The Burren and Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way
From Galway round the limestone Burren to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher, then south to Kilkee and the lighthouse at Loop Head.
- Distance
- 190 km (118 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 37 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- July 23, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 190 km (118 mi) with 9 stops, from Galway to Kilrush. About 2 h 37 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland · More road trips from Galway
Route description
Leave Galway on the N67 south to Kinvara, where Dunguaire Castle stands on a rock at the edge of the bay; the lay-by gives the best photo. Continue on the N67 to Ballyvaughan, a small harbour village on Galway Bay and the northern gateway to the Burren, a region of bare grey limestone famous for its spring flowers.
From Ballyvaughan take the R480 south, climbing onto the limestone plateau. Poulnabrone Dolmen stands in a field beside the road with a free car park. Loop back north and take the R477 coast road around Black Head and through Fanore, where the limestone meets the sea, down to Doolin, a village known for traditional music and ferries to the Aran Islands.
The Cliffs of Moher visitor centre is a few minutes south of Doolin; the entry fee includes parking. The N67 then continues via Lahinch and Miltown Malbay to Kilkee, a Victorian resort on a horseshoe bay with a cliff walk to the west. From Kilkee take the R487 to the end of the Loop Head peninsula, past the Bridges of Ross, with its sea arch, to the lighthouse.
Return along the southern shore through Carrigaholt to Kilrush, a market town on the Shannon Estuary. Dolphins live in the estuary and boat trips run from Kilrush in summer. To continue south to Kerry, take the car ferry from Killimer to Tarbert, a crossing of about 20 minutes that saves a long drive around through Limerick. Roads on Loop Head are narrow but quiet.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Galway
Ireland - 221 km
Dunguaire Castle
HistoryKinvara, IrelandA 16th-century tower house on a rock at the edge of Kinvara Bay, one of the most photographed castles on the west coast. Park in the lay-by on the N67 or walk the few minutes from the village.
- 319 km
Ballyvaughan
Ireland - 49 km
Poulnabrone Dolmen
HistoryBallyvaughan, IrelandA portal tomb more than 5,000 years old, standing on the bare limestone pavement of the Burren. It lies beside the R480 south of Ballyvaughan with a free car park; keep to the path around the stones.
- 520 km
Doolin
Ireland - 68 km
Cliffs of Moher
ViewsLiscannor, IrelandCliffs rising 214 m above the Atlantic on the Wild Atlantic Way.
- 744 km
Kilkee
Ireland - 829 km
Loop Head Lighthouse
ViewsKilbaha, IrelandThe lighthouse at the tip of the Loop Head peninsula, with sea cliffs, a sea stack and dolphins often seen offshore. Tours up the tower run in summer; the road beyond Kilbaha is narrow but quiet.
- 939 km
Kilrush
Ireland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Galway → Doolin · 70 km · 0 h 58 minOn the way: Dunguaire Castle, Ballyvaughan, Poulnabrone Dolmen.Overnight nearby, for example: Riverside Camping (< 1 km); Nagle's Camping & Caravan Park (2 km).
- Day 2: Doolin → Kilkee · 52 km · 0 h 43 minOn the way: Cliffs of Moher.Overnight nearby, for example: Green Acres Caravan & Camping Park (7 km); Strand Camping (10 km).
- Day 3: Kilkee → Kilrush · 68 km · 0 h 57 minOn the way: Loop Head Lighthouse.Overnight nearby, for example: Green Acres Caravan & Camping Park (11 km); Strand Camping (11 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is The Burren and Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way?
3-day road trip of about 190 km (118 mi) with 9 stops, from Galway to Kilrush. About 2 h 37 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The Burren and Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 37 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The Burren and Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way start and end?
It starts in Galway and ends in Kilrush.
Which countries does The Burren and Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along The Burren and Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way?
OpenStreetMap lists 48 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Salthill Caravan Park, Riverside Camping and Green Acres Caravan & Camping Park.
When is the best time for The Burren and Loop Head on the Wild Atlantic Way?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
