Wild Atlantic Way: Ultimate Guide to Where to Stay on the Route
Hotels & Campsites by Section
Perfect places to rest between rides along Ireland's most spectacular coastal route.
SECTION 1: DONEGAL (Northern Wild Atlantic Way)
Hotels
Arnold's Hotel - Dunfanaghy
Location: Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal
Perfect for: Northern WAW base, access to Malin Head, Slieve League, Horn Head
Vibe: Down-home feel, friendly front of house, great local knowledge
Website: arnoldshotel.com
The Shandon Hotel
Location: Marble Hill, Dunfanaghy
Perfect for: Beach lovers, spa enthusiasts
Highlights: Overlooks Sheephaven Bay, thermal spa, outdoor hot tub, swimming pool
Opened: 2016
Website: shandonhotel.com
Lough Eske Castle
Location: Near Donegal Town
Perfect for: Romantic getaway, luxury experience
Highlights: 15th century castle, 43 acres of woodland, luxury spa, 20 min to Blue Flag beaches
Website: lougheeskecastlehotel.com
Redcastle Hotel
Location: Inishowen Peninsula
Perfect for: Golf enthusiasts, exploring Malin Head area
Highlights: Waterfront location, 9-hole golf, Thalasso Spa, access to Kinnagoe Bay
Website: redcastlehotel.ie
The Mill Park Hotel
Location: Donegal Town
Perfect for: Central base for exploring Donegal
Rating: 4-star luxury
Distance: 10 min walk to historic Donegal Town
Website: millparkhotel.com
Campsites
Wild Atlantic Camp
Location: Creeslough village, overlooking Sheephaven Bay
Facilities: Heated wooden pods (sleep 4), 12 motorhome hook-ups, 20 tent pitches
Features: Hot showers, camper's kitchen, WiFi, children's playground, pitch & putt, onsite café
Motorcycle Friendly: Yes
Website: wildatlanticcamp.ie
Tra Na Rossan Camping & Glamping
Location: Downings, Co. Donegal
Highlights: Views of Lough Foyle and Coleraine mountains
Pitches: 40 static pitches, 20 touring sites
Website: tranarossan.com
SECTION 2: SLIGO & MAYO
Hotels
Markree Castle
Location: County Sligo
Perfect for: Historic luxury experience
Highlights: 17th century castle, 500-acre estate, elegant dining
Website: markreecastle.ie
Ashford Castle
Location: Cong, Co. Mayo
Perfect for: Ultimate luxury, special occasions
Rating: 5-star castle hotel
Highlights: 800-year-old castle, extensive grounds, Michelin-starred dining, world-class spa
Website: ashfordcastle.com
Knockranny House Hotel
Location: Westport, Co. Mayo
Perfect for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts
Highlights: Secluded grounds, views of Clew Bay and Nephin Mountains, excellent local food
Website: khh.ie
The Bervie
Location: Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Perfect for: Beach access, island exploring
Highlights: Family-run, genuine hospitality, close to beaches and hiking
Website: bervieachillisland.com
Campsites
The Singing Pub Campsite
Location: Near Drongawn Lough, Co. Mayo
Facilities: Traditional pub with showers, toilets, recycling
Perfect for: Combining camping with pub culture
Highlights: Warm pub for meals and drinks after riding
Achill Island Campsites
Location: Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Perfect for: Beach camping, friendly atmosphere
Highlights: Beautiful beaches, bustling town vibe, lots of fellow campers
Notes: Popular with motorhome tourists
SECTION 3: GALWAY & CONNEMARA
Hotels
Lough Inagh Lodge
Location: Connemara, Co. Galway
Perfect for: Complete rest and relaxation, romantic getaway
Highlights: Tranquil lough shores, historic country house, fine dining, spa
Website: loughinaghlodgehotel.ie
Ballynahinch Castle
Location: Connemara, Co. Galway
Perfect for: Exploring Connemara, fishing enthusiasts
Highlights: Historic castle hotel, riverside setting, woodland walks, excellent restaurant
Website: ballynahinchcastle.com
Flannery's Hotel
Location: 2km from Galway city centre
Perfect for: City base with easy WAW access
Highlights: Spacious rooms, free WiFi, free parking, genuine West Ireland hospitality
Website: flanneryshotelgalway.ie
Campsites
Clifden Eco Beach Camping & Caravanning Park
Location: Clifden, Co. Galway
Facilities: Eco-certified, natural beach camping
Highlights: Sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, campfires, star-friendly sky
Perfect for: Nature lovers, sustainable camping
Website: clifdenecocamping.com
Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park
Location: Near Cahermore, Co. Galway
Highlights: Galway Bay views, 20m to strand access
Facilities: Games room, outdoor play area, nearby hotel, pub, shop
Family Friendly: Yes
Marty's Halfway
Location: Between Galway and Clifden
Facilities: Hard and soft pitches, awning space, limited plug-in points
Highlights: Bar open nightly, B&B onsite
Perfect for: Traditional Irish pub experience
SECTION 4: CLARE (The Burren & Cliffs)
Hotels
Gregans Castle Hotel
Location: Ballyvaughan, The Burren
Perfect for: Romantic escape, gourmet dining
Highlights: Boutique hotel, unspoiled Burren landscape, award-winning restaurant
Website: gregans.ie
Hylands Burren Hotel
Location: Ballyvaughan village
Perfect for: Burren exploration base
Highlights: Central village location, surrounded by mystical Burren landscape
Website: hylandsburren.com
Campsites
Strand Camping
Location: Near Cliffs of Moher
Highlights: Views of Cliffs of Moher, top-notch facilities, attentive host (Simon)
Perfect for: Families, cliff access
Reviews: "Amazing campsite," "truly relaxing," "safe and enclosed"
Nagle's Doolin Camping & Caravan Park
Location: Doolin village
Perfect for: Traditional music, cliff access, cave exploring
Highlights: Walking distance to pubs with trad music sessions
O'Connor's Doolin Riverside Camping & Caravan Park
Location: Doolin
Highlights: Riverside setting, close to Cliffs of Moher and Aran Island ferries
Facilities: Full touring facilities
Wild Camp at Fanore
Location: Just north of Cliffs of Moher
Type: Wild camping spot (tolerated)
Highlights: On nice evenings, it's awesome according to experienced riders
Perfect for: Experienced wild campers, budget travel
SECTION 5: LIMERICK & KERRY (Ring of Kerry)
Hotels
Brook Lane Hotel
Location: Kenmare, Ring of Kerry
Perfect for: Luxury spa experience, Ring of Kerry touring
Highlights: 4-star hotel overlooking Kenmare Bay, spa facilities
Website: brooklanehotel.com
Randles Hotel
Location: Killarney, Co. Kerry
Perfect for: Exploring Killarney National Park
Highlights: Boutique manor house, relaxed informality, elegant comfort
Website: randleshotel.com
The Killarney Park
Location: Killarney town
Perfect for: Luxury base for Kerry exploration
Rating: 5-star
Highlights: Town center location, high-end service, excellent breakfast
Website: killarneyparkthotel.ie
Ballyseede Castle
Location: Near Tralee
Perfect for: Castle experience, authentic Irish charm
Highlights: Kerry's only castle hotel, full of personality
Website: ballyseedecastle.com
Manor West Hotel
Location: Edge of Tralee town
Perfect for: Gateway to Ring of Kerry and WAW
Highlights: Family-owned, Harmony Leisure Club & Spa, retail park nearby
Website: manorwesthotel.ie
Parknasilla Resort
Location: Ring of Kerry coastline
Perfect for: Complete unplugging, luxury family getaway
Highlights: 500 acres on water's edge, dining, walks, golf, pool, self-catering options
Website: parknasillaresort.com
International Hotel Killarney
Location: Killarney
Perfect for: Budget-friendly base, WAW touring
Highlights: 94 guest rooms, close to National Park, insider tips from staff
Website: killarney-international-hotel.com
Campsites
Fossa Caravan & Camping Park
Location: Near Killarney
Highlights: Access to Gap of Dunloe, Killarney National Park
Perfect for: Families, touring base
Dromquinna Manor
Location: Kenmare area
Facilities: Glamping tents available
Highlights: Beautiful setting, attention to detail
Reviews: "Planning to return again"
Fleming's White Bridge - Holiday Park
Location: Ring of Kerry
Facilities: Touring and camping pitches
Perfect for: Ring of Kerry touring base
Rossbeigh Beach Wild Camp
Location: Rossbeigh Beach
Type: Beach wild camping (tolerated)
Highlights: Beautiful lakeside setting, stunning beach
Perfect for: Experienced wild campers
Caragh Lake Wild Camp
Location: Caragh Lake
Type: Wild camping spot
Highlights: Beautiful lakeside, perfect for fishing enthusiasts
Perfect for: Peaceful wild camping experience
SECTION 6: CORK (Southern WAW)
Hotels
Celtic Ross Hotel
Location: Rosscarbery, West Cork
Perfect for: Haven Coast exploration, beach access
Highlights: Ocean views, West Cork coastline access, Warren Strand nearby
Website: celticrosshotel.com
The Maritime Hotel
Location: Bantry, West Cork
Perfect for: Bantry Bay views, town access
Highlights: 4-star, overlooks Bantry Bay, leisure center, treatment rooms, family suites
Website: themaritimehotel.ie
Garryvoe Hotel
Location: East Cork (Ballycotton Bay)
Perfect for: Beach lovers, family holidays
Highlights: Family-owned, beach overlook, spacious rooms, sea views, good food
Website: garryvoehotel.com
Campsites
Creveen Lodge
Location: West Cork
Highlights: Incredible mountain views, hugely friendly owners
Reviews: Highly recommended by Wild Atlantic Way travelers
Chléire Haven (Cape Clear Island)
Location: Cape Clear Island, West Cork
Facilities: Tents and yurts available
Highlights: Secluded bay, green hills, Irish-speaking island (100 residents), champagne-clear light
Access: Ferry required
Perfect for: Remote island experience, ultimate peace
Blarney Caravan & Camping Park
Location: Near Blarney Castle
Perfect for: Blarney Castle visitors, southern WAW entry/exit point
Facilities: Full touring facilities
Pure Space (formerly Pure Camping)
Location: Loop Head, 7km from Kilkee
Facilities: 5-meter bell tents (sleep 4), wooden lodges (some sleep 6)
Highlights: Each tent has deck and fire pit, retreat feel with amenities nearby
Website: purecamping.ie
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION
Unique Stays Worth Considering
Clare Island Lighthouse
Location: Clare Island, Clew Bay, Co. Mayo
Type: Boutique lighthouse accommodation
Highlights: Soaring cliffs, woodland, library, 6-course menus, great walking
Perfect for: Total escape, unique experience
Access: Ferry required
Loop Head Lightkeeper's House
Location: Loop Head Peninsula tip, Co. Clare
Type: Self-catering in former lightkeeper's house
Highlights: Surrounded by rich marine life, dramatic Atlantic views, remote location
Perfect for: Self-sufficient travelers, whale watching
Kylemore Abbey Accommodation
Location: Connemara, Co. Galway
Note: Visit the abbey and Victorian walled garden (small fee)
Nearby: Multiple accommodation options in Letterfrack village
Motorcycle-Specific Notes
What Riders Should Know
Secure Parking: Many hotels along the WAW understand motorcycle tourism and offer:
Secure indoor parking (ask when booking)
Covered parking areas
CCTV monitored parking
Ground floor rooms near parking (for gear convenience)
Gear Drying: Irish weather means wet gear is inevitable. Look for:
Hotels with drying rooms
Accommodation with radiators in rooms
B&Bs with laundry facilities (some pubs have washing machines)
Wild Camping for Motorcyclists:
Generally tolerated if discreet and respectful
Don't pitch in view of houses
Leave no trace
Beach car parks popular for overnight stops
Use Park4Night app to find spots
Rubbish disposal challenging - use every opportunity
Recommended Apps:
Park4Night (camping spots and reviews)
Motorhome Parking Ireland (€5, worth it for extra locations)
Safe Nights Ireland (verified overnight spots)
Booking Tips
Book ahead in summer (July-August) - especially Ring of Kerry and Cliffs of Moher areas
Mention you're on motorcycle - many places offer secure parking if you ask
Consider B&Bs - Often better value than hotels, genuine Irish hospitality, home-cooked breakfast
Off-season advantages - Better prices, less crowded, more flexibility (but some campsites closed)
Multi-night stays - Better for exploring an area properly without daily packing
WiFi quality varies - Don't assume it works well in remote areas
Budget Considerations
Budget Camping: €15-25/night per person Mid-Range B&B: €40-70/night per person 3-Star Hotel: €80-120/night double room 4-Star Hotel: €120-200/night double room Luxury Castle/Resort: €200-500+/night
Money-Saving Tips:
Wild camp (respectfully)
Stay in less touristy towns (Ballina vs Killarney)
Book direct with accommodation (avoid booking fees)
Consider self-catering for longer stays
Pubs often cheaper than hotel restaurants
All accommodation information current as of February 2025. Always verify directly with properties for current pricing, availability, and facilities.
Planning your Wild Atlantic Way adventure? Don't forget to sort your gear situation at The ADV Exchange - trade that heavy touring luggage for lighter options, or vice versa, depending on your trip!
