The Wild Atlantic Way earns prestigious award as one of the best self-drive routes in the world

And well deserved too.

The effect that the Wild Atlantic Way has had on the tourism industry in the west of Ireland in recent years has been absolutely massive and its reputation received yet another boost at a prestigious awards ceremony in China this week. The route, which spans 2,500 kilometres of coastal road all along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork, was named a ‘best international self-drive route’ at an awards ceremony organised by HuiZuChe, a car rental portal and one of the top travel companies in China offering self-drive holidays. The Wild Atlantic Way was named in the ‘best international self-drive route’ category alongside driving routes in Sweden, Malaysia, Tasmania, California and Florida after approximately 10 million Chinese travellers voted through an online system. Accepting the award, James Kenny, Tourism Ireland’s Manager China, said: “We are delighted that the Wild Atlantic Way has been named a ‘Best International Self-Drive Route’ in the important HuiZuChe awards. “Chinese travellers have so much choice nowadays, which makes it more important than ever for us to ensure that the island of Ireland really stands out from other destinations – so this award is really good news as we roll out our busy promotional drive for 2017. “This accolade will help to inspire Chinese holidaymakers to choose the Wild Atlantic Way and the island of Ireland; it also provides Tourism Ireland with another great hook to continue to promote Ireland as a ‘must see’ destination in 2017.”