The landscape
Follow in the paths of Ireland’s literary giants and explore stunning scenery from dramatic coastal cliffs to quiet bogland
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Breathtaking vistas
The landscapes of the West Coast have inspired writers and artists through the centuries thanks to their epic beauty. Every small winding road you look down, every mountain you cast your eye over, every seascape that embraces you offers an exhilarating visual experience that will stay with you forever. In Yeats’ country, Sligo, the scenery is studded with landmarks that inspired the great poet, while contemporary playwright Martin McDonagh spent his summers in County Galway and set many of his plays in the small villages and islands dotted along the West Coast.
Uniquely Irish
A bold drama sweeps through the countryside of the West Coast – there are views that will make you literally gasp with awe, and a bleak rugged beauty that forces quiet contemplation. The coastal region, in particular, has been shaped by the raw force of the Atlantic Ocean, and the stretch of coastline from Malin Head to Kinsale has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the whole of the island, with magnificent cliffs and quiet tranquil inlets. The natural formation of Clew Bay draws visitors from all over the world to County Mayo, with trips to the peak of historic Croagh Patrick and the mountains of North Mayo a must for all who travel here. The unique karst-landscape region of the Burren , meanwhile, is one of the largest in Europe and is studded with historical and archeological sites, as well being home to plenty of lively villages.
Brilliant and breathtaking vistas
Explore the West Coast’s natural refuges, including the brilliant, glorious National Parks of Glenveagh in County Donegal and Killarney National Park in County Kerry. These remote, beautiful and unspoiled areas are simply wonderful places to walk, whether you fancy lengthy hikes or simple strolls, and the views will blow your mind with their undulating hills and dramatic rugged mountains, blazing with heather and gorse. Connemara National Park, meanwhile, overlooks the Atlantic, is steeped in tradition and enjoys incredible vistas of mountains, bogs, heaths and grassland. The area’s friendly locals are also sure to brighten your day even further, and a creamy pint of Guinness enjoyed in a Connemara pub after a long walk through the National Park is an experience, as they say, that is simply not to be missed.
