The Wild Atlantic Way is described as the longest defined coastal touring route in the world. Aside from the likes of the Ring of Kerry, before 2014, Ireland’s smaller driving routes weren’t well known outside of the country. The Wild Atlantic Way initiative by Fáilte Ireland linked existing coastal drives and made a 2,600km stretch of road into an experience that would attract visitors from all over the world.

For Donegal in particular, the Wild Atlantic Way is proving very successful. International tourists previously often only visited more Southern counties, or ticked County Donegal off their list by travelling as far as Bundoran and Donegal Town in the south of the county. Now, it is the designated northern starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way as the route traces the coastline from Malin Head in Inishowen, to Fanad Lighthouse down to Slieve League, all designated as “Signature Discovery Points”.

Each one of Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way “Discovery Points” are deserving of recognition in their own right. While my private tours of County Donegal incorporate visits to the Signature Discovery Points and many of the smaller ones, a self-drive trip is the best way to see all of them.

The purpose of the Wild Atlantic Way is to entice visitors to the small rural towns along the West coast of Ireland. The ideal pace is slow and relaxed, rather than a whistle stop photo tour of each point. Visit the local towns and villages, meet the everyday people living here and support the communities, even if it’s as simple as buying a cup of coffee here and there.

So what are all the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points in County Donegal?

Here are the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points in County Donegal, including three Signature Discovery Points. It may take a few visits to find them all but pick up a Wild Atlantic Way passport and set yourself the challenge. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: Map pins are not an exact location. I am not responsible for anyone getting lost or driving into a lake 🙂

Inishowen Peninsula

• Stroove Beach and Lighthouse
• Inishowen Head
• Magilligan Point View
• Kinnagoe Bay
• Culdaff Beach
• Malin Well
• Malin Head
• Five Finger Strand
• Trawbreaga Bay
• Isle of Doagh
• Carrickabraghy Castle
• Pollan Bay
• Tullagh Bay
• Lenan Head
• Gap of Mamore
• Dunree Head
• Lisfannon Beach
• Inch Island
• Grianan of Aileach
• Burt Castle
• Manorcunningham View

Fanad Peninsula & Rosguill Peninsula

• Ballymastocker Beach
• Great Pollet Sea Arch
• Fanad Head
• Kinny Lough
• Ballyhiernan Bay
• Doaghmore Strand
• Boyeeghter Bay, aka Murder Hole Beach
• Tranarossan Bay
• Doagh Bay
• Island Roy
• Doe Castle
• Marble Hill Beach
• Hornhead Road

West Donegal

• Ballymastocker Beach
• Great Pollet Sea Arch
• Fanad Head
• Kinny Lough
• Ballyhiernan Bay
• Doaghmore Strand
• Boyeeghter Bay, aka Murder Hole Beach
• Tranarossan Bay
• Doagh Bay
• Island Roy
• Doe Castle
• Marble Hill Beach
• Hornhead Road

South Donegal

• Kilclooney Dolmen
• Loughros Beg Bay
• Maghera Strand
• Glengesh Pass
• Port
• Glen Bay
• Malin Bay
• Malin Beg
• Slieve League Cliff View
• Teelin Pier
• Muckros Head
• Fintragh Bay
• Saint John’s Point
• Murvagh Beach
• Rossnowlagh Beach
• Kilbarron Castle
• Ballyshannon
• Tullan Strand