Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest coastal routes in world, winding its way for 2,500 spectacular kilometres along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north to the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.

Teeming with towering cliffs, spellbinding bays and mystical islands, and enchanting villages where Ireland’s traditions are preserved, the route is also particularly renowned for countless amazing beaches – precious places to revive the body and soul with an invigorating wind-whipped walk, a dip in the surf, a serene twilight stroll or a peaceful meditation.

And while it could a lifetime to explore them all, here’s a head start, featuring six of the best:

1. Rossnowlagh, County Donegal

Ireland’s dramatic north-west boasts more than one breath-taking beach but Rossnowlagh is among the most accessible. With fantastic views of the Donegal Bay coastline, the three-kilometre strand is a popular location for walkers as well as wave, kite and wind surfers.

2. Mullaghmore, County Sligo

Big wave surfers love Mullaghmore Bay for its giant swells but the rural sandy beach that curves around the bay is also a wonderful spot for a walk. The beach is backed by an extensive dune system and on the headland sits majestic Classiebawn Castle. The beautiful backdrop is completed with a view of Ben Bulben, the mountain beloved by the poet and Nobel Laureate, W.B. Yeats.

3. Keem, County Mayo

Tucked away in a bay on Achill Island, Keem is considered to be one of the most stunning beaches on the island of Ireland. Sheltered by cliffs, it exudes a serenity that makes it a perfect escape from the busyness of everyday life. Pair a walk on the beach with a climb up to the hills above to admire the crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline.

4. Roundstone, County Galway

The pure white sands of Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay beaches, which sit back to back near Roundstone on the spectacular Connemara coastline, imbue the area with an almost tropical palette. A stroll along the beaches affords great views of the picturesque surrounding countryside. Both beaches are well sheltered from currents and are ideal for watersports as well as leisurely walks.

5. Fanore, County Clare

Sitting at the edge of the striking lunar-like landscape of the Burren, Fanore is a captivating Blue Flag beach and also one of nine sites of geological importance that comprise the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark. The unspoilt golden sands are dotted with rock pools and backed by sand dunes. A wonderful place to watch the sun go down.

6. Inch, County Kerry

Jutting out from the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, Inch beach stretches for almost five kilometres, making it a sensational place for a saunter with a great sea view. Also a superb surfing spot, it’s a little more sheltered than some other Wild Atlantic Way strands. Inch is very popular in summer but is a magical place all year round. It starred in the 1970 film Ryan’s Daughter and the 1962 film The Playboy of the Western World.