# Wild Atlantic Way — Overview

> **Type:** Long-distance scenic drive + hiking route
> **Total length:** ~2,500 km (full route)
> **Direction:** North to south (Donegal → Kerry)
> **Best for:** Driving, coastal scenery, day hikes, cliffs, peninsulas, Gaeltacht culture

## What Is It
The Wild Atlantic Way is a signed coastal route along Ireland's entire west coast — the world's longest defined coastal route. The west coast is the windward side of Ireland: constantly changing light, dramatic cliffs, remote peninsulas, and Irish-speaking (Gaeltacht) communities.

## Rough Timeline: Aug 10 → Aug 29

**Deadline: Dublin by Aug 29** (game day Aug 30 at Aviva Stadium).

| Dates (approx) | Section | Days | File |
|----------------|---------|------|------|
| Aug 10 | Arrive Belfast (ferry from IoM) | 1 | [05-belfast.md](../locations/05-belfast.md) |
| Aug 11 | Belfast — Titanic, Causeway Coast day trip | 1 | — |
| Aug 12 | Drive Belfast → Donegal Town | 1 | — |
| Aug 12–14 | **Donegal** | 3 | [06a-donegal.md](06a-donegal.md) |
| Aug 15–16 | **Sligo** | 2 | [06b-sligo.md](06b-sligo.md) |
| Aug 17–19 | **Mayo** | 3 | [06c-mayo.md](06c-mayo.md) |
| Aug 20–22 | **Connemara** | 3 | [06d-connemara.md](06d-connemara.md) |
| Aug 23–24 | **Galway** | 2 | [06e-galway.md](06e-galway.md) |
| Aug 25–26 | **Clare** | 2 | [06f-clare.md](06f-clare.md) |
| Aug 27–29 | **Kerry** | 3 | [06g-kerry.md](06g-kerry.md) |
| Aug 29 (eve) | Kerry → Dublin (drive ~3h) | — | — |
| **Aug 30** | **College Football, Aviva Stadium** | — | [07-dublin.md](07-dublin.md) |

If you want a full buffer day in Dublin before the game: compress Donegal to 2 days (skip Malin Head), which frees up Aug 29 as a rest day. Kerry is non-negotiable — don't compress it.

## EV Strategy Summary

| Section | Situation |
|---------|-----------|
| Donegal | Sparse — worst section. Base in Donegal Town for day trips. |
| Sligo | Reasonable. Sligo town has fast chargers. |
| Mayo | Patchy. Charge fully in Westport before Achill. |
| Connemara | Gap: Clifden ↔ Westport (~90km coast road, no charger mid-route). |
| Galway | Good. Tesla SC + ESB rapids. Full recharge stop. |
| Clare | Reasonable. Charge in Ennis before Cliffs of Moher. |
| Kerry | Good in towns. Full battery before Ring of Kerry circuit. |

See individual section files for detailed charger locations.

## Practical Notes

- **Getting around:** Drive between sections; park up and walk or take short day hikes at each stop
- **Bike rental:** Available in Galway, Westport, Clifden, Killarney, and Dingle for day rides — worthwhile on Achill Island and Inis Mór where roads are quiet and flat-ish
- **Hiking gear:** Bring trail runners or light boots — Croagh Patrick, Slieve League, and Diamond Hill all reward a proper walk
- **Weather:** August is best but pack waterproofs — Atlantic squalls arrive without warning
- **Food:** Never more than 20km from a pub serving hot food. Pubs stop food service around 9pm.
- **Gaeltacht:** Connemara, north Mayo coast, and Donegal are Irish-speaking. Signs are Irish-first. Any attempt at Irish is met with delight.
- **Workation bases:** Galway and Dublin are the best for heavy work days. Westport, Killarney, and Dingle for lighter days.

## Links
- [Wild Atlantic Way official](https://www.wildatlanticway.com)
- [Discover Ireland — WAW](https://www.discoverireland.ie/wild-atlantic-way)
- [ESB ecars map](https://esb.ie/ecars/charge-point-map)
- [Zap-Map Ireland](https://www.zap-map.com/charge-points/ireland/)