Wild Atlantic Way as driving fun?

[TvanR]

Greetings from The Netherlands. For the last few years, we normally drive to the Alps in the second half of September for some wonderful mountain pass driving, just before the snow kicks in. Even in countries as strict as Switzerland we can always enjoy our cars to the fullest at these smaller roads higher up in the mountains - police seems ok as long as you behave in villages and on normal motorways.

We were now considering to go to Scotland and do the Northcoast 500 but reading some earlier posts on PH it seems to be pretty busy (and heavy policed?) nowadays.

Is the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland an alternative when primarily seeking driving fun and secondly great scenery? We would be there in 1-2 weeks time.

Thanks for your help!

[Janluke]

I live in Scotland and have done the NC500 a lot.
Tried Ireland last year and did the WAW.
It was great, some cracking roads but generally quieter, a few busy bits, much better infrastructure as far as food and accommodation go

[ianrb]

It has a different character to the NC500, partly because it's not so remote. The upside of that is that there are more places to stay, eat & drink. The Gardai are more relaxed that Police Scotland, so long as you're not being a total idiot.

It's a different balance, but worth it on it's own merit.

[TvanR]

Thanks for your responses, much appreciated.

What are your thoughts on doing the WAW with an old 911 with stiffened suspension (and a tad lower, but nothing crazy)? I read about general poor road condition and massive pot holes. Is this all a bit overrated or generally truly the case?

[dcb]

TvanR said:

Thanks for your responses, much appreciated.

What are your thoughts on doing the WAW with an old 911 with stiffened suspension (and a tad lower, but nothing crazy)? I read about general poor road condition and massive pot holes. Is this all a bit overrated or generally truly the case?

It's certainly something different. Two ferries from the Netherlands, so quite a way.

A German couple of my acquaintance said:

It rains an awful lot there so bring plenty of waterproofs, it's out in the sticks miles from anywhere urban,
the food & beer are far from the best feature and the locals version of English can be challenging for
non-native English speakers, so Google translate may be useful.

I guess if you are getting tired of Switzerland (easily done) then give WAW a go and report back to us.
However, from the Netherlands, my money would be on Slovenia and the cheaper less touristed end of the Alps.

[vikingaero]

If the weather is good then it's a cracking drive. If it rains, or there is low mist/fog, then you'll see nothing!

Recommendations from me Slieve League over Cliffs of Moher and Inishowen. I particularly recommend the Doagh Famine Village which I expected to hate.

[magpies]

I did this a couple of years a go in a hired Morgan +4
The weather was great and did not have to use the roof for all 5 days.
Generally road surfaces are 'a little jiggly' and a few potholes, but well worth it for the mountain passes and classic Circuit of Ireland rally stages. Plenty of places to stay and most towns have a good selection of bars and restaurants.

We also went to the area early this year in my TVR which is set up for trackdays and can confirm the jiggly roads.
weather was rain/snow and then sun.

[TvanR]

Thanks everybody. I have made a tentative schedule for the WAW and due to the ferry times it is a bit cramped. We will do the WAW another time when we have more time. Looks absolutely fantastic. We head again for the Alps. I will report back once we have done the WAW.

[sherbertdip]

TvanR said:

Thanks everybody. I have made a tentative schedule for the WAW and due to the ferry times it is a bit cramped. We will do the WAW another time when we have more time. Looks absolutely fantastic. We head again for the Alps. I will report back once we have done the WAW.

Alps beats the WAW in many ways, but WAW is unique, well worth doing. I've done it cycling - bloody hard work and in Caterham, great fun but it did rain a lot!

[PlywoodPascal]

NC500 is pretty heavily policed as far as UK roads go now. There's probably nearly one policeman on it.

[leggly]

PlywoodPascal said:

NC500 is pretty heavily policed as far as UK roads go now. There's probably nearly one policeman on it.

It’s a convoy these days. Good luck trying to get past the rented mobile stboxes.

[flatlemon]

The key to doing the NC500 is to do it in April or October - far quieter and still a decent chance of dry weather.

[Mr Tidy]

Yes, I did it in early May and it was mostly great as well as mostly dry!

The guy who organised it recommended avoiding any time between May half-term and October.

[Gretchen]

I (annoyingly hate) watch Those Happy Days on YouTube and they’ve just done the WAW. Previous videos are Scotland and Skye.
I’m not a ‘fan’ but I’ve followed their van life story for a few years. I think they’re a bit naive and not that bright as well as being wasteful, but, they must be doing something right with the sponsorships they get etc.
Love or hate them they’ll either inspire your trip or give you an idea of what NOT to do

https://youtu.be/a3R3T9oTzIQ?si=__XTVm4zJGY4O0XF

Please keep updating the thread with your adventures as it’s something I’m interested in doing at some point.