The Wild Atlantic Way, for the most part, follows the formally established route named the “Inishowen 100” coastal scenic drive. “The Inishowen 100” may sound like a Formula One race, but it gets its name from the approximate distance in miles of the sign-posted circuit, which starts in Newtoncunningham on the Inishowen Peninsula.
It was established as an independent traveller’s route aimed at walking, cycling or driving with special interest areas highlighted, that might otherwise have been missed. The “Wild Atlantic Way” route must accommodate for large coaches (56 seats) to pass and park, which necessitates bypassing some of the minor roads. Therefore, the smaller groups and indepedendent travellers following the “Inishowen 100” drive can experience that little bit more than those keeping to the designated WAW route. You will certainly not wish to break any speed records as you linger and savour the many scenic and historical gems that Inishowen, Ireland’s largest peninsula, has to offer.
Check out our Trail Guides here for the area
Newtowncunningham
Inishowen 100 ,
Newtowncunningham, County Donegal, Ireland
Primarily an agricultural area, Newtowncunningham is surrounded by a rich and fertile landscape. Key sights include Blanket Nook and the [...]
Burnfoot
Inishowen 100
Burnfoot, County Donegal, Ireland
Following the road from Burt to the village of Burnfoot, you will travel along an area which is known locally [...]
Inch
Inishowen 100 , WAW Discovery Points
Inch, Donegal, Ireland
Situated on the South West corner of Inishowen is Inch Island, attached to the mainland by a wide causeway. Between [...]
Fahan
Inishowen 100
Fahan, County Donegal, Ireland
This is the site of the ancient 7th Century Abbey of St Mura. The cross of St. Mura marks his [...]
Buncrana
Inishowen 100
Buncrana, County Donegal, Ireland
The principal and largest town in the peninsula, Buncrana sits prominently on the shore of Lough Swilly, which translates, from [...]
Burt
Inishowen 100
Burt, Donegal, Ireland
This townland is steeped in history and boasts one of Inishowen’s most iconic sites, An Grianán of Aileach. The ringfort [...]
Dunree & Desertegney
Inishowen 100
Unnamed Road, Dunree, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Fort Dunree, perched majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lough Swilly, demonstrates its vital role in coastal defence and neutrality [...]
Mamore Gap
Inishowen 100 , WAW Discovery Points
Mamore Gap, County Donegal, Ireland
This has to be one of the most breathtaking locations in Donegal. Located five miles North of Buncrana, Mamore Gap [...]
Urris
Inishowen 100 ,
Unnamed Road, Co. Donegal, Ireland
The trip down from the Urris Mountains, through the Gap of Mamore, towards Urris takes you on the steep winding [...]
Clonmany
Inishowen 100
Clonmany, County Donegal, Ireland
Clonmany is located next to a river and overlooked by four imposing and awe-inspiring mountains; Bulbin is 1,500ft (457.1m), Raghtin [...]
Ballyliffin
Inishowen 100
One of the chief attractions of this delightful little seaside resort is its magnificent stretch of golden sands, over 2 [...]
Isle of Doagh
Inishowen 100 ,
Isle of Doagh, Carrowreagh, County Donegal, Ireland
Doagh Island is situated on the route from Ballyliffin to Carndonagh. This was an island until after the Ice Age, [...]
Carndonagh
Inishowen 100
Carndonagh, County Donegal, Ireland
The chief glory of this market town is the famous St. Patrick’s Cross, dating back to the 7th century. It [...]
Malin
Inishowen 100 ,
Malin, Donegal, Ireland
An interesting and unspoilt 17th century plantation village picturesquely situated at the head of Trawbreaga Bay. A Key feature is [...]
Glengad
Inishowen 100
Glengad, County Donegal, Ireland
For generations Glengad has been a traditional fishing area, a practice still continued today. At Glengad, the visitor can take [...]
Culdaff
Inishowen 100
Culdaff, County Donegal, Ireland
This picturesque village has two fine stone bridges and a triangular green featuring a now disused pump house. In Culdaff [...]
Kinnagoe Bay
Inishowen 100 , WAW Discovery Points
Weaving Rd Co. Donegal Ireland, Mossy Glen, Co. Donegal, Ireland
The scenery as you approach this beautiful cove is breathtaking. When you descend to the beach you feel as if [...]
Bocan, Gleneely, Carrowmenagh, Redford
Inishowen 100
Bocan, County Donegal, Ireland
Bocan, Gleneely, Carrowmenagh and Redford are areas that contain possibly the widest range and greatest number of historical sites and [...]
Greencastle
Inishowen 100
Greencastle, County Donegal, Ireland
This is a popular resort with a fine beach. It is an important commercial fishing port. It was once a [...]
