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2nd April 2024
04:25pm BST
Sarah McKenna
Brought to you by Discover Ireland.
The Wild Atlantic Way is home to some of the world’s most incredible wild beaches, breathtaking scenery and rugged cliffs and with spring upon us, now is an excellent time to start planning your next trip. As the days get longer, brighter and warmer, we’ve picked out some of our favourite foodie spots along the south west of the region to give you just a flavour of what’s on offer. After all, with amazing pubs, renowned restaurants and stunning natural scenery now dappled in the spring sunshine, how can we resist?
Whether you’re planning a road trip along this iconic route or a spring getaway to one of its many bustling towns, we’re on a mission to make your next break even more enjoyable. Get the absolute most out of your trip by including stops at some of our favourite spots to relax, refuel and enjoy a hearty lunch or dinner.
From restaurants with a view in Kerry to fresh seafood in Cork to tasty pizza in Galway, the Wild Atlantic Way is a food-lover's haven.
Mouth watering already? Here are some of our top culinary spots and pubs to awaken your taste buds and elevate your next getaway.
Heading to West Cork on your next short break this spring? Take in this region’s natural beauty while enjoying a tasty meal in this picturesque harbour town.
Crookhaven Inn in Co. Cork, is just a short drive away from Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southern point, and it deserves a spot on your Cork itinerary. This gastropub overlooks the water and serves up incredible food with a view. Enjoy a bowl of seafood chowder by the fire, and, if you’re lucky, some live traditional Irish music or a pub quiz. Just be sure to pop out and stretch your legs before the sun sets on the pier.
With beautiful beaches, surf clubs, the Burren landscape and the Cliffs of Moher, there is plenty to discover in Co. Clare. After making the most of the milder weather with a dip in the ocean, you will have worked up an appetite and when hunger hits we’ve got just the place.
A mere seven-minute bus journey from the surfer’s paradise of Lahinch is Pot Duggans, an award-winning riverside restaurant, serving up an extensive brunch menu during the day and pizza in the evenings. Expect your meal to have a distinctly local touch – from their range of Blaa Blaa Baps to their pizzas, which are all named after local attractions, including Spanish Point and the Doolin Cave. In addition to these tasty offerings, Pot Duggans hosts a Riveryard Market every month and karaoke sessions on the regular.
Killarney in Co. Kerry makes for an ideal short break this spring. It boasts the decadent Muckross House, delicious local seafood and stunning walking trails, now dotted with spring blooms.
On your next trip to The Kingdom, make sure you indulge in some fresh seafood at The Mad Monk in Killarney. The fish served here is sourced directly from their own boats off the coast, and it’s cooked to order, so you know you’re enjoying some top-quality seafood. Not a big fish fan? No worries, The Mad Monk serves up plenty of grill specials, including steak, and a range of desserts to indulge your sweet tooth in. And, if you’re looking for a way to work up an appetite, enjoy a bracing walk around the nearby Killarney National Park and take in a healthy dose of spring sunshine.
Heading slightly further north along the WAW and well-served by public transport Galway always makes for a great city break. Bursting at the seams with culture, live music and activities, this seaside city is also home to one of the country's most recognisable and multi-awarded pizzas!
The Dough Bros in the heart of Galway isn’t just one of the best pizzerias in the country, it’s one of the best in the world. Book a table here during your next spring getaway and tuck into some truly tasty pizzas. These wood-fired feasts will tantalise your tastebuds and truly satisfy the appetite you will have worked up while exploring the buzzy city of Galway.
Limerick City is home to so many great attractions, and no trip here is complete without a visit to JJ Bowles. This pub, which is Limerick’s oldest pub, offers guests a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to enjoy some spectacular views of King John’s Castle and the River Shannon. Inside, meanwhile, guests are welcome to sit by the roaring fire or catch the latest sports fixtures on the big screen.
After you've eaten, head out towards the river and make the most of the evening's light with a stroll along the river before catching a spring sunset.
If you're looking for a great spot to make the most of the spring on your next short break then Dingle in Co. Kerry is bound to meet that criteria. Brave your first dip of the year on Ventry Beach, breathe in the fresh spring breeze during a trek with Dingle Horse Riding and soak up the atmosphere while relaxing in Dingle Harbour.
During your Dingle getaway, be sure to book a table at the Boatyard Restaurant, which prides itself on its fresh seafood selection. Enjoy oysters, pan-seared scallops, beer-battered fish and chips or a hearty fisherman's pie. The Boatyard also offers some great wine pairings, specially selected to complement some of their tastiest dishes.
The town of Kinsale along Cork's south coast is a brilliant spot to visit on your next spring break. Get your culture fix with a visit to The Gallery Kinsale, enjoy some retail therapy on a stroll through the town's Main Street and when dinner time rolls around, grab a table at Man Friday.
Man Friday has the honour of being Kinsale's oldest restaurant, but the menu is refreshing and modern. Their mouth-watering mains include classics like sirloin steak and chicken supreme as well as flavoursome vegetarian options including an aubergine parmigiana. Make sure you save some room for dessert, as a selection homemade ice-creams, meringues and apple crumble awaits!
So what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to book your next short break in Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Brought to you by Discover Ireland
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