The West

Ardnamona Gardens, Lough Eske, County Donegal

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.

Ballyhoura Mountains, County Limerick

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.

Clew Bay, County Mayo

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

Connemara National Park, Galway

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.

Croagh Patrick, County Mayo

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.

Cruising on the Atlantic, County Clare

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.

Cycling

Saddle up and enjoy exploring the West’s awe-inspiring scenery and dramatic coastal roads – you may even stumble across megalithic tombs and Celtic crosses along the way.

Dogs Bay, Roundstone, County Galway

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.

Fishing

Right on the edge of Europe, Ireland is one of the last unspoilt angling locations with unrivalled environments for every type of angler. So quiet, at times, you can almost hear the fish splash.

Gaelic Games

Sample the drama of Ireland’s unique games of football and hurling, the latter reputed to be the fastest ball game in the world. Mayo is a particular stronghold of Ladies’ Gaelic Football [www.ladiesgaelic.ie].

Galway Races

Not many race meetings come close to the excitement of Galway, regarded by many as Ireland's most colourful racing festival.

Glencar Waterfall, County Leitrim

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.

Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal

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.

Golf

The West boasts an exceptional array of excellent golf courses with wild, windswept terrains. Try Ballinasloe Golf Club in County Galway; Carne Golf Links in County Mayo; Galway Bay Golf Resort; Roscommon Golf Club; Westport Golf Club in County Mayo; Donegal Golf Club; The Enniscrone Club in County Sligo; Strandhill Golf Club in County Sligo; Adare Manor in County Limerick; Dromoland Castle and Kilkee Golf Club in County Clare; and Nenagh Golf Club in County Tipperary.

Horse Riding

The West provides a superb backdrop for a bracing holiday on horseback. Most towns around the area have riding schools to suit all levels of experience.

Island Visits, County Clare

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.

Killary Fjord, County Galway

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!

Lahinch Beach, County Clare

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.

Lakeview Gardens, County Sligo

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.

Lough Derg Drive, County Clare

One of Ireland's “less traveled” 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.

Lough Gill, County Sligo

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.

Lough Lannagh, County Mayo

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

Painting Schools, County Clare

Make the most of the sublime landscape by painting it! There are three renowned art schools in the area: the Burren College of Art, The Burren Painting Centre and The Tin Jug Studio, County Offaly (++ 353 509 21818).

River Cruising

A variety of operators offer the chance to take a long, lazy cruise on the pretty River Shannon and Erne Waterways, Ireland’s largest waterway. Gently meandering through the unspoiled countryside on a boat is a fantastic way to experience the laid-back lifestyle for which Ireland is rightly famous.

Sailing

By boat you can discover the wild Atlantic coast, with its secluded bays and islands, or cruise through rivers and loughs with an unforgettable sense of space and freedom. And along Kilrush Creek, you could stop off for a touch of dolphin watching.

Sea Cliffs

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.

Slieve Bloom Mountains

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.

Walking

Walking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the West. A network of quiet country roads and lanes, forest paths and mountain trails will take you to the heart of the tranquil, picturesque Irish countryside, including the very beautiful Connemara Gaeltacht and the Cliffs of Slieve League in Donegal.

Watersports

The expanse of Atlantic coastline along Galway and Mayo offers exceptional locations for canoeing, sailing, surfing, water-skiing and deep-sea diving.

Birr Castle Demesne and Ireland’s Historic Science Centre

Birr Castle is the private home of the Parsons family and the stunning demesne has become famous for its exotic collection of trees and plants. The Science Centre is filled with 19th-century astronomical instruments, cameras, photographs and photographic equipment.

Boat cruises on Lough Corrib, County Galway

Relax with a wonderful boat cruise on the pretty Lough Corrib.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare

This 15th-century castle has been restored to its full glory and is one of the finest surviving examples of an Irish tower house. The Folk Park is a living museum that aims to show what life was like in rural Ireland 100 years ago, with authentic reconstructions of farmhouses, cottages and shops.

Cavan & Leitrim Narrow Gauge Railway, County Leitrim

This Victorian railway ran commercially from 1887 to 1959 and part of the line has now been restored with workshops, guided tours of engine sheds, and a railway shop. It’s every little boy’s dream.

Connemara Pony Show, Clifden, County Galway

Kids will go mad for this wonderful festival, which showcases the very cute Connemara pony.

Dolphin Watching

At the mouth of the River Shannon between Loop Head Peninsula (County Clare) and Kerry Head (County Kerry) lives a group of over 100 wild resident dolphins; while at Killary in Galway, go on a pleasure cruise to watch dolphins as they dive alongside the boat.

Foynes Flying Boat Museum, Foynes, County Limerick

During the late Thirties and early Forties, Foynes was the pivotal point for air traffic between North America and Europe. Believe it or not, Irish coffee was invented here!

Gillighan’s World, Baroncourt, Kilmacowen, Ballysadare, County Sligo

Gillighan’s World is a fun and imaginative way to enlighten and entertain children about fairy life and lore. There are botanical gardens with “enchanted” areas, miniature villages, a pet village, and a play area.

Glengowla Mines, County Galway

Ireland’s only show mine offers guided tours through marble chambers and caverns. Silver, lead, calcite and quartz are all revealed in their natural glory.

King John’s Castle, Limerick City

In the heart of Limerick’s Medieval Heritage Precinct lies the 800-year-old King John’s Castle. Built between 1200 and 1210, the castle is an impressive Anglo-Normal fortification overlooking the River Shannon

Leisureland, Salthill, County Galway

Situated on Ireland’s longest promenade, this is an ideal family venue with three pools and an outdoor amusement park promising fun for all ages.

Lough Key Forest park, County Roscommon

This 350-hectare park includes beautiful woodland, gardens, archaeological remains and almost 10km of walkways.

Sligo Folk Park, Millview House, Riverstown, County Sligo

Sligo Folk Park provides a fascinating look at life around the turn of the late 19th century. The village street, the traditional cottage, the forge and the restored Millview House are just some of the attractions.

Swan Island Open Farm, Ballinamore, County Leitrim

A delightful farm situated on the picturesque shores of Garadice Lake, Swan Island allows kids to get up close and personal with friendly farm animals. The farm features more than 50 species of traditional and rare breeds, as well as a children’s play area and marina.

The Blue Flag Beaches

The West enjoys a dramatic Atlantic coastline dotted with gorgeous villages and stunning beaches. The Blue Flag Award confirms good environmental standards, good sanitation and safety facilities of these beaches.

Tons of Fun Activity Centre, Limerick City

Bright, safe, clean and exciting, Tons of Fun is an indoor children's activity centre catering for babies and children aged up to 11.

Westport House, County Mayo

An 18th-century stately home set in beautiful parkland with a lake, terraces and gardens overlooking Clew Bay. Children will love the mini-railway, giant water slide and other attractions.

Willie Clancy Summer School, County Clare

Held annually since 1973, this set dancing school was started up in memory of legendary piper Willie Clancy. It caters for over 1,000 students from all over the world offering Irish music and dance classes.

Galway Arts Festival, Galway

Ireland’s largest annual arts is varied and fun with writers, artists, performers and musicians from Ireland and all around the world.

Galway International Oyster Festival, Clarinbridge, County Galway

An annual celebration of great food, accompanied by great fun, now in its 51st year and still going strong.

Glebe House, Letterkenny, County Donegal

Admire William Morris wallpaper and textiles, as well as Islamic and Japanese art at this elegant 19th-century house. The gallery’s impressive collection also includes works by over 300 20th-century artists including Picasso and Kokoshka.

Hysterical Comedy Festival

Held by An Grianan Theatre, the Hysterical Comedy Festival serves up the best of national and international comedians and comedy acts. Check the website for current dates and programme.

Irish Culture at the Gaeltacht

Immerse yourself in the best that Irish culture has to offer: learn the Irish language in a Gaeltacht area; attend an Irish music or dancing summer school; or brush up on your painting or pottery skills.

Killaloe Village, County Clare

The historical village of Killaloe boasts stacks of attractions and used to be the site of Kincora, the palace of Brian Ború, famed 11th century King of Ireland. Sadly, little remains of the original fort, but you can learn all about it at the Killaloe Heritage and Brian Ború Centre.

Kilmallock Cottage Museum & History Trail, Limerick

A fascinating museum with models of Kilmallock, an intriguing 16th-century walled town, and other local historical and archeological artifacts.

Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, County Mayo

Linenhall offers an ongoing programme of exhibitions, drama, literature and film, plus workshops for adults and children.

Model Arts and Niland Gallery, County Sligo

Housed in a beautifully renovated model school, which dates back to 1862, The Model Arts and Niland Gallery is one of the premier arts centres in Ireland, with an extensive programme of visual and performing arts.

National Museum of Ireland Country Life, Castlebar, County Mayo

The first branch of the National Museum to be situated outside Dublin, the Country Life Museum portrays the life of ordinary people who lived in Ireland from 1850-1950. Housed within a beautiful High Victorian Gothic-style house, the museum also encompasses extensive gardens.

Ragús experience, Aran Islands

A spectacular showcase of traditional Irish music, song and dance inspired by the remote Aran Islands and performed daily during the summer on Inis Mór.

Shannon International Music Festival, Limerick City

Vibrant and exciting, the Shannon International Music Festival takes place over four days from 20th to 24th July, with a selection of lunchtime, evening and candlelit concerts in the heart of Limerick city.

Sligo Contemporary New Music Festival, County Sligo

Focussing on the music of a specific composer, this festival takes place over three days with a series of concerts in the Model Arts and Niland Gallery.

The Hunt Museum, Limerick

One of Ireland’s most important private collections of art and antiquities, the Hunt Museum contains pieces dating from the Neolithic period to modern times, including works from Renoir, Picasso and Jack B Yeats.

The Irish Harp Centre, Castleconnell, County Limerick

Discover the history and variety of Ireland’s most famous instrument, or pluck up the courage and learn to play. The centre hosts year-round activities including harp workshops, summer schools, music therapy and harp tuition.

The Limerick City Gallery of Art

An impressive permanent collection of Irish Art from the 18th to 20th centuries including works from Jack B Yeats and Sean Keating.

Traditional Irish music

As well as informal music sessions every night in pubs, there are many annual festivals, such as the Féile Chois Chuain in Louisburg, County Mayo; and the Corn Barn in Bunratty Folk Park, which is the perfect setting for a celebration of all the best in Irish traditions.

W B Yeats

Unearth the genius of the late, great WB Yeats, resident poet of County Sligo. Yeats had a special relationship with this beautiful county, which is celebrated by the Sligo Yeats Society. The programme of events includes a Yeats International Summer and Winter School.

Cashel House Hotel, Connemara, County Galway

This four-star retreat stands in the heart of Connemara and is set in an award-winning garden of flowering shrubs and woodland walks.

Clarion Hotel, Limerick City

Ireland’s tallest hotel offers great views over the city and enjoys a picturesque location on Steamboat Quay, a few minutes walk from the city centre. Modern and stylish, it’s a good choice in the heart of Limerick city.

Cloona Health Centre, County Mayo

Open since 1973, this converted woollen mill has been tastefully renovated and is a founder member of the health farms of Ireland.

Coolbawn Quay, Tipperary

Nestling on the eastern shores of Lough Derg this unique private retreat offers a range of luxury accommodation in village rooms, lakeshore and house suites. Enjoy cosy furnishings, secluded gardens and turf fires, or experience utter relaxation in the tranquil spa.

Coopershill House, County Sligo

Family home to seven generations of the O’Haras, Coopershill House dates back to 1774, and is a remarkable house overflowing with Georgian elegance. Indulge yourself with four-poster beds, sophisticated candlelit dinners, open log fires and unique personal attention.

Cromleach Lodge, County Sligo

Voted Hideaway of the Year 2004 by the Georgina Campbell Jameson Guide, Cromleach Lodge is definitely a great place to get away from it all. A modern country house, the lodge has been designed with the stunning views in mind so wherever you go you’ll enjoy a feast for the senses.

Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa, County Galway

This truly luxurious spa has been voted one of the ten best in the world. Perfect for forgetting the stresses of modern life.

Dromoland Castle, County Clare

Live like the landed gentry in this stunning castle hotel with deluxe five-star accommodation. Dromoland blends old-world luxury with modern conveniences, and its close location to the Burren, as well as Galway and Limerick cities, makes it an ideal base in the West.

Galway Bay Health Farm – Spa & Relaxation Centre, County Galway

Intimate, elegant and perfectly located on a 50-acre deer farm on the shores of Galway Bay.

Glin Castle, County Limerick

Glin Castle, home of the Knight of Glin and his wife Madam FitzGerald, stands on the banks of the River Shannon amidst a 500-acre demesne. The castle is open to visitors from March to November and is a spectacular place to stay with seriously luxurious rooms and an authentic castle atmosphere.

Kinnitty Castle Hotel, County Offaly

Kinnitty Castle offers old world elegance, luxury and comfort. On top of that, you can enjoy friendly ghosts, a dungeon bar, hot stone massage at the first-rate spa and a spot of clay pigeon shooting. What more could you ask for?

Moy House, County Clare

Moy House was originally built in the mid-18th century as home to Sir Augustine Fitzgerald. Majestic and elegant, the house presides over the breathtaking Lahinch Bay and is set on 15 acres of grounds adorned with mature woodland and a picturesque river.

Newport Country House & Restaurant, County Mayo

A beautiful Georgian house, Newport has become a famous base for those fishing the great rivers of County Mayo. The dining room and wine lists are superb.

O’Dowd’s Restaurant & Bar, Rounstone, County Galway

This cosy pub overlooks one of the most picturesque working harbours in the West of Ireland and has been serving locals and visitors since 1840.

Rathmullan House, County Donegal

This gracious Georgian house was built in the 1780s and enjoys an unrivalled location overlooking the shores of Lough Swilly. The restaurant has won critical acclaim from numerous guides, and facilities are excellent with boating, croquet, steam room, massage, and tennis.

Rosmoney Spa & Seaweed Baths, Westport, County Mayo

A haven of seawater treatments, just 20ft from the sea beside Westport town. Treatments include seaweed baths, balneotherapy, algotherapy and a thalassotherapy pool.

Saint Ernan’s Country House, County Donegal

Offering superb hotel accommodation in County Donegal, the four star St Ernan’s Country House Hotel is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Soaked in Regency period atmosphere, the house is surrounded by eight acres of woodland giving it a real feel of a hideaway despite being only two miles away from Donegal town.

Spa Wells Health Centre, Lisdoonvarna, County Clare

Located in the famous town of Lisdoonvarna, the Spa Wells Health Centre is the only spa in Ireland to feature sulphur baths. But if they don’t take your fancy, you can always enjoy a massage or therapeutic treatment in a beautiful woodland surrounding.

St John’s Country House, County Donegal

Sitting prettily in a remote location on the shores of Lough Swilly in Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, St John’s is as renowned for its spectacular views as it is for its award-winning cuisine.

Stage Door, Woodquay, Galway

One of the city’s few full-time gay bars.

Stranos, Corner William Street West and Henry Street, Galway

Revitalised bar opened under new management with themed nights and DJs.

The Rafters Bar c/o The Globe, Limerick.

Twice-weekly gay and lesbian night, Bubbilicious.

Cobwebs, Galway City

A pretty little shop with glistening costume and antique jewellery.

Irish Handcrafts, Patrick Street, Limerick

A step beyond your average handcrafts store, Irish Handcrafts stocks a good selection of Irish fashion.

Les Jumelles, Galway City, 11 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway City

Elegant women’s boutique stocking a good range of designer fashion.

Magee, Donegal Town

Well-known store stocking menswear, quality linens and genuine Handwoven Donegal Tweed.

Meadows & Byrne, Lower Abbeygate Street, Galway City

A fantastic collection of contemporary furniture, modern crafts and Irish-made pottery and glassware.

Quinns Craft Shop, Ballyvaughan, County Clare

Traditional crafts shop with a good quality selection of crafts including traditional Aran sweaters, Irish made silver jewellery, pottery, bronze and bog oak sculptures and publications on the local Burren region.

Roundstone, Music, Crafts and Fashion, Roundstone, County Galway

Watch how the experts finely craft the bodhran, a traditional Irish musical instrument, maybe try a few beats yourself, then buy that very one to wow your friends when you get back home.

Saturday Market, between Shop Street and Market Street, Galway

Lively market with gourmet food stalls, gifts, books and jewellery.

Sligo Craft Pottery, Market Yard, Sligo

Unique and original ceramics from one of Ireland’s top ceramicists Michael Kennedy

The Cat and the Moon, 4 Castle Street, Sligo

Silver and gold jewellery inspired by the Irish landscape.

The Green Room, 10 Pearse Road, Sligo

Excellent designer boutique stocking top Irish designers and hip international labels.

Westport Pottery, Westport, County Mayo

High-quality, handmade domestic stoneware in deep blue and jade green.

Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery, County Sligo

This is Ireland’s largest megalithic burial site with over 60 tombs, the oldest of which predates Newgrange (3200BC) by a whopping 700 years. The site also includes a restored cottage and contains an exhibition relating to the history of the cemetery.

Ceide Fields, County Mayo

Dating back to 5000BC, Ceide Fields is the most extensive stone monument in the world and comprises the oldest enclosed landscape in Europe.

Celtic Theme Park & Gardens, Limerick

If you want a taste of Ireland’s ancient history, then this is the place to get it. Located on an original Celtic settlement, the park contains 12 recreated and authentic features from the country’s past.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

Vertigo-sufferers should stand well back because the sheer Cliffs of Moher plunge a whopping 214 metres into the choppy Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day, the views are spectacular with both the Aran Islands and the valleys and hills of Connemara visible.

Craggaunowen, County Clare

Craggaunowen, The Living Past Experience, tells the story of the arrival of the Celts in Ireland. With a stunning collection of exhibits and replica dwellings, you can really get a taste of what life was like in pre-historic times.

Donegal Castle, County Donegal

Located in the heart of Donegal town on the banks of the River Eske, Donegal Castle was built in 1474 by Hugh Roe O’Donnell. It has now been restored to its former glory and is well worth a visit.

Drumcliff Church and Visitor Centre, County Sligo

The esteemed Irish poet W B Yeats is buried at this beautiful spot perfectly placed beneath the Benbulben Mountains and on the site of a sixth-century Columbian monastery. The visitor centre offers information on Yeats, Columba and the county of Sligo.

Dun Aonghasa, Aran Islands, County Galway

This dramatic stone fort is perched on a clifftop almost 300ft above sea level. It’s an extremely important, and vulnerable, archaeological site.

Dunguaire Castle, County Galway

Situated on the Clare/Galway road and built in the 1500s, Dunguaire hosts medieval banquets twice a night.

Grianan Ailigh, County Donegal

This 4,000-year-old ring fort is another of Ireland’s most important ancient sites. The great stone cashel is thought to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann, God and King of Ireland, to protect the grave of his son Aedh.

Holycross Abbey, County Tipperary

Located in a magnificent setting on the banks of the River Suir, Holycross is an early 12th-century monastery. Before the close of the 12th century it was passed on to the Cistercians and became a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the Ireland.

King House, Boyle, County Roscommon

This magnificently restored Georgian mansion was built in 1730 by Sir Henry King on a stunning location overlooking the River Boyle.

Knock Shrine, County Mayo

The Virgin Mary, with St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, appeared here on the 21 August 1879, and since then Knock has grown to the status of an internationally recognised Marian Shrine.

Kylemore Abbey & Gardens, County Galway

Originally a Victorian-era castle, the Abbey now serves as the home of the Benedictine nuns in Ireland. The gardens contain around 10,000 trees.

Limerick Medieval Heritage Precinct

Take a walk along this heritage trail connecting the various landmarks in this historic district with the 13th-century King John’s Castle at the River Shannon at its heart.

Lough Gur, County Limerick

Nestled among the hills of southeast Limerick, Lough Gur is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. The interpretative centre tells the story of pre-Celtic Ireland dating back to 3000BC, and includes a slide show, exhibition models and interpretative panel.

Parkes Castle, County Leitrim

On the shores of Lough Gill, one of Ireland’s prettiest lakes, sits the splendid manor house of Parkes Castle. Restored to its 17th-century magnificence, the castle now has a traditional blacksmith forge in 17th-century style, as well as a cosy tearoom.

Roscrea Castle, Tipperary

One of Ireland’s many heritage towns, Roscrea boasts an intriguing 13th-century stone castle with some furnished rooms and house exhibitions. Daily tours are available.

Sligo Abbey, County Sligo

Founded by Maurice Fitzgerald, Chief Justice of Ireland, in 1252, this Dominican Friary is known to locals simply as the Abbey. It has the oldest decorated high altar in an Irish monastic church, well preserved cloisters, carvings, and gothic and renaissance tomb sculptures.

Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum, County Roscommon

A restored 18th-century mansion with original furniture, Strokestown is home to the National Famine Museum. A combination of original documents and images interprets the 19th-century famine.