The West

The West

Head way out West for wild landscapes and a sublime coastline rushing in from the Atlantic

Anglers Return in Connemara
Café culture
Keem Bay Road, Mayo
Beautiful beaches of the West

From left to right: Anglers Return in Connemara, Café culture, Keem Bay Road, Mayo, Beautiful beaches of the West

The West of Ireland is an enchanting place filled with wonderfully atmospheric towns and villages, long stretches of stunning coastline, soaring sea cliffs, and craggy countryside that boasts a uniquely desolate beauty and a vibrant cultural heritage rich in tradition. 

Encompassing the counties of Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Offaly  and Tipperary, the West gets under your skin like no other place in the world, offering an unparalled experience to all who visit. 

The haunting drama of the Donegal landscape includes the enchanting Glenveagh National Park and Castle; Yeats’ County can be viewed from on high with a hike to the table top of Ben Bulben in County Sligo; or you could try a different vantage point with an ocean voyage to the magical Aran Islands in County Galway or Achill Island, County Mayo. 

For those with a serious head for heights, nothing rewards more than a stroll along the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, County Clare! A little closer to sea level, picturesque Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon is a haven of tranquility; while the legendary beauty of the majestic River Shannon stretching through the cruising counties of Leitrim, Offaly and Limerick can literally take your breath away. 

Serviced by no less than five regional airports, you can hop on a plane to Shannon, Galway, Knock, Donegal and even nearby City of Derry airport to kickstart your holiday! So whether you want to soothe your soul in utter isolation on a remote island or feel the passion at a high-spirited summer festival, the wild and wonderful West has it all.

What's On

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Open Water Swimming Event

16 Jun 2012 - 16 Jun 2012

www.openwaterswimmer.ie will be holding one of its nationwide swim league events from the grounds of the Forest Park and in the...

Twilight Racing

16 Jun 2012 - 16 Jun 2012

A great evening of horse racing action, great live bands and great entertainment. Enjoy the craic, the atmosphere, the tips, the...

Twilight Racing

16 Jun 2012 - 16 Jun 2012

A great evening of horse racing action, great live bands and great entertainment. Enjoy the craic, the atmosphere, the tips, the...

Twilight Racing

16 Jun 2012 - 16 Jun 2012

A great evening of horse racing action, great live bands and great entertainment. Enjoy the craic, the atmosphere, the tips, the...

Give It A Go Weekend

17 Jun 2012 - 19 Jun 2012

Enjoy the best Achill has to offer. Join in a weekend of free activities on Achill Island. Try something you haven't tried before....

Dánlann Yawl Art Gallery Painting Workshops

18 Jun 2012 - 22 Jun 2012

Weekend (Saturday & Sunday), and weekly (Monday-Friday incl.) painting workshops will take place at Dánlann Yawl Gallery beginning...

Westport International Sea Angling Festival - Shore Competition

20 Jun 2012 - 20 Jun 2012

Westport International Sea Angling Festival is a one-day shore event, and takes place on Wednesday, 20th June. Now in its 56th...

Shannonbridge & Clonmacnoise Midsummer Music Festival

21 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

Intimate Music Festival set in wonderful indoor and outdoor locations. Lots of concerts, kids workshops, and great entertainment.

Féile Brian Ború Festival

22 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

"The beauty of the picturesque towns of Killaloe and Ballina await you during the 20th Annual Féile Brian Ború Festival. With a...

Westport International Sea Angling Festival - Boat Competition

22 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

Westport International Sea Angling Festival is a three-day boat event, and takes place from Friday-Sunday, 22nd-24th June. Now in...

Hell of the West Triathlon

23 Jun 2012 - 23 Jun 2012

"The Hell of the West Triathlon has been run by Limerick Triathlon Club for 28 years making it the oldest race in the country....

Westport Festival of Music & Performing Arts

23 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

New Festival Announced for the West! Three stages, two days & more than 50 international and Irish acts including Ray Davies, The...

Westport Triathlon

23 Jun 2012 - 23 Jun 2012

Westport is now synonymous with adveture sport eventsand for a very good reason. The Westport Triathlon takes in all the sights of...

Galway Simon Women's Mini Marathon

24 Jun 2012 - 24 Jun 2012

The 'Galway Simon Women’s Mini Marathon' takes place on Sunday, June 24 and the 10km race takes off from Grattan Road, Salthill,...

Week of Welcome - Ireland Reaching Out

24 Jun 2012 - 30 Jun 2012

Week of Welcomes takes place in South East Galway from the 24th-30th June. Why not come for a week or a long weekend! Many towns...

Cloughjordan Festival

25 Jun 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

"Cloughjordan Festival is a community traditional arts and music festival with crafts and cookery for kids and adults in a...

Rocky Mayhem 2012

28 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

Back for its 2nd year, the Rocky Mayhem Festival will take place in Kilfinane, Co. Limerick on the 29th - 1st July. Once again,...

The Irish Open

28 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

All roads lead to the North West this June as the ever popular Irish Open takes place in Royal Portrush. The setting provides a...

Castlebar International Four Days Walking Festival

28 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

Come and meet walkers from more than 21 countries to walk, talk and discover the bogs, rivers, mountains, flora and fauna and the...

Stuck Inside of Moville - the DylanFest on the Lough

28 Jun 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

"DylanFest on the Lough will take place in the town's pubs all within easy walking distance of each other, as well as outside in...

Foyle Clipper Events

28 Jun 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

"The penultimate leg of the 2011-2012 Round-the-World Clipper yacht race starts in Moville's neighbouring town Greencastle (3...

Westport Folk & Bluegrass Festival

29 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

The weekend in June sees national and international folk and bluegrass acts perform free gigs in venues throughout Westport. The...

Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival 2012

29 Jun 2012 - 01 Jun 2012

"Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival is right on the beach and you can check the surf and the sunset from the festival site. But...

Pátrún Inis Mór

29 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

Pátrún is a three-day festival which takes place on the Island of Inis Mór, Aran Islands, from the 29th June-1st July. Pátrún...

Sea Sessions Surf and Music Festival 2011

29 Jun 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

Ireland’s only Surf/Music event brings its inimitable brand of boutique chic, funky fun and great music for three days of sensory...

Exploring the Environment of North West Ireland

30 Jun 2012 - 07 Jul 2012

Experienced guides lead an exploration of the natural and man-made environment of the North West coast of Donegal with morning...

Traditional Crafts of Ireland

30 Jun 2012 - 07 Jul 2012

A weeklong holiday course in Tapestry weaving and knitting taught by experienced craft workers displaying the intricate skills...

Moville Vintage Car Rally

01 Jul 2012 - 01 Jul 2012

The Moville Vintage Car Rally is now in its 38th year and is the longest running and one of the largest in County Donegal. The...

Atlantic Coast Golf Challenge 2012

02 Jul 2012 - 04 Jul 2012

3 Day Event featuring 3 magnificient Links courses, Carne Golf Links, Enniscrone Golf Club and Co. Sligo Golf Club. Individual and...

Comhaltas Summer Seisiún

04 Jul 2012 - 29 Aug 2012

"Seisiún Ceoláras Coleman offers a unique audience experience for Irish locals and visitors from abroad - a real taste of our...

Galway Cathedral Recitals

05 Jul 2012 - 09 Aug 2012

The 2012 summer series of concerts in Galway Cathedral begin on Thursday evening, 5th July at 20.00, and continue each Thursday...

Cruinniú Bádóirí Acla/Achill Yawl Sailing Festival

06 Jul 2012 - 26 Aug 2012

Cumann Badóirí Acla are engaged in an ongoing campaign to foster and promote traditional yawl sailing through the medium of our...

Fleadh Ceoil Árainn - Aran Trad Fest

06 Jul 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

Fáilte Aran are hosting its second Fleadh Ceoil Árainn - Aran Trad Fest - which will take place on Inis Mór, Aran Islands from the...

Achill Half Marathon

07 Jul 2012 - 07 Jul 2012

Why not take part in the sevent half marathon on Achill Island, and enjoy the lovely scenery along the route - a great challenge -...

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy / Willie Clancy Summer School of Traditional Music

07 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

"Now in its 40th year, the Willie Clancy Summer School of Traditional Music was established in 1973 to commemorate local uilleann...

Sligo Stages Rally

07 Jul 2012 - 07 Jul 2012

"Connacht Motor Club have for almost 30 years promoted the Sligo Stages Rally, which each year takes place in mid-July....

Painting Holidays in Donegal

07 Jul 2012 - 14 Jul 2012

Painting courses for the beginner and improver in the coastal landscape of Southwest Donegal. The dramatic coastline of Sliabh...

Earagail Arts Festival

07 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

A bilingual, multi-disciplinary festival offering a national and international programme of music, theatre, visual arts,...

Hillwalking in the Donegal Highlands

07 Jul 2012 - 16 Jul 2012

Hillwaking in the Donegal Highlands including Sliabh a'Liag, Port & Glenlough. Walks are with experienced guides knowledgeable on...

Dánlann Yawl Art Gallery Painting Workshops

07 Jul 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

Weekend (Saturday & Sunday), and weekly (Monday-Friday incl.) painting workshops will take place at Dánlann Yawl Gallery beginning...

Limerick Racecourse National Hunt Racing

08 Jul 2012 - 08 Jul 2012

"Enjoy 7 National Hunt Races in the stunning surrounds of the Panoramic Restaurant where you will have breathtaking views of the...

Ballina Salmon Festival

08 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

The renowned Ballina Salmon Festival is the highlight of the summer months in the West of Ireland, bringing an estimated 200,000...

The Percy French Summer School

09 Jul 2012 - 13 Jul 2012

The annual Percy French Summer School will take place at Castlecoote House from the 09th-13th July, 2012. There will be a...

Kilrush Féile Sona Family Festival

09 Jul 2012 - 11 Jul 2012

"Féile Sona has a host of events for every generation to enjoy. 2012 will see the return of the much loved singing pub competition...

Galway Film Fleadh

10 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

The Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland's leading film festival, is a six-day international event, held every July and welcomes a...

Kilkee Maritime Festival

13 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

"The 3rd Annual Kilkee Maritime Festival will take place in July and promises plenty of maritime activities to look forward to -...

Westport Music Festival

13 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

Westport Music Festival is a family-orientated festival running nightly with music acts to suit all age groups, and takes place in...

Féile Iorras

13 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

Féile Iorras takes place from the 13th-22nd July, 2012, in various venues in Erris & North West Mayo. It is an international folk...

Feile Iorrais - International Folk Arts Festival

13 Jul 2012 - 22 Jul 2012

Feile Iorras, the biggest Arts festival in Mayo, celebrates the folk traditions of the world. The exciting mix of Irish...

Ceili, Sets and Two Hand Dancing Weekend

13 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

A weekend of ceili, sets and two hand dancing in an intimate venue. Music provided by Danny Webster and calling by Clement...

Irish Traditional Music Workshops in Harp, Flute & Whistle

14 Jul 2012 - 21 Jul 2012

Explore traditional Irish music by learning harp, flute or whistle, taught by professional Irish musicians. This course consists...

Féile Mhic Dara

14 Jul 2012 - 16 Jul 2012

In the sixth century St. Mac Dara built a small church on one of the islands off the coast, namely ‘Cruach na Cara’. The Saint’s...

Warrior of the Sea 6km Swim

14 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

"The 3rd annual Warrior of the Sea Swim continues on in the true adventurous spirit for which it was envisaged. The route has...

Pig 'n' Porter Tag Rugby Festival

14 Jul 2012 - 14 Jul 2012

The Pig 'n' Porter is the world's largest tag rugby festival with 1800 players competing to find the best team in the land. Now in...

Race2Glory Adventure Race

14 Jul 2012 - 14 Jul 2012

Race2Glory Adventure Race is a multi-sport adventure race involving cycling, running & River Run

Galway Garden Festival

14 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

The third annual Galway Garden Festival is scheduled to take place at Claregalway Castle on Saturday and Sunday, 14th and 15th...

Achill Painting Workshops with Padraig McCaul

14 Jul 2012 - 15 Jul 2012

Two day painting workshop on Achill Island on selected dates from May to August 2012. Join artist Padraig McCaul and develop your...

South Sligo Summer School of Traditional Music, Song and Dance

15 Jul 2012 - 21 Jul 2012

"South Sligo Summer School of Traditional Music, Song and Dance has been promoting Irish music, song and dance for the past 25...

Outside: Insight - Sculpture in the Gardens

15 Jul 2012 - 08 Sep 2012

'Outside: Insight - Sculpture in the Gardens' is the third annual exhibition to take place at Brigit's Garden and can be viewed by...

Dánlann Yawl Art Gallery Painting Workshops

16 Jul 2012 - 20 Jul 2012

Weekend (Saturday & Sunday), and weekly (Monday-Friday incl.) painting workshops will take place at Dánlann Yawl Gallery beginning...

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Map CLARE DONEGAL GALWAY LEITRIM LIMERICK MAYO OFFALY WEST ROSCOMMON SLIGO TIPPERARY NORTH ANTRIM ARMAGH DOWN FERMANAGH LONDONDERRY TYRONE CARLOW CAVAN CORK DUBLIN KERRY KILDARE KILKENNY LAOIS LONGFORD LOUTH MEATH MONAGHAN OFFALY OFFALY EAST TIPPERARY SOUTH WATERFORD WESTMEATH WEXFORD WICKLOW

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Did you know?

Sea captain and pirate queen Grace O’Malley patrolled the waters off the West coast of Ireland in the 16th century, and pirated and traded successfully for over 50 years. She even gave birth to her youngest son aboard her ship as it was being attacked by North African pirates.