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An abundance of adrenaline is waiting for you on your next short break in this slice of Ireland’s west coast.
With its striking mountain trails and its unparalleled coastline, the Wild Atlantic Way is nothing short of a paradise for the adventurous – and its northern stretch is the ideal spot to reach new heights.
On your next short break, feel the rush with a stand-up paddle boarding session in Mayo, unleash your inner surfer at a state-of-the-art facility in Sligo and experience Donegal’s wilderness on horseback.
Indeed, the northern stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is packed with adrenaline-inducing activities in truly breath-taking surroundings. Here are our top ways to unlock adventure on your next getaway.
Go off-road in Strandhill
Northwest Adventure Tours offer a wealth of experiences guaranteed to satisfy your inner explorer on your next short break in Sligo. Go off-road with a guided mountain biking tour through the Ox Mountains or take in the sweeping surroundings of the Dartry Mountain Range while stand-up paddle-boarding across the River Bonnett.
Once you’ve had your fill of adventure, head to the nearby Embassy Steakhouse in Sligo Town for a well-earned steak dinner.
Horse-ride across Bundoran
Donegal Equestrian Centre offers unique horse-riding treks for a variety of abilities across the shores of Bundoran. Meet your equine companion for the afternoon, pop on a helmet and saddle up for an unforgettable adventure.
Post-trek, take a stroll into the buzzy town of Bundoran and enjoy dinner with an ocean view at Madden’s Bridge Bar & Restaurant where an array of seafood dishes await.
Go stand-up paddleboarding in Louisburgh
Stand-up paddle-boarding is a sure-fire way to fill up on thrill on your next getaway to the Wild Atlantic Way, and Summer SUP on Old Head Beach in Mayo is an ideal spot to get to grips with the sport. As you SUP across the calm, crystal clear waters, take a moment to breathe in that crisp ocean air and the sweeping views of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.
Afterwards, make the trip to the nearby town of Westport and finish your evening off with some local food, courtesy of The Towers Bar & Restaurant.
Cruise across Lough Gill
Adventure through one of Sligo’s most beautiful lakes in comfort and style aboard the Rose of Innisfree, a modern, all-weather tourboat. During this hour-long cruise across Lough Gill, you’ll learn all about the scenery that inspired Yeats’ most famous poem, as well as plenty of local legend and folklore. What’s more, this boat-ride borders Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the Wild Atlantic Way – so there’s even more varied beauty to discover. Top tip – keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of wildlife as you cruise along.
After your boat-ride, grab a hot drink, and a sandwich and a pastry at WB’s Coffee House.
Choose your own adventure in Letterkenny
On your next short break in Donegal, make a booking with Eco Atlantic Adventures and brace yourself for an experience like no other. Abseil over Lough Swilly, explore the Portsalon Caves and the Knockalla Cliffs on a guided coasteering tour, or hop in a kayak and go island-hopping across Mulroy Bay. The adventure continues on dry land, with Eco Atlantic Adventures offering everything from foraging to orienteering to axe-throwing.
Once you’ve built up an appetite, check into Ripples Restaurant for a hearty feast.
Go on a sea safari in Achill
Mayo’s scenery and wildlife is world famous and Achill Seascape offers explorers an incredible opportunity to see it with their own eyes. Setting sail from Cloughmore, Cé Bheag and Durgort this eco-friendly boat tour ventures around Achill and passes major landscapes including Clare Island Lighthouse, the birthplace of the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley.
For dinner with a view afterwards, make a booking at Achill Cliff House Restaurant, which overlooks Keel Strand and the Cliffs of Minaun.
Surf the waves in Strandhill
When it comes to getting the adrenaline pumping, there’s nothing quite like surfing the waves in Sligo. Ireland’s north-west is renowned for its surfing conditions so a day spent at the National Surf Centre is an absolute must. This state-of-the-art facility in Strandhill boasts three surf schools, showers and changing facilities, making it the ideal spot to try out the sport.
Once back on dry land, head to the beachside restaurant Shell’s Café for a restorative lunch and a warming cup of coffee.
Take a boat tour around the Inishowen Peninsula
Elevate adventure on your next getaway with Amazing Grace Yacht Charters in Donegal. Set sail on a yacht tour around the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula, discovering uninhabited islands while breathing in a healthy dose of ocean air. A resident pod of dolphins are no strangers to the tour, so keep an eye out for a glimpse of them throughout the excursion.
Great food awaits back on land – we recommend pizza at Farren’s Bar – Ireland’s most northerly pub.
Go trekking in Ballycroy
Make sure you pack your hiking shoes ahead of your next short break in Mayo because some truly great trails await. At Wild Nephin National Park, hikers can choose from a wide variety of walks – from the 10km Letterkeen Loop to the 2km coastal walk at Claggan.
Before you embark on your hike, fuel your adventures at the award-winning Ginger & Wild Café in the Ballycroy Visitor Centre.
Bounce on a floating waterpark in Buncrana
Between sea kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, river rafting and pier-jumping, the daring are absolutely spoiled for choice with Inish Adventures in Donegal. In addition to the original Moville location, Inish Adventures now operate a second centre in Buncrana. This location boasts a floating waterpark where you can fully embrace your inner child.
Once you’ve had your fill of fun, slow down and recover with a relaxed meal at Kealy’s Seafood Bar.
So, what are you waiting for? Adventure is ready and waiting for you along the northern stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way
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