Driving the Wild Atlantic Method in Eire is an unbelievable expertise that means that you can witness the rugged fantastic thing about Eire’s west coast. Nevertheless, the unpredictable Irish climate can generally imply that you just’ll should courageous the weather. On this weblog put up, we’ll discover why driving the Wild Atlantic Method on a wet day can nonetheless be an unforgettable journey.
Don’t let the rain cease you – there’s loads to do and keep dry on the similar time.

I get up slowly feeling rested and relaxed after a deep sleep. I flip and curl up in a fetal place soaking in the entire heat beneath the covers as the sunshine of day begins to light up the curtains of my resort room. Then I hear it – pitter patter, pitter patter on the glass window. My mind slowly glints on and is smart of the sounds. Rattling…it’s raining, now what I’m going to do?
Rain in Eire is a Given
Everybody mentioned – don’t go in October – the climate is horrible. Nevertheless I’m an enormous advocate of by no means letting the climate cease your travels, so I ignored all of this recommendation and went throughout October. It was certainly very unstable climate, however in these darkish clouds and pouring rain I realized one thing actually essential – rain pants are a staple merchandise in Eire. Thank goodness the good individuals of Eire are all the time keen to mortgage you their additional pair!
There have been some actually dangerous climate days throughout my Wild Atlantic Method highway journey; chilly temps, pouring rain, wind, and lightning storms but I liked all of it. As an alternative, I appreciated the less individuals on the roads and the sensation of accomplishment once I accomplished a day of wet climbing. I simply placed on my rain gear and made the climate a part of the journey. Plus the wet climate additionally introduced out the rainbows, and who doesn’t love rainbows?

Eire will throw all kinds of climate at you so it’s more likely to rain, blow, and downpour in some unspecified time in the future throughout your vacation – most likely many instances. So it’s nice to have a number of concepts in your itinerary for what to do on a wet day driving the Wild Atlantic Method.
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Be sure to additionally take a look at my Wild Atlantic Method full Route Information primarily based on my solo driving journey I did!
Greatest Issues To Do Whereas Driving the Wild Atlantic Method On a Wet Day
1. Tour Outdated Houses
Whereas it rained sideways outdoors I went contained in the Bantry Home and Gardens in County Cork. I used to be greeted with a heat crackling hearth.
The Bantry Home, established round 1765, has a posh household tree hooked up to it. However by way of the centuries has been preserved as one of many few previous household houses surviving the Civil Battle in Eire (1922 – 23). The truth is, the primary cause it survived the battles was as a result of it served as a hospital in the course of the struggle and for years after.
Whereas the climate was wild outdoors, my creativeness ran wild inside. If you’re a daydreamer like myself, the second you step into the home you’ll be transported into one other period. One in every of clinking high-quality china in eating halls, waltzing in ball robes, and secret enterprise being carried out within the library. The Bantry Home artifacts have been a results of in depth household journey in Europe and Russia within the 1820s.
And when the rain lets up don’t miss the attractive Bantry Home Gardens surrounding the property!
See extra photos of Bantry Home and Gardens
Extra info:
Bantry Home Web site
Hours: Closed in Winter Months – verify hours on the web site
Value: €14 consists of Home and Backyard entry
Keep: Deal with your self to an in a single day on the Bantry Home Mattress & Breakfast
2. Go to an Artwork Studio
The wind was swirling outdoors, and the pottery wheel was swirling inside. Take a wet day driving the Wild Atlantic Method and use it to go to artist studios.
I finished at Dunbeacon Pottery on Sheepshead Peninsula in County Cork and was excited to search out potter, Helen Ennis, exhausting at work in her studio. Drawing inspiration from the County Cork and the Wild Atlantic Method, Helen designs items that seize the essence of her surrounding panorama. The truth is, her pottery takes on the colour palette of the encircling sea in refined blues, greens, and cream making my day really feel brighter the second I walked in.
I talked to Helen about how she acquired her begin as an apprentice and landed this stunning studio proper alongside the coastal route. She purchased the studio and pottery enterprise in 2000 from an previous potter who wished to see the legacy proceed when he retired. She has constructed up her personal line specializing in practical objects for the house reminiscent of teapots, mugs, vases, pitchers, and bowls.
Helen loves guests and is blissful to point out you her work and studio.
Extra Info:
Dunbeacon Pottery Web site
Location: West Nation Cork, 3 miles from the village of Durrus within the path of Goleen. Guests are welcome to come back and browse the showroom and watch the making course of.
Telephone: 027 61036
3. Heat up in Pubs and Take pleasure in Some Music
This most likely goes with out saying – however among the finest locations to climate the storm in Eire is inside any pub alongside the Wild Atlantic Method.
Locations just like the Killarney Grand, County Kerry will give you a heat hearth, native craft beer, toe-tapping music, and a seat on the bar the place you’ll be able to discuss to locals all afternoon till the storm passes. I spent one among my favourite afternoons there listening to music and speaking to locals!

I additionally advocate ordering an Irish Espresso on a wet day…it’ll heat you up inside and outside! The truth is, perhaps you need to even ask the bartender how one can make it and get somewhat mixology class included!
4. Tour Eire’s Distilleries
Whiskey beckons on a chilly, wet day in Eire. Effectively – whiskey in Eire truly beckons any time I suppose, however a wet day is a good day for touring a neighborhood distillery.
Certain – there are the entire huge gamers in Irish Whiskey you’ve heard of – Jameson or Tullamore Dew – however why not go small and discover an artisan small-batch distillery. One of many first in Eire is situated proper on the Wild Atlantic Method in Gaeltacht – Dingle Distillery.

Study the story of how the three house owners acquired forward of the artisan distillery curve and persevered to provide among the best spirits alongside the Wild Atlantic Method! Plus – take a tour of the distillery and hand around in the tasting room whereas it rains outdoors.
Examine different issues to do alongside the Wild Atlantic Method Rain or Shine!
The Greatest Solution to Expertise the Cliffs of Moher
Solo Mountain climbing Alongside the Wild Atlantic Method
Distinctive Issues to Do in Connemara
Seeing Quiet: Kayaking on the Wild Atlantic Method
5. Discover Ruins
If it’s pouring rain, then head to the Muckross Home in Killarney Nationwide Park and do an indoor tour of this beautiful nineteenth-century Victorian mansion. Nevertheless, if the rain lets up somewhat and you’ve got the correct rain gear (see the packing part under), then head on over to the Deserted Muckross Abbey ruins and discover the religious facet of Killarney Nationwide Park.
The abbey was based in 1448 by Donal McCarthy Mor. The ruins of the church, cloister, and courtyard inform the story of the Fifteenth-century dwelling to the Observatine Franciscan Monks and their century-long battle.
Wander across the cemetery outdoors the abbey (which remains to be in use right now) after which go inside to see the varied tombs and climb as much as the higher ranges to discover this stunning previous construction from above. The centerpiece of the ruins is the yew tree which stands within the heart of the cloisters; weathered, twisted, and majestic.
The abbey remains to be nicely preserved, so there are areas which might be coated if the rain begins to turn out to be troublesome.
You’ll discover plenty of ruins to discover alongside the Wild Atlantic Method – there are various castles and previous stone forts that may take you again in time!
Extra Info:
Muckross Abbey Web site
Location: Muckross Abbey is open to the general public and is only a quick stroll from the automotive park on the N71
6. Wet Days Are Good For Waterfall Chasing
One of the best time to see a waterfall is throughout or after an enormous rain! The rivers swell and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. Plus – if you happen to go go to a well-liked waterfall like Torc Waterfall in Killarney Nationwide Park within the rain, you’ll escape the crowds too! If it’s raining and also you aren’t close to Killarney, listed here are some different waterfalls to go to driving the Wild Atlantic Method

7. Discover Some Castles Whereas Driving the Wild Atlantic Method
You’ll drive previous many castles on the Wild Atlantic Method.
There are roughly 30,000 castles in Eire – an unbelievable quantity for such a small nation! Some at the moment are luxurious resorts, others are vacationer points of interest, whereas a number of others sit in ruins. And you will discover lots of them alongside the Wild Atlantic Method – good for a wet day cease!
Eire has been dwelling to quite a lot of peoples and cultures over the centuries, and every left a legacy of architectural fashion behind with its personal medieval story to inform. A few my favourite castles to tour on a wet day on the Wild Atlantic Method are Bunratty Fortress and Baleek Fortress.



Bunratty Fortress in County Clare is taken into account probably the most full and genuine fortress in Eire. As you stroll in, you’ll be transported again to medieval instances. It felt very Recreation-Of-Thrones-like to me. It incorporates primarily Fifteenth and Sixteenth-century furnishings, tapestries, and artworks which seize the temper of these instances.
Beleek Fortress in County Mayo can also be a terrific cease for a wet day. Heat up subsequent to the enormous fireplaces and take a tour that may stroll you thru the fascinating historical past of the fortress, its household, and the way it survived. Uncover the fascinating story of Marshall Doran, an adventurer, sailor, and smuggler who restored Belleek Fortress within the Sixties. You’ll even have an opportunity to see and maintain his assortment of medieval weapons and armor!
Try this record of extra castles you’ll be able to go to whereas driving the Wild Atlantic Method.
Pack this Rain Gear for Driving the Wild Atlantic Method
Since rain in Eire is inevitable, just remember to pack some good rain gear and that method the rain received’t cease your plans! I counsel this key rain gear to pack on your driving vacation alongside the Wild Atlantic Method.
Endure GORE-TEX Paclite Rain Jacket
GORE-TEX is solely the most effective rain safety there may be. I exploit this GOREWEAR jacket for each climbing and biking. It is so gentle and packable – made with their particular Paclite materials. It is truly assured to maintain you dry.
LensCoat Raincovers
Do not let the climate cease your images! This modern cowl offers safety on your digicam and lens from the weather like rain, snow, salt spray, filth, sand and mud whereas permitting you quick access to the digicam and lens controls.
I earn a fee if you happen to click on this hyperlink and make a purchase order, at no extra value to you.
Need assist with planning your Eire Wild Atlantic Method Journey?
I used Eire Stroll Hike Bike, a neighborhood tour firm primarily based in County Kerry, to assist me plan my Eire journey. They’re specialists on the West Coast and provide plenty of self-guided climbing, biking, and driving itineraries. You’ll be able to discuss to them to customise any of them. I’ve deliberate quite a few journeys with them and have by no means been dissatisfied.
Plus – if you happen to e-book one among their excursions and use the promo code OttsWorld2023, you may get 5% off your tour with Eire Stroll Hike Bike!

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