Limerick: A Wild Atlantic Way Gateway City
Absolute Hotel Limerick on the Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way
Have you ever dreamt of embarking on a journey of discovery, to hidden places and secret worlds where all kinds of enchantments lie waiting for you? Limerick is the ideal central and convenient location from which you can explore the most captivating,
coastal driving route in the world – The Wild Atlantic Way!
The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland's 2,500-kilometer drive along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork. There are 156 strategically placed discovery points along the way. In little villages and towns that snuggle into the coastline indulge in your passion for good food and great wine. Cliffs, Loughs, trails and pathways the Wild Atlantic Way shows nature at its wildest. Wherever you go along the Wild Atlantic Way you will encounter moments of magic, moments to treasure and experiences that you will want to return to again and again.
Along your path of discovery, you will find the Absolute Hotel. Located only 20 minutes from Shannon International Airport in the medieval
quarter of Limerick City this boutique design-led, contemporary city centre hotel is only minutes’ walk from classic landmarks such as King John’s Castle, the Hunt Museum, Thomond Park and the Limerick Milk Market.
Day Trips from the Absolute Hotel Limerick to the Wild Atlantic Way
1. Round trip from Limerick
This travel plan will take you on a 257km (160 miles) journey, starting and ending in Limerick City
• From Limerick, take the N18/M18 to the town of Ennis and then the N68 then southwest to Kilrush on the Shannon Estuary.
From Kilrush take the N67 to the seaside resort of Kilkee.
• Travel northward along the coast to Lahinch via Doonbeg and Spanish Point. Lahinch is a popular water-sports
destination and is Ireland’s ‘surf central’. Its beach is considered one of the best in Ireland.
• Take the R478 west to Liscannor and enjoy panoramic Atlantic views south to Spanish Point and Mutton Island.
• Take the R478 to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions, the Cliffs reach 214m at their highest point.
• The next stop is pretty Doolin, surrounded by the spectacular bare limestone landscape of The Burren on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The village is renowned for its traditional Irish music while you can also catch a ferry from here to the Aran Islands.
• Take the R477 back to the coast with wonderful views of The Burren and continue on to Black Head – looking out across
Galway Bay to the Connemara coastline.
• Travel the R477 to the small harbour village of Ballyvaughan before starting the journey back to Limerick on the N67.
2. Doolin Ferry Trips
Located just a 1.5-hour drive from the Absolute Hotel you’ll find the beautiful seaside village of Doolin, County Clare. With amazing scenery in all directions and located close to the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands it’s ideal for a day trip and one of the best places to visit on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Doolin Ferry Co. is the longest-running ferry service in the village of Doolin providing transport to and from all three Aran Islands as well as the Cliffs of Moher where you can experience the cliffs like never before on a 1 hour Cliffs of Moher cruise.
Learn more about Doolin Ferry Trips here >
3. Scattery Island Tours
Located just off Kilrush in Co. Clare, Scattery Island is truly a unique visitor experience on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors to the island are amazed at the wealth of historic sites, which includes five Churches, a Cathedral, a magnificent Round Tower, a Napoleonic War Artillery Battery and a working Lighthouse. The island is completely uninhabited, and you can explore its ancient historic sites and experience its unspoilt natural beauty in
peace and tranquillity.
Book your Scattery Island Tour >
4. Ballybunion Beach
Visit Ballybunion, located in North Kerry and well known for its glorious beaches and panoramic cliff walks! There are breathtaking views over Loop head as you walk high up over the cliffs overlooking the Virgin Rock.
The two commonly used beaches in Ballybunion, divided by the cliff above which stands the ruined Ballybunion Castle are "Men's Beach", and "Ladies Beach", given to the fact that men used to bathe on a separate beach from women and children.
The sheer cliffs over the beach have a scenic walking path, featuring a blowhole, views of sea stacks and a multitude of wildlife. The path takes about 20 minutes to walk, and goes round to the "Nun's Beach", a beautiful beach with no access that is overlooked by an old convent.