Best of the Wild Atlantic Way (12 Night)

Travelling from Shannon, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is always a nice stop to begin your honeymoon in Ireland due to its proximity to the airport. Following this, you have two options for your journey to Cork, the direct route will take you very close to Blarney Castle, famous for its stone of eloquence which is said to grant the ‘Gift of the Gab’ to all those that kiss it! Taking a slight detour gives you the option to explore Tipperary and is famous Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. Places of interest in Cork include Kinsale which is especially nice for honeymoon couples due to its wealth of romantic restaurants and cosy pubs and its overall picturesque setting, Cobh which was the last port of call for millions of Irish people fleeing the harsh reality of Irish life in famine times and beyond and Cork City itself which is fast achieving a reputation as one of Europe's trendiest cities.

Travelling from Shannon, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is always a nice stop to begin your honeymoon in Ireland due to its proximity to the airport. Following this, you have two options for your journey to Cork, the direct route will take you very close to Blarney Castle, famous for its stone of eloquence which is said to grant the ‘Gift of the Gab’ to all those that kiss it! Taking a slight detour gives you the option to explore Tipperary and is famous Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle. Places of interest in Cork include Kinsale which is especially nice for honeymoon couples due to its wealth of romantic restaurants and cosy pubs and its overall picturesque setting, Cobh which was the last port of call for millions of Irish people fleeing the harsh reality of Irish life in famine times and beyond and Cork City itself which is fast achieving a reputation as one of Europe's trendiest cities.

Kerry is an essential stop on any Ireland Honeymoon because of its wonderfully romantic sweeping sea views and curious history. Kerry is a great stop for the budget conscious traveller looking for an affordable tour of Ireland due to its many free touring attractions including those found on the remarkable Dingle Peninsula and Ring of Kerry. Because of the Dingle Peninsula's isolated position beside the North Atlantic Ocean there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments.  Killarney, known as the gateway to the Ring of Kerry is famous for its lakes which are all free to visit. Recommended stops include Torc Waterfall where the Owengariff river cascades through breath-taking wooded glens and the Gap of Dunloe where Ice Age glaciers once carved a dramatic mountain pass through which the ‘gap’ offers spectacular views of three small lakes. 

Due to its compact size, Galway city is easily explored on foot. The redeveloped Eyre Square area encloses a pleasant courtyard and park, nearby you will find a new shopping centre leading out to shop street which is lined both sides with a mix of cafés, restaurants, traditional and modern shops.    The city comes alive during the summer months with tourists not just from overseas but also other parts of Ireland. Sites of interest include the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the old Spanish Arch and the Claddagh, which the famous Claddagh ring is named after. Galway city is a great place to enjoy some traditional Irish music with many pubs having live music on a weekly and in some cases a daily basis. You will also find many lovely restaurants to enjoy a romantic meal, Galway has something to suit every visitor’s taste buds and pocket! If you are looking for an affordable meal, our best advice is to eat a pub lunch in the afternoons from 12-3, most pubs do a main course for €10-12, if you prefer to eat later, expect to pay a little bit more.

Your time in Connemara may well be the highlight of your honeymoon in Ireland! This wild region of Galway encompasses serene seascapes, rugged coastlines and magnificent mountains. Visit Kylemore Abbey which is often referred to as Ireland’s most romantic Castle as it was built by Mitchell Henry for his wife having fallen in love with the area whilst they visited on honeymoon!  Further west visit the town of Clifden with its colourful buildings, craft shops and lively pubs. Drive the breath-taking Sky road from Clifden passing desolate scenery and the narrow inlet at Clifden Bay, from here you could easily take the coastal route to the village of Roundstone. Your Irish Tourism itinerary will guide you with all the route options that you could possibly take.

You can’t miss the Burren when travelling the coast road from Galway to Clare, and you will find Romance in every corner of it! Scramble over karst limestone formations where the bleak landscape and unusual plants give the area an other-worldly ambience. In the Southern area of the Burren the limestone rock gives way to the black shale and sandstone that form the Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs are one of Ireland’s most visited attractions offering outstanding views. Well-worn visitor walkways lead in both directions, offering various viewing points. With tickets less than €7 per person, the Cliffs of Moher are an essential stop on any affordable honeymoon in Ireland. 

Clare has lots of lovely beaches to explore there’s Bishop’s Quarter in Ballyvaughan which has fabulous views across Galway Bay and over the Burren, Kilkee beach is quite small but has a lovely village beside it with a few nice spots to eat, Lahinch is widely considered to be one of Irelands finest beaches and is a hot spot for surfing and other water sport. At night we recommend spending a few hours in Doolin, which is often considered the traditional music capital of Ireland. You are surely to find a comfortable pub to spend the last evening of your honeymoon soaking up the lively atmosphere. On a sunny evening, join the crowds at Doolin Pier which has become famous for its stunning sunsets that somehow give the watcher a great appreciation for life and nature.