West

Beautiful, rugged, wild and windswept, the picturesque Achill Island is the largest island off the coast of Ireland and is linked by bridge to mainland County Mayo.

Crossing the choppy waters to the remote Aran Islands by ferry is an experience in itself. Once you get there you’re free to explore the island’s patchwork fields, quiet pace of life, ancient monuments, awesome cliffs and crystal clear waters. Or you can marvel at the storytellers in the local pubs!

A wilderness until the 19th century, Ardnamona Gardens is now thriving with an exceptional collection of trees, shrubs and rhododendrons. In 1991, Ardnamona was declared a National Heritage Garden.

The Ballyhoura Mountains extend along the boundary between Limerick and Cork and this stunning area is among the most beautiful in Ireland with striking Stone Age monuments, a variety of museums and tranquil parks and gardens.

With almost 3,000-hectares of wild open heaths, windswept grasslands and deep glens, Connemara National Park is home to red deer and native Connemara ponies.

St Patrick spent 40 days and nights fasting on this 765-metre high sacred mountain near Westport, and banishing dragons, snakes and demonic forces from the site. Today, pilgrims follow in the footsteps of the saint and on “Reek Sunday”, the last Sunday in July, over 25,000 people ascend towards the summit.

A truly stunning inlet of the Atlantic with 365 islands. Clew Bay is seen at its best from the peak of Croagh Patrick.

The rugged coastline of County Clare can only be best appreciated from the sea. A variety of companies offer trips that take in some of the country’s most spectacular views.

Set back to back with Gurteen Bay, Dogs Bay forms a join between the mainland and an island and is a magnificent stretch of golden sandy beach.

Situated 11km west of Manorhamilton these impressive falls can be viewed from a lovely wooded walk. The waterfall served as inspiration for W B Yeats and is mentioned in his poem The Stolen Child. Picnic facilities are also provided.

This stunning park encompasses 14,000 hectares of mountain, raised bogland, lakes and woodlands dissected by the valley that gives the park its name. The Golden Eagle was reintroduced to the park in 2000 after 100 years of extinction. There’s also a castle and magnificent gardens on site.

Hundreds of islands are dotted along the Atlantic and on the River Shannon. Three are accessible within minutes by tour boats: the Aran Islands via Doolin in County Clare, Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) on Shannon's Lough Derg and Scattery Island (monastic settlement) via Kilrush.

This nine-mile inlet is the only fjord in Ireland, and you can tour the stunning scenery using a variety of modes of transport – including cruisers!

The Atlantic-facing seafront of Lahinch town has one of the finest beaches in the west of Ireland. If you’re in the area, it’s a spot that’s not to be missed.

Set in the picturesque landscape of hills and lakes are the newly restored, privately owned organic gardens of Lakeview. Comprising an acre, the gardens are filled with unusual plants, an orchard and a stable yard.

One of Ireland's “less travelled” routes is a 95-mile circuit around the largest lake of the River Shannon. The drive passes an assortment of charming marina villages and scenic delights along the way.

A sublimely beautiful lake located about two miles east of Sligo Town. Lough Gill is about six-and-a-half-miles long and two-miles wide. And if you’re interested in fishing, you can try your hand at catching one of the lake’s many brown trout.

A truly stunning location, with views of Croagh Patrick in the distance.

With the highest sea cliffs in Europe, fantastic mountains and sweeping landscapes, amazing costal walks are a speciality whether you want to go it alone, or make a trip with an organised walking tour.

The looming Slieve Bloom Mountains rise suddenly from the surrounding plains in County Offaly. It’s an idyllic area of lush green forests, tumbling rivers, streams and waterfalls, deep glens and peaceful villages.