Looking to expertise the perfect of the Emerald Isle? West Ireland is looking your identify. It’s residence to colossal cliffs, vibrant cities, and an genuine Irish tradition that you just received’t discover wherever else. The West of Ireland provides a lot tradition, historical past, and nature – that it’s simple to see why so many individuals fall in love with it.
While most guests of Ireland select to remain in and round Dublin, the true magic lies within the countryside. And so far as that goes, there’s really no place higher to go to than Western Ireland.
Here, you’ll discover wild, windswept coastlines and inexperienced, unspoiled surroundings that present why Ireland’s referred to as the “Emerald Isle.” Add to that energetic cities with cobblestone streets, thatched-roof cottages, and conventional pubs, and also you’ll see why it’s a high bucket-list vacation spot.
I lately did an 8-day guided tour with Globus Journeys, the place I obtained to discover the west coast of Ireland firsthand. This was considered one of their Choice Touring itineraries, a brand new idea combining conventional touring with a extra immersive, native expertise. So, along with visiting must-see sights across the island, we additionally did customized excursions based mostly on our personal particular person pursuits. Such a enjoyable (and versatile) method to journey!
If you’re in search of distinctive issues to do in West Ireland, preserve studying. Here’s every part you want to learn about visiting the western coast of Ireland.
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– Globus Tour Review – Northern California
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Western Ireland at a look
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the River Shannon, West Ireland is a superb place for adventure. It’s finest identified for its coastal landscapes, together with cliffs, mountains, and seashores. However, the West of Ireland can also be residence to pleasant folks and distinctive cultural and historic websites.
The West Region of Ireland encompasses three counties:
1. County Galway
2. County Mayo
3. County Roscommon
In this a part of Ireland, there wasn’t a lot affect by the British. This implies that its conventional Gaelic roots are very a lot nonetheless intact. The area is principally rural, so that you’ll hear native Irish spoken, significantly in small cities and villages.
The largest metropolis in Western Ireland is Galway, which has a inhabitants of 79,000. Other cities and cities embody Castlebar, Ballina, Tuam, Ballinasloe, Roscommon, and Westport. The area is linked to Dublin by rail, and there’s additionally a global airport right here referred to as Ireland West Airport Knock. In addition, you will get right here by automobile or bus.
I discovered it tremendous handy to go to Western Ireland on a guided bus tour with Globus Journeys. We stayed a pair nights in Galway and Westport, two lovely cities with a wealthy and native heritage. It was simple to get round and discover the area from these two residence bases.
If you’re seeking to uncover the West of Ireland, we’ve obtained you lined. Here are a few of the high locations and experiences you need to learn about.
Best issues to do in West Ireland
From nature outings to cultural experiences, listed below are a few of the high sights in West Ireland.
Wild Atlantic Way
Spanning over 1,500 miles (2,414 km), the Wild Atlantic Way is without doubt one of the world’s longest coastal roads. It extends from the Inishowen Peninsula up north to County Cork within the south. As its identify suggests, this street is completely wild—providing beautiful vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and emerald water at each flip.
During my tour with Globus, we had the chance to go to a number of scenic components of the Wild Atlantic Way. This contains the Cliffs of Moher, Achill Island, and Keem Bay, amongst different lovely photograph stops.
Drive, bike, or stroll alongside the Wild Atlantic Way and also you’ll see why it’s a high attraction within the Emerald Isle. The sounds and smells of the ocean, paired with the normal seaside tradition, makes this a driving route like no different.
From picturesque villages and seashores to towering cliffs, Ireland’s Atlantic shoreline doesn’t disappoint.
Cliffs of Moher
Towering over Ireland’s western coast, the Cliffs of Moher are a few of the most epic sea cliffs conceivable. It is Ireland’s second most visited attraction after the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, and it’s simple to see why.
The Cliffs of Moher are among the many most iconic and extensively recognizable sights in Ireland. It’s been featured in lots of Hollywood movies and music movies over time, together with Harry Potter, The Princess Bridge, and Snow White and the Huntsman.
Walk alongside the paved pathways the place you’ll encounter sweeping views of the Atlantic. Some of the cliffs are as excessive as 702 ft (214 m), which is not like some other sea cliffs I’ve seen. Plan to spend round two hours right here; nonetheless, you may simply spend for much longer, as these cliffside walkways lengthen 14 km alongside the Atlantic Coast.
Note: For photographers planning to go to the Cliffs of Moher, bear in mind that stone boundaries have been put as much as stop folks from getting too near the cliffs. In prior years, folks may stroll as much as the sting of the rim, however now there are stone slabs there for security functions. Some of those fences alongside the Cliffs of Moher are greater than 10-15 toes from the sting. This implies that many well-liked photograph spots are not possible to get to, so you may’t seize photographs just like the one beneath:
Are the Cliffs of Moher top-of-the-line locations to go to in West Ireland? Absolutely!
Achill Island
Located off the coast of County Mayo, Achill Island is without doubt one of the high vacationer sights within the west of Ireland. It is the nation’s largest island and takes a couple of hours to drive round it. Here, you’ll discover no scarcity of gorgeous seashores, rugged mountains, and cute sheep.
There is a bridge connecting Achill Island with the mainland, making it simple and handy to get to. Once you get to the island, it feels such as you’ve been transported to an entire different world with its vibrant verdant landscapes and roaring seas. The highest sea cliffs in Ireland are discovered right here, in addition to quite a lot of natural world.
The island is kind of giant, so that you’ll need to cowl it in a bus or name moderately than on foot. We visited right here as considered one of Globus’ Choice Tour excursions, the place they confirmed us some lovely photograph spots and seashores alongside the way in which. On a coastal trip this lovely, it may be a bit overwhelming to find out the place to drag over and cease. Fortunately, Globus took care of this for us, making it a enjoyable and hassle-free day.
With its jaw-dropping surroundings and rustic farmland, Achill Island is a must-see on a Western Ireland itinerary.
Kylemore Abbey is among the many finest locations to go to in West Ireland
Looking to get your Ireland fort repair? Kylemore Abbey received’t allow you to down. This grand property within the west of Ireland is brimming with magnificence and splendor. Here’s why you need to go to on a Western Ireland journey itinerary:
As considered one of Ireland’s high tour sights, Kylemore Abbey is the oldest of the Irish Benedictine abbeys. It was in-built 1868 as a personal property earlier than changing into a monastery in 1920. The property is ready on 1,000 acres – overlooking scenic mountains, forests, and a lake. Such a romantic setting!
It was wonderful to walk by the inside and see the ornate fixtures all through the constructing. Ten nuns nonetheless reside, work, and pray right here, although we didn’t see any on the tour. In addition to the abbey, there’s additionally a neo-gothic church, mausoleum, and exquisite Victorian Walled Garden on the property.
As far as issues to do in Western Ireland go, it is a should!
Galway, Ireland
The metropolis of Galway is without doubt one of the coolest locations to go to on Ireland’s western coast. Nicknamed the City of the Tribes, Galway retains its medieval metropolis partitions and different conventional buildings and customs from centuries previous.
What I appreciated essentially the most about Galway was its vibrant pub and meals scene. Every night time, you’ll find conventional Irish music taking part in on the metropolis’s many bars and eating places. Nothing beats having a pint of the black stuff as you take heed to songs like Whiskey within the Jar and Fisherman’s Blues. Irish music is extremely enjoyable and festive – and I’ll definitely search for bars and restaurants round Boston the place I can get my Irish music repair.
In addition, Globus introduced us on a guided culinary journey with Galway Food Tours, the place we obtained a style of the town’s finest cafés, bistros, pubs, and dessert outlets. Though Ireland isn’t significantly identified for its meals, the town of Galway does an awesome job mixing worldwide cuisines with the native taste. From the raspberry croissants and fish & chips to the whiskey and ice cream, each place on the meals tour was high notch.
Galway is an incredible homebase for exploring the remainder of West Ireland. It’s located on the midway level of the Wild Atlantic Way, making it an awesome cease on a Western Ireland street journey. Definitely add it to your bucket checklist!
Aran Islands
Not far off the coast of Galway are the ever-mystical Aran Islands. They’re made up of three islands, of which Inis Mór is the most important. We obtained to go to this island, taking within the nature magnificence, genuine tradition, and historic archeological websites.
My favourite cease on the island was Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort relationship again over 3,000 years. It provides unbeatable views of the Atlantic Ocean and there’s additionally a small museum showcasing the historical past of the fort and the way it was used.
For lunch, Globus introduced us to Joe Watty’s Bar and Restaurant, a comfy pub that performs conventional reside music. The meals was nice and listening to From Clare to Here was a bonus!
With its uncooked nature and distinctive tradition, the Aran Islands are a high place to go to on a West Ireland itinerary.
Visiting Westport is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Western Ireland
My favourite city in western Ireland was undoubtedly Westport. It’s located proper alongside the coast in County Mayo inside attain of Achill Island, one other favourite spot on the Globus itinerary.
From the second you step into city, it’s simple to fall in love with its charming tree-lined streets, stone bridges, and colourful properties. Westport is crammed with outdated world allure, as seen within the mighty Westport House that’s 300 years outdated. The well-known mansion is ready on 400 acres in a serene wilderness setting. It really embodies the west of Ireland at its best!
Aside from the various sights and day journeys, Westport is crammed with quaint pubs and eating places. I actually loved consuming at J.J. O’Malleys Bar & Restaurant and having a couple of pints of the black stuff at The Porter House. The reside music scene right here was completely wonderful!
For a correct style of Ireland’s west area, Westport has obtained you lined.
Where to remain on the west coast of Ireland
The Irish west coast is brimming with wonderful locations to remain, however that are the perfect? Here’s the place I like to recommend:
If you’re seeking to discover a place that’s centrally positioned and effectively linked to different components of the area, it’s price staying in considered one of Western Ireland’s cities. Westport, Galway, and Limerick are three well-liked locations out west that make wonderful residence bases to the encircling sights and sights.
Westport, Ireland:
Galway:
Limerick:
Taking a tour of Western Ireland
As talked about above, I feel the easiest way to see Western Ireland is on a tour. Sure, you may lease a automobile and do all of it your self, however it’s laborious to have an area and immersive expertise this fashion. Globus took us to native farms and on excursions with native guides, which may be tough to seek out if you’re researching the journey your self. When you’re exploring this a part of the Emerald Isle, having a educated information who can clarify the breathtaking sights and landscapes is a big plus.
In addition, touring on a guided tour with Globus was merely far more handy. It’s good to have all of the logistics and journey planning taken care of. No stress, no trouble, no getting misplaced. Just pure enjoyment! Globus takes care of the resorts, airport transfers, and getting you to and from all of the sights. That approach, you may be current and totally immerse your self within the second.
Choice Touring with Globus
In addition to having all of the traits of a typical tour, this itinerary is part of Globus’s Choice Touring program. As a part of this new fashion of touring, we had the power to select from a number of personalized, native excursions throughout the journey. In Westport, Galway, and Dublin, we had decisions to expertise – from meals excursions and pub crawls to nature excursions and bike rides. So, not everybody within the group needed to do the identical factor daily – we may all selected totally different actions all through the week that finest aligned with our private pursuits. It’s not simple for tour operators to prepare this, which is why none of them do it…apart from Globus!
Our tour information for the week, Helen, guided us each step of the way in which – from Dublin, round West Ireland, and again to Dublin. Being native to Galway, she was tremendous educated in sharing the historical past, tradition, and enjoyable information in regards to the locations we visited. Not to say that she all the time answered our questions with an awesome humorousness. I might do that journey once more in a heartbeat!
Looking to guide a visit to Ireland quickly? Globus is providing a $200 per individual low cost on their Choice Tours by the tip of October. Click right here for extra info.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Western Ireland
What is taken into account West Ireland?
Under the federal government of Ireland and Eurostat classifications, West Ireland contains three counties within the north and western areas of the nation. It contains County Galway, County Mayo, and County Roscommon. These counties make up a giant a part of the Connacht Province of Ireland.
Why is the west of Ireland a vacationer attraction?
Visitors of Western Ireland come for the jaw-dropping surroundings and colourful cities and keep for the pub scene and pleasant locals. This makes the west area top-of-the-line vacationer sights in Ireland, fingers down.
How far is West Ireland from Dublin?
From Dublin, it takes about 3.5 hours to get to Westport and a couple of.5 hours to get to Galway. Depending on the place you need to go within the western area, you’re 200-250 km from Dublin.
What counties are within the west of Ireland?
In the western area of Ireland, there are three counties: County Galway, County Mayo, and County Roscommon. If you embody the southwest and northwest (that are technically totally different areas), then you can too embody the next counties: Clare, Kerry, Limerick, and Sligo.
How lengthy does it take to drive the west coast of Ireland?
The west coast of Ireland is 1,500 miles (2,414 km) lengthy, which is almost thrice longer than the Pacific Coast Highway on the USA west coast. This extends from the border of Northern Ireland within the north to Cork within the south. If you wished to drive all of it, it will take 1-2 weeks with stops alongside the way in which. So, how lengthy would it not take to drive your complete west coast of Ireland? At least 50 hours.
What is the west of Ireland identified for?
Western Ireland is finest identified for its dramatic coastal landscapes and romantic cities and cities. The area is crammed with breathtaking surroundings, seaside villages, and pleasant locals. It’s simple to see why hundreds of thousands of individuals a 12 months make it to Ireland’s West Coast.
Where do you fly into for western Ireland?
The major airport to fly into the West is Ireland West Airport Knock (“Knock Airport”), which is in County Mayo. Other airports embody Galway Airport and Shannon Airport.
The finest locations to see on the west coast of Ireland
Hope you loved studying this Western Ireland itinerary and journey information! Have you been to the west area earlier than? Let me know your favourite spots! Happy Travels! -Jon
