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14th October 2024
12:38pm BST
Brought to you by Discover Ireland
The cooler autumn weather has us dreaming up delicious, hearty food and drink experiences, and luckily for us, the southern stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is brimming with ways to embrace our inner gourmands.
During your next getaway to the region, dive deep into the local culinary culture by filling your itinerary with food tours, markets and distilleries. These six locations along the south Atlantic coast have so much to offer, including great food and drink experiences. Add them to your short break and you'll quickly understand the hype that surrounds the West Coast food scene.
Discover new sites along the Burren
Drive along the Burren Discovery Trail during your next break to Clare this autumn and you'll get to explore this dramatic landscape's must-see sites. Check out the charming villages of Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna and Ennistymon, take an autumnal walk through Gragan's Wood and cosy up in some of the Burren's best spots for foodies. Sample cheese at St. Tola Irish Goat Farm, nibble on smoked salmon at the Burren Smokehouse and enjoy a riverside meal at Pot Duggans in Ennistymon.
Uncover the very best of Connemara
With striking natural beauty, Connemara demands to be seen in the soft autumn light during your next getaway. Ramble through the magnificent Connemara National Park, which boasts woodlands, mountains, grasslands and lakes. Later, enjoy a scenic drive along the Sky Road or take a refreshing dip at Dog's Bay Beach. Given its location, it's unsurprising that Connemara is home to a rich seafood culture, and you can delve into it during a visit to DK Connemara Oysters Farm. Connemara is also home to some particularly cosy pubs, so when the autumn nights draw in, you can check out the best of them with Connemara Pub Tours.
Unleash your inner foodie in Kenmare
Kickstart your autumn break in Kenmare by indulging your tastebuds with Kenmare Foodie Tours. During this three-and-a-half hour trail, you'll meet local artisans and producers as food blogger Karen Coakley leads you round the town. Expect to taste a deliciously diverse range of food, including breads, cheese, sausages and ice-cream. Beyond this food tour, there's plenty to do in Kenmare. Enjoy pizza and a beer from the Tom Crean Brewery, and take in a refreshing dose of sea air with Seafari's Eco Nature and Seal-Watching Cruises.
Let loose in Limerick
There's something really special about exploring a city in autumn – the crunch of the leaves underfoot, the twinkle of the city's lights as the evening draws in and the opportunity to nip into the nearest pub and warm up by the fire. One city we're making it our mission to explore is Limerick, and the city's famous Milk Market is high on our priority list. On your next short break, wander through its vast stalls with hot coffee in hand, grab some food to go from the eateries and just take in the atmosphere. Afterwards, check out some of the nearby sites, including King John's Castle, The Hunt Museum and Saint Mary's Cathedral.
Tantalise your taste-buds in Kinsale
From a food-lover's perspective, there's so much to love about this buzzy Cork town. Embark on a tasty experience with Kinsale Food Tours and then sample some mead from Kinsale Mead Co. During your getaway, set some time aside to stroll through the town with a coffee from The Collector. For some much-needed autumn rest and relaxation, head to Kinsale Wellness on Water or the Kinsale Hotel and Spa. When the night rolls in, and a moody atmosphere settles on the town, check out Kinsale Ghost Tours - tis the season after all!
Experience bites and sites in Skibbereen
Another cosy, buzzy town calling out for a visit this autumn is Skibbereen in Co. Cork. Take a stroll around the picturesque shores of Lough Hyne, which is all the more beautiful this time of year thanks to the gorgeous autumnal foliage. To satisfy your inner foodie, check out the Skibbereen Farmer's Market, which is open on Saturdays, for seasonal produce and then enjoy a visit to the Clonakilty Distillery. Here, you can tour the facilities, enjoy a multi-sensory experience and sample some gin, whiskey or vodka.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your next break to the Wild Atlantic Way today.
Plan your next short break at DiscoverIreland.ie
The Leave No Trace principles help us make as little an impact as possible on the incredible Irish landscape as we explore the outdoors this autumn and beyond. Keep outdoor areas safe, clean and free from waste/hazards, and help us protect the natural environment. Love this place, leave no trace.
