best places to visit ireland west coast

17 Places to Visit on Ireland’s West Coast

Posted on September 22, 2023 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on May 7, 2024

Planning on visiting Ireland’s West Coast? Discover below the best places to see on the West Coast, a sample itinerary, and tour options if you don’t want to drive.

The West Coast of Ireland is filled with incredible sights and some of the country’s best attractions , making it a top destination for a road trip . Following along the Wild Atlantic Way , pass by jaw-dropping landscapes, ancient castles, and quaint towns.

Whether you just have a couple of days, a full week, or more, you’ll find plenty of things to do and places to visit along the coast . From the majestic Cliffs of Moher to the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula, Ireland’s West Coast is home to some of the best destinations in the country.

Keep on reading to discover all the best places to visit on Ireland’s West Coast and start planning your trip!

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Places to Visit on Ireland’s West Coast

The places listed below are from North to South and can more or less be visited in that order. It’s better if you have a car, especially for the loops, but you can also use public transportation to get to most places or book tours from Dublin .

Technically Western Ireland is made up of the counties of Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon , and some people might only consider these as part of the West Coast.

However, I’m including places from farther south and farther north that are located geographically on the West Coast and part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

One of the best places in the country for surfing , Sligo is home to beautiful beaches and offers plenty of opportunities when it comes to water-based activities.

The best time to surf is from September to May , but you can go year-round. Beginners can head to Enniscrone and Strandhill while intermediate to advanced surfers can surf in Easkey and Streedagh Strand . Mullaghmore More features some of the biggest, coldest, and heaviest waves on the planet, while most people can’t surf there, going to see the few who can is a show like no other.

The coast here is also good for sea kayaking and freediving . In Sligo, you can rent kayaks and go on your own, starting from Rosses Point or you can arrange for a kayaking excursion with a local guide.

Achill Island

Featuring rugged mountains and peat bogs, Achill Island is known for its tall sea cliffs and pretty beaches popular among water sports enthusiasts. There’s a bridge connecting it to the mainland, so access is pretty easy.

You can spend a day there, driving around, enjoying the scenery, and visiting the island’s attractions . In summer, you can plan to spend a couple of days there to enjoy the quiet beaches and laid-back vibes.

On the island, you’ll find Kildavnet Castle , a tower house from the 15th century where Grace O’Malley, the “Pirate Queen” lived for a while. You can also stop by the deserted village at Slievemore , Achill Heritage Centre, and Achill Henge.

Clare Island

Another beautiful island off of Ireland’s West Coast, Clare Island is a must-visit and a true hidden gem . To get there, take the Clare Island Ferry from Roonagh Quay (west of Louisburgh) to the island, the trip takes 15 to 20 minutes.

With only 150 inhabitants, the island is a haven of peace and a great place to disconnect and relax. There are plenty of hikes and scenic walks to go on to visit the island’s main sights and enjoy the landscape.

Don’t miss the Clare Island Abbey from the 12th century, Granuaile’s Castle , the Napoleonic Signal Tower , and the Archaeological Trail.

Roundstone is a charming colorful seaside town often considered as one of the most beautiful places in the Connemara. Spend some time enjoying the peaceful vibes , having a meal or drink at one of the local restaurants, before strolling around town.

South of town, you can stop by Roundstone Musical Instruments & Crafts to see how traditional bodhráns are made and visit the small museum there.

Nearby, you can head to Gurteen Bay and Dog’s Bay , two of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Connemara National Park

One of my favorite places in Ireland, the Connemara National Park is only an hour’s drive away from Galway City but you might want to take your time and drive around the peninsula. If you’re driving straight to the park, half a day is enough, otherwise take 2 days to explore the area.

The highlight of the park is the stunning panoramic views you get from one of the highest points. On clear days, you can see the coast, Kylemore Abbey, and the surrounding mountains. There are basically 2 trails you can hike, the Lower and Upper Diamond Hill Loops , both joined, so you can start with the lower one and continue onto the upper one.

If you’re doing both, count around 3 hours with breaks . I definitely recommend doing the upper one for the best views, however, you need to be fit as it goes up quite a lot.

For something easier, you can hike the Sruffaunboy Trail (30 minutes) or the Ellis Wood Nature Trail (15 minutes).

Kylemore Abbey

Next to the Connemara National Park is the stunning Kylemore Abbey, one of the best places to visit in Ireland and probably one of the most iconic as well. This Gothic Benedictine nunnery was founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle and features restored Victorian rooms that can be visited plus a stunning garden .

The castle dates back to 1868 and was restored by the nuns who still live here and make some of the crafts and food you can buy at one of the shops. There are daily history talks in the Abbey and tours of the Walled Garden throughout the summer, but you can also easily visit on your own.

Galway is a vibrant city and a good base to explore the Connemara peninsula. Spend some time strolling around the downtown area before picking a pub for dinner and/or a pint. Galway is also a perfect place to listen to live Irish folk music , no matter what day of the week you visit, you’re sure to find a pub hosting a band.

Tig Chólí, Taafles Bar, and The Quays (one of the oldest pubs in the city) usually offer daily live music.

You can also visit the Galway City Museum , featuring exhibits ranging from Prehistoric and Medieval Galway to the 1916 revolution.

If you’re visiting during a weekend, shop for local crafts and produce at the Galway Market , located around St Nicholas’ Church.

Nature lovers can go for a peaceful walk at the nearby Barna Woods and Rusheen Bay Nature Reserve , both great places to spot birds and see wildflowers.

Aran Islands

Made up of three main islands (Inis Mor, Inis Oirr, and Inis Meain), the Aran archipelago is one of the top destinations in Western Ireland . You can take a ferry from Rossaveel or Doolin to reach the islands, a seasonal ferry operates from Galway City to Inis Mor.

The biggest and most visited island is Inis Mor where you can rent a bicycle and head to the Seal Colony Viewpoint , before hitting the beach. Other must-sees include Dún Aonghasa , the largest of many stone forts in the group of islands, the Wormhole , a strange hole connected to the sea, and the Black Fort .

On Inis Oirr and Inis Meain , rent a bike as well and explore the small islands’ scenery and archaeological sites.

Cliffs of Moher

One of the most visited places in Ireland , the Cliffs of Moher are a must-see on the West Coast. It’s a spectacular sight like no other, offering breathtaking vistas and awesome hiking opportunities.

You can easily access the cliffs from the visitor center, Doolin, or Hag’s Head . If you don’t want to hike along the cliffs. then head directly to the visitor center, where you’ll find several viewpoints to see the cliffs. You can just sit on the grass if the weather is nice and enjoy the view.

If you’re planning on hiking along the cliffs, there’s a path from Doolin to Hag’s Head , with the visitor center in the middle. The trail is about 10 miles (15 kilometers) . You can hike all or part of it, just make sure to pack enough snacks and water.

Burren National Park

The Burren is easily one of my favorite places in all of Ireland. The otherwordly landscape makes it a unique place you won’t see anywhere else. While the Burren is along the coast and offers coastal hikes like the Black Head Loop , it’s in the national park that you’ll find the most spectacular hikes.

All the hikes within the national park start at the same point, type “ Gortlecka Crossroads ” on Google Maps. There, you’ll find the parking lot and the starting point for the hikes. I recommend doing the 4.7-mile Blue Trail for the best views.

It is quite challenging as it goes up a lot – so if you have limited mobility or are traveling with children pick one of the easier trails.

Dingle Peninsula

Ireland’s West Coast is full of stunning peninsulas that are great destinations for a road trip along the coast . Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Dingle Peninsula is a treasure trove of quaint towns, prehistoric sites, and scenic landscapes.

There are plenty of things to do and places to explore around the peninsula. If you like hiking you can plan to spend a few days there – a popular multi-day hike is the one from Tralee to Dingle . You’ll also find plenty of shorter hikes between Cloghane and Brandon .

Among the must-visits, you’ll find the Lispole Railway Viaduct, the ruins of the Killelton village, Inch Strand, Brandon Point, Fermoyle Beach, the Gallarus Oratory, and Glanteenassig Forest Park . If driving, make sure to pass by the Connor Pass and hike to Pedlar’s Lake.

A road trip through the Slea Head Drive is also a must with stops at Clogher Beach, Dunmore Head, Dunquin, Cashel Murphy, and Kilmalkedar.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is one of the most popular driving loops in the country and not for nothing. Featuring dramatic beaches, rugged cliffs, medieval ruins, and stunning scenery , this area is filled with hidden gems and beautiful sites.

Start in Killorgin and drive straight to the Kerry Bog Village to visit a reconstitution of a 19th-century Irish village before heading to Cahersiveen to visit some ring forts. Next, head to Valentia Island where you can see the lighthouse and some historic sites.

At the tip of the peninsula, you’ll find majestic cliffs just a short drive from the main road with a nice viewpoint. Make sure to drive the Skellig Ring from Portmagee to Waterville to not miss the cliffs.

Keep driving along the coast, stopping in Caherdaniel to visit the house of Daniel O’Connell, and ending your trip in the charming town of Kenmare .

Skellig Islands

From mid-May to September, you can visit the beautiful Skellig Michael with a boat tour from Portmagee, Ballinskelligsn, or Derryname . Make sure you reserve your spot in advance as a limited number of people are allowed daily. You can either book a tour including some time on the island, or book an eco-tour where you just circle the island and stay on the boat.

The island is first famous for having been home to monks centuries ago. In the 6th century , they built the stairs you use today to reach the top where you’ll find the famous beehive huts .

It was also made famous by the Star Wars franchise when several scenes for the sequel trilogy were shot there. The island appears in The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens .

Killarney National Park

While technically not on the coast, Killarney National Park is worth the short detour if you’re traveling along the West Coast. The park is stunning, driving around is just a feast for the eyes with plenty of jaw-dropping viewpoints.

Apart from driving around, you can go hiking through the forest and around the lakes . You’ll find several types of trails of all lengths and difficulties. Make sure to visit the iconic Muckross House and Ross Castle as well.

You can also take a boat ride on the lake or go kayaking when the weather is nice.

Beara Peninsula

One of the wildest parts of Ireland, the Beara Peninsula is known for its rugged landscape and secluded feel . It’s as interesting as the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry, minus the crowds.

Enjoy driving around, taking in the scenery, stopping by viewpoints and quaint villages . Don’t miss driving the Healy Pass Road all the way to the tip of the peninsula. From there, you can take the only cable car in the country to Dursey Island .

In Adrigole, you can go sea kayaking to see a colony of seals .

If you’re visiting during summer, you can spend some time on the beautiful Ballydonegan beach .

Sheep’s Head Peninsula

Starting in Bantry, embark on the beautiful Sheep’s Head Drive through untouched landscapes, far away from the hordes of tourists. This unspoiled part of the Wild Atlantic Way is an opportunity to explore a stunning hidden gem off the beaten path.

It’s one of the smaller loops so you can easily visit it within half a day . Count some extra time if you want to go for a hike. An easy one is the trail to Seefin Viewpoint providing views over Bantry Bay. The easy trail to Sheep’s Head Lighthouse is also a must-hike. For something more challenging, check out the Poet’s Way Loop.

You can stop at some of the few villages along the way. Durrus, Ahakista, and Kilcrohane all offer shops, pubs, and restaurants with a scenic backdrop.

If you want to go birdwatching, you can take the ferry from Bantry to Whiddy Island known for its abundant wildlife.

Last but not least, Mizen Head marks the end of Ireland’s West Coast. It’s also one of the most popular sites in West Cork offering stunning scenery and opportunities to spot marine life.

Drive all the way to the station and once there, try to spot seals , if you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins and whales . You should also cross the bridge to Cloghane Island (be prepared if you suffer from vertigo as it’s suspended 150ft above the Atlantic).

At the visitor center, you can learn more about local history and enjoy a drink and a piece of cake at the Mizen Café .

In the area, you can stop by Dunlough Fort overlooking the bay, check out some of the beaches, and stroll around a village or two.

Ireland West Coast Itinerary

An Ireland West Coast itinerary is pretty straightforward as you can just follow the coast. Depending on how much time you have, you can only focus on a part of it, do the entire route skipping some places, or visit everything.

If you have 10 days to visit the West Coast, you can just start in Sligo and make you’re way down, or vice-versa. You could do it in 7 days but you’ll be rushed – 7 days is okay if you’re not planning on hiking and just want to be doing sightseeing.

Here’s a sample Ireland West Coast itinerary featuring the highlights of the area:

• Day 1 – Drive the Connemara loop, stopping at the abbey, the national park, and Galway
• Day 2 – See the Cliffs of Moher and hike in the Burren
• Optional Day – Drive around the Dingle Peninsula and the Slead Head Drive
• Day 3 – Ring of Kerry and Skellig Michael
• Day 4 – Killarney National Park

If you have extra time, you can continue with this Southern Ireland itinerary .

West Coast of Ireland Tours

If you don’t want to drive or don’t want to bother with public transportation, a good alternative is to book a tour . I recommend booking tours via TourRadar, they carefully select the tour operators they work with, offer a wide variety of tours, and you can easily filter results based on age range, duration, size of the group… and many other filters.

While I rented a car and explored Ireland’s West Coast independently, here are a few small-group tours I’ve selected that have good reviews and include the best sights along the coast (if you try one let me know!):

• 8-Day Castles & Coast Experience – 4.7/5 stars (34 reviews)
• The 6-Day Celtic Voyage – 4.6/5 stars (65 reviews)
• 7-Day Great Atlantic Adventure – 4.8/5 stars (151 reviews)
• 3-Day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way – 4.8/5 stars (4 reviews)

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The ultimate road trip along Ireland's west coast: a three day itinerary

Thanks to the Wild Atlantic Way, more travellers than ever are discovering the jewels of the west coast of Ireland by car. Take a long weekend to tour this spectacular coastline, stopping at everything from geological marvels to decadent spas and experience the very best of Irish heritage and hospitality.

DAY 1 – CORK TO KERRY

Start your tour of Ireland by flying into Cork and making the short 25-minute drive to the town of Kinsale , the very beginning (or end) of the Wild Atlantic Way. Ireland's first long-distance driving route is renowned for its rugged coastal beauty, and you could spend weeks exploring each craggy inlet and winding country lane. This small town, which Condé Nast Traveller previously named one of Ireland's most beautiful , is overflowing with character. With houses painted in bright sherbets, ultramarine and chalky pink, it's reminiscent of the colourful Venetian island of Burano.

Spend a day wandering through the pretty boutiques and watching yachts from the harbour, or embrace one of Ireland's oldest traditions – the ancient art of distilling. Visit the Kinsale Mead Co for a modern take on the honey-based drink, or drive around 40 minutes outside the town to the Clonakilty Distillery . Founded in 2016 by the Scully family, who have farmed the land for nine generations, the distillery immerses travellers in Cork's illustrious whiskey heritage through tours and tastings of their award-winning collection. It's not just whiskey, either: they also produce vodka, gin and sloe gin with local hedgerow fruit. Pick up a bottle of your favourite and return to Kinsale for supper – the town has been hailed as one of the best dining spots in the whole of Ireland.

Unsurprisingly, given its coastal location, Kinsale is renowned for its seafood. Head to Fishy Fishy for an extensive menu of fresh oysters, local lobster and the creamiest fish pie you'll ever taste, or reserve a table at Bastion to experience Michelin-worthy dishes. The restaurant earned its first star in 2020 and has been delighting diners ever since with a tasting menu that shines a spotlight on Ireland's incredible seasonal produce.

After you've paid your compliments to the chef, it's time to head to your lodgings for the night. An hour and 45 minutes through the charming Irish countryside will bring you to Kenmare on the Kerry coastline, where you have the choice of two indulgent places to stay. On one side of the bay, you'll find Sheen Falls Lodge , a grand five-star escape set in 300 acres of jaw-dropping scenery. Opt for one of their decadent suites, or cosy up in a traditional thatched cottage on the grounds. On the opposite side of the water is the spectacular Park Hotel Kenmare , which dates back to 1897. It’s an idyllic spot for sipping Champagne in front of a roaring log fire or to gaze at the water as the sun sets out to sea.

DAY 2 - KERRY TO LIMERICK

No matter which Kenmare hotel you've chosen, you're sure to wake up bright and well-rested for your second day of exploring the west coast. Ireland is rightly celebrated for its stunning scenery, and just an hour’s drive will transport you to a world of dramatic peaks, lakes and dense woods of oak and yew. Killarney National Park is home to McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland, and a chain of three lakes. Spend the morning hiking or walking, keeping an eye out for native red deer as you go, or take to the lakes for a kayaking adventure.

In the afternoon, soak up the park's heritage at Muckross House . The 19th-century mansion is surrounded by manicured grounds and inspirational gardens; visitors can enjoy freshly made soups, scones and sandwiches in the Garden Restaurant conservatory.

Half an hour further north is a different kind of retreat. Aghadoe Heights Hotel and Spa , on the edge of the national park with impressive views over Lough Leane, is one of Ireland's premier spa resorts and the perfect place to unwind. The spa draws inspiration from the Irish landscape in both its slate interiors and its treatments, which use exclusive VOYA Organics products, made of seaweed harvested from Ireland’s pristine ocean waters. From facials to massages to intense relaxation sessions in the thermal suites, you'll leave rejuvenated and ready to continue your journey to your final destination of the day.

Adare Manor in Limerick is astonishing – its splendid architecture and grounds coupled with sublime hospitality have led to this glamorous locale being named best resort in the world in Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2022. Suites are elegance personified, activities such as falconry, archery and horse riding can be enjoyed, and in Michelin-starred restaurant The Oak Room, Ireland's bounty of seasonal food is celebrated amid glowing candlelight. .

DAY 3 - LIMERICK TO GALWAY

On your final day exploring the west coast of Ireland, you'll be immersed in incredible scenery from Limerick to Galway, travelling through Clare and along the coastline.

The Burren is one of the world's most striking geological sights; a rugged landscape of buckling limestone that’s almost lunar-like in its harshness. Driving through the rocky terrain is awe-inspiring. Despite its remoteness, there's still plenty going on here – you'll even find the Wild Honey Inn, a pub with rooms and a Michelin star, in the centre of the national park.

Afterwards, head west towards the coast and another one of Ireland's most famed sites. Together with the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher have been recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, with their steep drop and breathtaking walks drawing almost a million visitors each year. The landscape is scattered with sea caves and sea stacks rising from the waves, and it's a prime spot for bird watching – keep an eye out for razorbills and even Atlantic puffins on the more secluded areas of the cliffs. Those with particularly keen eyesight might catch glimpses of dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks.

Travelling up towards Galway, you can make a mini detour to take in the neolithic burial ground of Poulnabrone Dolmen, the 330-million-year-old warrens of Aillwee Cave, or the ruins of 16th-century tower house Dunguaire Castle .

In Galway, more high-end dining awaits. Visit Aniar , where dishes draw heavily from the west coast and surrounding areas of Galway. Here, dishes such as kelp and sea radishes, lamb and artichoke and beef with arrowgrass have earned it a Michelin star. Or try bohemian Kai , an eclectic spot with a focus on sustainability – produce is local and organic, menus are short and seasonal, and its dedication to zero waste and recycling mean that it's been honoured with a Bib Gourmand as well as a Michelin Green Star.

Finish your journey with a final hour-long drive to Ashford Castle . On the very northernmost tip of Lough Carrib, a stay in this remarkable 800-year-old building will make any traveller feel like royalty. With sumptuous suites and dreamy estate gardens to explore, it's the perfect place to end your tour of the west coast.

Find out more here  

West Coast of Ireland: Ultimate Travel Guide 2024

The West Coast of Ireland is a breathtakingly beautiful stretch of land that stretches from Donegal in the north all the way down to Cork in the south.

It is a rugged and wild landscape, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the coastline with great force, creating dramatic cliffs, sweeping bays, and secluded beaches.

The west coast of Ireland is a place where the beauty of nature is inescapable, where the variable weather conditions provide an incredible spectrum of ever-changing light.

It is a place of nature and tradition, where the people are warm and welcoming, and where in many places, the Irish language and culture still thrive today.

As a person who grew up in the west of Ireland, I’m thrilled to present you with an overview of the West Coast of Ireland, including where to visit, how to get around and where we believe are the best bases for exploring this magical area.

West Coast of Ireland Maps

Where exactly is the west coast of ireland.

Below, you will see a general outline of the west coast of Ireland, starting in the north of the country in the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal .

Then it follows along the intricate bays and inlets of the county of Donegal to Sligo and then westwards along the county of Mayo . South of Mayo is County Galway .

Moving further south, the west coast continues to the County of Clare , followed by Kerry in the southwest, while the last section we see taking in the southwest coast of County Cork .

Map of main towns along the West Coast of Ireland

The above graphic shows the island of Ireland, with the main towns along the west coast of Ireland. The towns of Wesport , Galway, Dingle and Killarney are the most visited and offer a fantastic base for exploring the nearby beautiful areas.

Sligo and Donegal are also popular coastal towns with Sligo being one of the larger towns along the west coast.

How to get to the West Coast of Ireland

• Ireland West Airport, Knock is located in County Mayo and although is quite a small airport, it serves many airports in the UK, some in Europe and as of 2023, there are connections to the USA over London Heathrow. All destinations you’ll find here.
• Shannon Airport is located in County Clare, in close proximity to many well-known attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and Galway.

It services many European and UK destinations and also has direct flights to the USA. A relatively small airport, which offers a lot more comfort than the busier Dublin Airport.

• Dublin Airport is Ireland’s largest and has connections to a huge variety of places worldwide. Most tourists who arrive in Ireland will arrive through Dublin.

From Dublin to Westport is a driving time of approximately 3 hours, due to a new bypass road at Castlebar, which has sped up the trip by about 15 minutes.

From Dublin to Killarney, it’s about 4 hours and to areas in the northwest of Ireland, around the same driving time.

• Cork Airport is located in the south of the country and also services many European and UK destinations, but does not fly directly to the USA. For those wishing to base yourselves mainly in the south west, Cork and Shannon would be ideal options.
• Kerry Airport is one of the smallest on our list and services Manchester and London, as well as a few European destinations. There are also flights from Dublin to Kerry.
• Donegal Airport, certainly the smallest and most scenic on our list, services Dublin twice a day, and offers some good connections to UK and European airports.

There are train stations in the towns of Killarney, Tralee, Galway, Westport, Ballina and Sligo, all of which connect to the main train stations in Dublin.

It is highly recommended to book ticket in advance as it is cheaper and you are guaranteed a seat.  Early morning and early evening trains can get busy and you may end up standing for the duration of your trip.

Click here for details.

One of the best options to get around Ireland without a car is by bus. The main bus operator in Ireland is Bus Eireann. 

Bus Eireann has an extensive network of routes throughout Ireland, more so than the train network, and are generally speaking, cheaper.

The go-to website for checking timetables, planning your journey and booking tickets is  www.buseireann.ie

Other bus carriers which operate between the main towns and cities are Citylink and GoBus. Sometimes their rates work out cheaper than Bus Eireann, so worth looking into before your trip. Click here for details.

Renting a car in Ireland is an incredible way to explore all the fine landscapes, towns, castles and historical sites. But, it has become quite expensive of late to rent in Ireland. Why not combine renting a car with using public transport?

This link shows you all places in Ireland where you can rent a car.

We recommend using Rentalcars , as we have done in the past. They are similar to ‘Skyscanner’, and will scan thousands of rates to get the best deal, also on insurance. Have a look below to see what’s on offer:

Towns/Cities on the West Coast of Ireland

Westport, located in County Mayo, offers a taste of everything that is great about the West of Ireland, including colourful streets, mighty pubs and delicious restaurants. Nearby, you’ll find some beautifully scenic beaches, such as Bertra and Old Head .

If a more active holiday is your preference, why not tackle the mighty Croagh Patrick , located just outside the town. The mountain offers a great challenge and arguably Ireland’s greatest views over the uniquely beautiful Clew Bay.

Then, there’s The Greenway , Ireland’s longest designated bike lane. This follows through some breathtaking coastal scenery, passing through the villages and Newport and Mulranny on the way to Achill Island.

From Westport, you can venture on some epic road trips that will leave some long-lasting memories. The island of Achill is less than an hour away and this, we feel is a must-see for anyone who visits the country. From the highest cliffs of Croaghaun , to one of the world’s great beaches, Achill offers so much.

Sligo of late has become a busy town for tourists also and also has its fair share of great places to stay, pupbs and restaurants.

It also offers some excellent nearby outdoor activities such as surfing and hill walking, with the stunning nearby ‘Table Mountain of Ireland’, Ben Bulben , providing a spectacular backdrop to the town.

Sligo is located in a very underrated little pocket of Ireland, with mountain scenery which is truly unique and offers some great walking. The nearby county of Leitrim, with its lakes and hills, has long been a county known for great walking, with stunning Glencar, and the Gleniff Horseshoe springing to mind.

Near to Sligo town, you may have heard of the surfing town of Strandhill, a household name in the surfing world. Let’s not forget Easkey and Enniscrone, the former known worldwide for its ‘barrels’; the wave all surfers dream about!

For the extremists out there, you may have heard of the ‘Mullaghmore wave’. In fact this wave is so iconic, it’s not uncommon for surfers in Hawaii to just drop everything and fly to Ireland just to catch it!

Donegal town and county are often overlooked as a tourism destination, and this is a big mistake.

The county boasts some of the best beaches and coastal scenery anywhere to be found in Ireland and for those who appreciate the Great Outdoors and vast, open landscapes, visiting this county should be high on your agenda.

The town itself is quite small, with Donegal castle being the main attraction. Donegal is a good base to explore the cliffs of Slieve League (601 metres) and during the summer months, there’ll be good life around the town, with many pubs offering some traditional Irish music.

Many would argue that the county of Donegal, with its beautiful beaches, enormous cliffs and offshore islands is Ireland at its very best, and it would be hard to disagree.

The largest settlement along the west coast of Ireland, Galway is a very popular vibrant and picturesque city. It is known for its scenic location, rich history, and lively cultural scene. The city is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the Connemara Mountains , Wild Atlantic Way , the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

Galway’s bustling streets are lined with colourful buildings, quaint cafes, and traditional pubs where you can enjoy live music and warm hospitality. The city is home to several historic landmarks, including the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral, and the 16th-century Lynch’s Castle.

Galway also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Galway Arts Festival and the Galway Races, which attract visitors from all over the world. Overall, Galway City is a must-see destination.

It gets very busy in the summer months and the streets come alive with buskers and various other street performers. This, coupled with the fact that you are near some of Ireland’s true landscape highlights, makes it an ideal destination.

Killarney is a picturesque town located in County Kerry, Ireland. Nestled in the heart of Killarney National Park, it is surrounded by stunning natural beauty and offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure.

The town itself is a great mix of traditional Irish architecture and modern amenities, with colourful buildings lining the streets and a bustling town centre filled with shops, restaurants, and pubs.

Visitors can explore the nearby lakes and mountains, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park, or visit historic landmarks such as Muckross House and Ross Castle.

Killarney is also a popular destination for music festivals, with traditional Irish music and dance performances held throughout the year.

With its stunning scenery and lively atmosphere, Killarney also is very popular in the summer months and is the traditional starting point of the iconic ‘Ring of Kerry’, a 180 km road through some phenomenal coastal and mountain scenery.

Dingle is a beautiful, small coastal town located also in County Kerry. Nestled between rolling hills and the Atlantic Ocean, Dingle boasts great scenery, with rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and some of that iconic emerald green countryside we are all so familiar with.

The town itself is a charming and colourful hub of activity, with quaint shops, traditional pubs, and cosy cafes lining its narrow streets. Dingle is also renowned for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, with ancient archaeological sites and Irish-speaking communities still thriving in the area.

Take a stroll along the picturesque harbour, watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, or drive along one of our favourite roads to Slea Head , which offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and the Blasket Islands.

Nearby, you’ll also find some beautiful beaches, such as Inch Strand, Ventry or Coumeenole.

Although a popular summer destination, Dingle has never lost its charm. In a similar vein to some of the smaller towns we have mentioned, such as Westport or Donegal, Dingle offers a little bit of everything, from fantastic food and lovely quaint pubs, to breathtaking nearby scenery.

West Coast of Ireland Weather/Climate

The weather/climate along the west coast of Ireland can be described as changeable, with no extremes in temperature.

The prevailing winds are westerly or south-westerly, and therefore are laden with moisture, which of course only means one thing: rain!

It rains quite often on the west coast of Ireland, more so than the east, but snow is rare. Expect to see a sprinking of snow on high ground if you decide to visit in the winter months .

For example, Finner Camp, located in Donegal receives an average of 130 mm of rain in January and its driest month is June with 72.3 mm (source: met.ie)

Valentia Island, located in the southwest in County Kerry receives 170 mm of rain in January, and its driest month is May, with 93.5 mm of rain. (source: met.ie)

Although the weather is quite changeable, there are no extremes in temperature and that’s due to the Gulf Stream, which acts almost like a thermostat, regulating the temperature and keeping it frequently within the range of 7 to 20 degrees (45 – 68 Fahrenheit)

But there can be spells of beautiful warm weather too! In summer it is very common to go above the 20 degree mark, but 30 degrees I’m afraid is very, very rare.

When the warm, settled weather does come, the whole west coast almost seems like a HD movie, with the sea glistening in blue and the beaches almost looking tropical.

Based on weather data and my own experience of actually living there, the most settled weather is generally speaking May and June, along with the month of September (as we like to call it, ‘the back to school weather’)

Click on to the next page to continue reading about the best places to visit on the west coast.

Best places to visit on the West Coast of Ireland

There is a huge amount of sights and regions to explore along the west coast of Ireland and it is almost impossible to mention every one. The list we are about to show you will try to encompass everything that is magic and unique about this part of the world.

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are a true natural wonder located on the western coast of Clare, towering 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and stretching for over 8kms. With their dramatic sheer drop and breathtaking views, the cliffs are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction.

The cliffs are located near to the Burren National Park , a unique limestone region famous for its diverse flora, fascinating caves and almost lunar appearance.

Achill Island

Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island, is a rugged and beautiful island located off the west coast of County Mayo. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, highest cliffs , sandy beaches , and crystal-clear waters.

Despite its remote location, the island offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, fishing, and cycling. Achill also was also chosen as one of the prime filming locations of The Banshees of Inisherin.

It also has a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites and traditional Irish music still thriving in the area. We feel, a must-visit to anyone visiting the country.

Slieve League Cliffs

Slieve League is another natural wonder of Ireland, famous for its towering sea cliffs that rise over 600 metres above the Atlantic Ocean. Expect incredible views and a dizzying cliff walk that will leave you amazed at the sheer scale of the landscape.

A breathtaking natural attraction located in a county full of wonderful scenery: County Donegal.

The Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are a group of three rugged, windswept islands located off the west coast of Galway.

Known for their stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, the islands offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Irish life, with centuries-old stone walls, thatched cottages, and ancient ruins dotting the landscape.

The Aran Islands are also famous for their unique language and culture, with many residents speaking Irish as their first language. Visitors can explore the islands on foot or by bike, taking in views of the wild Atlantic coastline, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches.

Our favourite is the smallest island of Inisheer, a delightful island that can be covered in a few hours by bike. Expect a myriad of stone walls and incredible vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and the Cliffs of Moher.

One of my favourite (if not my favourite) region along the west coast of Ireland.

Connemara is a rugged and scenic region in the west of County Galway, known for its incredibly varied landscapes, from the mountains of the 12 Bens to the exceptional, almost tropical in appearance beaches, this region has it all.

Pay a visit to Connemara National Park and take on the Diamond Hill trail. Here you’ll witness true west of Ireland magic, with Connemara ponies grazing away and panoramic views as far as the eye can see to the 12 Bens mountains and the Atlantic Ocean beyond.

Don’t forget to take in the nearby Kylemore Abbey, a stunning castle nestled on some magical lake and mountain scenery.

We have the wonderful region of Connemara covered in detail here .

Slea Head is a scenic coastal drive located on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, offering exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged cliffs, and the Blasket Islands.

Like Connemara, Slea Head is also a ‘Gaeltacht’ region, where the main language in use is Irish. The region is known worldwide for its high density of prehistoric sites, testament to the incredibly rich history and culture in the area.

The Ring of Kerry

Perhaps one of Ireland’s most known tourist attractions, the Ring of Kerry has been bringing tourists to Kerry for many’s a day, and for good reason too.

In no way overrated, this 180 km circular driving route starts traditionally in Killarney. The road passes some magnificent scenery. Expect practically every landscape feature you can imagine, from beaches to bays, mountain valleys to lakes.

• Skellig Michael

Skellig Michael is a small, rocky island located off the coast of Ireland, known for its ancient monastic settlement and stunning natural beauty. It is also a designated UNESCO heritage site.

Reaching over 200 metres in height, a trip to this island is an absolute must, be be warned, you’ll have to book in advance and the trip is weather dependent! Truly one of Ireland’s landscape and historical highlights.

Clew Bay/Croagh Patrick

Clew Bay is a uniquely picturesque bay located on the west coast of Ireland, in County Mayo. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with 100s of islands scattered throughout the bay and a backdrop of rolling hills and Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick , Ireland’s holy mountain, overlooks Clew Bay and is Ireland’s most climbed mountain. It’s a steep climb but the reward at the summit will leave you in awe.

The mountain is famous for its association with Saint Patrick, who is said to have fasted and prayed on its summit for forty days. We have a detailed guide to Croagh Patrick here.

Sometimes overlooked due to its close proximity to the very popular county of Kerry, West Cork offers some phenomenal coastal scenery. This part of Ireland is known for its fertile green pastures and coupled with the drama of the Atlantic, makes for a very special region on the west coast of Ireland.

Here, you will find Ireland’s most southerly point, Mizen Head. Irish tradition and language is strong here with the towns of Bantry, Clonakilty and co. offering a brilliant base and a true west of Ireland experience.

The Donegal Coast

The coast of Donegal, with its fine beaches, soaring cliffs, beautiful bays and headlands must be one of Ireland’s true hidden gems.

In no way less beautiful than the far more popular destinations of Kerry or Galway, a trip to the beaches west of Glenties or Gweedore, or indeed the Bluestack or Derryveagh mountains, will leave impressions for a lifetime.

Culture is strong up here too, with the Irish language being heard daily (although with a very strong dialect!) and the county is known for producing some of Ireland’s most well-known musicians, with Enya and Clannad springing to mind.

One of Ireland’s true hidden gems?

A West of Ireland Roadtrip: The Wild Atlantic Way

After reading a sample of some of the best places to visit along the West Coast of Ireland, are you starting to feel a little overwhelmed about where to visit?!

Why not take the whole lot in and go on the road trip of a lifetime?

The Wild Atlantic Way is a beautiful and rugged coastal driving route that spans over 2,500 km. It starts on the northern tip of Donegal and ends in County Cork.

Along the way, you’ll get to experience all the highlights mentioned above, and so many more landscapes, towns and sights that are impossible to fit into one single article.

You’ll also experience the rich cultural heritage of Ireland’s west coast, from traditional music and dance to ancient archaeological sites and Irish-speaking communities.

Due to the sheer scale of this journey, we would recommend taking at least 2 weeks to take it all in, but these 2 weeks will leave memories and impressions you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

Islands off the West Coast of Ireland

As cultrally rich as the western shores of Ireland are, taking a trip to one of the offshore islands offers even further immersion into the old Irish way of life.

Starting from the county of Donegal and working our way south, here is a list of islands you can visit by boat or car (via bridge)

• Inishmurray
• Inishbiggle
• Abbey Island (reachable by foot)

Many of the above islands feel like their are stuck in their own time zone, adhering to a different pace of life we may all be used to. You’ll hear Irish still spoken and the old traditions still being carried out.

A day (or longer) on an offshore Irish island is a must on your visit to the west coast of Ireland.

We have the best of these islands covered in detail here.

Best Beaches on the West Coast of Ireland

In all honesty, I could go on all day listing the best beaches along the west coast of Ireland, but here are a few of our very favourites:

Inchydoney Beach

Located near Clonakilty, County Cork, Inchydoney Beach is a long and sandy beach that is perfect for swimming and surfing. On a fine summer’s day, you’ll be amazed with the almost turquoise waters in contrast to the beautiful surrounding green hills and pastures.

Lahinch Beach

Lahinch Beach is situated in County Clare and is a well-known spot for surfing. This beach has great waves for beginner and experienced surfers alike.

Keem Beach is situated on Achill Island, County Mayo, and is known for its crystal-clear water and white sand. It is surrounded by enormous cliffs and offers unrivalled marine life, such as basking sharks and dolphins.

We have a full guide to Keem here.

Located once again on amazing Achill Island, this long sandy beach is located under some enormous cliffs, and offers fantastic panoramic views of the Atlantic, as well as being a mecca for watersports enthusiasts.

We have a full guide to Keel here.

Silver Strand (Mayo)

Silver Strand is located in south County Mayo, at the mouth of Ireland’s only fjord, Killary. In a very remote location, this beach is wide and expansive, beautifully nestled under Connacht’s highest peak, Mweelrea.

Have a look at our 15 best beaches in Mayo here.

Coumeenoole Beach

Located on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Coumeenoole Beach is a wild storm beach that offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. The beach is not ideal for swimming, but it’s perfect for taking in the surrounding views of Slea Head.

Barleycove Beach

Barleycove Beach is located in County Cork and is a popular spot for families. The beach is wide and sandy, and it offers plenty of space for kids to play. The water is shallow, making it safe for swimming.

Dogs Bay/Gurteen Beaches

Dogs Bay Beach is a stunning horseshoe-shaped beach located in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. This beach is known for its incredibly white sand and its nearby sister beach, Gurteen, which is equally as impressive.

Glassilaun Beach

Located in spectacular Connemara, this beautiful stretch of sand is a feast for the eyes. Its white sand and surrounding greenery epitomises everything that is wonderful about the west coast of Ireland.

We have a full guide to Glassilaun here.

Rossbeigh Beach

Rossbeigh Beach is located in County Kerry and is a long and wide sandy beach that is perfect for long walks. The beach offers spectacular views of the Dingle Peninsula, the surrounding mountains and is a great spot for swimming and surfing.

Silver Strand (Donegal)

Silver Strand is a beautiful, secluded beach located in Malin Beg, a small village on the west coast of County Donegal. It is a magnificent horseshoe shaped beach backed by magnificent cliffs.

Kinnagoe Strand

Kinnagoe Strand is a secluded beach also located in Donegal on the Inishowen Peninsula. It is known for its breathtaking surrounding scenery as well as being a very popular surfing spot.

Strandhill Beach

Strandhill is located in the county of Sligo and is world-renowned as one of the best surfing beaches. A long, wide beach, it’s also ideal for a good, brisk walk to get that pure west of Ireland air into the lungs.

Where to Stay on the West Coast of Ireland

The 6 towns detailed previously provide a great variety of places to stay. Below, we have our choice of the 3 best hotels in each location, from budget to luxury:

We have a very detailed guide to the best hotels in Westport, from budget to luxury. Click here for more details. Off the bat, here are our favourite 3:

The Mariner $

Westport Plaza $$

Knockranny House $$$

With a population of around 20,000 Sligo is one of the larger towns along the west coast of Ireland.

An ideal stopover if travelling north to Donegal, or as a base for exploring the local area. Nearby, you’ll find some excellent hiking, walking and watersports.

Here, our top 3 hotels:

The Riverside $

The Glasshouse $$

Markree Castle $$$

A small town located in the south of the county of Donegal, the town is lively in the summer months, with plenty of the well-renowned traditional Irish music to be heard in the local pubs.

A great town for exploring the majestic coastline and mountains of the county. Here, our top accommodation picks:

The Gateway Lodge $

Mill Park Hotel $$

Harvey’s Point $$$

The City of the Tribes, Galway is a busy, bustling place in summer so expect prices to be a little higher than other smaller towns.

An incredible base for exploring some of Ireland’s best known landscapes, such as Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. Here, our picks of the best places to stay:

The Menlo Park $

The Salthill Hotel $$

The g Hotel $$$

Perhaps the tourism hub of Ireland, there certainly is no shortage of places to stay. A beautiful town to spend your holiday in, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, drives, hikes and tons more.

Here, our choice of the best places to stay:

Foley’s Townhouse $

The Lake Hotel $$

Killarney Park $$$

An incredibly charming coastal town, with an vast array of things to explore nearby. Known for some excellent b&bs, along with some of the best pubs you’ll find in Ireland.

Dingle Harbour $

An Capall Dubh $$

Dingle Garden Townhouse $$$

West Coast of Ireland Tours

Many believe that the best way to explore Ireland is by renting a car. There’s a lot of truth in that. You’ll get to explore at your own pace, and go to some of the off-the beaten-track locations, which is what travelling to Ireland is all about.

But what if, for whatever reason, you may not be willing to travel Ireland by car. the good news is that in recent times, day trips i.e. bus tours, have become quite popular. It’s even possible to visit the Cliffs of Moher from Dublin in one day!

Below, you’ll see a link to all possible bus tours in Ireland. If there is a single one I would pick from the list, it would be the Cliffs of Moher cruise and trip to the Aran Islands …an incredible insight into all that is magical about the West of Ireland.

Click here to find your favourite tour.

Map of West of Ireland Highlights

Final Thoughts

The West Coast of Ireland is a feast for the eyes, along with being culturally and historically fascinating. We hope you are left with some great impressions and that one day you’ll get to experience this beautiful part of the world some day.

We would welcome any questions or queries you may have, so if you are wondering about what routes to take on your road trip or need any other advice, please leave a comment below. We’d be delighted to help!

What is the most beautiful place along the west coast of Ireland?

There is such a selection of incredible landscapes to discover from the north of Donegal all the way down to West Cork. We recommend driving the Wild Atlantic Way to take it all in.

You won’t be disappointed wherever you go. Some of the landscapes you can’t miss are the Slieve League cliffs, Achill Island, Connemara, Cliffs of Moher, Slea Head, Ring of Kerry and offshore islands such as the Aran Islands.

Where should I stay on the West Coast of Ireland?

We reckon the towns of Westport, Killarney, Dingle, Galway and Sligo are great lively towns with lots of accommodation on offer and within close proximity to many beautiful landscapes.

How long is the West Coast of Ireland?

The Wild Atlantic Way is the world’s longest defined coastal road and stretches the whole length of the west coast, covering a length of 2,500 km.

Is it always rainy and windy on the West Coast of Ireland?

Not always, but it does get its fair share of wind and rain, especially in the winter months. The weather can be described as changeable, with showers frequent and no extremes in temperature.

2 thoughts on “West Coast of Ireland: Ultimate Travel Guide 2024”

Great article! Has me all geerd up to take a couple weeks of leisure in this so magical of country. thank you dearly for your input! Cheers Roy

Delighted you enjoyed the article Roy! It sure is a magical patch of Planet Earth! Cheers, Niall

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West Ireland Visitor's Guide

Ireland's rugged west coast, splintered by the Atlantic's tireless persistence, is peppered with peninsulas, ports and tiny islands. Home to the famous Wild Atlantic Way route, this region is bejewelled by a wealth of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors to the West of Ireland will marvel at its natural beauty and will cherish its memories as fondly as they do the friendliness of the locals.

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Top Attractions in West Ireland

The top attractions of the west of Ireland centre around the epic landscape and rugged terrain it is famous for. Gigantic cliffs, endless Mars-like landscapes, ancient monastic cities, modern new-age cities and what is known as Ireland's most romantic buildings all await visitors to the west of Ireland.

1 The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular and frequently most-hyped attractions on any of our Ireland tours , and the views will not disappoint. Rising to a height of 702ft (214m) high and 9 miles (14km) long, these sheer vertical cliffs hold a steady, undulating line against the tireless advance of the Atlantic below. A better view of the sea and setting sun on any Ireland tour you will not find.

Another thing you will not find is the visitor centre; at least, until you get close, you won't find it. Designed very cleverly to blend into the local landscape, this extensive attraction is all but invisible as you approach the cliffs themselves. Inside, it is large, modern and informative.

You can also climb the O'Brien's Tower, a 19th century lookout tower with a viewing platform. Please note that entrance to the tower is limited each day. To get different perspective of the Cliffs and maybe even the best views in good weather conditions, you can visit the Cliffs by boat.

Insider Tips

To get the most out of this incredible experience, wrap up warm and allow enough time for a good walk about on the clifftops. Turn right and head toward O'Brien's Tower, then continue along the Burren Way footpath for one mile to reach the Viewing Point. From here, you will get some of the best angles for your photographs, but be warned that you will have competition from many other happy snappers.

Practical information

Information leaflets and site map are available in 14 languages in the visitor centre. If you would like to have a picnic at the Cliffs of Moher, then you can pre-order a picnic box by emailing the Café manager.

OPENING HOURS

Opening hours in November to January are 09:00 to 17:00.

Opening hours in March, April, September and October are 08:00 to 19:00.

Opening hours in May to August are 08:00 to 21:00.

Admission fee

Your admission ticket covers all attraction, such as the visitor Centre and O'Brien's Tower. Prices are cheaper if you book them online for off peak hours. You can find all the prices on their website .

2 Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is not only one of Ireland's most attractive buildings, since 1920, it has also been home to the Sisters of the Benedictine Order in Ireland. Even today, Kylemore continues to operate as a working Abbey: here, the sisters live, work and pray, as well as welcoming visitors from across the globe.

Among Kylemore's many notable attractions are the unmistakable Victorian Walled Gardens, restored in 2000 and now open to the public. As a heritage garden, this beautiful space only uses Victorian gardening methods. Only seeds and strains from the 1800s are ever planted here.

The building of Kylemore Castle was inspired by Margaret Henry, to whom the Gothic Church still stands in tribute, serenely secluded in Kylemore's woods. It was Margaret's husband Mitchell Henry who produced, from little more than desolate bog land, the beautiful attraction we now know as Kylemore Abbey. Following Margaret's death in 1874, Henry returned to Kylemore to live, and he remained here until his passing in 1903.

If time, mobility and weather allow, skip the shuttle bus to the garden and make your way on foot. There is so much to see along the way, you will be glad you did.

A new visitor experience, "From generation to generation", opened in 2019. This self-guided tour will lead you through the ground-floor rooms of the abbey and tell the stories of the generations that have wandered Kylemore Abbey's rooms. If you are planning on exploring one of the trails or walks, then we recommend that you bring good footwear.

Opening hours

All details regarding opening times can be found on their website .

The admission fee includes entry to the ground-floor rooms, the victorian walled gardens and the shuttle bus, the Neo-gothic church and guided garden tours in June, July and August. Entry tickets cost 15 euro for adults and children under 16 go free.

3 Galway City

Galway, City of the Tribes, is one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations, known for its charming cobbled streets, its friendly residents, and its pervasive sense of history. The city sits on the location where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. The main hub of activity in the city is the 18th century Eyre Square, here you can find numerous shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. Visitors to Galway City are drawn to the brightly-painted pubs, teeming with activity and traditional Irish folk music; the legendary street performers, enchanting the crowds; and the countless festivals which take place in Galway every year.

In recent years, Galway City has become the cultural hub of Ireland, the city attracts people who share an artistic outlook and a more Bohemian way of life. For those interested in all things art, Galway City is definitely not to be missed on your tour of Ireland. The Galway city museum covers three floors with the archaeological, political, cultural and social history of the City and is free to visit.

A favourite pastime among the locals is to walk the Salthill prom, A 2km-long promenade running along the sea. The tradition among the locals is 'kicking the wall' at the end, across from the diving boards, before making your way back into the City.

If you're looking for the best way to see the City of Tribes on foot, check out our Galway City Walking Tour page .

If you're visiting on a Saturday or a bank holiday, head to Church Lane by St Nicholas' Church in the centre of the city. Here you will find the local farmers' market, loved by locals and visitors alike for its vibrant atmosphere and its alluring mix of crafts and foodie treats.

Westport is a charming town in County Mayo. Located about 1hr 30 mins from Galway, this remote area of Ireland retains all of its rugged beauty. There's plenty to see and do around Westport including the Great Western Greenway, Achill Island, Clare Island, Clew Bay with its 365 Islands, Westport House and Croagh Patrick.

If you have a car with you, be aware that you will need to purchase a parking disc from any of the local shops. The first hour is free of charge.

Our own Visit

We headed to Westport ourselves for a fun few days of activities and adventure. Click here to find out about our Weekend in Westport

5 Clonmacnoise

Perched on the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is perhaps the foremost of Ireland's many monastic cities. For those interested in early Christianity, it is a must-see destination. Enclosed within the ancient city walls are various ecclesiastical ruins including a cathedral, seven ancient churches, three high crosses, round towers and the largest collection of Early Christian grave slabs in Western Europe - all remarkably well-preserved and fascinating to anyone, not just those with a special interest in Ireland's religious history.

The cathedral is perhaps the most logical starting point after the museum. Built in 909AD, it has been significantly altered over the years. The 15th Century Gothic doorway with carvings of St Francis is worth a few minutes of closer scrutiny.

Clonmacnoise's small churches are known as temples; a derivation from the Gaelic teampall . Each has its own distinctive character, and states of preservation vary significantly. Giving each of these sites the attention they deserve, not to mention the many sites outside the city walls, will not be easy for those bringing young families. But, for grown-ups interested in history, Clonmacnoise is a fascinating and vivid realisation of Ireland's past.

Head for the museum first, an interactive multimedia experience housed in three conical huts designed to mirror the early dwellings of the region.

You can also travel down to Clonmacnoise by boat from Athlone. Viking tours run boat journeys to Clonmacnoise and bus transfers back to Athlone.

The average duration of a visit to Clonmacnoise is around an hour and a half. Guided tours in different languages are available. The audiovisual presentation in the museum lasts 20 minutes and provides important context for the rest of your time in Clonmacnoise. The museum also houses the largest collection of early Christian grave slabs in Europe and the original high crosses.

Open from 9:00 to 18:30 from June to August, from 10:00 to 18:00 in mid-March to May, September & October and from 10:00 to 17:30 in November to mid-March.

An entry ticket costs €8 for an adult and €4 for a child.

6 Flaggy Shore

Found in one of the most northerly parts of County Clare, Flaggy Shore is a geologist's dream. Made up of mainly grey limestone there are also the remnants of glacial rock from the last ice age, over 12,000 years ago, in the form of granite and limestone. Fossils of creatures from over 330 million years ago have also been found in the limestone. For us non-geologists of the world, Flaggy Shore is also just a simply beautiful sight.

Be advised that perhaps the biggest attraction of Flaggy Shore could also be seen by some as its biggest downside. Namely, there is nothing there but nature and peaceful solitude. Bring everything you need to this very isolated spot.

7 Kilmacduagh Monastery

Kilmacduagh Monastery is located just outside the town of Gort in south west County Galway. Today only the ruins remain. Saint Colman is said to have founded the monastery in the 7th century. Legend has it that as Saint Colman was walking through the woods of the Burren when the belt from his robe fell to the ground. Saint Colman took this as a sign that this was to be the location of his monastery.

It was also said that in the village of Kilmacduagh, no man will die from lightning. This myth was tested when a man was struck by lightning and send over a ditch, into the neighbouring County Clare, where he was declared dead. It is not known if he died when he was stuck or after he crossed the border, so the myth lives on.

An ideal detour en route to the Cliffs of Moher. Just an hour's drive will take you from this most peaceful retreat to the much busier tourist hotspot to the West.

There is plenty of space to park your car. As Kilmaccduagh is an open site, you ar free to roam the site without having to pay an admission fee. However the buildings might be locked. For a small deposit, you can get a key from the house across the street.

Another of Ireland's best kept secret beaches, found on the western shores of Achill Island in County Mayo. Framed by such an enchanted landscape, many visitors will find the journey here just as rewarding as the day out itself. A truly stunning location.

Achill's most remote blue flag beach is a great place for water sports and you will find surfing schools in area. At the right time of the year, you might even spot some dolphins or a basking shark from the beach. See our page on Irish Islands for more hidden treasures like this one.

Visitors are advised only to swim if there is a lifeguard as there is a very strong riptide. Even then, it would be best to swim with a partner and at a depth that you are comfortable with.

9 Downpatrick Head

Located just north of the village of Ballycastle in County Mayo, Downpatrick Head is a heritage site that gives visitors a unique view of the Atlantic Ocean. The Dún Briste sea stack lies close by, which looks like a chunk of Downpatrick Head that has been cut away from the mainland. Also found on Downpatrick Head are the ruins of a church founded by Ireland's patron saint Patrick, a holy well, a stone circle and nesting sea birds.

Photographers will remember this visit forever, but watch your step and follow the signage on these treacherously high cliffs.

10 Bluebell Woods

Dereen Woods, also known as Bluebell Woods, is located outside the town of Boyle in County Roscommon. A magical setting throughout the year, the woods become even more special during the spring when they are carpeted with Bluebells. On a clear spring morning, Bluebell Wood is one of the most unique sights in Ireland.

Visit mid-April to late May to get the full effect of the bluebells in bloom. Be advised that there is limited parking, especially during this more popular time.

11 The Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch arguably stands out more because of the vibrant atmosphere which pervades the surrounding area, particularly in summer when visitors and locals mingle together, eating out in the sun and enjoying the buskers and street performers. The arch itself is thought to be part of the original medieval city walls.

This is a great spot to sit and eat outdoors. But keep an eye on your lunch: there are many seagulls here and they'll be very grateful if you leave a tasty snack unguarded.

Cong is a village on the border of counties Mayo and Galway, with a population of just 145 people. It is best known as being the location for the John Ford directed, John Wayne starring film The Quiet Man. The film remains one of the few Hollywood productions where the Irish language can be heard. Filming started in Cong in the summer of 1951 and employed numerous actors from the Irish Theatre, as well as extras from the surrounding countryside. Every outdoor scene in the film was shot in County Galway and County Mayo. While the majority of the film was shot in the village of Cong, it is set in the fictional village of Innisfree.

Another notable aspect of the village is that it was home to Sir William Wilde, the father of — arguably — Ireland's most famous writer Oscar Wilde. Today, as well as visiting The Quiet Man museum, the most popular destinations of Cong include Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle .

For a truly luxurious experience, you might consider an overnight stay in nearby Ashford Castle - arguably Ireland's most opulent castle hotel. Ideal if you're looking to treat yourself on one or two nights of your stay in Ireland.

13 Killaloe & Ballina

Situated on the Clare and Tipperary banks of Loch Deirgeirt respectively, Killaloe and Ballina offer a tale of two cities ... well, two villages, perhaps. Close enough to be considered one destination, they have quite distinctive and different characteristics. Pack your camera before you head to Killaloe, the epitome of beautiful County Clare; then use it to get some foodie snaps over dinner in Ballina, where you will find fantastic pubs and restaurants.

Be sure to stop here if you are into watersports, if you enjoy a good day's fishing, or if you're tempted by a boat cruise up the River Shannon to Lough Derg.

14 Connemara National Park

Located in County Galway, Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's six national parks. Founded and opened to the public in 1980, the majority of the land had previously been part of the Kylemore Abbey estate. Evidence of human settlement across the park include 4,000-year-old megalithic court tombs and a 19th-century graveyard.

Comprising three thousand hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands and woods, Connemara National Park is a nature-lover's paradise; home to countless native species including red deer, wild ponies and peacock butterflies. The park is also home to several of the famous Twelve Bens , the unmistakable range of mountains which gives such character to the landscape of this part of Ireland. Dedicated walkers will find plenty of challenge here, but easier strolls can also be found on nearby Diamond Hill.

Head to the northern reaches of the park, near Letterfrack village, to find the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre and tea rooms.

The connemara National Park and Visitor Centre are open all year round. However, make sure to check the weather forecast before visiting, as the grounds will be closed during Orange and Red weather warnings. We recommend you wear suitable footwear and clothing. There is no entry fee or charge.

You can reach the National Park Visitor Centre both by public and private transport. Bus eireann (Route 419) and CityLink (Route 923) operate bus services to Letterfrack from Clifden and Galway.

15 Trad on the Prom

If Riverdance did festivals..? This showcase of Irish traditional folk music and dance combines the best of Irish trad culture with a great open-air festival atmosphere. Featuring world-champion dancers, as well as some of the Riverdance cast, the show has met with near-unanimity in its positive reception among visitors. The price tag might rule it out for some, especially larger families, but those who go are in for a treat. Be sure to book well in advance: shows sell out months ahead.

Be advised that this show is only available during the summer months. Check www.tradontheprom.com for the most up-to-date information about performance times and location.

Getting to Western Ireland

Arriving by plane, shannon airport.

Shannon Airport is located in County Clare and services numerous airport in North America. To connect with Galway City from Shannon Airport you have the options of car rental or bus and train journeys. If you are planning to rent a car in Shannon Airport and drive to Galway City it is relatively easy. The drive takes you an hour north on the M18 motorway.

Bus Eireann operates a bus service between Shannon Airport and Ennis in County Clare, Limerick City and Galway City. Citylink also operates a service between Shannon and Galway. A train journey from Shannon to Galway is a little more complicated as there is no direct service. It will involve taking the bus from the airport to Limerick City and getting the connecting train to Galway City .

Dublin Airport

While it's the whole width of Ireland away from Galway, Dublin Airport offers the greatest option of flights into Ireland. Ireland is longer than it is wide anyway so the distance isn't too bad (208 km/129 miles). If you are renting a car in Dublin Airport and driving this journey it will take 2 hours and 25 minutes, travelling west along the M4 and M6 motorways.

Booking a Sat-Nav with your rental car is a good idea to make the journey out of Dublin City that bit easier, as well as exploring the smaller roads in western Ireland's rugged terrain. You can also travel to Galway City from Dublin Airport on the bus via Citylink for as little as 18 euro (one way), when you book online. There is currently no train running from Dublin airport. To catch a train to Galway you will first have to travel into Dublin City and to Heuston Station ( route 747 ).

Cork Airport

To travel by car from Cork Airport to Galway City takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, travelling on the N20 and the M18. Again, if you are renting a car in Cork Airport and you're planning to drive anywhere outside of the main roads of the west of Ireland a Sat-Nav will come in handy along the way. Citylink https://www.citylink.ie/new-galway-cork-nonstop run a nonstop coach from Cork Airport to Galway City for 20 euro return when booked online. The journey takes 3 hours and 20 minutes and runs twice a day. The train from Cork Airport can be a little trickier, it involves a bus journey from the airport to Kent Station in Cork City, a train from Kent Sation to Limerick and then onto Galway.

Arriving by Bus

The main bus station in Galway is the Seán Duggan Centre , close to Eyre Square in Galway's city centre. This station connects directly to all other cities in Ireland as well as the major towns in County Galway. In County Clare the main bus station is Ennis Bus Station in Ennis Town, again this will connect you with the rest of Ireland. You can find connecting buses in and out of County Mayo in the towns of Westport and Castlebar.

Arriving by Train

The Counties of Mayo, Clare and Galway are all well serviced with railway services. The main train station is Galway railway station which is located in Galway city centre. From this station you can connect to the cities of Dublin to the east, Cork and Limerick to the south. Travelling to Belfast City in Northern Ireland would require a change over in Dublin. The main train station in County Mayo is in the town of Westport and in the town of Ennis in County Clare.

Arriving by Car

Getting to Galway City, the town of Ennis in County Clare and the town of Westport in Mayo, from anywhere else in Ireland, is relatively easy. Over the past number of decades, the main road network across the whole of Ireland has been greatly improved. The same can't be said for the secondary and tertiary roads in certain areas. The west of Ireland is notorious for being as close to the old image of Ireland as people remember.

Once you travel off the main roads you'll be greeted with stonewalls and fields, rugged landscapes and scenic views. While it is all quaint and pleasing on the eye it can be a tricky terrain to navigate for the inexperienced. Narrow roads, a lack of signposts, some locals that claim they only speak Irish, a flock of sheep that don't want to move will all equal a great driving story on your arrival home. But these are not the most pleasant of experiences at the time. If you renting a car in the west of Ireland, might we suggest renting one that is as small as possible? Top tip: Most cars in Ireland are manual, so if you haven't driven one before you should definitely try to book an automatic. It's not fun getting to grips with a stick while you're battling uncharted territory. P.S. a Sat-Nav is also pretty vital when driving in the west.

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Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

Ireland Travel Guide

As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.

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- Wild Atlantic Way Special von Irland Highlights -

Wild Atlantic Way

Welcome to the wild atlantic way.

The Wild Atlantic Way, 1600 miles (2600 km) in length, is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. It winds its way all along the Irish west coast from the Inishowen Peninsula in the north down to the picturesque town of Kinsale, County Cork, in the south.

Discover the Wild Atlantic Way

Go for the road trip of your life and discover the Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way Route

 The route which is over 1600 miles long is divided into 14 stages for easier orientation

Wild Atlantic Way Sights

Discover must-see attractions, famous landmarks and hidden gems of the Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way Map

With our interactive Wild Atlantic Way map, all the must-see attractions are just one click away.

The Wild Atlantic Way route from start to finish unfolds the wonders of nature, the power of the ocean and its imprint on the west coast of Ireland, and the stunning countryside in all its diversity. Enchanting villages are nestled along the coast as well as ancient monuments – their origins having long sunk into the mists of oblivion dot the landscape. Behind every bend on this magical coastal road a new delight awaits.

The wild Atlantic with its unrestrained and untameable tides and storms has continuously been moulding the west coast of Ireland. With a constant meeting of water and land, a deeply indented and wild terrain has emerged with towering cliffs, spellbinding bays and beaches, mystical islands, always changing and never reaching the end. In the isolation or perhaps expressed in a different way living near and with the Atlantic at your doorstep has ensured that old traditions and the Irish language have been preserved. A trip along the Wild Atlantic Way is also an encounter with the past.

Must-see sights of the Wild Atlantic Way

Need inspiration? Explore some of the must-see highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way:

Baltimore Beacon

Slieve League

Cliffs of Moher

Your Wild Atlantic Way Travel Guide

Everything you need to know to plan your Wild Atlantic Way road trip:

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The best B&Bs and hotels in Ireland – use our search to find perfect accommodations for your trip to Ireland.

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Wild Atlantic Way Travel Blog

Browse the latest articles from our Wild Atlantic Way travel blog:

Discovery Points of the Wild Atlantic Way

Along the Wild Atlantic Way there are numerous Discovery Points, which are pointed out by signs with the WAW logo.

Stages of the Wild Atlantic Way

Discover the 14 stages of the Wild Atlantic Way. You can take the whole trip in one journey or explore the stages one by one.

Navigating on the Wild Atlantic Way

You don’t necessarily need a map to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, since there are more than enough road signs to help you to keep on track.

15 Prettiest and Best Coastal Towns in Ireland to Visit

With a coastline that spans a total of 6,226 kilometres (or 3869 miles), Ireland is awash with coastal towns and villages aplenty. Whether they are pretty fishing villages or seaside towns that the Irish themselves flock to for holidays, or former Viking settlements, you can discover 15 of the best coastal towns in Ireland right here to add to your Ireland bucket list.

Dunfanaghy, Donegal

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Best Coastal Towns in Ireland

From rugged and sheer sea cliffs to beaches that would make you think you were somewhere tropical, the coast in Ireland is a varied one. And with this unique island coastline, Ireland coastal towns are just as diverse. Sleepy, tiny coastal villages can be found alongside larger fishing towns that have developed and grown over the ages.

You can discover our top 15 prettiest and best coastal towns in Ireland that will make you want to add them to your ever-growing Ireland itinerary!

Map of the best coastal towns in Ireland to visit

Dingle, Kerry

One of the very best towns to visit in Ireland on the coast is the beautiful Dingle in County Kerry. Dingle is also one of the prettiest fishing towns in Ireland with its harbour and beautiful bay. Dingle is located on the peninsula with which it shares its name and is also one of the largest Gaeltacht towns on the Emerald Isle.

The main attraction to Dingle is the town itself. Pretty, colourful shop and pub fronts are interspersed with art and craft galleries. This little town in one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland welcomes thousands of visitors, from home and abroad, every year. Make sure not to miss Murphy’s where you can get ice cream, flavours of which change daily!

Besides its beauty, Dingle has plenty to offer visitors. For families, a visit to Dingle Oceanworld is a must, as kids will love seeing fish species from around the world is themed-aquariums. For those without kids, head to the Dingle Distillery where you can take a tour and then sample whiskey, gin and vodka produced there.

Dingle also has a cultural centre and from the harbour, you can take boat tours of Dingle Bay. It is also the perfect base for exploring the Slea Head Drive where you can discover remnants of Dingle’s past in ring forts, beehive huts and early Christian sites. You can also venture further afield and explore the Ring of Kerry from Dingle.

Stay at the budget-friendly Dingle Harbour Lodge ( see latest prices and availability here ) or splash out and book into the Dingle Skellig Hotel ( latest prices and availability can be found here ).

Kinsale, Cork

One of the most picturesque towns in Ireland to visit in Kinsale in Cork. Located 29km (18 miles) south of Cork City, Kinsale overlooks the Bandon River Estuary and is one of the prettiest towns in Ireland thanks to the many colourful buildings and houses in the town.

This pretty town has winding streets lined with gift shops and galleries, pubs and restaurants and has a natural harbour that is often filled with yachts. Kinsale has many things to do including visiting Charles Fort, a 17th-century fortification shaped in a star. Also worth a visit is Desmond Castle which was once occupied by Spanish troops in 1601 who fought, unsuccessfully, alongside Irish troops against Protestant British forces.

Kinsale is becoming known for its restaurants and their culinary delights, and each year in October there is the Kinsale Gourmet Festival. Visitors can enjoy three days of demonstrations, tasting and more. Book into the Bastion for Michel-star quality food.

This historic port and fishing town is located 20 minutes from the Old Head of Kinsale which is the southern starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way . If you are going to be exploring this coastal route in Ireland, stay in the Trident Hotel in the centre of Kinsale ( see latest prices and availability here ) or the luxurious Kinsale Hotel & Spa ( find the latest prices for this hotel here ).

Lahinch, Clare

One of the top small coastal towns in Ireland to visit is Lahinch in County Clare. Located in the protected Liscannor Bay, Lahinch is a small town with a long sandy beach that is becoming more and more popular with surfers.

Lahinch is best known for its golf course which dates from the 19 th century and is one of Ireland’s finest. As mentioned, surfing is a very popular activity here with surfers coming from near and far to enjoy the waves of the Atlantic Coast. Surf school and equipment hire shops are plentiful and there is also a diving school.

For lovers of history, the ruined castles of Liscannor and Dough are worth visiting, although there is not much else to see besides the ruined structures.

Lahinch is one of the best towns to stay in, or near, for visiting one of the best places to visit in Ireland , the Cliffs of Moher. The drive to the cliffs from the town is less than 15 minutes, making it the ideal base to explore the cliffs and beyond. Stay in the Lahinch Coast Hotel & Suites for a comfortable stay ( see latest prices and availability here ).

One of the best towns in Ireland to visit along the coast is Cobh. Located less than half an hour from Cork City Centre, Cobh is another pretty and colourful coastal town in Ireland that was known as Queenstown from 1849 until 1920.

Cobh has been a major port for transatlantic crossings and cruise ships. In 1912, Cobh was the last destination Titanic stopped at before heading out to the Atlantic Ocean. Cobh has also acted as a major port for emigrating Irish between 1848 and 1950 and also for those sent on penal ships to Australia.

In Cobh, you can visit the Titanic Experience. This partially guided, partially interactive tour gives visitors an insight into the liner and visitors can even stand on the spot from where passengers were ferried to the ship. Cobh Heritage Centre is also worth visiting to discover the history of Cobh, learn about the mass emigration across the Atlantic and the convict ships that left Cobh for Australia.

Cobh is not only known for its colourful buildings but also the prominent Cathedral that is perched on a hill. It is free to enter and those visiting between May and September can hear the 47 bells ringing on Sunday at 4.30pm.

For accommodation in Cobh check into the WatersEdge Hotel ( see prices here ) or the Commodore Hotel ( find the latest prices here ).

Portrush, Antrim

One of the best coastal towns in Northern Ireland is Portrush in County Antrim . Home to one of the best beaches in Ireland , Portrush has a pretty marina beside the long sandy beach that makes holidaymakers flock to this seaside town in summer.

Portrush is also one of Ireland’s best surfing destinations and also has a prestigious golf course. While the town itself is geared mainly towards the high season visitors, it is also the perfect base for exploring the Coastal Causeway. It is just a 20-minute drive to the Giant’s Causeway, a drive which will take you past Dunluce Castle.

If you are staying in Portrush, book into the Inn on the Coast Hotel ( find prices and availability here ) or the All Seasons B&B ( see their availability and latest prices here ).

Howth, Dublin

One of the smallest but most beautiful towns in Ireland to visit along the coast is Howth. Howth is a coastal village and suburb of Dublin with a yachting harbour and a busy port. As a fishing port, you will find some of the best seafood in the local restaurants. It is a great place to spend a day out of Dublin City Centre.

Howth village is located at the foot of the Howth Head headland on which you will find many coastal walks and the golf course. Howth Castle gardens are worth visiting. You cannot enter the castle as it contains private apartments. However, on the castle grounds, you can visit the ruined Corr Castle, see an ancient dolmen, and visit St Mary’s Abbey, originally founded in the 11 th century by a Viking king.

Howth is a lovely coastal village to visit and if you are visiting in May, you could catch the Dublin Bay Prawn Festival, held annually in Howth, one of the best food festivals in Ireland . Find your Howth accommodation here .

Dunmore East, Waterford

Located 19km (12 miles) southeast of Waterford is one of the best seaside towns in Ireland. Dunmore East is a popular destination for weekend and summer visitors from across the Emerald Isle in County Waterford . Dunmore East is characterised by red sandstone cliffs and concealed coves.

Dunmore East is split into two by the town park. The Upper Village is where you will find the pretty fishing harbour, while the Lower Village clusters behind Lawlors Strand, the largest of the sandy beaches at Dunmore East.

There are several other beaches and coves to visit at Dunmore East that offer safe swimming and diving, and there is a golf club for those who enjoy a round of golf. If you want to venture away from Dunmore East, there are scenic coastal drives to take and the historical city of Waterford is just a short 25-minute drive.

Find your accommodation here in Dunmore East. Or you could stay at the 4-star Waterford Castle Hotel. Find the latest prices and availability here .

Clifden, Galway

One of the top small towns in Ireland on the coast that you should pay a visit to is Clifden in the region of Connemara. This is a must-stop along the Wild Atlantic Way if you are travelling this coastal route in Ireland. Often called the capital of Connemara, it is one of the largest in this part of County Galway and hence, one of the most popular.

This pretty coastal town in Ireland has beaches which attract families in the summer. There is a small museum in a former train shed to visit, and history fans can visit the now ruined Clifden Castle where the founder of the town once lived.

Outdoor adventurers can enjoy hikes and walks among the Twelve Bens Mountains. And since it is located on the edge of the Connemara National Park, Clifden is an ideal location for exploring one of the most rugged parts of Ireland. Book into the Connemara Sands Hotel and enjoy a relaxing stay in between your exploring. Find the latest prices and availability here .

Bangor, Down

Bangor, in County Down, is one of the best seaside towns in Northern Ireland to visit. Located just 25-minutes east of Belfast, when it comes to Northern Ireland coastal towns, Bangor is one not-to-be-missed.

This coastal town has a beautiful marina, an interesting pier and many coastal paths to enjoy including a 10-mile path from Bangor to Holywood that passes lovely scenery and forest parks. Bangor Castle Park is worth visiting and it is home to Bangor Castle, the Town Hall and also the North Down Museum. There is also a pretty walled garden adjacent to the back of Castle Park that you should make time to visit.

Find out more about this pretty coastal town in Northern Ireland on the Bangor, NI website .

Carlingford, Louth

Among the most beautiful coastal towns in Ireland is Carlingford, in County Louth. This picturesque fishing village is located very close to the border with Northern Ireland between the mountains of the Cooley Peninsula and Carlingford Lough.

Whitewashed houses are scattered among medieval ruins in this vibrant little coastal town. Visitors can explore the ruins of King John’s Castle, a Norman castle built to protect the entrance to the lough. There is a heritage centre with a short video describing the town’s history and the Mint, a 16th-century building, is where you will find some interesting Celtic-inspired carvings.

Carlingford is home to several festivals throughout the year including the Leprechaun hunt in late March/early April, the Carlingford Oyster Festival in August and a Heritage Week in August. Time your visit for one of these and you’ll be in for a treat. Click here to find accommodation in and near Carlingford .

Baltimore, Cork

Another of the pretty towns in Ireland you should visit along the coast is Baltimore in County Cork. Located not far from Skibbereen, this busy little harbour village has a long history and you’ll find pleasure yachts among many fishing boats.

Overlooking Baltimore is a 15th-century castle called the Dun na Sead (Fort of the Jewels) which is worth a visit. Visitors to this busy little Irish coastal town can also take sea safaris from the harbour to try and catch sight of dolphins, whales and other sea life along the coast.

Visitors to Baltimore can enjoy fresh seafood in the many restaurants and pubs of the village. Baltimore is another town that hosts many festivals, mainly in the summer months including the Baltimore Pirate Weekend in June, held in memory of the 1631 event when more than 100 citizens were carried off by Algerian pirates. If you want to visit Baltimore, find your accommodation here .

Westport, Mayo

One of the most photogenic, small towns in Ireland along the coast is Westport. This County Mayo town is a vibrant town with plenty of fine restaurants and pubs for visitors. The town’s harbour, Westport Quay, is 2km west of the centre and stands at the entrance to the pretty Clew Bay.

In town, the centre is dominated by the Doric column in the Octagon. Aside from the bustling town with its colourful buildings, there is a heritage centre to visit in which you can trace the history of the town and Clew Bay. Westport House is also worth visiting to view the stunning, period-style rooms and its beautifully landscaped gardens.

Westport is another popular stop along the Wild Atlantic Way and is an ideal base for exploring the nearby Achill Island, Ireland’s largest island, just a 50-minute drive, or slightly further north the Ballycroy National Park.

Book into either the Wyatt Hotel ( click here for prices and availability ) or the Westport Plaza Hotel & Spa ( find their latest prices and availability here ).

Greystones, Wicklow

One of the best beach towns in Ireland to visit that is not far from the capital of Dublin is Greystones in County Wicklow. Located 25km south of Dublin and less than an hours’ drive, Greystones was originally a fishing village and Victorian seaside town. Many Irish families flock to Greystones from the capital during the summer for day trips and week-long getaways.

Apart from the sandy Blue Flag beach to the south of the town and the picturesque harbour, Greystones also has a pebble beach to the north from where it gets its name. Close to Greystones is Kilruddery House and Gardens, a must-visit in Wicklow, and Mount Usher Gardens is also worth a visit.

You can search for accommodation near Greystones by clicking here. Or you can splash out on a bit of luxury and stay at the Powerscourt Hotel, a short 20-minute drive from Greystones. Find the latest prices and availability for this hotel here .

Portmagee, Kerry

One of the best coastal places in Ireland to visit is Portmagee, a colourful coastal town located in County Kerry. Famous for the colourful harbour-side houses and buildings, Portmagee comes alive in the summer months with boat tours heading to the Skellig Islands.

This Iveragh Peninsula town is one of the gateways to Valentia Island, as well as a harbour town to access the Skellig Islands as mentioned. As well as day trips from the town, visitors can visit the Portmagee Chocolate Factory, hike the Kerry Cliffs and visit the Illaunloughan monastery.

This small little coastal village is just off the Ring of Kerry, another part of Kerry worth exploring. There are a few places to stay in and near Portmagee. Click here to start your search. Alternatively, you could stay in Killarney, one-hour’s drive from the coastal town and use it as your base to explore Portmagee and the Ring of Kerry.

One of the best seaside towns Ireland has to offer is the small town of Dunfanaghy in County Donegal . Located on the west side of Sheephaven Bay, Dunfanaghy is located in one of the most beautiful counties to visit in Ireland.

Dunfanaghy has a Blue Flag beach, Killahoey Strand that is generally quiet and safe for swimmers. Just north of the town, you can find Horn Head, where huge cliffs rise dramatically from the Atlantic to a height of 180m. There is also a World War II lookout nearby.

Visitors to the town can visit Dunfanaghy Workhouse, a former Famine workhouse which is a heritage centre today. For those who like the outdoors, Ards Forest Park is located just 12 minutes from the town and is a lovely place for a stroll. And just a short 20-minutes’ drive from Dunfanaghy is the Glenveagh National Park .

Start your search for accommodation in Dunfanaghy here .

These are just a few of the best coastal towns in Ireland to visit. While most are located along the western Atlantic Coast, there are also a few gems along the eastern Irish Sea Coast. But each is as beautiful and charming as the next.

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3 Great Towns on Ireland’s West Coast - The Wild Atlantic Way - IL

Ireland. Yeats and Joyce, green hills, pubs, music, ruins, monasteries, Celtic lore. Who can resist the pull? The West Coast of Ireland , once considered the end of the known world, is the most magical part of this storied island.

Once remote and difficult to reach, the West Coast is now much more accessible, thanks to the completion of the long-distance scenic driving routecalled the Wild Atlantic Way, which runs from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. Dotted along the road are towns and villages of great beauty and historic interest. Here are three of my favorites:

Doolin is a friendly seaside village famous for its pubs, small hotels, restaurants, and surreal landscape. Considered the traditional music capital of Ireland, it’s located on the edge of the Burren, a stony moonscape of cracked limestone called karst. Many consider the Burren a mystical place with its wealth of crosses, monastic ruins, holy wells, and megalithic tombs. And although it looks very barren and rocky, it has a temperate climate and is one of the most fertile regions in Ireland, boasting hundreds of wildflowers.

You can easily take walks right from Doolin. On a clear morning, my husband, Barry, and I walked five miles along the Coastal Trail to the Cliffs of Moher. Along the way we climbed the hill to the privately-owned 16th century Doonagore Castle for views of the ocean and the Aran Islands shimmering in the distance.

If you prefer to see the Cliffs by water, you can take a one-hour cruise from Doolin Pier or, for the adventurous, a three-hour round trip cruise to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands. Guided tours of the island are available, or you can rent a bicycle and explore the raw beauty at your own pace.

Another local highlight is Doolin Cave, about two miles from the village. Its 23’ stalactite hanging down from the ceiling is the longest in the Northern hemisphere.

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Fifty miles west of the city of Galway lies the picturesque town of Clifden, flanked by two churches and situated between the foothills of the Connemara Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. You can easily just hang out in town, enjoying the pubs, restaurants, and shops, but Clifden also makes a perfect base for exploring the hauntingly beautiful surrounding area.

One walk, the four-mile Dooneen/Ardbear loop, starts at the Ardbear Bridge at the edge of town. This trail offers views of the Twelve Bens, the peaks within the nearby Connemara National Park that Oscar Wilde described as “a savage beauty."

Another walk or cycle ride takes you along the newly developed Connemara Greenway, the first completed section of a longer rails-to-trails route that will ultimately link Clifden and Galway. If you rent a standard or electric bicycle at the Clifden Bike Shop, make sure to explore the romantically named (and relatively flat) Sky Road and Bog Road.

For a pleasant afternoon at a sacred site, drive 10 miles to Kylemore Abbey, a Benedictine monastery which in a previous incarnation was a 19th century castle. The monastery’s expansive grounds include a lake, tree-lined paths, six acres of Victorian walled gardens, and a Gothic church.

Just a mile out of Clifden is an important historic landmark, the landing spot where on June 15, 1919, British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown made the first nonstop transatlantic flight from Newfoundland. They crash-landed in the bog next to the Marconi radio station, which they had been using for navigation. They not only survived, but were knighted by King George V and awarded a £10,000 prize from the Daily Mail newspaper.

Glencolmcille

Tucked into a pocket of southwest Donegal, Glencolmcille, named for one of Ireland’s patron saints, is a small village set on the rugged Slieve League peninsula. After St. Colm Cille founded a church here in the 6th century, the area became a stronghold of early Christianity in Ireland. Gaelic is still widely spoken, and traditional music and customs remain an integral part of everyday life.

Glencolmcille would probably be a beautiful but unremarkable Irish village were it not for Father James McDyer, an enterprising parish priest in the 1960s who was deeply concerned about the steep rate of unemployment and emigration. To strengthen the local economy, he helped establish local businesses, including the Glencolmcille Folk Village, a living-history museum with clusters of cottages that show life in the village during different centuries. Also in the village is an Irish language and cultural center, Oldeas Gael, which offers weeklong classes in Gaelic, the Irish harp, fiddle, weaving, archaeology, painting, and hill-walking during the summer. For a village of only 1500 people, Glencolmcille is a happening place.

If you want to explore the surrounding area on foot, there is plenty to see, from sea cliffs and isolated beaches to deserted villages, old stone walls, megalithic tombs, quiet lanes, a ruined cottage where Dylan Thomas stayed in 1935, and the Martello Watch Tower, built during the Napoleonic era as part of a coastal defense and communications system. For details on the various routes, check out the website of the local walkers’ club, www.sliabhliagwalkers.com .

Only 10 miles from Glencolmcille are the majestic Slieve League cliffs, less famous and visited than the Cliffs of Moher but three times higher, and, at 1971 feet, the highest cliffs in Europe. You can take walks of different lengths in the area, or an archeological tour, where you’ll see watch towers, Neolithic tombs, and early Christian monastic sites.

It’s obvious, isn’t it? Wherever you stop along the Wild Atlantic Way, you just can’t go wrong. Whether you prefer drinking a beer in a lively pub while listening to local musicians perform, or standing on a cliff gazing out at the bonny blue sea, you’ll easily find your craic, or sense of fun, somewhere on the soulful west coast of Ireland.

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West Coast of Ireland

The west coast of Ireland is the perfect escape, especially for outdoor enthusiasts!  We love the unique combination of wild rugged nature and vibrant cities and towns. It really sums up Ireland wonderfully!

If you plan on doing a road trip as part of your Ireland travel holiday, then you should really spend some time on the Wild Atlantic Way . This coastal driving route runs from Malin Head in Donegal , to Kinsale in the south of the country , just a short distance from Cork City . 

The entire route spans over 2500 km (1550 miles) and meanders the west coast taking in stunning headlands, superb surfing spots, towering cliffs and wild national parks. 

Some of the scenery may even seem somewhat familiar to you. The beauty of the isolated Irish landscapes has caught the attention of filming location scouts from some of Hollywood’s biggest movies including Star Wars and Harry Potter . 

A visit to Galway city should be included in everyone’s itinerary, if possible. This charismatic city offers a rich history of arts and culture that will delight visitors. Check out one of the city’s many hotels, great restaurants and stroll the streets enjoying the entertaining street performers.

From Galway , it is also easy to do day trips by car and take part in organized bus tours to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren in County Clare , the Aran islands , as well as the scenic Kylemore Abbey in Connemara .  

Outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and water sport are especially well catered for along the west coast of Ireland. Some of my favorite hikes are in Connemara National Park , where the views over Connemara and beyond are absolutely breathtaking. Achill Island also has fantastic hiking routes.

The Great Western Greenway is a 42 km (26 miles) traffic-free trail for walkers and cyclists that takes visitors along the route of a 19th century Midlands Great Western Railway.

Water enthusiasts will be kept busy with the ample surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and kayaking opportunities, particularly along the stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal town to Erris . 

It is easy to reach the western Ireland, either directly from Dublin city , where the majority of tourists start their Ireland vacation. Alternatively, there are also airports in the west of Ireland , such as Shannon Airport near Limerick or Knock Airport in County Mayo .

Check out our post on the Wild Atlantic Way to learn more about why you should visit this fabulous area of Ireland.

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Find our guides for each destination in Ireland by clicking on the images below.

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EAST COAST OF IRELAND

NORTHERN IRELAND

How to See Ireland’s West Coast by Car in 9 Days

Last Updated on April 5, 2024

Estimated reading time: 18 minutes

By Jim Ferri

Ireland’s West Coast – from Killarney in the south up past Donegal in the north – encompasses some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the country . For many travelers, it’s iconic Ireland.

But it’s not just the landscape that makes this drive a favorite with travelers worldwide. The area is rich in history, culture, music, and, best of all, the welcoming nature of the Irish themselves.

I’ve visited Ireland’s west coast several times. Yet I still feel myself being drawn back, again and again. It’s just that intoxicating.

The best way to see Ireland’s West Coast is by car since it provides flexibility. There’s so much to do and see in a relatively small area. Plus your car will allow you to veer off the beaten path, which you’ll continuously want to do. And you can stay at less-costly B&Bs and hotels outside of the popular tourist spots. If you haven’t taken a long road trip like this before, we can help you with the planning.

The best time to go is in the spring or fall when the weather is still good, and the summer crowds have dissipated.

Planning a Tour of Ireland’s West Coast By Car

A few years ago, the Irish Tourism folks craftily developed a tour of its entire west coast. It begins (or ends, depending on your perspective) at the border with Northern Ireland in the north and just outside Cork in the south.

They baptized this 1,550+ mile (2500km) ribbon of road the “Wild Atlantic Way” and sign-posted the entire drive. They also developed all sorts of materials to help travelers discover the little gems they’ll find all along the way.

Although the Wild Atlantic Way is well worth following, few people will drive its entire length.

However, you can see the most iconic places on Ireland’s west coast with the tour outlined below. This tour starts in Killarney and its iconic Ring of Kerry and ends north of Donegal.

First, Select Your Arrival Airport

If you’re flying into Ireland, you have your choice of two international airports: Dublin in the east or Shannon on Ireland’s west coast. I suggest renting your car at the airport to make things easier. Also, if you return it to the same airport it will likely save you some money.

Shannon is an 80+-mile drive to Killarney, roughly a two-hour drive. After seeing Killarney and the Ring of Kerry, however, you’ll be back-tracking back past Shannon to continue your drive. At the end of your trip to Donegal, if you return your rental to Shannon, the 169 mile- drive (272 km) will take about three hours. (While you’re in the Shannon area, you may want to attend the Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet . It’s a great evening of fun and food in a 15th-century castle.)

From Dublin , the 195-mile (315 km) to Killarney takes approximately 3½ hours. The return trip from Donegal to Dublin, a distance of 135 miles (217 km), is also about three hours.

On each of the trips, you’ll be on well-maintained roads, which will give you time to begin to get accustomed to driving on the left side of the road.

(Be aware that the times given below are only the estimated driving times. They do not take into account the time you may spend visiting sites along the way.)

Day 1 and 2: Killarney and the Ring of Kerry

Ring of Kerry: 100 miles / approximately 5-6 hours

With its brightly painted buildings, flowers cascading almost everywhere, horse-drawn jaunting cars, and small-town charisma, Killarney oozes Irish charm.

The city’s many pubs are filled with both locals and tourists who come for helpings of traditional Irish food, ale, music, and craic (Gaelic for a “good time”). In fact, you can walk down just about any street in Killarney, and you’ll find ample pubs and restaurants catering to both locals and visitors.

But despite its postcard-perfect appeal, the two reasons most travelers come to Killarney lie outside the town. T he first is spectacular Killarney National Park ; the second, the enthralling drive about the Ring of Kerry , a 100+ mile road around the Iveragh Peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic west of town.

Plan to spend two nights in Killarney. Spend your first day getting to know the city itself, perhaps t aking a jaunting cart ride out to the Muckross House in the National Park . You can spend the entire second day driving the Ring of Kerry.

Drive Counterclockwise

Some guidebooks tell you to drive it clockwise to avoid the many tour buses that clog the road. It’s much better to go it counterclockwise, however, setting off in the direction of Killorglin, since you get a much better view.

I’ve done it several times. I have avoided the buses by setting out early in the morning, perhaps around 7-8am. At that time, the buses haven’t even picked up their passengers yet.

Also, your trip will then end in the National Park, so you’ll have time to drive about it a bit if you hadn’t done so the previous day. Note that although the driving distance is only 100 miles or so, you’ll be driving slow on the two-lane winding road. You’ll also be stopping often to take photos or to pop into the charming little shops and restaurants you’ll pass along the way.

Killarney National Park Admission: free; There is 24-hour pedestrian access to the park throughout the year except for Killarney House and Gardens (open 8.00am to 6.00pm daily).

Muckross House, Gardens, and Traditional Farms   Admission: €6.25 – 9.25

Day 3 on Ireland’s West Coast: Killarney to Dingle

65 miles (85 km) / one hour

The drive from Killarney to the town of Dingle should only be a one-hour journey. I turned it into two by often stopping to admire the scenery on my circuitous route across the beautiful County Kerry countryside.

The town of Dingle is minuscule compared to Killarney, but that’s part of its charm. A little fishing port on a peninsula (that’s smaller than the Ring of Kerry) jutting into the Atlantic, one of its attractions is its multi-colored buildings and laid-back atmosphere.

A far more significant attraction, however, is its stunning scenery. In fact, the Dingle Peninsula showcases Ireland’s beauty.

On this peninsula, the epic film “Ryan’s Daughter” was filmed, showing the world the beauty of Ireland, especially Ireland’s west coast.

The Irish Examiner credited the film “with kick-starting Dingle, and indeed Irish, tourism through a three-hour international advert worth its weight in gold…” Go see for yourself.

To see this spectacular area, drive eastward from the town of Dingle to Slea Head. It was on the beach between Slea Head and Dunmore Head (Coumeenoole Beach), where the scenes were filmed.

Day 4: Dingle to Galway via Limerick and The Burren on the West Coast

236 miles (380 km) / 7 hours

You’ll likely want to start your drive early today since it’s the longest stretch of the trip. But you’ll find it’s well worth it since The Burren is unlike any place else in Ireland. I was shocked when I saw it for the first time. It’s that different.

The Burren in County Clare, an area of almost 100 square miles, is a magical and mystical moonscape of Karst limestone. Scattered about it are ancient settlements, megalithic tombs, and beautiful flora and fauna.

Be sure to see the Poulnabrone Dolmen, one of Ireland’s most iconic archaeological monuments. It’s a 5,200–5,800-year-old “portal tomb” that contained the remains of 21 people. It’s the second-most visited place in The Burren.

The most-visited place in The Burren is the sheer vertical Cliffs of Moher that are 700 feet tall and 9 miles long. In ancient times they were considered the end of the known world. Look out to sea from them today, and you’ll understand why.

On the edge of The Burren is the Multi-colored seaside village of Doolin, regarded as Ireland’s traditional music capital . If you enjoy caves, about two miles from the town, you’ll find Doolin Cave. Its claim to fame is a 23-foot stalactite, the largest in the northern hemisphere.

Cliffs of Moher Admission: €4-6

Day 5: Galway – A Great City on Ireland’s West Coast

(Clonmacnoise is 50 miles / 1 hour from Galway)

On the spot of Ireland’s West Coast, where the River Corrib meets the North Atlantic, you’ll find Galway. It’s a lively city, perhaps the most Irish town in Ireland .

Galway’s Old City is chockablock with pubs, shops, cheesemongers and restaurants, and everything else any proud Irish city should flaunt. It’s also colorful, with the shops and restaurants on its cobbled lanes, a riot of reds, yellows, blues, and greens. And it retains a bohemian flavor, thanks to its youngish population.

There’s no denying that the city is charming, and you’ll find many things to do in and around the city. In fact, when you walk about the Old City, you get a sense you’ve peeked behind the curtain. Many of the old traditions continue to survive in the area, even as they slowly ebb elsewhere in the country.

More than in the rest of Ireland, traditional Gaelic is still spoken among friends here. And traditional music wafts from its many crowded pubs in the evening. You can’t help but notice Galway’s vast wealth of street musicians, another tradition, with more here than in other cities.

If you’re there on Saturday, you’ll also find plenty of food and crafts at the farmers market adjacent to St. Nicholas’ Church.

A Side Trip to Clonmacnoise

From Galway, you can take a side trip to Clonmacnoise, Ireland’s foremost monastic city, now in ruins. Inside its ancient walls, there are remnants of a cathedral, seven small churches (called temples from the Gaelic “teampall”), towers, and early Christian grave slabs – the most in Western Europe.

Kids may find it a bit boring, but adults interested in Ireland’s past will find it interesting. Be sure to see the audio-visual presentation in the museum first, so you’ll understand what you’re viewing outside.

Clonmacnoise Admission: €2-4 (must be purchased online)

Day 6 on Ireland’s West Coast: Galway to Clifden

48 miles (77 km) / 1½ hours

Spend the morning wandering about Galway and mid-day head off to Clifden, the Connemara region’s capital.

Clifden is a small city snuggled between the Atlantic and the Connemara Mountains, with relatively few things to do and see. Many travelers, however, use it as a base for exploring Connemara. For me, it was the perfect place to overnight before continuing my journey along Ireland’s west coast.

One historical place is a mile outside of the city. There you’ll see the spot where British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown ended their non-stop flight from Newfoundland, Canada, in June 1919. It was the first non-stop trans-Atlantic flight ever made. 

They had been using the Marconi radio station near Clifden for navigation and crash-landed in the adjacent bog. They survived and were knighted by King George V.

Day 7: Clifden to Kylemore Abbey and Westport

41 miles (66 km) / 1½ hours

Once described by Oscar Wilde as “a savage beauty,” Connemara is a beautiful region of bogs, heaths, woodlands, and grasslands. It’s also the home of the Twelve Bens, the mountains that give the Connemara its unique character.

As you take the N59 to Westport, you’ll skirt the northern area of 7,400 acres (3,000 hectares) Connemara National Park. The road to the park’s visitor’s center is near the small village of Letterfrack. Admission is free.

Less than 10 minutes down the road from the park, you’ll come to Kylemore Abbey, one of the most spectacular places you’ll find in Ireland. Originally a millionaire’s mansion, it has been the Sisters of the Benedictine Order’s home in Ireland since 1920.

In addition to the Gothic Revival castle, the highlight of Kylemore is its huge Victorian Walled Garden. The six-acre garden, divided into two by a mountain stream, only contains plant varieties from the Victorian era. Plan to spend some time here touring the castle and walking about the gardens and woodlands. You’ll also find a craft and design shop and a restaurant.

Beguiling Westport

Continuing on the M59 up Ireland’s west coast, you’ll arrive in Westport in about an hour. Westport is quite attractive with tree-lined streets, eye-catching shops, and many restaurants and pubs , especially along charming Bridge Street.

The most famous of the pubs is Matt Molloy’s , a pub named for, and owned by, the flutist of the Grammy-Award winning musical group The Chieftains . The Grammy sits behind the bar, and one time when the bartender allowed me to hold it, I was surprised at how heavy it was. It’s a great pub suitable for all ages.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden Tel: +353 95 52001 Admission: €10 – 12.50

Matt Molloy’s Bridge Street, Cahernamart Westport, Co. Mayo Tel: +353 98 26655

Day 8 on Ireland’s West Coast: Westport to Donegal

110 miles (166 km) 2½ hours

Head out of Westport on the N5 and follow the signs to Sligo, home of renowned poet William Butler Yeats. Continue through Sligo and pick up N15 heading to Drumcliff and Donegal . It’s about a 10-minute drive to Drumcliff, where you’ll find Yeats’ grave in the cemetery of the Drumcliff Church (also known as St Columba’s Church).

If you’re interested in Yeats, ask at the church for directions to Lissadell House and Gardens, where it’s said the poet received much of his inspiration. It’s only about a 10-minute ride along the shore of the bay.

Afterward, continue along the scenic N15 coastal road to Donegal, about a 45-minute drive from Drumcliff.

Tucked away up in the northwest corner of Ireland, County Donegal doesn’t attract much attention. That’s one of the reasons I like it so much – it’s beautiful and green and without the crowds.

The city of Donegal is a vest-pocket little town, with a castle right in the middle of it.

Just blocks away, steep hills meet the city’s edge, which is a pleasant Irish town to walk about.

There’s not a lot to see in Donegal town, and travelers mainly use it as a base for exploring the surrounding Donegal countryside.

One interesting place I found about five minutes out of town was the Donegal Craft Village . It’s a small art collective formed by a clutch of craftspeople, including a weaver, glassworker, sculptor, painter, etc. I found the variety, beauty, and quality of their work quite good and well worth stopping by to see.

Donegal Craft Village Lurganboy Donegal, F94 W9NY Tel: +353 74 972 2225

Day 9 Slieve League – Glencolmcille – Donegal

80 miles (130 km) / 3 hours

I had never heard of Slieve League until the owner of my B&B told me of it. He showed me on a map how to get there and said to me that I should continue on up the road by car rather than walking when I came to a gate. “Just remember to close the gate behind you, so the sheep don’t get out,” he added.

It turned out that Slieve League is the highest cliff face in Europe. It’s not as famous as the Cliffs of Moher but three times higher. And beautiful and very dramatic.

You may also enjoy: The Dingle Peninsula, Showcasing Ireland’s Beauty / Ireland’s Ring of Kerry (With a Map) / Donegal, Ireland – The Charming, Rugged Northwest

To get there, drive east on the M56 through Donegal town and turn on R263 towards Killybegs, the largest fishing port in Ireland. Continue eastward on R263, and you’ll soon see signs for it.

In fact, all along the way, I was surprised at how well signposted it was, the best I’ve seen anywhere in Ireland. It seemed that at every turn, there was a sign pointing me in the right direction.

Folk Village Museum

After you see Slieve League, you’ll need to return to R263 (don’t forget to close the gate!). When you reach that road, turn left and follow the road towards the small town of Glencolmcille. Before you get to the town, however, you’ll come to the Folk Village Museum.

The Folk Village is a living-history museum founded by a local priest in the 1960s to help the local economy. It’s fascinating as you can visit different cottages that portray life in the village in different centuries. When I first saw it, I thought it would be a bit hokey, but it turned out to be very interesting. In fact, I wound up spending more time there than I thought I would.      

Your return to Donegal on R263 will take you about an hour. Depending on the time of day, you may or may not want to overnight in Donegal.

From Donegal, the drive to either Shannon or Dublin should take you three hours.

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Exploring Ireland’s West Coast By Car: 10 Must-Stop Places

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Ireland is an enchanting place and a celebration of nature, history, and culture. Its vast and verdant plains have earned it the nickname the Emerald Isle, and the 2,000 miles of scenic ocean just off its west coast draw thousands of visitors every year.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a spectacular stretch of road that winds along Ireland’s coast. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin and appreciate the country. The best way to traverse the coast is by rental car , and you can pick one up at any airport on the west coast. You’ll have complete freedom to linger as long as you’d like in any of Ireland’s picturesque seaside villages.

Don’t miss these 10 gems on Ireland’s Atlantic coast on your next ramble through the country.

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1. Killybegs

Killybegs sits at the far northern end of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Donegal, and you would be hard-pressed to find a quainter or friendlier fishing town. Visitors can sample fresh seafood while taking in a stunning sunset, or try to spot dolphins frolicking in the surf.

Those interested in Irish history can visit the Glencolmcille Folk Village , a replica clachan. This living museum is a great place to buy authentic souvenirs and savor a cup of hot tea.

Killybegs is a slow-paced, idyllic place that fully embodies the spirit of the Irish countryside.

2. Westport

Charming Westport is steeped in pirate lore — it was the stomping grounds of Grace O’Malley, a famous pirate queen and scourge of the British Empire. Today, O’Malley’s legacy lives on at the Pirate Adventure Park , a family-friendly amusement park that plays up Westport’s swashbuckling past.

The clear Atlantic waters surrounding Westport are perfect for all kinds of water-related activities. The town boasts several Blue Flag Beaches , or beaches that meet specific environmental and cleanliness standards. Take a dip, or try your hand at sea kayaking .

Westport is a whimsical historic spot like no other.

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Sligo is posh and exciting, a fine mixture of luxurious spa options , foodie delights , and plenty of outdoor activities. Since it’s located right on the rugged Atlantic, Sligo has some of the best hiking and walking trails around. It’s also one of the best places in the country to head out on the open sea with your surfboard. Sligo’s unique topography supports both novice- and expert-level swells , and surf schools and private lessons are available for everyone.

The mix of activities available in Sligo makes it one of the most unique destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way and a must-see for anyone traveling the Irish coast by car.

Spiddal is a terrific treasure where Gaelic is spoken more often than English and life is slower and sweeter. Don’t worry if you can’t speak Ireland’s native tongue, though — many folks in Spiddal are bilingual.

County Galway’s prettiest fishing village is also a hot spot for tourism and a popular resting point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Stroll the beaches of Spiddal, or make your way to the famous Ceardlan Spiddal Craft Village , where you can learn about Irish handicrafts and pick up a souvenir or two to take home.

The real beauty of making your way down the Irish coast by car is being able to stop in places like Spiddal. Coming across this village is like stepping into a dream, or finding your own piece of Irish paradise.

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5. Ballyvaughan

If you only stop in one place on the Emerald Isle’s west coast, make it Ballyvaughan . This stunning town on Galway Bay sits against the backdrop of the Burren , a riotous celebration of wildflowers and fascinating limestone formations that will make you think that you’ve been transported to another world.

Ballyvaughan is the Ireland of legend: a magical place set against the roiling Atlantic Ocean. Explore the Burren above, or head below to Aillwee Cave , a captivating system of underground caverns that will give you a whole new take on the limestone features that make up Ballyvaughan’s unique landscape.

Ballyvaughan is also a wonderful place to sample some of Ireland’s famous hospitality. There are plenty of cute pubs and bars where you can get a hot plate of stew and a cold pint.

Many travelers overlook County Clare’s Fanore , but this appealing seaside village is a first-rate place to recharge your batteries and soak in the sea between Ballyvaughan and Doolin. Both Gaelic and English are spoken in Fanore, and there are a few restaurants where locally sourced seafood is humbly but deliciously prepared.

Fanore’s real draw is the beach. Stroll along the pebbled shores and soak in uninterrupted views of the mighty Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy hiking and cycling along the seaside. Diving is a popular activity in Fanore, although the sea temperature can be fickle in the winter months.

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When you imagine an Irish village, you’re probably picturing Doolin . This colorful town is one of the most popular stops on the Wild Atlantic Way and is simply bursting with lively pubs, authentic restaurants, and charming shops where you can pick up souvenirs for everyone on your list.

Doolin is also close to the Cliffs of Moher , an astonishing natural wonder comprising sheer cliffs facing the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs of Moher have been featured in blockbuster films like Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and The Princess Bride and draw thousands of tourists every year. Plan to spend at least a few hours soaking in the cliffs and walking along the rugged edge of this fascinating natural formation.

Like Galway , Doolin is a place from which you can take a ferry to the Aran Islands . These starkly beautiful islands perfectly encapsulate wild Ireland and are the ideal place to break in your hiking boots and see the country from a new vantage point. Tickets to the Aran Islands generally sell out months in advance, so if they’re on your Emerald Isle bucket list, you will want to plan accordingly.

Like Doolin, Dingle is bursting with brightly colored buildings and Irish hospitality. Located on the charming Dingle Peninsula, this town is a fun and festive stop on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Full of pubs and restaurants, Dingle is a welcoming place where you could easily settle in for a night or two. In addition to the pints and plates of hearty Irish fare, Dingle also boasts the biggest aquarium in Ireland. Dingle OceanWorld highlights mysterious creatures of the deep and is a great family-friendly experience. Plan to spend at least several hours at the aquarium.

For a decidedly more adult adventure, head to the Dingle Distillery , an inviting place where you can learn all about Irish whiskey — and sample a few blends yourself.

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Vibrant Eyeries might be a small town, but it certainly has a big personality. This village on the Beara Peninsula embraces nature in all of its glory, with plenty of eco-walks and hiking trails. Although there are trails for every skill level in Eyeries, some might find the terrain challenging and uneven.

Eyeries is a haven for artists, and the Anam Cara Writer’s & Artist’s Retreat is a lovely spot for creative types to recharge their batteries and produce excellent work. Foodies will also appreciate Eyeries, if only for the abundance of fresh seafood and whimsical bistros and cafes.

Eyeries is a lovely little town with a relaxing and restorative air about it. It’s a must-see on the Wild Atlantic Way.

10. Kenmare

Kenmare is one of the larger towns on our list, but it’s just as alluring and full of Irish charm as the others. Situated on the dazzling Ring of Kerry , Kenmare boasts some of the best views in Ireland. It’s also famous for its elevated Irish cuisine, excellent accommodations, and phenomenal hiking.

Those interested in elegant architecture can visit Holy Cross Church , one of Kenmare’s loveliest and most iconic buildings.

Kenmare is also known for its horseback riding and miles of bicycle and jogging paths. Animal lovers can get out on the water and try to spot some seals or eagles. Kenmare sea tours book up quickly, and it’s a good idea to reserve your space at least a month in advance.

Another exceptionally popular activity in the area is golfing . The Ring of Kerry’s lush landscape is optimal for golf enthusiasts, and Southern Ireland’s mild climate is perfect for getting a few rounds in without breaking a sweat.

Ireland’s west coast is arguably the most enchanting part of the country, and the best way to fully enjoy it is by making your way up or down the Wild Atlantic Way. Each dynamic town or sleepy village puts its own spin on Irish culture and hospitality, and your Emerald Isle road trip will give you a fresh perspective on the country that you will cherish forever.

Elizabeth Lavis is a freelance writer who spends the majority of her time traveling the world and seeing exciting and fun new places. She likes physical challenges, such as mountain climbing, and enjoys interacting with interesting people and learning to appreciate new cultures and ways of doing things. Elizabeth is curious about the world around her and is always looking for ways to make it a friendlier and more welcoming place. Read more from Elizabeth on her personal site .

3 Day West Coast of Ireland Road Trip Itinerary To Follow!

Categories Europe , Ireland , Itinerary

Ireland is a small island and country but it’s full of natural beauty. You may think that taking a road trip in Ireland won’t take long but trust me, when you stop every 30 minutes to take in the scenery, combined with the narrow windy roads it takes some time to get around.

I visited Ireland over the August bank holiday for 3 days. Although there’s so much to see in Ireland I knew my first road trip in Ireland  had to include the popular City of Galway and the Cliffs of Moher- Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, so the decision to do a Solo West Coast of Ireland Road Trip was made!

3 Days was the perfect about of time to spend on the West Coast of Ireland and I saw the right amount each day, so here’s what I did on my West Coast of Ireland Road Trip and how I would recommend you plan your 3 day Ireland itinerary!

West Coast of Ireland Road Trip

• Related Posts:
• Helpful Tips To Prepare You For Your Ireland Road Trip!
• 10 Places You Must Visit on the West Coast of Ireland!
• 10 Incredible Places To Add To Your Wild Atlantic Way Route in Ireland!

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Flying to the West Coast of Ireland

I started my trip by flying into Shannon from London on Friday evening. I picked up my hire car and drove 5 minutes to my Airbnb near Shannon Airport .

Shannon has a limited amount of hotels and B&B’s so I would recommend booking one in advance and Airbnb will be best to get a local experience and a great introduction to Ireland!

Car Hire in Ireland

For this West Coast of Ireland itinerary, you need to hire a car! I hired a car in Ireland through Rental Cars who work with all the big car rental agencies in Ireland.

Search for car rental in Ireland here!

Day 1 – Limerick to Galway

The next morning my West Coast of Ireland road trip really began!

Shannon is very close to Limerick and as I have family who come from there and I visited when I wad very young I decided to make this my first stop. I parked up in the town centre in Arthur’s Quay Car Park , I took a walk along the river and headed towards Limerick Castle .

King John’s Castle was really interesting, not only did it offer a great view of the city but it was full of interactive rooms and lots of historic facts!

Next, I headed to the Milk Market which was super busy on a Saturday morning but really good to see. Limerick has had many markets within the city and this is one of them which dates back to the 1800s!

These days it’s full of fresh food and local products and it was great to see real day-to-day life in Limerick here.

I headed to the commercial high street as I had googled a place for brunch in Limerick called The Buttery , there was a bit of a queue but I know if you have to queue for brunch it must be good. It’s a really nice, modern cafe. I opted for the Full Irish Breakfast of course and wasn’t disappointed!

Related Post: How to Spend Half a Day in Limerick, Ireland! 

I was itching to get to the Coast and get on the famous Wild Atlantic Way – 2,500km of coastline running all the way up the West Coast of Ireland so it was about 12:30 when I left Limerick.

I knew the Cliffs of Moher would only be about 1hr 30minutes away if I drove inland, however, I had read online and even seen a sign in the airport saying not to get to the cliffs until at least 16:00 , this is because they get sooo busy and the mornings are when the coach day tours get there.

Having my own car for once meant complete freedom so I knew I wanted to get there as late as possible!

I decided to drive West to a beachside town called Kilkee as it seemed like a nice Southern Western point to start my trip North up the West Coast.

Kilkee was nothing incredible but again it was nice to see somewhere that wasn’t touristy, in fact it is mildly touristy but seemingly only by the Irish visiting for their beach day or beach holiday so that was fine by me and I would recommend visiting if you are doing your West Coast of Ireland road trip in the summer!

From Kilkee, I knew I wouldn’t reach the Cliffs of Moher for about 2 hours so I drove up the Wild Atlantic Way taking in the scenery which was just so Irish and just what I pictured the Irish Countryside to look like- lots of farms and farm animals, stone walls and cute houses.

Just before the Cliffs of Moher, I stopped at a town called Ennistimon . I found an Aldi car park which was free of charge to park so I would recommend using this and I had a little walk onto the high street which was full of lovely colourful buildings.

Doolin is nearby too which is the home of the brilliant series Father Ted so you can add this onto your West Coast of Ireland road trip itinerary too!

Cliffs of Moher

It was now about 17:00 so I was on track to get to the Cliffs of Moher for the perfect time.

Instead of trying to find a ‘quiet lesser-known spot’ along the coast like I had read suggested, I just decided to enter the main car park (which is signposted from miles and miles away), pay €6.00 for my car park and entry ticket and head to the cliffs via the tourist centre.

This is one of those situations where I feel like it’s just best to be a tourist and go with all the other tourists , especially on a busy Summer weekend rather than getting lost on the coast!

At 18:00 the Cliffs were busy but really not that busy so it was great, the sun wasn’t quite setting but it was going down (albeit behind the cloud) and as the cliffs are West facing it gave us a really good light. I had a walk up the left side which gives the iconic view you often see in photos.

There is a small stone wall that separates the path from the edge but it’s easy to hop over the wall which is what nearly everyone does so I was right on the edge, it was a bit scary but it enabled me to get some space from everyone else.

From the Cliffs of Moher, I drove to Galway , it was about a 2-hour drive so I didn’t arrive until fairly late but again, it was a lovely drive through the Irish Countryside and Galway City was pretty easy to navigate once I arrived.

I was slightly gutted as the Marco Polo guide recommended visiting The Burren which is close to the Cliffs of Moher however I ran out of time as it was getting dark and I wanted to get to Galway for a decent time.

I would recommend making time for The Burren on your West Coast of Ireland Road Trip as it’s a really interesting area of land that is almost waterless, all but deserted and largely made up of grey limestone however there are lots of flowers growing between the deep cracks of the Limestone. From the pictures I’ve seen it looks almost otherworldly!

I arrived in Galway at about 21:00 and checked into my hostel – Snoozles Hostel , it was a pretty decent hostel and in a quiet area of the city. It was close to a big car park too which was really handy.

I was in real need of some dinner so had a walk into the main area of the city which on a Saturday night was, of course, alive with people! What I loved was how many people were singing and performing in the street.. the Irish love their music and Galway really is a great Irish City !

There are many hostels, hotels and B&B’s in Galway and it’s a good City to spend one night in, especially if you want to check out the local Irish nightlife. Have a look at some accommodation options here for your stay.

For this West Coast of Ireland itinerary, you need to hire a car! I hired a car in Ireland through Rental Cars . They work with all the big car rental agencies in Ireland.

Day 2 – Galway to Westport

Before leaving Galway morning I wanted to have another walk and see the City in the daytime, I walked back through the main streets of the Latin Quarter I had seen the night before which were looking very empty and different now, I got a coffee and some breakfast and headed down to the water.

There are a few good  cafes in Galway so having breakfast here is a good idea before starting day 2 of your West Coast of Ireland road trip!

I love a city on the water and I pretty much fell for Galway, I can see why it’s such a popular Irish City and there are so many things to do in Galway if you have more time!

In hindsight I wish I would have fitted in a morning walking tour or a Galway hop on off bus tour as I bet this city has some serious stories to tell!

Connemara National Park

The drive from Galway to the Connemara National Park is incredible. The scenery was completely different to what I had seen on Day 1 as this time there were mountains and so many lakes! I pulled over even more on this day to take photos and take in the scenery!

On this note there are so many lay-bys on both sides of the road for drivers to pull into whenever you fancy it so it’s a great place to visit on your road trip Ireland 3 days.

The Connemara National Park is a really big area that you can drive through so even without visiting the Visitor Centre you can still be visiting the park, however, I wanted to do a little walk so after a couple of hours and a little stop in the cute town of Cliften as recommended in the guide I arrived at the Connemara National Park Visitor Centre .

There was lots of parking which was really handy as it was pretty busy. Luckily, after spending the morning in Galway and taking a leisurely drive here I  didn’t actually arrive until mid-afternoon, like with the cliffs the majority of coach tours had been and gone by this point so although it was busy car wise when I got there, it didn’t impact me negatively on my walk.

There are 3 recommended walking routes , I opted for the middle one called the Lower Diamond Hill which was a 3km low demand loop estimated to take an hour although it probably took me about 45 minutes. I headed out of the visitor centre, climbing up the hill in front. I kept turning back to see all of the mountains and lakes in the distance. There was heather all over the grassy areas and the Irish Countryside was looking fabulous! 

I really loved it and I recommend adding it to your West Coast of Ireland road trip itinerary!

There’s a cafe in the visitor centre so I got a sandwich before heading onto my next destination, a place I had been wanting to visit for years after seeing it so many times on Instagram – Kylemore Abbey! Which is only a 10-15 minute drive from the Connemara visitor centre.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a beautiful building. The iconic view of the Abbey is from across the lake which is the view you get as soon as you leave the car park and head towards the visitor centre. It costs €13.00 to enter which gives you access up close, inside and into the gardens however if you are on a tight budget or schedule then you can park for free and walk towards the edge of the lake for free too where you’ll get a pretty good view.

I decided to get a ticket and I’m glad I did as I went inside the Abbey, which is now a museum, and read all about the history. It was once a very fancy hotel and a boarding school , it has experienced a few fires but is now open to the public and aren’t I glad it is!

The gardens are a 1-mile walk from the Abbey however there is a complimentary shuttle bus that runs every 10-15 minutes. I wasn’t too bothered about going but as I had paid for a ticket I thought I should and I was really glad I did, the gardens are stunning and again hold so much history so visit here on your Ireland road trip 3 days

It was now fairly late in the day and my next stop was Westport where I was staying so I was back on the road heading further up the Wild Atlantic Way. I might go as far as saying that this section of my trip was the best as I spent a lot of the journey driving alongside Killary fjord , who knew Ireland had a fjord, but it does!

This is Ireland’s only fjord extending 10 miles in from the Atlantic. It’s safe to stay I stopped a fair few times to take in the views and every corner I turned created a completely different view! From Killary Harbour it is possible to take a boat trip so if I had known and had more time this would have been good to do!

I arrived in Westport in need of some dinner so I parked up and had a walk around, this is another very colourful town, Irish towns love their colourful buildings that’s for sure!

As it was a Sunday evening a lot of places were closed or were full of people. The music scene here is meant to be really good but as a solo traveller in Ireland just looking for a quiet and quick meal I opted for an Italian restaurant I stumbled upon. I didn’t get to see a lot of Westport but it looked like a nice town and I agree with the Marco Polo Guide when they recommend staying here overnight on your West Coast of Ireland road trip, especially if you want a Guinness and some good Irish music !

I had booked an Airbnb just a few miles from Westport in the Village of Carraholly with Maureen, I would recommend staying with her as I got the chance to see inside a typical Irish house and the Countryside around her is beautiful!

If you’d rather stay in a hotel in Westport or a traditional Irish B&B, Westport has a good amount of options on Booking.com .

Day 3 – Achill Island – Sligo – Donegal

Achill island.

Today was the day I really didn’t have any plans for my morning on my West Coast of Ireland road trip.

The Guide I was following recommended setting off bright and early from Westport and taking the hours drive out to Achill Island and describes Achill Island as ‘a big ragged outline attached to the mainland by a bridge road. This Irish speaking Island, superbly mountainous, is Ireland’s largest.’ After reading this I was sold so I headed that way, which is still a long the Wild Atlantic Way.

Although it was raining quite a bit and the cloud was very low it was still a gorgeous drive. Once again the scenery was completely different although there were indeed a lot of mountains present.  I headed over the bridge and onto the island heading towards the town of Keel as the beach I had seen on the map and decided I wanted to visit was next to Keel.

I quickly saw signs for the beach on Achill Island and pulled into the car park. The beach was relatively quiet and the rain that I had experienced on the drive here was just stopping however the cloud was still very low. I took a walk along the beach and the quietness and remoteness really stunned me and made me incredibly calm and appreciative of this trip and what I had seen so far.

Keel was another town that seems to be a holiday destination for locals, there were some rides set up and there was a caravan park but even on the last weekend of the summer it was very quiet, or maybe it was the weather?

I reluctantly got back into my car as my Solo West Coast of Ireland Road Trip was now over.

I had booked a flight from Dublin to London at 20:30 so I needed to drive 4 hours across the country to Dublin Airport. I booked the flights for this trip 5 months beforehand before even looking into what I would do in Ireland however if I had the chance to book that flight again I certainly would have flown out of Knock , Ireland’s West Coast airport so I had the afternoon on the West Coast without the 4 hours drive and I would recommend you do this too if possible.

If I had had the afternoon to spend on the West Coast I would have driven up to  Ballycroy National Park and the town of Bangor Erris  as they aren’t far from Achill Island and then if I had 4 days on the West Coast of Ireland I would have gone to the town of Sligo which is described in the guide as ‘a delightful town, full of history and well supplied with pubs and restaurants’ and either stayed here overnight or headed to the airport if I was flying from Knock!

And there you have it! My 3 Days Ireland Itinerary packed with the beauty of the West Coast!

As I said, I did my West Coast of Ireland road trip on the August Bank Holiday but considering it was one of the busiest weekends of the year it really didn’t feel that busy! I think this was largely due to the fact that I didn’t get to the Cliffs of Moher or the Connemara National Park until later on in the day so I missed the coaches and spent my mornings in the cities which is when the coaches would are driving around!

• More of my Ireland Posts:
• How to Spend Half a Day in Limerick, Ireland  
• 5 Pubs in Dublin to visit for a great Craic!  

This post is sponsored by Marco Polo however all opinions and thoughts are my own. 

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Tuesday 27th of February 2018

Hi ! I aboslutely loved this post, im going to Ireland in may and couldnt exactly figure out which places to visit on a roadtrip, and this really helped me. I took notes and probably will do something very similar. Thanks for sharing, this is exactly what i was looking for !!! Also, the driving didnt look crazy, regarding to traffic, was it? Im from South America, so im a little scared about driving on the other hand.

TheWanderingQuinn

That’s so good to hear! I really loved everywhere I went and was so happy with my route so I would recommend it! Noo it was really quiet! Even in August on a public holiday weekend. I drive on that side so I’m used to it but just drive slowly and you’ll be ok. And like I said just avoid the times when the coaches visit the main places and you won’t have to deal with them either! :)

Thursday 14th of September 2017

This sounds like such a lovely trip - you really managed to travel some ground and see lots of gorgeous landscapes. I bet you must get a bit tired with all the driving!

Hello! It was so good, I had a great time and saw so much! It wasn't too bad actually as I didn't cover that much ground or did that many miles. And it was so scenic that I enjoyed the driving! Thanks for reading Rachel :)

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Hiking Ireland’s West Coast: What You Need To Know

We love every region of Ireland but we must confess that many of the best hikes in Ireland are on the western shore. If visiting by car look no further than the Wild Atlantic Way — the longest uninterrupted coastal drive in the world. We’ll take you through each of the counties along this route, highlighting our favorite hikes and where you should look for lodging. If you prefer hiking in Ireland without a car, we’ll help you do that too.

Hiking Ireland without a Car

Renting a car is often the easiest option for hiking in Ireland but it’s not always the cheapest, nor is it always necessary. 

Ireland has an excellent public transit system through Bus Eireann , Irish Rail , and local taxis. Some of your best memories may come from conversations with jovial taxi drivers or fellow passengers on buses and group tours. 

Of course, we’d love to have you join us on one of ou 

For this reason, we include options for hiking without a car for each county.

Let’s begin!

Hiking in County Cork

Best hikes near bantry, ireland.

Trying to decide where to hike in County Cork is like trying to pick a favorite beer: there are just too many options! For  Ireland’s west coast, however, Bantry is an easy choice for your hiking base because it is strategically located between two national trails in Cork: Sheep’s Head Way and Beara Way .

Both Sheep’s Head and Beara offer equally impressive hiking and while we can’t help you decide between the two, we can suggest some excellent day hikes.

The Poet’s Way Loop and Lighthouse Loop are favorite sections of Sheep’s Head. Gougane Barra Forest Park offers an alternative terrain to the rocky coastal trails and we love their Si An Easa Loop which includes rivers, lakes, and cascading waterfalls.

Getting here: Fly to Cork and take a bus or drive to Bantry. Shannon Airport is a good alternative if renting a car. Dublin isn’t always the best or cheapest option for flights into Ireland, which we mention in our Know Before Going to Ireland post.

Hiking in County Kerry

Best hikes near tralee or killarney, ireland.

Like Cork, County Kerry is one of the best regions for hiking in Ireland. Choosing a base for hiking here depends on what type of hike you want.

For epic multi-day coastal hikes, choose Tralee and hike the Dingle Way . If mountains are what you seek, stay in Killarney and hike Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil , and popular trails near Killarney National Park such as the Gap Of Dunloe . 

Hiking Ireland without a car is easy in this region, especially if you take advantage of our guided hikes up Torc Mountain and Carrauntoohil .

Getting here: Fly to Cork and take a train to Tralee or a bus to Killarney. Shannon Airport is also a good option by bus or car.

Hiking in County Clare

Best hikes near lahinch, ireland.

Most first-time visitors to Ireland have the Cliffs of Moher on their “must-see” list which is why we include it in so many of our tours. Hiking the Moher Coastal Walk from Doolin offers epic views of the Aran Islands and is one of our top choices for hiking in County Clare.

The Caher Valley Loop and Kilkee Cliff Walk offer equally stunning cliff hikes with fewer crowds. The starting point for the Burren Way , one of Ireland’s long-distance trails, is here and it ends at Burren National Park which is only a 25-minute drive from Lahinch.

Getting here: Fly to Shannon Airport and rent a car or take a bus. If flying to Dublin, consider our 10-day Authentic Ireland Tour which begins in Dublin and includes a night in Lahinch and some of the most popular hikes in Ireland.

Hiking in County Galway

Best hikes near galway city, ireland.

Staying in Galway City is an excellent base for hiking in Ireland and it’s one of the premier gateways to Irish culture. We have some excellent suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Galway .

The Western Way from Oughterard to Westport is a good multi-day option if you’re hiking without a car. One of Ireland’s national trails, this portion can be completed in five days.

Day hikers will find plenty of trails in Connemara National Park , where Ireland’s diverse terrain takes center stage and wild ponies frolic. We like hiking Diamond Hill and peak bagging the 12 Bens . Find out why we love this park with our Guide to Connemara National Park .

Getting here: Fly to Shannon Airport and take a bus to Galway City. Dublin is also a good option by bus.

Hiking in County Mayo

Best hikes near westport, ireland.

Untamed Irish coastline and an island once ruled by an infamous pirate queen make County Mayo one of the most intriguing places to hike in Ireland. Base yourself in Westport, which we consider to be one of the best towns to visit in Ireland .

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail offers a great multi-day hike for those who like pilgrimage walks. The trail passes through monastic settlements, a 6th-century castle, and ends at the mountain’s base. 

Croagh Patrick offers one of the best panoramic views in Ireland, which is why we include it in our 5-day Ireland’s Wild West Tour .

Take a ferry to Clare Island where you can hike the castle ruins of queen Granuaile (the pirate we know as Grace O’Malley). 

If you have a car, hike Wild Nephin National Park and explore Achill Island , which we consider to be one of Ireland’s Top 10 Most Naturally Beautiful Places .

Getting here: Fly to Shannon Airport and rent a car. If traveling without a car, fly to Dublin and take a train to Westport.

Hiking in County Sligo

Best hikes near strandhill, ireland.

Hiking in Sligo is best for day hikers, especially if the opportunity for surfing, soaking in a seaweed bath, or walking over the tomb of an ancient Irish goddess sounds appealing. We think it sounds fabulous, which is why we recommend basing yourself in the small coastal town of Strandhill.

Notable day hikes include the Queen Maeve Trail up Knocknarea Mountain and Killaspugbrone Coastal Walk — both of which can be reached from Strandhill without a car. 

A little further out and accessible by car or taxi are the “must do” hikes of Sligo: Gleniff Horseshoe Benwisken Loop and the Benbulben Forest Walk .

Getting here: Fly to Dublin and rent a car or take a bus to Strandhill.

Hiking in County Donegal

Best hikes near ardara, ireland.

Did you know the Appalachian Trail extends beyond American borders? The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) traverses the Appalachian-Caledonian Mountains which were formed 250 million years ago when the supercontinent Pangea was formed. 

If thru-hiking the US route isn’t enough of a challenge, consider hiking Ireland’s first stage of this epic trail from Bungles To Glenties .

Hiking in Ireland’s Glenveagh National Park and Errigal Mountain should be on your list. If you don’t have a car, consider hiking the Pilgrim Path along Slieve League (similar to the Cliffs of Moher). 

Slieve League offers stunning coastal views of Ireland’s northwest coast, which is why we include it in our 8-day Ireland’s Wild North Tour .

Getting here: Fly to Dublin and drive to Ardara. If you don’t have a car, stay in Donegal Town which is accessible by bus.

Hiking Ireland Responsibly

How you choose to travel and where you spend your travel dollars is important — which is why for every tour that you book with us we donate 3% through The Wild N Happy Foundation to a variety of environmental, social, and economic initiatives. When hiking in Ireland, go beyond “leave no trace behind” and help us build stronger communities and a better world for all.

If you have any questions at all about our tours of Ireland, please do get in touch !

How To Travel To Ireland’s West Coast: First Timer’s Guide

So, you’ve decided on Ireland as your next holiday destination. Congratulations! Perhaps you’re an American getting to know your ancestral roots. Or perhaps you just want to experience Europe without dealing with an unfamiliar language. You might be a European/ Asian/ African/ Citizen of the World looking for the picture-postcard, Baileys tv-commercial Ireland. Well, you’re not alone, Ireland welcomes over 11 million overseas visitors annually. Whatever your motivation, we have had a few queries on the best way to travel to Ireland’s West Coast when coming to Ireland for the first time.

That’s why we have put together these – hopefully helpful – tips. Some of them might seem obvious, but we wanted to include everything. Often, what is crystal clear to one may be completely new to another. Therefore, in this post, you’ll find pretty much everything you need to know to get started with planning your trip to Ireland’s West Coast, including:

• Flying to the West Coast versus flying to Dublin Airport,
• What public transport to use, bus and rail, from Dublin Airport to the West Coast,
• How to travel around the West coast – some tips on car hire.

Guide On How To Travel To Ireland’s West Coast

Many tourists, whether repeat or first timers, aim for Dublin , Ireland’s capital city. We love Dublin ourselves, the long history, fascinating architecture, the buzzing culture and arts scene. But if you want to experience the rugged, windswept hills and the roaring ocean waves breaking against dramatic cliffs, your destination should be the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland’s West.

Since Ireland is an island, it goes that the vast majority (in fact 96 %) of tourists arrive by air. The remaining small percentage come in by sea from the UK, France or Spain. With such a large proportion of air arrivals, this guide caters to those flying in.

Fly To The West Coast

Not being funny here, but the easiest way to get to Ireland’s West is to fly directly there. It is surprising how many people, even Irish people, do not realise that international flights land at Knock, Shannon and Cork Airports. OK, Cork is more the South of the country, but you know what we mean. All three airports have car hire facilities and are a breeze to navigate.

That is the huge advantage of these regional airports. You generally speed through the check-in, check-out and through the terminal. Less flights mean less passengers, resulting in less lines and shorter waiting times. On the other hand, it can take well over an hour at Dublin Airport to get through the x-ray machines. Whereas in Knock, Shannon or Cork you usually fly through (pun intended).

We try and use the three airports in Ireland’s West as much as we can. Of course, the choice of routes is not as varied as Dublin. Nevertheless, they all are well connected to London. So, if you are flying in from the US with a London layover, consider bypassing Dublin altogether.

Knock Airport

Knock Airport or Ireland West Airport , is located near Charlestown in County Mayo and is well connected with the UK and Spain. It is a great spot to fly to if you are heading for the North of the West Coast, i.e. counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo and Galway.

Shannon Airport

Shannon , near Limerick City , is the only airport in Ireland outside of Dublin that is connected via direct flights with North America. This makes it a popular choice with many US and Canadian visitors heading for the West. Fly to Shannon to easily explore Counties Galway, Clare, Kerry and Cork.  

Cork Airport

And for the south of the country, you can fly to Cork airport . It is also well connected with the UK, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.

Fly to Dublin

But sometimes the routes to the regional Western airports really do not work. In that case, your most likely landing point in Ireland will be Dublin Airport . (A quick note that you could also be flying to the three airports in Northern Ireland – Belfast International, George Best Belfast City and Derry Airport. Out of these, we have only used Belfast International once, a long time ago. Therefore, we are not covering the Northern Ireland airports here.)

How To Travel To Ireland’s West Coast From Dublin Airport By Bus

Once you land in Dublin, you have several options how to travel to Ireland’s West. Car hire if you want to travel under your own steam from this point on. Or your other options are bus or train as public transport alternatives.

At this point, it is worth mentioning that if you are planning any amount of travelling around the West Coast, you will most likely need a car. However, you don’t need to get the hire car out at Dublin airport. Read on.

What Bus Goes From Dublin Airport To Galway/ Limerick/ Cork?

There are a number of ways how you can travel from Dublin to the West of Ireland on public transport. The fastest, however, is the Eireagle by Citylink coach. It has direct routes from Dublin airport to the major cities of Galway, Limerick and Cork.  Journey to Galway or Limerick takes 2.5hrs, while it takes 3hrs to travel to Cork. The buses are very comfortable, equipped with wifi and toilets. We recommend booking your tickets on line in advance of your journey as seats can fill quickly, especially during the Summer months. Eieragle offers good value family tickets, too.

Where Does The Eireagle Bus Stop In Galway/ Limerick/ Cork?

The Eireagle stops several times in each city. If you’re headed for the centre of town, your stop is the Coach Station in Galway, Arthur’s Quay in Limerick and MacCurtain Street in Cork City. There is a handy map on the Eireagle website. The drivers usually announce the stops beforehand so no worries that you would miss yours.

Where Does The Eireagle/ Citylink Bus Go From At Dublin Airport?

The Eireagle/ Citylink buses go from the bus station outside Terminal 1. It is a short, five minute, walk from Terminal 2 if that is where you are landing. Not to be confused with the bus stops right outside both terminals. These serve Dublin city and shorter routes only. For the intercity journeys, you need to walk through the covered car park to the bus station. Galway buses go from Zone 11 and Limerick and Cork buses from Zone 10. If you’re unsure where to get the bus from, possibly easiest to ask the airport staff.

There are indeed other bus options from Dublin Airport than Eireagle, if you don’t mind taking longer and making more stops along the way. The national bus operator Bus Éireann runs a number of Expressway routes to the West. They also cover more destinations in the West than just Galway, Limerick and Cork.

How To Travel To Ireland’s West Coast From Dublin Airport By Train

The bad news is that there are no train connections to Dublin Airport. So, if you are opting for the train for your travel to Ireland’s West, you will need to use a taxi or a Dublin city bus to take you to the railway station.

The good news, however, is that there are a good number of bus routes from Dublin Airport to both Connolly and Heuston Railway Stations in the city. You will not have to wait long for your connection. We recommend the Dublin Express , which stops at both Connolly (40mins ride from airport) and Heuston (one hour ride). It could be shorter, but you are entering the capital city’s traffic. Again, we recommend pre-booking on line, as the buses do get quite busy.

How To Travel From Dublin City To Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee And Cork By Train

The West of Ireland is reasonably well served by trains from Dublin. Westbound trains go from two railway stations: Connolly (trains to Sligo) or Heuston (trains to Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee and Cork). All trains are operated by Irish Rail . Do pre-book online as that way you have a booked seat. If you buy your ticket at the station, not only is it more expensive, but also no guarantee of a seat. And you do not want to stand for three hours!

Approximate journey times From Dublin to selected destinations on the West Coast:

Dublin – Sligo 3 hrs 15 mins (direct trains) Dublin – Westport 3 hrs 10 mins (direct trains) Dublin – Galway 2 hrs 30 mins (most direct trains, some need to change in Athlone) Dublin – Limerick 2 hrs 10 mins (some direct trains, most need to change in Limerick Junction) Dublin – Tralee 4 hrs (some direct trains, most need to change in Mallow) Dublin – Cork 2 hrs 30 mins (most direct trains, some need to change in Mallow)

Getting Around The West Of Ireland

Assuming you are planning to travel around Ireland’s West Coast, you will need to hire a car. Sadly, the Irish public transport has a long way to go to catch up with its European counterparts. There are some buses in the rural areas, but few and far between. Definitely not ones you could rely on to arrive on time to take you to your next destination.

Hiring A Car At The Airport Or In Your City Base

If you are hiring a car from the airports (Dublin, Cork, Knock and Shannon), our go-to site for getting good deals is Ryanair (click on ‘car hire’ on the left top). It is a similar set up as to when you are searching for car hire via Kayak, Expedia and similar sites, but we are just used to the Ryanair site.

If you are flying into Dublin and you know you want to travel around the West, we think it is worth checking out car hire once you arrive in your base on the West Coast. We often find that the prices at Dublin airport are higher than in Limerick, Cork, Castlebar, Sligo or Galway. Of course, it’s not a big deal to pick your car up at Dublin airport and drive from there, but worth checking out what works cheaper and more comfortable for you. We use this tip when we travel abroad ourselves. Getting a car in Lisbon airport costs much more than hiring one in Porto once we travel there by train.

Most people think that you have to be flying with Ryanair to use their car hire feature, but that is not the case. Anyone can book a car through the Ryanair site any time. In fact, you are not hiring the car from Ryanair themselves, but from their partners. These are the car hire agencies you know so well – Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, etc. Surprisingly, the rental is often cheaper than going to the hire company direct. Having said that, Enterprise often have special weekend deals. In addition, they have a good network of branches in towns and a free pick-up service.

Time To Travel To Ireland’s West!

Hopefully, now you have lots of information on how best to travel to Ireland’s West Coast. This post should make your planning easier. You can fly directly to the West or to Dublin. From Dublin, you can take the direct buses to the West or trains from Dublin City. You can hire a car at any of the airports or in your base town or city on the Wild Atlantic Way. Bon Voyage!

9 Of The Best Cities in Ireland (That Are Actually Cities)

By Author Gillian Birch

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

Many guides online to the ‘best cities in Ireland’ confuse towns with cities.

Ireland has a handful of cities and, while there are plenty of lovely towns in Ireland, cities are a different ball-game altogether.

Below, you’ll get an overview of the main cities in Ireland, from Belfast and Dublin to Derry, Waterford and more.

Table of Contents

The best cities in Ireland

Photos via Shutterstock

There are six cities in Ireland; Kilkenny, Galway, Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Dublin and there are five cities in Northern Ireland; Armagh, Belfast, Derry, Lisburn and Newry.

We’ll take you through our favourites below (see our guide to the differences between Ireland vs Northern Ireland if the above has you confused).

1. Cork City

Cork City is one of the most popular cities in Ireland, with its riverside location and unforgettable attractions. It is Ireland’s second city, with a population of 581,231, occupying an island between two branches of the River Lee.

The river continues eastward into beautiful Lough Mahon before reaching the sheltered but significant seaport of Cork Harbour.

Today it boasts fine architecture spanning 1,000 years including two cathedrals (St Finbarre and St Mary’s), magnificent Blackrock Castle, palatial City Hall and the landmark Shandon Church Tower, the symbol of Ireland’s southernmost city.

Related read: See our guide to the best things to do in Cork City  

2. Dublin City

Many travel guides list Dublin as the best city in Ireland, and for good reason – the capital has an impressive literary heritage, history and hedonistic attitude.

Its lively past includes a Georgian heyday, leaving an elegant architectural legacy in the largest city in Ireland.

Regularly voted “Friendliest City in Europe” by TripAdvisor, Dublin excels at welcoming tourists with a genuine warmth and charm that makes everyone relax and smile.

By day, the cobbled streets, winding alleyways and bridges connect the lively pubs in Temple Bar with Dublin Castle, brewery tours and historic landmarks.

Life after dark continues apace in the 1,000 pubs in this sociable city where dark pints of Guinness lubricate the wheels of impromptu music jams, friendly conversation and tall tales shared with complete strangers.  

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Dublin

3. Limerick City

Limerick is one of the best cities to visit in Ireland for those arriving into nearby Shannon Airport.

This sizeable west coast Irish city is a nice mix of traditional and contemporary architecture. Straddling the River Shannon, this city of 205,444 was the first Irish European City of Culture and has an unmissable foodie scene.

Don’t miss the landmarks that tell the city’s story: St John’s Castle with its Viking origins, the Palladian Bishop’s Palace and the medley of museums covering art, history and the world’s first Flying Boat.

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Limerick

4. Belfast City

Another that’s widely regarded as the best city in Ireland is Belfast.

Capital of Northern Ireland and seat of the devolved government, this city of over 345,418 people has re-emerged from the Troubles to celebrate its many historic achievements.

As well as being the world’s largest linen producer, it was also home to Harland and Wolff, the world’s biggest shipyard. It built the ill-fated RMS Titanic, now remembered in the waterfront Titanic Museum and Memorial Garden.

The historic city is crammed with monuments, museums and landmarks, from the Victorian domed City Hall and fabulous Belfast Castle to the baronial Stormont Castle.

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Belfast

5. Derry City

Derry is one of the more overlooked cities in Ireland, despite its many attractions and its proximity to the glorious Antrim Coast .

Following the construction of Peace Bridge and the waterfront development, this second largest city in Northern Ireland has emerged as a splendid metropolis of some 93,000 residents, wearing its tumultuous history with pride.

The 17th century city walls, Bogside murals and Hunger Strike Memorial all have their place in this city along with the emerging music scene, making this one of the most best cities to visit in Ireland in 2023.

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Northern Ireland

6. Waterford City

In my opinion, Waterford is the best city in Ireland if you’re planning looking to step off-the-beaten-path without having to travel to far.

It’s a stone’s throw from the magnificent Copper Coast – one of our favourite things to do in Ireland and a real hidden gem!

Waterford is one of the most famous cities in Ireland, exporting its quality Waterford Crystal all over the world. Also known as Port Lairge, it is the oldest city in Ireland, celebrating its 1100th anniversary back in 2014.

With a population of 127,085, the city has strong Viking roots. In fact the name comes form the Viking Veðrafjǫrðr, which means “windy fjord”.

Three museums make up the Viking Triangle within the quaint streets of the Old Town, making this one of the top Irish cities for history lovers. Don’t miss Reginald’s Tower and the seaworthy Viking Longboat on the Quay!

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Waterford

7. Galway City

Photos by Stephen Power via Ireland’s Content Pool

Galway is arguably the best city in Ireland if you’re looking for a a mix of city attractions and rural adventures ( Connemara is on its doorstep).

Head west to Galway City, now a bohemian artsy community favouring brightly painted shopfronts. Discover this cultural oasis of more than 83,456 population in the sparely populated West of Ireland and prepare to be entranced.

This Euro Capital of Culture 2020 hosts countless festivals and events that stem from the vibrant lifestyle. Within the mediaeval town walls, you’ll find engaging street buskers, lively pubs and cosy cafes serving famous Galway Bay oysters.

This is the place to shop for authentic Claddagh rings, musical instruments and handcrafted pottery.

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Galway

8. Armagh City

Armagh has been an important religious hub since the 5th century and only received city status in 2012 as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

It remains the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and Seat of the Primates of All Ireland with two cathedrals representing both Catholic and Protestant (Church of Ireland) faiths.

Interestingly, both are named after Saint Patrick! Highlights include the Armagh Planetarium and Observatory in its elegant Georgian building and the Armagh County Museum, the oldest county museum in Ireland.

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Armagh

9. Kilkenny City

Last but not least, Kilkenny City is the epitome of Irish cities with its “Medieval Mile” of narrow lanes lined with historic buildings stretching from the imposing Kilkenny Castle to the 13th century St Candice Cathedral.

Stroll the banks of the River Nore and take time to appreciate the creativity on offer in this hub of Celtic arts and crafts. Fine restaurants rub shoulders with humble waterfront cafes and historic taverns.

This city of over 26,512 (2016) people manages to make an unforgettable impact on everyone that visits this former Norman stronghold in southeast Ireland.

Related read:  See our guide to the best things to do in Kilkenny

FAQs about the best cities to visit in Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What’s the best city in Ireland for a weekend break?’ to ‘Which make a good base to explore from?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the different cities in Ireland?

There are 6 cities in Ireland (Kilkenny, Galway, Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Dublin) and there are 5 cities in Northern Ireland (Armagh, Belfast, Derry, Lisburn and Newry).

What is the best city in Ireland for a weekend?

This depends entirely on what you want to do. Personally, I think Dublin boasts the most to do in the city itself. However, Galway, Cork and Belfast are all close to endless adventure opportunities.

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17 Fabulous Things to Do in Ireland with Teens

V isiting Ireland with teens is a fantastic idea, whether you have older teens or younger children. If it’s their first time in Europe, the lack of a language barrier makes it easy to find new friends. The distinctive Irish culture, lush green national parks, fascinating historic sites, and traditional Irish music will make any family trip to the Emerald Isle a truly unique experience. 

Whether you’re planning a weeks-long road trip for the whole family or a short city break, this guide covers all the top attractions and destinations ideal for young people. It’s split by area so you can find Ireland teen travel inspiration for the parts of the country you’re visiting!

Best Places to Explore in Ireland with Teens

East coast of ireland with teens.

The East Coast is home to the capital of Ireland and its many attractions as well as a beautiful national park. It’s a great place to visit if you don’t have a lot of time to spend in Ireland with teens.

1. Dublin Attractions

You can’t visit Ireland with teens without visiting Dublin . As the capital city, it’s one of the most famous and storied parts of the country. Its city center straddles the River Liffey with rows of bridges and pockets of historic neighborhoods.

Teenagers will love listening to live music in pubs. They don’t have to be 18 years old (the drinking age in Ireland). Many licensed pubs (including the famous Temple Bar pub) will admit accompanied children until 9 pm.

Grafton Street in Dublin is teeming with buskers all day, every day. These street performers really put on a show so it’s great fun to walk up and down the road.

Don’t sidestep the Guinness Storehouse with the assumption it’s for drinking-age adults only. Touring through the brewing process and history is fun for the whole family. Be sure to grab a photo in front of the famous St James’s Gate.

Do you have Irish ancestry? Visiting the EPIC: The Irish Immigration Museum is a must. You can learn about global Irish history and can even trace ancestors using their archives.

Visiting the Trinity College Library and seeing the Book of Kells, one of the oldest books in the world, and the phenomenal Long Room (which looks like a library from  Harry Potter ) is also a fun experience.

Check out the darker side of Dublin by taking your teens on a ghost tour. Teenagers 14+ can join this  spooky ghost bus tour  to graveyards, haunted museums, and Victorian theaters led by a costumed tour guide.

Take a walking tour through Kilmainham Gaol , a former Georgian jail turned visitors center.

2. Wicklow Mountains National Park

Just an hour’s drive south of Dublin is one of Ireland’s six national parks – the Wicklow Mountains. It’s famous for dense forests, hiking and cycling paths, and beautiful lakes like the magical Glendalough.

You can visit the Wicklow Mountains to enjoy Ireland’s natural beauty as a  day trip from Dublin  or an easy side trip. Although Glendalough is a nature reserve so no boats or canoes are permitted, you can paddleboard or kayak on the Avonbeg and Avonmore rivers instead. 

The 5.9-mile Glendalough Loop is one of the best hiking trails in Ireland with teens. You can find it in Wicklow Mountains National Park. It’s a moderately challenging long walk and offers incredible views of this spectacular landscape.

Blessington Greenway is a gorgeous 3.5-mile cycling route around the Blessington Lakes if you’re short on time or would prefer to hire bikes.

3. Stay at Kilkea Castle Hotel

One of the best things to do in Ireland is to stay in a real castle overnight. But most are $$$ and cater to honeymooning couples rather than families with teens. Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort is a surprisingly affordable 12th-century estate with turrets and arrow slit windows.

Kilkea Castle’s hotel rooms average around $200 per night and is only an hour’s drive south of Dublin. It’s the perfect place to stop on a road trip from the capital to the south of Ireland. Check off your dream of staying in an Irish castle !

West Coast of Ireland With Teens

Ireland’s West Coast is famous for the Wild Atlantic Way. This coastal route stretches 1,553 miles from the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal through County Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, and County Kerry in the south. Visit during the summer months so you have access to the ferries heading to nearby islands.

4. Cliffs of Moher

One of the best places to visit in Ireland with teens and older children is the Cliffs of Moher. This rocky coastline stretches for nine miles along the Atlantic Ocean. There are incredible views of the Aran Islands and the 702 ft tall cliffs at their highest point.

Check out the Cliffs of Moher Experience if your kids will find the geology and science behind the cliffs interesting. Hike the eight-mile Cliffs of Moher Walk from Doolin to Hag’s Head (and take the bus back) if they love adventure.

Your teens may know Galway City best for Ed Sheeran’s hit song ‘Galway Girl’ which in recent years has caused this already lively city to boom with visitors. 

Its Latin Quarter is crammed with centuries-old pubs with colorful facades (including O’Connell’s Bar, The Salt House, and The Quays which appear in the ‘Galway Girl’ music video). Like in Dublin, teenagers under 18 years old can enter many pubs until 9 pm. 

Jewelry shops line Quay Street, which is where you can buy Galway’s famous Claddaugh rings if you want to treat your teenagers. Claddaugh jewelry has the symbol of a heart for love, a crown for loyalty, and two hands for friendship.

Teens may also be interested in visiting Galway Cathedral, a new church only built in 1965 with a mosaic of JFK.

6. Connemara National Park

While Connemara National Park is one of the smaller Irish national parks, there is one very good reason to visit. Many Irish teenagers and children attend a sleepaway outdoor activity center (similar to American summer camps) during their summer holidays from school and so can your kids!

Delphi Adventure Centre Resort   is based in Connemara National Park where kids aged ten to 17 can attend five or seven-day camps. Teens can take part in a huge range of group activities like rock climbing and zip-lining as well as water activities like rock climbing and swimming. They also offer family adventure breaks so parents can get involved too.

If you’d rather explore the park independently, you can! Hike up Diamond Hill for views of the Twelve Bens (the highest peaks in Connemara) and visit Kylemore Abbey. This Gothic mansion is still home to an order of nuns after 100 years and they have the most beautiful gardens on the banks of Pollacapall Lough.

7. Skellig Islands

One of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Ireland, the Skellig Islands off the coast of County Kerry are the best experience you can have in Ireland if your teens are Star Wars fans. The largest of the two Skellig Islands, Skellig Michael, was one of the main filming locations in  The Last Jedi ! 

They’re also important for being the location of one of the first early Christian monasteries, as well as being a thriving puffin nesting site. Visit via ferry between April and July to spot the cute birds with multicolored beaks.

8. Ring of Kerry Scenic Drive

County Kerry has two incredible scenic drives perfect for exploring Ireland with teens! One is the Ring of Kerry , a 110-mile coastal loop around the Iveragh Peninsula. It includes Killarney National Park and follows the protected waterways of Kenmare Bay.

Some highlights that your teens might enjoy visiting on this great trip around the Ring of Kerry are Sneem, Waterville, and Kenmare. Kenmare Stone Circle, in particular, is pretty cool as it’s one of the largest stone circles in the area, measuring 56 x 49 ft and dating back to the Bronze Age.

You could also veer slightly south of the Ring of Kerry route to visit the lush Bonane Valley. Here, you can check out Bonane Heritage Park which is a private preserve and one of the most important archeological sites in the country with a lot of old forts and stone circles.

9. Dingle Peninsula Scenic Drive

The other scenic route in Ireland is Slea Head Drive, a 24-mile scenic drive around the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. But you have to drive to the bottom of the Dingle Peninsula to reach this beautiful route, so you might as well explore other highlights along the way!

Stop by the port town of Dingle for fish and chips, the 16th-century ruined Minard Castle (totally free!), and spectacular Inch Beach that juts 5 km out of the coastline. At the tip of the peninsula, you can visit the Tóchar Maothaithe beehive huts where early Christian monks used to live.

All of these attractions are just a short walk from the scenic route, so you can visit them all.

10. Killarney National Park

The first and arguably the best national park in Ireland, Killarney in the Roughty River Valley is home to lakes, castles, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Driving (or hiking) along the Gap of Dunloe, a high narrow pass in the hills, offers the most incredible views of wild Killarney National Park.

Visit Muckross House and Muckross Abbey, two old buildings with ties to Queen Victoria.  Kayak across Lough Leane  or Muckross Lake and check out the ruined structures of Innisfallen Abbey and Ross Castle. Your teens will love hiking to Torc Waterfall or Derrycunnihy Falls and hiking along the banks of the lakes.

South of Ireland With Teens

County Cork is Ireland’s largest county, but Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, and Limerick have a lot of attractions to offer teenagers too. It’s a good place to visit with castles and museums open year-round with lively cities and picturesque towns.

11. Rock of Cashel

No family road trip around Ireland is complete without visiting the Rock of Cashel, one of Ireland’s most important sites that you may not have heard about! It is a rocky limestone outcrop in County Tipperary with a cluster of medieval churches and other religious sites at the top.

It’s supposedly the site where St. Patrick, Ireland’s famous patron saint, converted the King of Munster to Christianity in the 5th century. Must-visit buildings include Hore Abbey, the Round Tower, Cashel Folk Village, Cormac’s Chapel, and the cemetery.

12. Kinsale

Kinsale is a small, colorful port town that marks the southernmost point of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. As well as being a picturesque seaside town, your teens will enjoy visiting two of the town’s best attractions: James Fort and Charles Fort.

Both forts were built in the 17th century on the River Bandon to protect the region. If your teens enjoy the beauty of Kinsale and you have extra time, head over to Cobh for more vivid streets.

13. Blarney Castle

Drive through the stunning Blackwater Valley en route to Blarney Castle in County Cork. While this 15th-century ruined castle might not look like much from the outside, it has a famous legend.

Everyone who kisses the Blarney Stone receives the ‘gift of the gab’ as Irish people would say. This magical stone is supposed to make you more eloquent when you kiss it!

One of the best things about taking part in this ritual is that you have to lean back and hold on to two metal poles to reach the specific stone. Almost impossible with young kids, but a funny and unique way to spend an afternoon in Ireland with teens.

14. Jerpoint Park

County Kilkenny is home to Jerpoint Park , home of an important Irish heritage site. A local guide can take you and your teens around the Lost Town of Newtown Jerpoint, a 12th-century medieval town, which includes seeing the tomb effigy of St. Nicholas. It was once made up of a courthouse, a mill, a tannery, a brewery, and almost 30 houses.

This land is now a family-owned farm where you can watch sheepdog demonstrations. The Church of St. Nicholas was restored in 2012 after centuries of neglect so it’s an impressive site.

Northern Ireland With Teens

Northern Ireland boasts some of the most spectacular coastal landscapes on the whole island. If traveling to Ireland with teens is becoming pricey, swapping Dublin for Belfast is a great way to cut down costs.

15. Giant’s Causeway

Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway cannot be missed on any road trip of Ireland with teens. This area of the Causeway coastline consists of basalt columns in interlocking geometric shapes. It seems impossible that it was created by nature. You can walk over the columns and take incredible photos!

The myth is that two feuding giants, one in Ireland and the other in Scotland, built a causeway so they could fight. This patch of coastline is what remains of the bridge. It is free to visit although there is a visitors center where you can learn more about the science and magic behind this beautiful landform.

16. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

First built in the 18th century by salmon fisherman, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge connects mainland Northern Ireland with a small island. It’s a 66 ft-long rope bridge suspended almost 100 ft above the rocky cliffs and sea below. 

While smaller kids might not get a kick out of the dizzying heights and precarious wooden panels, your teens will! There are long lines during the summer months so book your tickets ahead.

17. Titanic Belfast

Belfast is Northern Ireland’s capital city famous for its murals and political past as well as being the birthplace of the Titanic. Yes, the fateful ship was built in the docks of Belfast. In 2012, 100 years after its tragic first voyage, the Titanic Belfast Experience opened in the spot where it was built.

This experience walks you through the history of Belfast in 1912, the people who made and designed the ship, and absolutely anything else to know about it. The state-of-the-art attraction includes a fun ride, scale models, and even artifacts found on the ship like deck chairs and violins. There’s nowhere better to learn more about the ship and your teens will love it!

Check Out These Incredible Things To Do in Ireland With Teens

Most of the things to do in Ireland with teens will appeal to the whole family. Young adults are usually seeking the coolest attractions or the most adrenaline-inducing activities. Ireland offers a ton of different experiences.

Younger teens (and tweens) will love Ireland’s medieval castles and interactive museums like Dublin Castle and EPIC. Whereas older teens might love the pubs of Galway and the cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way. Hopefully, this list has given you a lot of places and experiences to add to your next family holiday trip to the Emerald Isle!

The post 17 Fabulous Things to Do in Ireland with Teens appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

Take an epic trip along the West Coast in 2024. Here are the top 10 places to visit now

(Lettering and animation by Jacky Sheridan/For The Times; video editing by Li Anne Liew/For The Times; Storyblocks)

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I couldn’t help it. In the course of scouting out great adventures for West Coast 101 — our new guide to essential destinations in Baja, California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia — I found myself compiling a personal top 10.

I’ll get to that list shortly. But first, an honorable mention.

Even if you’ve never seen “The Big Lebowski,” you’ve probably heard someone mention the rug that tied Lebowski’s room together . Well, Harris Ranch does that for California.

This I-5 stop for food, gas, lodging and bathrooms (not necessarily in that order) might not make anyone’s bucket list. And I’ll admit that if the wind blows the wrong way, it smells like cattle. But if you’re driving north-south through the San Joaquin Valley, which just about every Californian does sooner or later, you’re going to need to stop somewhere.

Bring this list on your adventures! Order L.A. Times’ new ‘101 Best West Coast Experiences’ zine here.

Harris Ranch faithfully awaits, 184 miles south of San Francisco and 200 miles north of L.A. City Hall, the pride of Coalinga. Over the years, I’ve pumped gas at its Shell station, slept in its comfortable hotel (no resort fee or room tax), conducted interviews in its Horseshoe Lounge, lingered over breakfast in its Ranch Kitchen (excellent) and grabbed a sandwich from its Express BBQ (adequate). I’ve even bought bonsai from Hyo Kim, who peddles delicately coiffed junipers, olive and pine trees ($25-$500) from a stand on the dirt shoulder across the street.

I’m not saying cattle ranches are good for the planet’s future — definitely not. But I’m just realizing that for about 45 years now, Harris Ranch has been the rug tying together my adventures in the vast living room that is our West Coast.

Your rug might be different. After all, these lists are subjective.

Of our 101 best West Coast experiences, these 10 resonate most for me. I’d recommend them to just about any California newbie and I’d grab at a chance to visit them again — some for basic beauty, others for the stories they tell or the memories they tie together.

Travel & Experiences

The 101 best West Coast experiences

Essential things to do, see and eat right now in California, Oregon, Washington, the Baja Peninsula and British Columbia. Ready to explore?

May 16, 2024

10. Rady Shell, San Diego

I have a hard time imagining a more pleasant place to see an outdoor concert. Well, maybe the Red Rocks Amphitheater outside Denver. But on the West Coast? I’ll take this sleek bayside shell in downtown San Diego. And I’ll try not to be resentful that nobody thought of this while I lived down there.

It’s like the Hollywood Bowl but with harbor views. 7 things to know about San Diego’s new music venue

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is now in its first summer season. See a show and make a weekend out of it.

June 10, 2022

9. Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Santa Cruz, Calif., Tuesday, April 19, 2022 in Santa Cruz, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. (Nic Coury/For The Times) Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Santa Cruz, Calif., Tuesday, April 19, 2022. (Nic Coury/For The Times) Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn in Santa Cruz, Calif., Tuesday, April 19, 2022. (Nic Coury/For The Times)

What are we going to do about Highway 1? Since that coast road was built on the slopes of Big Sur in the 1930s, we’ve treasured it. But as any acrophobe, geologist or engineer could tell you, those slopes crumble and slide relentlessly. Year after year, Caltrans moves mountains to keep that two-lane road navigable. Then comes another slide. Since January 2023 it’s been impossible to drive from San Simeon to Big Sur via the coastal route. (Caltrans announced partial reopening May 16. Check before you go. ) Whenever I worry about the highway, I think of Deetjen’s, which is basically a roadside time capsule clad in weathered wood. It opened about the time the highway did and won over generations of road-trippers with its rustic rooms and restaurant. Before Helmuth Deetjen died in 1972, he set up a nonprofit organization to keep the place running in old-school fashion. I’ve been stopping there since the 1980s. You have to call to make a reservation. And when you get there, you have to expect paper-thin walls along with the Norwegian woodwork, the crackle of the fireplace and the portrait of Deetjen on the wall. It’s a priceless place. And Nepenthe and the Henry Miller Memorial Library are just down the road. We just can’t take Deetjen’s or that road for granted.

12 secret stops on California’s iconic road to Big Sur

Even you’ve already done the most obvious attractions — Hearst Castle in San Simeon, for instance — why not spend more time exploring roadside nooks and ocean-adjacent crannies along Highway 1?

Oct. 20, 2022

8. Yosemite Valley

Does this need explaining? Probably not. If you’re arriving from the south, you emerge from the long, dark Wawona Tunnel to see El Capitan and Half Dome looming above a green, wet world of its own. Waterfalls roar left and right. The valley stretches for seven miles, framed by granite walls that Ansel Adams had to shoot and Alex Honnold had to climb. The Merced River meanders through. Even if you don’t have $600 to spend a night in the Ahwahnee Hotel, you can pop by for a snack, gaze up at painted rafters that go back to 1927 and warm yourself by one of the big fireplaces.

7. Venice Beach

Venice, CA - April 03: A man throughs a trick at the skate park at Venice Beach on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Venice, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times) Venice, CA - April 03: People enjoy a day at Venice Beach on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Venice, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times) Venice, CA - April 03: A man surfs at Venice Beach on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Venice, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times)

Yeah, I know. There’s plenty to lament in Venice. But when you hit that beach at the right time on the right day, it feels so emblematic of Southern California. On my last visit, the sun was just setting. My wife, Mary Frances, and I checked out the skateboarders, chatted with a few artists who were selling work along the sidewalk and did a double take at the Shul on the Beach (a.k.a. Pacific Jewish Center), an Orthodox synagogue where worshipers were just gathering for a Friday night Shabbat meal.

6. The whales of Baja’s lagoons

It’s one thing to watch migrating gray whales off the Southern California coast, standing at the rail of a big boat, looking for spouts in the distance and perhaps drawing within 100 yards. It’s something else when you’re in a panga on the waters of a southern Baja lagoon — usually Ojo de Liebre (Scammon’s) or San Ignacio. These immense creatures, the cows and and the calves, get so close sometimes, it feels intimate. And maybe a little scary. The adults weigh up to 90,000 pounds.

Joshua Tree with beaches and taquerias? No, just an epic Baja road trip

On a drive down the Baja peninsula’s Highway 1, travel writer Christopher Reynolds finds baby whales, a pond to float in and a new generation of adventurers.

March 15, 2023

5. Ferry Building and waterfront San Francisco

The Ferry Building in San Francisco, Calif., Friday, April 12, 2024. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

A couple looks at the Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Point in San Francisco. (Nic Coury / For The Times)

I’m trying to think of a more successful architectural resurrection than San Francisco’s Ferry Building. And failing. Picture that 1898 waterfront building in the 1920s, when there was no Bay Bridge and no Golden Gate Bridge and up to 50,000 people per day were commuting by ferry. The Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street was the center of the Bay Area’s nervous system. Then the bridges went up, commuters abandoned the ferries, the building was rehabbed into ugly offices and decades passed. Finally, in the aftermath of the 1989 Loma Prieta quake, San Francisco leaders launched a plan to revive the building. It reopened in 2003 as a foodie-oriented restaurant and retail space, a thousand times more interesting to me than the souvenir shops of Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 (although at least you get the sight and sound of sea lions there). Apart from the food, it’s got great views of the Bay Bridge. (And with luck, that bridge’s nightly light show, which went dark last year, will resume in early 2025.) I think of the Ferry Building and the Golden Gate Bridge as the bookends of the waterfront.

4. Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree National Park

I’m not a rock climber or a boulderer. But I’m a sucker for sunrises and sunsets in the desert. And when that golden-hour light hits the jumbled boulders in Hidden Valley, it’s hard to resist.

27 of the coolest shops to bookmark for your next Joshua Tree trip

The high desert may have gone upscale, but don’t worry — it’s still funky.

March 9, 2022

3. Pike Place Market, Seattle

This is always the first place I want to go in Seattle, a spot where people, colors, flavors and scents all come together. I walk past the mirrored bar of the Athenian restaurant, where my buddy Rick and I had beers in 1986, my first time in town. I go down below to make sure the bubble-gum wall is still in place. I mourn at the spot where the newsstand used to be. I kick myself for failing to buy an incredibly cool cigar-box guitar from the Soul Cat Guitar guy when I had the chance. (I thought I’d have another chance at his market stall when I visited in January, but he wasn’t there that day.) I listen to buskers and eat unhealthy snacks. I stick my head in the anarchist collective bookshop ( Left Bank Books ), which has somehow lasted 51 years. And like every other tourist, I linger near the fishmongers so I can see them flinging fish and hollering at each other.

2. Capilano Bridge Suspension Park, Vancouver

On my first visit, a few years ago, it was raining and the park was packed. I wondered if the bridge would be closed. Nope. Open, and prone to slightly jiggle as I stood 230 feet above the Capilano River, surrounded by tall trees and mist. When I returned in February, it was snowing, the park was nearly empty and the bridge was still open. The vibe was part “Twin Peaks,” part “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”

1. Badwater in Death Valley

Mike “Mish” Shedlock kayaks the calm waters of Manly Lake at sunrise in Death Valley. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Park visitors kayak, paddle board and wade knee deep in Lake Manly in Badwater Basin. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Unique salt structures form in the Badwater Basin at Death Valley National Park where water combines with the natural salt deposits at 282-feet below sea level, as seen in 2014. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Badwater is hot and dry enough to kill you pretty quickly, but as long as you have water to drink, a little shade and a way out, you’ll probably live and have a story to tell. On my first visit, a summer day about 30 years ago, Death Valley was even hotter than usual, around 115 degrees. The power had gone out at our Furnace Creek hotel. Rather than crowd into the marginally cooler hotel pool with scores of young children (and their urine, most likely), I headed with my wife and friends for the vast, flat, salty, dry lake floor of Badwater with a Wiffle ball and bat. The game didn’t last long, but there are photos: Except for our 20th century leisurewear, we looked like biblical figures in the process of being turned to pillars of salt. So last year, when rains washed out roads, closed Death Valley National Park for months, refilled the lake bed and transformed the basin into a great big mirror, I was eager to get back there.

‘I’ve never seen anything like this’: Death Valley gleams with water, wildflowers and color

Two months after a storm that dropped a year’s rainfall in a single day, visitors to the national park are encountering a a strange place made stranger — and more majestic.

Oct. 20, 2023

Within days of the park’s reopening, I got to Badwater for sunrise and came back again at sunset. No Wiffle ball. Just the big sky, the mountains reflected in the lake and a handful of fellow travelers in silhouette at water’s edge. To those bold few who managed to kayak in Death Valley for the three winter weeks that it was possible, I envy you. I don’t know if I’ll ever see that lake again — as of May 1, it was just a few inches deep and shrinking fast — but now I have two layers of Badwater memories to carry with me.

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Born and raised in California, Christopher Reynolds has written about travel, the outdoors, arts and culture for the Los Angeles Times since 1990.

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Island-hopping around Ireland is a lot of fun. We’re talking fresh ferry rides with sea spray on your face, remote beaches all to yourself, a pint of Guinness in the sun outside a quaint pub, coastal cycles, puffin-watching, off-the-beaten-track mischief and craic! From the Causeway Coastal Route to County Dublin, we’ve rounded up ruggedly big, charmingly small and lesser-spotted island gems for you to explore.

So, hop aboard. Sailing conditions are pristine. Take that watch off as you’re heading for island time, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life recedes from view. Next stop: a cute little harbour on a beguilingly peaceful-looking offshore oasis where unforgettable experiences await. You’re an islander now – feels nice, right?

... there are few places in the world that can match the beauty of Ireland’s islands. Lonely Planet

Skellig Michael, County Kerry

10 unmissable island experiences

Add these bucket list essentials to your island-hopping itinerary!

Causeway Coast

Rathlin Island is by far the largest island off the coast of Northern Ireland, making it a good starting point in the region. Access to the island is via Rathlin Ferry which runs several times daily. Key sights to see are the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre which is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony, and Rathlin West Light, the ONLY upside-down lighthouse on the island of Ireland! It has to be seen to be believed. Great walking trails criss-cross the island offering clifftop strolls and wanders through unspoiled heath land.

Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, day trips and overnight stays are available to the Copeland Islands off the coast of County Down via the Copeland Bird Observatory . This quiet retreat is an ideal place to relax and unwind in nature.

Dún Aonghasa, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, County Galway

Ireland’s islands quiz

From an upside-down lighthouse to a clifftop fort, test your knowledge of these wave-lashed havens.

Even in bustling Dublin, island adventures are close by. In Dublin Bay, spot local wildlife amid sand dunes and salt marshes on North Bull Island . Further north, scenic boat trips are available around Ireland’s Eye and postcard-perfect Howth. For day trips and overnight stays, go to Lambay Island , the largest island off the east coast which is amazingly home to a colony of wallabies! On Dublin’s south side, Dalkey Island is a popular kayaking spot. Keep an eye out for inquisitive seals and dolphins as you paddle along.

Further south along the east coast is County Wexford’s Saltee Islands . Although both islands – the Great and Little Saltee – are privately owned, day-trippers are welcome on the larger island which is one of Ireland’s premier bird sanctuaries. Gannets, gulls, guillemots, razorbills and colourful puffins are flock to the craggy sea cliffs here.

Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo

Wild Atlantic Way

Choices abound when it comes to islands on the Wild Atlantic Way. Up in County Donegal, Tory Island is the most remote inhabited island in Ireland, lying some 12km offshore from the mainland. Take the Tory Ferry over for breathtaking scenery and tales of giants who forged the landscape. Down the coast in County Mayo, ever-popular Achill Island is buzzing thanks to its starring role in The Banshees of Inisherin . Nearby Clare Island is a quieter retreat.

County Galway’s Aran Islands  are one of our most famous groups of islands, thanks to their winning mix of rich culture, sandy beaches and ancient landmarks. Further south, County Kerry’s Blasket Islands  are another popular destination. Venture to the Great Blasket Island from Dingle to immerse yourself in rolling green fields, jagged sea cliffs and local wildlife – without another soul in sight! As for Skellig Michael , visit to see why this otherworldly pyramid-like rock was so at home on the big screen in Star Wars.

In County Cork, don’t miss Ireland’s only cable car trip which goes from the mainland to Dursey Island  as the Atlantic Ocean rages below. To sample island life for a few days, try Cape Clear Island which has cute self-catering cottages, friendly B&Bs and glamping sites.

Devenish Island, Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh

5 inland island gems

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Island Cottage Cookery School

Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected.

The Aran Island Hotel is located off the West Coast of Ireland on Inis Mor, Aran Island. All bedrooms are spacious and beautifully appointed with a wide range of facilities. The ideal base to explore the unique spirit and traditions of Aran.

A walk on flat tarmac paths around Oxford Island Nature Reserve

The Saltee Islands are situated approximately 5km off the coast of Kilmore Quay County Wexford. The larger island, Great Saltee, is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers alike.

Island Cottage Cookery School is located on Heir Island, a unique island that lies southwest of County Cork. They provide a range of cookery courses and also provide accommodation.