The incredibly beautiful 1600-mile seaside Atlantic road trip that's one of Europe's best

If an exhilarating drive on the open road is what you like, this incredible route has everything you could want. Complete with windswept beaches, rugged cliffs, and quaint villages,

And then there's the culture - the west of Ireland has long been a magnet for writers, artists, and musicians alike so expect galleries, gigs, and festivals along the way too if you can tear yourself away from the magnificent coastline.

Spanning the length of 's west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is an epic 1600-mile (2600km) drive that'll take you along some of Europe's most spectacular shores.

Since opening in 2014 it has already gained legendary status by attracting millions of domestic and international travellers to its roads.

The Wild Atlantic Way crosses nine counties - Donegal, Sligo, Clare, Galway, Kerry, Leitrim, Mayo, Limerick and Cork.

The route kicks off in style on the breathtaking Inishowen Peninsula in the north of County Donegal while the finish line is in the colourful harbour town of Kinsale in County Cork.

Most people take between 3 and 5 days to drive the Wild Atlantic Way but you can easily stretch the journey out over a week or two if you want to really explore Ireland.

Driving from end to end without a break would take just 32 hours, but that would be mean missing out on so much.

According to car hire firm Avis (avis.co.uk) most most people take between 3 and 5 days to drive the Wild Atlantic Way.

A spokesperson for Avis said: "If you want to really immerse yourself in western Ireland, the other option would be to drive the route in short chunks to make the most of Ireland's famed scenery and hospitality."

However the weather in Ireland is notoriously unpredictable so for longer light hours for driving, Avis recommends heading to the Wild Atlantic Way in the summer months of June, July, and August.

Their website says: "If you want to experience the road trip in quieter times, going outside the peak months - April and May or September and October could be your best bet. If weather is not a concern, the winter months are peaceful - although some tourist attractions may be closed or have winter operating hours."

As for getting to the Wild Atlantic Way from the UK, there several airports near the start of the route. The best option depends on where you're travelling from and where you'd like to start your trip.

If you want to set off close to the start of the Wild Atlantic Way, head to Ireland West Airport (also called Knock Airport). The area bills itself as the western hub for the Wild Atlantic Way with 9 of the 15 signature discovery points nearby. Car rental at Knock Airport is easy to find in the arrivals area.

Shannon International Airport is another popular starting point for keen road trippers and from there you can be on the route in 30 minutes. Other airports offering car rental include Cork and Kerry or you could fly into the capital Dublin and extend your trip as you will be starting from the opposite side of the country.

Some highlights along the way include The Aran islands, just 3o miles from Galway Bay and the last islands before you reach America. These beautiful islands are famous for their stone walls, knitted jumpers and thriving seal colonies. You can get to the Aran Islands by ferry from Galway or from Doolin in Co Clare. Hiring a bike or boarding a horse-drawn cart is the perfect way to experience life at a different pace.

The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are Ireland's most-visited natural attraction and made even more popular by a scene in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. There is an 18km walking path around the cliffs with dramatic views from O'Brien's Tower.

Two tiny uninhabited islands, Skellig Michael and Little Skelig can be reached by ferry from Portmagee on the southwest Kerry leg of the Wild Atlantic Way. Skellig Michael has a well-preserved Christian monastery with steep steps and beehive-shaped stone huts and crosses. For bird lovers, Skellig Michael is a haven for puffins while Little Skellig is home to a colony of gannets.

Taking time out during the trip for the chance of seeing whales and dolphins is a highlight of the journey. There are boat trips to go whale and dolphin spotting along the whole coastline. As well as sea safaris, guides will offer land-based trips to potential vantage points where a sighting will add to the magic of your road trip of a lifetime.