Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way with Simon Calder

Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way binds together breathtaking locations along the shore where the ocean reaches Europe - with rich heritage, attractions and activities to enliven the experience.
It’s a brilliant concept for visitors: over 1,600 miles of scenic roads and trails that wrap around the nation’s west coast.
For this film, I started at Malin Head - the northernmost point of the island of Ireland, where the raw edge of Europe meets the ocean. I took a long and winding road (plus ferries, kayaks and surfboards) to exuberant Westport, where music and heritage resonate.

[@braveheartii1534]

Brilliant documentary, Simon! Makes me really eager to return and explore more of Ireland. From Northern Ireland to the Republic, it's one beautiful island with very lovely people and an amazingly rich history. Much love from Nigeria 🇳🇬

[@sl4193]

Stunning scenery, fascinating history, traditional crafts, interesting people - a great look at Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Thank you, Simon, Charlotte and Douglas.

[@JohninRosc]

What a fabulous film! Wonderfully presented, superbly researched and packed with information. Thanks so much. More please!

[@peteflute2817]

I love my land and country Ireland 🇮🇪 ❤,

[@kace9075]

Hi Simon, you've managed to pack a lot in! Ireland is magical - that's why I moved here 18 years ago (I remember watching your videos back then!) and did not have a day of regret :)

[@srosess292]

Hi Simon, a nice one & your speech and explanation are amazing! thank you ❤

[@AcesArtie]

Good effort Simon. This is only scratching the surface of course as there are so many places I visited last year that I had not been to before in the many years visiting Donegal. The Wild Atlantic Way is great branding for some truly awesome coastline drives, stunning shorelines and beaches and quality Irish pubs. I recommend Rathmullan House, The Travellers Inn Milford and Rusty Oven Dunfanaghy for eating out. That twist back road Simon used is on the road to Fanad, Ballymastocker Beach. Ards forest park and Errigal are must dos. Hire bikes well in advance at Glenveagh.

[@janhencely5671]

Looking forward to our visit!!

[@NedNew]

Maith an fear!

[@eddieaicken5687]

Regarding the Gaeltacht... the Irish speaking regions. There is a lot of nonsense spoken about this. People fluent in English going on about how Irish is their first language. Here's the truth. I've been to many of these regions on multiple occasions, and I have 'never'... I'll repeat that, because it's an important word... 'never' heard a conversation being had in Irish. Based on my experience, you're more likely to overhear a conversation in Polish than Irish in the Gaeltacht.

[@dpg957]

im calling b-shit on that comment. my daughter and i ( i am irish she has learned some irish via duoling0) were in donegal in adara and glen colmcille area /and ordered our meal in irish and had some chat in irish with the waitress, in a cafe where others spoke in irish, we were travelling donegal for a few days adn stayed in the central hotel, in the bar across the road many groups were speaking irish while in conversation.. you sure you were in ireland or are you just making stuff up as even in dublin you can be in a pub with people speaking irish nearby. In areas in west belfast you have to speak irish in the shops and pubs i hope your hearing improves

[@columbannon9134]

Come out from under your rock

[@captain007x]

You'll hear it frequently on the Arran islands.

[@sandy57ful1]

It's the main language 1/2 hour from where I live, in Westport Mayo. The Belmullet peninsular is also strongly Irish speaking....

[@eddieaicken5687]

Not going to say your misrepresenting, but I can only comment on my own personal experience. I've been to Westport and Belmullet (my late uncles favourite place), and not heard it.@@sandy57ful1

[@SteabhanMacGiollaRiabhaigh]

12:50 leaving as a 10 year old from Sligo to London in 1989 hurts when you hear that Inis Eoghan Island, and you didn't know it mean Owen's Island because tEnglish Schools don't offer the choice to learn Irish, it makes me feel really sad that I've missed so much of my history and culture..... Must feel the same for so many children that move to other countries after living in your own for the first few years. Maybe that explains why England has issues with the other youngsters from different races and religions who have moved to the country from another at a young age too.. The young muslims and black kids in England would definitely benefit far more from living in their birth country too. Children thrive around their own people without a doubt...

[@user-bk3gn7wl1e]

So we should all just have stayed home?