The Wild Atlantic Way has been named the “ultimate road-trip” by international travel guide Lonely Planet.

The West Coast route was one of eight Irish attractions featured in the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List.

The list features 500 of the “most thrilling, memorable and interesting travel experiences in the world.”

The Wild Atlantic Way came in at number 21 on the list with the Giant's Causeway, Sliabh Liag, the Ring of Kerry, the Connemara Peninsula and Trinity College also featuring.

Crookhaven village on the Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork, 11-10-2017. Image: Trish Punch/Zuma Press/PA Images

Lonely Planet writer Tony Hall told Newstalk the Wild Atlantic Way is the highest new entry in this year's list.

“We talk about the Wild Atlantic Way being the ultimate road-trip,” he said.

“A 1,600 mile (2,500km), signed, coastal route which is all about rugged mountain trails, powdery white sand and huge Atlantic breaks, wonderful wildlife and dark sky reserves.

“So, a huge route with so much to see and very much in keeping with some of the trends we have been seeing in travel over the past couple of years – getting out and about and right into nature.”

The ruins of Ballycarbery Castle near Cahirciveen in County Kerry, 15-05-2016. Image: Trish Punch/Design Pics via ZUMA Wire

In a statement, Tourism Ireland said the ranking will help “keep the lights on for Ireland” as we wait for the day we can welcome back visitors from all over the world.

Tourism Ireland CEO Niall Gibbons said: “I am delighted to see eight fantastic attractions and experiences on the island of Ireland feature in the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List – including the Wild Atlantic Way, coming in at number 21.”

“In what has been a truly terrible year for travel and tourism, this accolade is some good news for overseas tourism to Ireland.

“It will help ensure that Ireland stays front-of-mind with prospective travellers around the world, until such time as they can visit again.”

A white horse on the Wild Atlantic Way in Connemara, County Galway, 07-10-2017. Image: Trish Punch/Zuma Press/PA Images

Petra in Jordan topped this year’s list, with the Galápagos Islands in second, Uluru in Australia coming third and Botswana’s Okavango Delta placing fourth.