Road trip route to rival most scenic in the world

PLANS are being drawn up for an “end-of-the-world” drive along our Atlantic coastline to rival the most scenic road trips around the globe.

Tourism chiefs are working on a link-up of existing routes from Donegal’s dizzying Slieve League sea cliffs to the wilds of West Cork to draw in thrill-seeking motorists from overseas.

The trail will be pitched at continental Europeans and US visitors in particular as the “authentic Irish experience” on a self-drive journey to match famous drives such as California’s Pacific Coast Highway or Australia’s Great Ocean Road.

Alex Connolly, head of communications at Fáilte Ireland, said the “Wild Atlantic Drive” could be promoted as a two-week holiday which can also be completed in smaller stages for those with less time.

“We’ll be pitching this at people who want to come over and have an authentic experience and enjoy not only Irish landscapes, but also the company of Irish people,” he said.

“It will be for people who are looking for that rugged, authentic Irish experience, the Ireland that at one stage — before the discovery of America — was considered the end of the world, but still has that remoteness and beauty about it.”

There is no defined route yet drawn up but it is already envisaged it will join up the most dramatic highways and by-ways from Donegal through remotest Mayo and Achill Island, into Connemara and over the Burren to West Cork.

The themed trail will also act as a “shopping aisle”, with points and markers along the designated way to tempt holidaymakers off the main route to “pleasant diversions” including historical, cultural and tourism attractions.

“People who come from overseas to Ireland don’t necessarily see the counties, and they’re looking for the authentic Ireland,” said Mr Connolly.

“We have to work with local communities and local authorities along that whole western seaboard to try and bring this alive –— there is a lot of work to do.”

The initiative is seen as a key way to remarket and rebrand Ireland to overseas tourists without spending too much money during a time of national austerity.