📷 Photo by Jarek Skowron on UnsplashThe Wild Atlantic Way: Clare to Kerry
Sea cliffs, music pubs and the Slea Head loop. Drive on the left.
- Distance
- 277 km (172 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 49 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- June 14, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 277 km (172 mi) with 8 stops, from Galway to Seaside campsite, Dingle. About 3 h 49 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland · More road trips from Galway
Route description
From Galway, the road follows the south shore of Galway Bay and crosses the bare limestone of the Burren to Doolin, a small village known for traditional music in its pubs. A farm stopover near Doolin puts you close to the sessions and the coast.
Just south of Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher rise 214 m above the Atlantic, with a visitor centre and cliff paths. Further south, the Killimer–Tarbert car ferry crosses the Shannon estuary and saves a long detour inland.
Continue to Killarney, a lively town beside the lakes and mountains of Killarney National Park. From there, head west to Dingle, a colourful fishing town at the end of its peninsula.
The Slea Head Drive loops around the tip of the Dingle peninsula past stone beehive huts, with views to the Blasket Islands; drive it clockwise, as tour buses do. Stay at a seaside campsite near Dingle. Remember to drive on the left, and avoid the Conor Pass in a large motorhome, as it is narrow and steep.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Galway
Ireland - 244 km
Doolin
Ireland - 30 km
Doolin
Doolin, Ireland - 47 km
Cliffs of Moher
ViewsLiscannor, IrelandCliffs rising 214 m above the Atlantic on the Wild Atlantic Way.
- 5127 km
Killarney
Ireland - 666 km
Dingle
Ireland - 716 km
Slea Head Drive
ViewsDingle, IrelandA loop around the Dingle peninsula past stone beehive huts, with views to the Blasket Islands. Drive it clockwise.
- 815 km
Seaside campsite, Dingle
CampingDingle, IrelandCoastal campsite at Dingle in Ireland, a base for camping close to nature.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Galway → Cliffs of Moher · 52 km · 0 h 43 minOn the way: Doolin, Doolin.Overnight nearby, for example: Riverside Camping (6 km); Nagle's Camping & Caravan Park (5 km).
- Day 2: Cliffs of Moher → Killarney · 127 km · 1 h 45 minOvernight nearby, for example: Fleming's White Bridge Caravan and Camping Park (2 km); Cronin's Yard Camping (14 km).
- Day 3: Killarney → Dingle · 66 km · 0 h 55 minOvernight nearby, for example: Rainbow Hostel Dingle (2 km); Inch Beach Campsite (20 km).
- Day 4: Dingle → Seaside campsite, Dingle · 31 km · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Slea Head Drive.Overnight at the campsite itself.
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 Wild Atlantic Way: Clare to Kerry?
4-day road trip of about 277 km (172 mi) with 8 stops, from Galway to Seaside campsite, Dingle. About 3 h 49 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for The Wild Atlantic Way: Clare to Kerry?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 49 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does The Wild Atlantic Way: Clare to Kerry start and end?
It starts in Galway and ends in Seaside campsite, Dingle.
Which countries does The Wild Atlantic Way: Clare to Kerry pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along The Wild Atlantic Way: Clare to Kerry?
OpenStreetMap lists 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Salthill Caravan Park, Riverside Camping and Fleming's White Bridge Caravan and Camping Park.
When is the best time for The Wild Atlantic Way: Clare to Kerry?
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)
