Wild Atlantic Way Secrets

The Blasket Islands, small archipelagos that lie off the Dingle Peninsula are a gem to discover. This area which is renowned for its storytellers and traditional Irish culture was vacated of its last inhabitants in 1953. Nowadays, visitors can wander through An Blascaod Mór, or Great Blasket, and view ruined cottages and the land from which people lived. A well known wildlife stronghold, one can find dolphins, whales and birds off its shores, while back on the Peninsula, the Blasket Centre engages visitors with the history and literature of this mystical place.

The Ring of Kerry sweeps past The Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa’s doorstep. It is one of the top attractions in Ireland and its route travels part of The Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy famous sites such as the Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall, Muchross House, Killarney National Park, Inisfallen Island, Skellig Michael, Derrynane Beach, the towns of Kenmare, Sneem and Portmagee to name but a few.

From Bray Head visitors can cast their eyes upon the Skellig Islands. Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-preserved monastic settlement from the early Christian period. This ancient site boasts stone beehive huts, crosses and the church of St. Michael, and can be reached by climbing a one thousand year old staircase with over six hundred steps. Meanwhile, Small Skellig is a haven for wildlife, with over twenty seven thousand pairs of gannets calling this home – it is the world’s second largest colony of these sea birds.

Dursey Island, which lies off the coast of Co. Cork, is accessible by Ireland’s only cable car. This peaceful island which forms part of the Beara Way Walking Trail is an excellent place for viewing wildlife. Rare Siberian and American bird species are found on these shores, while whales and dolphins frequent the surrounding waters. The island houses a two hundred year old signal tower and the ruins of Kilmichael Church.