The Wild Atlantic Way – in pictures

There is so much to see and do on the Wild Atlantic Way, so don’t miss any opportunity to veer off the beaten track and discover local gems for yourself. Photograph: Penny Mallory

Picturesque Westport, County Mayo, hosts arts and traditional music festivals throughout the year. Westport is the perfect place to start exploring Clew Bay and its 365 islands. Photograph: Penny Mallory

Regularly cited as one of the most beautiful places on earth, the blue sea and green pastures of the Dingle Peninsula attracts walkers, climbers and road trippers. Much of the Dingle Peninsula is a Gaeltacht, an area where the Irish language is widely spoken. Photograph: Brian Morrison

With views of Classibawn Castle, Mullaghmore Head offers visitors stunning panoramas dominated by Ben Bulben mountain. The area is popular with world-class surfers who flock to ride the crashing Atlantic waves. Photograph: Brian Morrison

While driving the Wild Atlantic Way be sure to stop off to experience the view of Slieve League Cliffs, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, from One Man's Path near Teelin, County Donegal. Photograph: Holger Leue

A sheep surveys the beautiful Keem Bay on Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland’s largest island, situated off the west coast. Photograph: Duby Tal

The sea stack Dun Briste (the broken fort) can be seen at the beautiful headland at Downpatrick, three miles north of Ballycastle village, County Mayo. Downpatrick is the site of a church founded by St Patrick and you can still see the ruins of a church building, stone cross and holy well. Photograph: Brian Morrison

The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal driving route in the world and stretches 1,600 miles from Donegal to Kinsale, County Cork, taking in sights such as the cliffs of Moher, the ancient hermitage at Skellig Michael and Dursey Island along the way. Photograph: Brian Morrison

Former rally driver Penny Mallory loved driving some of the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in the sights of Achill Island, picturesque Westport and the stunning mountains of Connemara. Photograph: Brian Morrison

Achill Island is a haven for people passionate about water sports, including surfers and canoeists and with five blue flag beaches it’s perfect for spectators too. Photograph: Brian Morrison

The atmospheric landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way are perfect for taking a break from day to day life and discovering the best Ireland has to offer. Photograph: Brian Morrison