The West of Ireland is warm, wild and beautiful.  A land of history and heritage, of character and charm with landscapes to capture your heart…Embracing the unspoiled Achill Island in County Mayo, the stunning Connemara in County Galway, and the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. 
The West is an ideal destination for those in search of the outdoors; sea, lake and river fishing, walking and cycling and of course horse riding are all popular activities in the area.   If it’s a traditional music session or Irish dancing that you are looking for, then the West is the place to be!

County Galway
Galway, the largest county in the province of Connacht, lies in the centre of the western seaboard of Ireland.  The Atlantic sends a thousand inlets to indent and with the gentle waters of Galway Bay.  Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake, separates the vast mountainous land of Connemara to the west from the rich farming plains of East Galway.

Connemara and the Gaeltacht
Nature rules in Connemara – the great thrusting hills, fretted coastline and many beautiful lakes dominate the landscape.  Depending on the season and the light, the landscape changes constantly, making touring a real pleasure. 

Some of Connemara is part of the Gaeltacht, were Irish is still the first language of a people who have won their livelihood mainly from the sea and from tiny fields parcelled by a labyrinth of dry stone walls.  The harsh conditions have forged a community of great resourcefulness who are proud of their rich heritage and who will delight in sharing it with you. 

Take the boat at Rossaveal that will bring you to the Aran Islands, lying at the mouth of Galway Bay, Inishmore, Inishman and Inisheer, “the heartland of Irish Culture”.

Galway City

Built by the Anglo Normans in the 13^th Century, the “City of the Tribes” has kept its medieval charm…  Regarded as Ireland’s most vibrant city, it’s also one of the fastest growing cities in Europe with a population of over 65,000 people. 

Leave from Eyre Square, also called John FitzGerald Kennedy Memorial Park since his visit in 1963, and go down the colourful Shop Street…  Have a look at the late 15^th century Lynch’s Castle (now the Allied Irish Bank) on your way down to the Anglican St Nicolas’s Collegiate Church, built in 1320 and dedicated to St Nicolas of Myra, the Patron Saint of Seafarers.  The legend says that Christopher Colombus prayed there in 1477… Soon, you will reach Spanish Arch on the banks of the River Corrib, where the old fish market used to take place.  Across the River, you can see the site of the famous Claddagh village (where the Claddagh Ring takes its name from) and some fine examples of Galway Hookers (sailing boats).  Take a picture of the Swans and walk along the River until you reach the Salmon Weir Bridge, dating back to 1818, where you might be lucky to see salmons leaping as they head upriver to the Lough Corrib…  Before you go back to Quay Street for an Irish Coffee, pay a visit to the fine Galway Catholic Cathedral (1965) with its cruciform interior, greenish-grey limestone and famous Connemara marble… 

Galway East
A region rich in heritage and culture, with beautiful landscape, which inspired literary figures including William Butler Yeats and Lady Gregory.

Don’t miss Thoor Ballylee, home of WB Yeats and Coole Park, home of Lady Gregory, were you can see the Writer’s Tree.



County Mayo
Mayo is a county with a great variety of scenery, an unspoiled natural environment, several beaches and many places of interest, where people have lived in harmony with their surroundings for over 5,000 years.  The county’s attractions include delightful holiday resorts, excellent fishing waters, exciting hill walking as well as some of the most interesting archaeological and historical sites in Ireland.

From Leenane, travel through the Delphi Valley.  Stop for a picture at the beautiful Ashleagh Falls, and enjoy the scenery until you get to your next stop: Croagh Patrick.  Like Saint Patrick and many pilgrims before, climb to the top were you will be rewarded by the magical view of Clew Bay.  Travel to Westport were you can stay overnight, before continuing on your travels  to the unspoiled Achill Island, which has some  the most spectacular and  dramatic scenery of the west coast islands.  Joined to the mainland by a bridge, the island has magnificent cliff scenery, spectacular drives and walks, lovely beaches and fine sea and shore angling.  It also has some of the best surf waters of northern Europe.

County Clare
Clare is renowned for an amazing Karst limestone region called the Burren, where you can find caves, underground streams and rare alpine flora.  The area has also fascinating archaeological sites, including the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen. 

From Ballyvaughan, travel along the rugged Atlantic coastline, through the moonlit Burren.  You will come to the village of Lisdoonvarna, well known for its September Matchmaker Festival.  From there, you are only a few kilometres away from the Cliffs of Moher that rise majestically to an over 200 metre vertical drop above sea level.