Wild Atlantic Way
Everyone at The Diamond Coast Hotel are very excited about the launch of the “Wild Atlantic Way”, Ireland’s first long distance coastal driving route. The route which is the longest in world stretches from The Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in Couny Cork and offers tourists the opportunity to truly discover all the sights and sounds along the west coast of Ireland and a chance to take in some of the magnificent views on offer.
Some are linking The Wild Atlantic Way to “Route 66” in the United States or The Great Ocean Road in Australia but either way when you take this trip you will experience the most stunning rugged and untamed landscapes whilst witnessing world famous views that will simply take your breath away. The coastal route runs for an impressive 2500km from start to finish with a massive 35 major points of interest along the way, 8 of which are nestled within easy distance of The Diamond Coast Hotel.
At The Diamond Coast Hotel you will experience the perfect accommodation option to explore the wildness of the west, enabling you to enjoy the fantastic town of Enniscrone and visit villages snuggled into the coastline, each with their own unique traits. Wherever you go or whatever you choose along the Wild Atlantic Way, you will experience moments of magic, memories to treasure and encounters that will make you want to come back again and again.
The Diamond Coast Hotel is an ideal location to begin your coastal drive, as a stop over point along the way, or as a base to discover the points of interest surrounding us.
See below a small selection of discovery points just a short distance from The Diamond Coast Hotel:
Enniscrone Pier - Enniscrone is a lively seaside resort on the shores of Killala Bay in County Sligo. It is almost 5km of fine sandy beach backed by amazing sand dunes.
Mullaghmore Head – Mullaghmore is a small fishing village that should be on any outdoor enthusiast’s itinerary. The sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see and is ideal for a spot of swimming or windsurfing.
Ballina Quay - With an attractive river setting, Ballina Quay is a key access point for boats to the River Moy famous for Atlantic salmon.
Easkey Pier - Easkey Discovery Point provides scenic views over the Atlantic and on to the Slieve League and Benbulbin mountain.
Killala Quay - Located just off the R314 in the attractive village of Killala, this Discovery Point boasts attractive views across the inlet of Killala Bay.
Lackan Strand - Overlooking the low lying flood plain of the Cloonalaghan Rover this Discovery Point offers expansive views over marshland and sandy beaches.
Aughris Head - Situated 6km off the N59 via a narrow road unsuitable for coaches, the Discovery Point provides scenic views over Aughris and Dunmoran beaches, Sligo Bay and eastwards to Knocknarea Mountain.
Downpatrick Head - Downpatrick Head is a majestic heritage site found about 5km north of Ballycastle village. Jutting out into the ocean and rising almost 40m above the waves, it provides unparalleled views of the Atlantic, including the unique collection of islands known as the Staggs of Broadhaven.
Keem Bay - Keem Bay is a sheltered rural beach surrounded by cliffs on Achill, Ireland’s largest island. Located at the head of a valley between the cliffs of Benmore and Croaghaun Mountain, to reach this idyllic spot just follow the Atlantic Drive to Keel and continue westward via a cliff-top road with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sliabh Liag - Some of the highest and finest marine cliffs in Europe, County Donegal’s Sliabh Liag (Slieve League in English) are not to be missed. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to leave your car in the car park and walk the few kilometres to the cliffs. As you climb toward the top of Sliabh Liag – which at 601m high is not a place for the faint-hearted – there are terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, Donegal Bay and the Sligo Mountains
For a full list of landmarks and discovery points along The Wild Atlantic Way please see here.