Encounter nine counties, three provinces and the country’s tallest peak along the expansive 2,500km-long coastal stretch. If you've packed your hiking boots and are looking for a tough but rewarding trek, Carrauntoohil in Kerry is the place to go. As Ireland's tallest mountain, the hike takes up to six hours to complete and the route boasts incredible views of valleys, lakes and lush forests. 

Alongside the country's tallest mountain, the Wild Atlantic Way is also home to Europe’s highest sea cliffs Sliabh Liag (Slieve League). While the cliffs are popular amongst hikers, the Donegal-based ridges can also be enjoyed from the water by boat. Soak up the true breadth of the imposing cliffs on a tour with Sliabh Liag Boat Tours. 

Head to Prowlers, just 2km from Mullaghmore in Sligo, and watch the waves reach dizzying heights of 30 to 40ft – perfect for experienced surfers in the know. Watch daredevil sports enthusiasts board jet skis from a safe distance as they climb the soaring swells. The waves are so high here, it’s impossible to reach them by man power alone.

Kerry is known as 'The Kingdom' and one jewel in its crown is the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the only gold-tiered reserves in the Northern Hemisphere. Due to a lack of artificial light in this rural area, you’ll see that the stars appear exceptionally bright and on clear nights, the sky is simply stunning.

Astronomy fans will also love the award-winning Mayo Dark Sky Park in Ballycroy. The park extends 150 square kilometres and encompasses Wild Nephin Park, which is its own natural haven. So, spend the day roaming the grounds of the flourishing forest park followed by an evening of stargazing. 

There are 30 beautiful islands dotted along the Wild Atlantic Way, so why not take the time to veer off the beaten track and plan a trip away from the mainland? Travel back in time with a visit to Galway’s Árainn (Aran Islands). Go island hopping between Inis Mór (Inishmore), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and Inis Oírr (Inisheer) and uncover fragments from old rural Ireland.

Pay a visit to Ireland's offshore island Acaill (Achill Island) in Mayo for a relaxing day by the coast. There are plenty of strands to choose from, from long sandy beaches with clear blue water to rocky shores at the foot of mountains.

Accessing Dursey Island, West Cork's most westerly inhabited islands, is a unique experience. Board the the country's only cable car and take the 10-minute journey to the island. The island is home to three small villages so you will have the chance to see how modern islanders live today. 

Venture out by ferry to Inis Mór off the Galway coast where you’ll find the evocatively named Serpent’s Lair. Experienced divers somersault and dive from three times the Olympic height into this natural pool at the bottom of a soaring cliff. Safe to say it’s not for the faint-hearted.  

Drop by the picturesque village of Annascaul in County Kerry, where legendary seaman and Antarctic explorer Tom Crean was born. Find an exhibition dedicated to his incredible Antarctic expedition alongside Ernest Shackleton in the Kerry County Museum in Tralee. After, travel to scenic Daingean Uí Chúis (Dingle) and see the brewery named in Tom Crean’s honour. 

While you may be aware that the 1952 John Ford classic The Quiet Man was shot in Mayo and Galway, did you know there are two replicas of its iconic cottage? While one replica of the crumbling Connemara cottage is based in Maam Cross, Galway, the other is set in Cong, Mayo and now houses the The Quiet Man Museum. Go behind the scenes of the award-winning film and learn interesting facts about John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, admire original props for the set and dress up as various characters. 

Follow in some famous footsteps and visit Donegal for a touch of tinseltown. Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne and Marilyn Monroe holidayed at Glenveagh National Park and Castle’s exquisite 19th-century castle during Hollywood’s golden era. 

Although you aren't able to stay in the castle itself, you can explore the stunning grounds and admire the natural landscape, which features everything from waterfalls and glens to lakes and oak woods. 

The outstanding natural beauty of The Burren in Clare is unique in almost every way, from its limestone pavements and curious rock formations to its own ecosystem of native flowers and plants. To see the region's key locations, take the time to follow the Burren Discovery Trail. 

After, take a detour to Doolin Cave and delve 200m underground to see the Great Stalactite, the largest free-hanging stalactite in Europe, measuring in at 7.3 metres.

You’ve probably spotted Kerry’s iconic Skellig Islands in the Star Wars blockbuster movies, but there's a lot more to the islands than just its cinematic cameo. Across the islands there are a number of significant archaeological sites, including the ruins of a monastic settlement and a 1,000-year-old stone stairway.