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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PTC Grand Finals

14 мар 2012 - 18 мар 2012

The Bailey Allen Hall in NUI Galway, Ireland, will stage snooker's Players Tour Championship Grand Finals for the first time in...

PTC Grand Finals

14 мар 2012 - 18 мар 2012

The Bailey Allen Hall in NUI Galway, Ireland, will stage snooker's Players Tour Championship Grand Finals for the first time in...

Tipperary Drama Festival

16 мар 2012 - 24 мар 2012

Tipperary Drama Festival is 9 great nights of theatre by groups from all over Ireland. The festival will present some great nights...

Connemara Four Seasons Walking Festival - Spring

16 мар 2012 - 18 мар 2012

The Connemara Four Seasons Walking Festival - Spring - takes place from the 16th-18th March 2012. It is a walking festival aimed...

Limerick St. Patrick's Festival

16 мар 2012 - 18 мар 2012

Limerick's St. Patricks Festival has been growing steadily over the past number of years and has seen the festival go from...

Ardara International Walking Festival

16 мар 2012 - 18 мар 2012

Ardara International Walking Festival takes place each year on St. Patrick's weekend with a range of walks for all abilities. See...

St Patrick's Day Walks Festival

17 мар 2012 - 19 мар 2012

The St Patrick's Day Walks Festival takes place on Achill Island each year from the 17th-19th March, and is part of the St...

Gaelforce Trail Blazers Event

17 мар 2012 - 17 мар 2012

For 2012, Gaelforce events are adding a Trail Blazers event which will take place on St Patrick's Day, 17th March, which will...

St Patrick's Day Pipe Band Festival on Achill Island

17 мар 2012 - 17 мар 2012

St Patrick's Day Walks Festival is part of the wider St Patrick's Day celebrations. Walks will include some of Achill's highest...

St. Patrick's Weekend Racing at Limerick Racecourse

18 мар 2012 - 19 мар 2012

"Two days of National Hunt Racing at Limerick Racecourse this March from 12.30pm. Fun for the whole family guaranteed. Children...

Biking Blitz - Round 3 - Galway

18 мар 2012 - 18 мар 2012

The second editiion of the Biking Blitz Series kicks off in February with events taking place in various places, including Round 3...

Siarsceal Festival

22 мар 2012 - 25 мар 2012

Siarscéal Festival is a historical, literary, bilingual and rambling festival hosted annually in different venues, inspired by the...

Ride & Tide Challenge Event

23 мар 2012 - 24 мар 2012

In the Ride & Tide Challenge Event, teams of two will take part and share the riding and cycling to race against the clock and win...

Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Walking Festival

23 мар 2012 - 25 мар 2012

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Festival will consist of a three-day guided walk along the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail from...

Fresh Film Festival

26 мар 2012 - 30 мар 2012

"Fresh Film Festival is a special film festival encouraging young people to get involved with film and offering a platform to...

Spin Southwest Student Raceday

29 мар 2012 - 29 мар 2012

The Spin Southwest Student Race day takes place this March at Limerick Racecourse. Last year nearly 10,000 students descended on...

Inis Mór Set Dancing Weekend

30 мар 2012 - 01 апр 2012

Fáilte Aran, Inis Mór, is hosting its first Set Dancing Weekend on Inis Mór (Inishmore) from the 30th March-1st April, 2012. Enjoy...

Féile Raifteirí

30 мар 2012 - 01 апр 2012

Dé hAoine 30 Márta -- Oscailt na féile le Gary Hastings (fliúiteadóir) -- Ceardlann amhránaíochta le hamhránaí sean-nós -- Seisiún...

Easter Festival at Slieve Aughty Riding Centre

31 мар 2012 - 15 апр 2012

The Easter Festival is a family event at Slieve Aughty Riding Centre and takes place from the 31st March to 15th April, 2012, from...

The MidWest Coastal and Burren Tour

01 апр 2012 - 01 апр 2012

"The MidWest Coastal and Burren Tour is a cycling tour taking in what are considered the most scenic cycling routes in Ireland....

Connemara International Marathon (Connemarathon)

01 апр 2012 - 01 апр 2012

The Connemara International Marathon is a day of racing around a very scenic part of the West of Ireland. Comprising of Ireland's...

Sunday 1st April Racing at Limerick Racecourse

01 апр 2012 - 01 апр 2012

"National Hunt Racing at Limerick Racecourse. Children under 16 years enjoy free admission to the races on all race days. If you...

Strokestown International Poetry Festival

04 апр 2012 - 06 май 2012

Founded in 1999, the Strokestown International Poetry Festival is established as one of the leading literary festivals in Ireland....

Galway Food Festival

06 апр 2012 - 08 апр 2012

The Galway Food Festival takes place from Friday-Sunday, 6th-8th April, in Galway City - celebrating Galway as a good food...

Rás Chonamara

07 апр 2012 - 09 апр 2012

Rás Chonamara is a three-day competitive cycling race which is being held on the Easter Weekend, i.e. 7th-9th April. It is based...

Easter Egg Hunt & Plant Market at Birr Castle Gardens

07 апр 2012 - 07 апр 2012

Meet the Easter bunny and all his friends at Birr Castle Demesne this Easter. Children will follow a trail to find special...

Easter Fun & Games at Craggaunowen

08 апр 2012 - 08 апр 2012

"Craggaunowen is the place to be on Easter Sunday for a great day of Easter Fun & Games! It is sure to be a fun-filled day for all...

Lughnasa Festival at Craggaunowen

08 апр 2012 - 08 апр 2012

"See re-enactors dressed in costumes spanning from the Bronze Age, through Iron Age, Early Medieval to 16th Century at a special...

Easter Fun and Games in Craggaunowen

08 апр 2012 - 08 апр 2012

The event will be a fun-filled day for all the family and the Easter Bunny has promised to give away hundreds of Easter eggs to...

Headless Horseman 2012

08 апр 2012 - 08 апр 2012

"Take part in the Headless Horseman Adventure Race which starts and finishes in Kilmallock, Co Limerick. Bike to hike the...

Easter Celebrations at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

09 апр 2012 - 09 апр 2012

Meet with some of your favourite cartoon characters and join in the fun of the Easter Parade at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. An...

Féile na bPáistí

11 апр 2012 - 13 апр 2012

Féile na bPáistí is a children's festival for five-12-year olds which seeks to promote and encourage the use of irish amongst...

Clifden Traditional Music Festival

13 апр 2012 - 15 апр 2012

Clifden Traditional Music Festival is a weekend of the very best of Irish music, song and dance with concerts, sessions, workshops...

Cúirt International Festival of Literature

24 апр 2012 - 29 апр 2012

Cúirt International Festival of Literature is an annual celebration of the very best of contemporary writing in poetry, fiction...

Aillwee Cave Eggstravaganza

24 апр 2012 - 25 апр 2012

"Aillwee Cave Easter Eggstravanganza is an Easter Egg Hunt with a difference! A Treasure Trail for children will be held on Easter...

Eigse Michael Hartnett Literary Festival

26 апр 2012 - 28 апр 2012

A prestigious poetry, literary & arts festival where leading Irish and international poets, writers, thinkers, musicians, dancers,...

Roscommon Lamb Festival

02 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

This lamb festival is now in its fifth year and this one promises to be the best yet! The Lamb Festival is a celebration of family...

Fleadh by the Feale

03 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"Each year the Fleadh bring a variety of traditional music entertainment events to the town of Abbeyfeale in situ beside the river...

Annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival

04 май 2012 - 06 май 2012

Get your boots on and come on a weekend of fun and easy outdoor activity at the Annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival. Enjoy...

Leenane Mountain Walking Festival

04 май 2012 - 06 май 2012

The Leenane Mountain Walking Festival includes a choice of high-level mountain walks or a low-level option, and enjoy a unique...

Limerick Riverfest

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

Riverfest showcases and celebrates all that’s great about Limerick City – highlighting and revelling in art, culture, music, sport...

Music in Drumcliffe

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"The Vogler Quartet, Music in Drumcliffe's festival ensemble-in-residence, are joined by artists of international standing from...

Limerick Riverfest

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"Riverfest takes place in Limerick City during the May bank holiday weekend. It is the festival that really has something for...

Féile Siúlóidí Acla - Achill Walks Festival

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

Féile Siúlóidí Acla is a family hill walking festival. There will be a choice of walks, suitable for regular hill walkers or for...

Connemara Mussel Festival on the Renvyle Peninsula

04 май 2012 - 06 май 2012

A celebration of Killary Mussels harvested from “One of the Forty Places to See Before you Die” takes place from the 4th-6th May...

Dungloe Walking Weekend

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"Dungloe Walking Weekend, now in its 3rd year, offers wonderful walks in rugged and haunting scenery in the Gealtacht of North...

Walking & Talking in Donegal

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"Weekend walking tour of County Donegal including Fanad peninsula coastal walk, Glenveagh National Park, Ards Forest Park,...

Cup of Tae Traditional Music Festival

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"The Cup of Tae Traditional Music Festival honours the best traditional musicians with workshops & schools of music. In 2012 the...

May Country Music Festival

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

A must for all country music lovers! Dance the weekend away to some of Ireland's top country music entertainers at The Allingham...

Fleadh na gCuach - The Cuckoo Festival

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

Fleadh na gCuach (The Cuckoo Festival) takes place annually in Kinvara on the May Bank Holiday weekend - 4th-7th May, 2012. It is...

Slieve Bloom Eco Walking Festival

04 май 2012 - 06 май 2012

"Get your boots on and come on a weekend of fun and easy outdoor activity at the Annual Slieve Bloom Walking Festival. Enjoy...

Heinrich Boll Memorial Weekend

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

In 1957, the German writer and Nobel Prize writer, Heinrich Boll, published 'An Irish Journey', an account of his journey across...

Féile Chois Cuain

04 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

Traditional Irish music, song & dance. Featuring music & singing master-classes, set dance workshop & céili, concerts and...

Riverfest Raceday

05 май 2012 - 05 май 2012

It will be a bumper weekend in Limerick this May Bank Holiday weekend with the Riverfest coming to town and what better way to...

Ballyhoura International Walking Festival

05 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"Ballyhoura International Walking Festival offers over 30 guided walks suitable for all levels of ability on many different...

Limerick Racecourse National Hunt Racing

05 май 2012 - 20 май 2012

Saturday 5th May 2012 Sunday 20th May 2012 A great day of National Hunt Racing at Limerick Racecourse starting from 2.30pm. If you...

South Sligo Annual Walking Festival

05 май 2012 - 07 май 2012

"The Annual South Sligo Spring Walking Festival will take place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend. Registration will take place at...

An Tóstal Festival

06 май 2012 - 06 май 2012

On Sunday the 6th of May, 2012, the An Tóstal festival will again showcase the very best of Irish coastal traditions and customs...

North West 10K

06 май 2012 - 06 май 2012

Biggest 10k event in North West raising much needed funds for local charities and raising awareness of the importance of exercise...

Tour of Sligo Cycle

06 май 2012 - 06 май 2012

"Get on your bike for the Tour of Sligo Cycle! There are four events to choose from in 2012. The 10k Hazelwood Spin for All is for...

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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.