wild Atlantic Way famous overseas," said Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh. "Tourism Ireland has co-produced 22 food and travel focused TV shows highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way, reaching 450 million in viewership around the world."

Cliffs of Moher, Clare

 Connemara photo by Genevieve Callander 

Tourism Ireland lists 150+ suggestions on where to stop, and itineraries from one up to five days are mapped out.  But visitors can also wander off the beaten path and chart their own way, discovering the splashing dolphins off the Kerry coast, taking a horseback ride along the Connemara beaches or surfing in Donegal.

Learn more about visiting Ireland.


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