Page 19 - AAA Northway – AAA Now! – Summer 2018

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Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way By Craig Haberle, CTC Coastal Route is Key to
Circumnavigation of Emerald Isle
Sea cliffs, lighthouses and old stone structures, and the tales they could tell, are integral to Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This ribbon of road snakes through spectacular scenery for 1,500 miles as it clings to the republic’s Atlantic coastline. Looking west from the route provides views across the sea to islands elusive to easy visits. Peering north or south reveals rugged peninsulas and coastal villages. On its eastern flank, this two-lane or narrower road is bordered by inland hillsides and mountains, which enhance the experience of being on the extreme western edge of the Emerald Isle. Although often remote, the route is well sign- posted as the Wild Atlantic Way. Nevertheless, there may be times when you imagine you are the first to discover the hundreds of hidden nooks and crannies you encounter along the way.
As a complement to the Wild Atlantic Way, let’s
look at a new itinerary AAA recommends to
round out a tour right ‘round Ireland. An arrival
at Shannon Airport, in the central west of Ireland, perfectly positions you to commence a clockwise circumnavigation of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher beckon you to the sea and this tour’s first dramatic view
of the country’s west coast and Atlantic Ocean. Visits to the narrow medieval streets of Galway and Lynch’s Castle introduce you to sites important to Irish history, which is long and complicated and why you will be glad for your native Irish guide. Travel
on through to Connemara’s lakes and hillsides to Westport, a town built in 1780 and home to welcoming pubs with traditional live music. Take a drive along a slice of the Wild Atlantic
Way and cross the bridge to Achill Island; see the Deserted Village with its stone houses, abandoned during The Great Famine of the 1840s. Tour Westport House, an 18th-century mansion featuring marvelous views across its own parklands. The informative Museum of Country Life in County Mayo reveals local life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Travel through County Sligo and around Donegal Bay to visit Donegal town and its castle, originally built in the 15th century by the chief
of the O’Donnell clan. Drive through Glenveagh National Park to tour the 19th century Glenveagh Castle and gardens.
Cross into Northern Ireland, whose six counties remain part of the United kingdom. Walk on the medieval city walls of Derry and visit St. Columb’s Cathedral before driving along the north coast
for views of Dunluce Castle. Walk on and among the coastal Giant’s Causeway’s colossal volcanic columns before winding through the Nine Glens of
Antrim to Belfast. Tour Titanic Belfast, whose superb exhibits embody the city’s maritime heritage and the ill-fated ocean liner built on the site. Near Downpatrick is the burial place of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint.
When back in the Republic of Ireland and based
in Dublin, be sure to take in an evening of rousing traditional music and dance performances at the Abbey Tavern. The Georgian squares, St. Stephens Green, historic sites of the 1916 Rising, and Trinity College with its Book of kells are not to be missed in Dublin. The Guinness Storehouse tour is good for you to tap.
Head south to the Rock of Cashel with its 12th- century church ruins before gaining the gift of gab by kissing the “Stone of Eloquence” at Blarney Castle. Continue on to the west coast to drive an especially picturesque portion of the Ring of kerry, part of the Wild Atlantic Way. While in killarney,
a horse-drawn jaunting cart ride reveals Ross
Castle on Lough Leane. A drive along the heathery hillsides and sandy beaches of the Dingle Peninsula covers more of the Wild Atlantic Way as it hugs
the coastline. A local shepherd’s demonstration
of his sheep dogs’ amazing abilities and a short cruise on photogenic Dingle Bay are both highly recommended. The first Irish coffees were served to early trans-Atlantic airplane passengers as a warm-up between flights at the seaside airport, now the Foynes Flying Boats Aviation Museum.
For insights to 19th-century rural village life, step inside the traditional cottages, shops and business buildings restored as Bunratty Folk Park in County Clare. Wrap up your circumnavigation of Ireland with a celebratory beverage at nearby Durty Nelly’s Pub, plus an evening of medieval feasting and entertainment at Bunratty Castle ... and your Irish eyes will be smiling.
SUMMER 2018
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Now!