Almost all visitors to Ireland travelled the Wild Atlantic Way last year and loved it

It looks like Star Wars has already had an impact on Irish tourism, as Skellig Michael, which features in The Force Awakens, was named among the top ten attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way by tourists.

Ireland's scenic coastline proved a treat for visitors to our shores last year, with almost all tourists saying it's the most beautiful part of the country.

A staggering 98% of tourists would rate the Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail as the most scenically beautiful region in Ireland.

Over half (56%) drove during their stay in Ireland. 54% of tourists noted good road conditions along the Wild Atlantic Way, while 2% of tourists had a negative experience travelling the roads across the trail.

These are among key findings of Europcar Ireland’s 2015 Tourism Index.

“The Wild Atlantic Way is a treasure for the Irish tourism industry and the results of our recent index confirm just how popular it remains among tourists with 95% having visited and enjoyed the tourist trail this year,” said Colm Brady, Europcar Business Development Director.

Tourists were also asked to rate the best attractions, pubs and eateries along the Wild Atlantic Way, naming The Cliffs of Moher, O’Connor’s pub in Doolin and Fishy Fishy in Kinsale as top spots.

Best Tourist Attractions

1. Cliffs of Moher

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2. Slieve League

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3. Dingle Bay

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4. Slea Head

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5. Mizen Head

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6. The Ring of Kerry

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7. Achill Island

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8. Skellig Michael

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9. Great Blasket Island

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10. The Burren

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Best Food

1. Fishy Fishy, Kinsale, Co.Cork

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2. Vaughan’s Anchor Inn, Liscannor, Co.Clare

3. Mitchell’s Restaurant, Cliffden, Co.Galway

4. Half Door, Dingle, Co.Kerry

5. The Helm, Westport, Co.Mayo

6. Jacks Coastguard Restaurant, Killorglin, Co.Kerry

7. Out of the Blue, Dingle, Co.Kerry

8. The Point Seafood Bar, Cahirciveen, Co.Kerry

9. Stonecutters Kitchen, Doolin, Co.Kerry

10. Atlantic Coast Hotel, Clifden, Co.Galway

Best Pub

1. Gus O’Connor’s Pub, Doolin, Co.Clare

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2. Matt Malloy’s, Westport, Co. Mayo

3. Bulman, Kinsale, Co.Cork

4. Murphy’s Pub, Dingle, Co.Kerry

5. Nancy’s, Ardara, Co.Donegal

6. Paddy Coynes, Renvyle, Co.Galway

7. Páidí Ó’Sé’s Pub, Dingle, Co.Kerry

8. An Droichead Beag, Dingle, Co.Kerry

9. An Fear Gorta Ballyvaughan, Co.Clare

10. The Anchor Bar, Youghal, Co.Cork