Mythical Ireland: 10 Wild Atlantic Way Destinations
The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most breathtaking coastal routes in the world, stretching over 2,500 km along Ireland’s rugged western coastline. But beyond its stunning cliffs, rolling hills, and crashing waves lies something even more extraordinary—a land steeped in mythology.
For centuries, Irish folklore has woven tales of gods, warriors, fairies, and mythical islands into the very fabric of these landscapes. From the legendary Fianna warriors to the Tuatha Dé Danann, many of these locations were said to be the homes of gods, the battlegrounds of epic heroes, or the gateways to the Otherworld.
If you’re ready for a road trip filled with mystery and legend, here are 10 mythological places along the Wild Atlantic Way that you must visit.
Table of Contents
Top 10 List of Mythological Destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way
1. Cliffs of Moher (Co. Clare) – The Legend of Mal and Cú Chulainn
One of Ireland’s most famous natural wonders, the Cliffs of Moher tower over the Atlantic at 700 feet high. But hidden within their beauty is a tragic tale.
According to legend, Mal, an ancient hag from the Tuatha Dé Danann, fell in love with the hero Cú Chulainn. When he rejected her, she pursued him across Ireland. Cú Chulainn leaped across the sea stacks, but Mal lost her footing and was swallowed by the crashing waves below. The southernmost point of the cliffs, Hag’s Head, is said to resemble her face.
🛠 Must-Do: Walk along the cliff edge and imagine the ancient chase that ended in heartbreak.
Read the Story of Mal and Mag’s Head.
2. Benbulben (Co. Sligo) – Fionn Mac Cumhaill’s Hunting Grounds
This tabletop mountain, shrouded in mist, is one of Ireland’s most mythical landscapes. It was said to be the hunting grounds of the legendary warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna.
But Benbulben is also the setting of one of Ireland’s greatest love stories—Diarmuid and Gráinne. After Gráinne, the betrothed of Fionn, eloped with Diarmuid, the two fled across Ireland. They sought refuge on this mountain, where Diarmuid later met his fate at the tusks of a supernatural boar.
🛠 Must-Do: Hike the Benbulben loop trail and relive the legend of Diarmuid’s last stand.
3. Knocknarea (Co. Sligo) – Queen Medb’s Tomb
Atop Knocknarea Hill, a giant stone cairn is said to be the final resting place of Queen Medb of Connacht—the fierce warrior queen of The Cattle Raid of Cooley.
Medb, known for her cunning and ambition, is said to be buried standing upright, facing her enemies in Ulster. The hike up the hill rewards visitors with stunning views over Sligo Bay, and many still leave small offerings at her tomb.
🛠 Must-Do: Climb to the top and pay homage to one of Ireland’s most legendary rulers.
4. The Burren (Co. Clare) – The Realm of the Fairies
The Burren is a strange and otherworldly place, its vast limestone landscape resembling something out of a dream. Ancient Irish folklore tells of fairy forts and portals to the Otherworld hidden beneath the rocky terrain.
One of the most famous sites here is Poulnabrone Dolmen, a 5,000-year-old tomb believed to be a gateway to the spirit world. The fairies, or Sídhe, are said to still inhabit the Burren, so be careful not to disturb their realm!
🛠 Must-Do: Visit Poulnabrone Dolmen and immerse yourself in the magic of the Burren.
5. Doonagore Castle (Co. Clare) – The Gateway to Hy-Brasil
Legends tell of a mysterious island off the coast of Ireland that appears once every seven years before vanishing again. This island, Hy-Brasil, was said to be a land of eternal youth and wisdom.
Doonagore Castle, overlooking the Atlantic, is believed to be one of the last places Hy-Brasil was seen. Many sailors claimed to have glimpsed the mythical island from this very spot.
🛠 Must-Do: Visit Doonagore Castle and keep an eye on the horizon—maybe you’ll be the next to see Hy-Brasil.
6. Tory Island (Co. Donegal) – The Fortress of Balor of the Evil Eye
The mythical Fomorian King Balor, whose single deadly eye could kill with one glance, ruled from Tory Island. His fortress, Dún Bhaloir, still stands on the island’s eastern cliffs.
According to legend, Balor was eventually slain by his grandson Lugh, fulfilling a prophecy that a grandson would overthrow him.
🛠 Must-Do: Explore the island and walk to Dún Bhaloir, where echoes of ancient battles still linger in the sea breeze.
7. Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery (Co. Sligo) – The Land of the Ancestors
One of Europe’s oldest cemeteries, Carrowmore is believed to be a sacred resting place of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Some say the spirits of the ancient Irish still roam here, especially at dawn.
🛠 Must-Do: Take a guided tour and learn about the site’s deep-rooted connection to Irish mythology.
8. Skellig Michael (Co. Kerry) – A Sacred Island of the Gods
Long before it became a monastic retreat, Skellig Michael was thought to be a gateway to the Otherworld, possibly linked to Manannán mac Lir, the Irish god of the sea.
🛠 Must-Do: Take a boat tour to Skellig Michael and experience its mystical presence for yourself.
9. The Aran Islands (Co. Galway) – The Stronghold of the Sidhe
The Aran Islands are filled with fairy lore, and Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric cliffside fort, is thought to be a site of Otherworldly power.
🛠 Must-Do: Visit Dún Aonghasa and listen to local stories about the Sídhe.
10. Spanish Point (Co. Clare) – The Arrival of the Milesians
This coastal area is said to be where the Milesians—the ancestors of the Irish people—landed to battle the Tuatha Dé Danann for control of Ireland.
🛠 Must-Do: Walk along the beach where mythology meets history.
Conclusion
The Wild Atlantic Way is more than just a scenic drive—it’s a journey through Ireland’s most legendary landscapes. Whether you’re chasing the stories of gods, warriors, or fairies, each stop along this route is a doorway into Ireland’s mythological past.
Plan your road trip, embrace the magic, and step into the world of Irish legends!
Would you dare to visit them all? 🌿✨
This version brings engagement, storytelling, and travel tips to make it a compelling read! Let me know if you’d like any tweaks! 🚀
