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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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Earagail Arts Festival

04 Jul 2009 - 18 Jul 2009

The Earagail Arts Festival celebrates and creates a high profile platform for the contemporary and the traditional arts in...

Dr Douglas Hyde Summer School of Traditional Irish Music & Dance

04 Jul 2009 - 11 Jul 2009

This year’s programme for the 14th Annual Dr Douglas Hyde Summer School of Traditional Irish Music, which has something for...

Cairde Summer Festival

06 Jul 2009 - 12 Jul 2009

Sligo's Cairde Summer Festival is a week-long celebration of diversity and multiculturalism with a varied programme that provides...

Galway Film Fleadh

07 Jul 2009 - 12 Jul 2009

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

MBNA Limerick International Music Festival

08 Jul 2009 - 12 Jul 2009

The Irish Chamber Orchestra continues its partnership with MBNA Ireland but this year the former Shannon International Festival...

Ballina Salmon Festival

10 Jul 2009 - 19 Jul 2009

Ballina Salmon Festival is Ireland's premier family-orientated festival giving thousands of people, ten days of fun-filled...

South Sligo Summer School

12 Jul 2009 - 18 Jul 2009

South Sligo Summer School’s was established in 1987 to traditional music, song and dance with special emphasis on Sligo style....

Galway Arts Festival

13 Jul 2009 - 26 Jul 2009

Galway Arts Festival is Ireland's largest annual arts festival, taking place each July in the city of Galway. Founded in 1978, the...

Feile Iorras - International Folk Arts Festival

17 Jul 2009 - 26 Jul 2009

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

Sligo Jazz 2009

17 Jul 2009 - 19 Jul 2009

The main theme of this year’s Sligo Jazz Festival is “A Taste of the UK”. Three of the UK’s finest young jazz groups perform at...

Irish Windsurfing Slalom Series - Round 4

18 Jul 2009 - 19 Jul 2009

With three successful events now completed, the Irish Windsurfing Slalom Series heads to the North Western shores of Downings Co....

The Rising Step

21 Jul 2009 - 14 Aug 2009

Our show tells the story of Irish from the time of the dance master to the crossroad ceili and right up to the present day. Our...

Tigh Roy

24 Jul 2009 - 26 Jul 2009

Tig Roy is a venue where people can access Irish culture in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The centre is situated in the...

Boyle Arts Festival

24 Jul 2009 - 31 Jul 2009

Boyle Arts Festival will programme events across all art forms, with the visual arts and music continuing to form the cornerstones...

Mary From Dungloe International Festival

25 Jul 2009 - 03 Aug 2009

The 10 day festival encompasses a variety of events allowing visitors and natives alike to sample Ireland's culture, traditions,...

O'Carolan Harp & Traditional Music Festival & Summer School

27 Jul 2009 - 31 Jul 2009

The O'Carolan Summer School & Harp & Traditional Music Festival takes place in Keadue each summer. The Festival includes concerts,...

Galway Races - Summer Festival Meeting

27 Jul 2009 - 02 Aug 2009

Galway Races Summer Festival Meeting has grown from strength to strength each year, and now has an attendance of approximately...

Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival

30 Jul 2009 - 02 Aug 2009

The Festival consists of three nightly concerts presenting quality acts, all day street entertainment including open air concerts,...

James Morrison 17th Traditional Music Festival

31 Jul 2009 - 02 Aug 2009

Commerorates the musical genius of Sligo's James Morrison - hosts a feast of music, song, dance & people.

The World Fleadh

31 Jul 2009 - 08 Aug 2009

With Castlebar, Co. Mayo confirmed as this year’s host venue, preparations are well under way for The World Fleadh, Ireland’s...

Carrick Water Music Festival

04 Aug 2009 - 09 Aug 2009

5th Annual MBNA Carrick Water Music Festival Promises 6 Days of Musical Magic in Carrick on Shannon! The 5th annual MBNA Carrick...

Ballinamore Family Festival

09 Aug 2009 - 16 Aug 2009

The festival has free open air concerts for 8 nights, with big musical names, entertaining events all day long, with a show day on...

Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival

14 Aug 2009 - 21 Aug 2009

Olde Time Fair Green Day; Sunday Parade of vintage cars, engines, floats, horses and carriages, marching bands, jugglers & clowns,...

Earwig! Tuam Arts Festival

14 Aug 2009 - 23 Aug 2009

Earwig! Tuam Community Arts Group was formed in October 2003 to provide Tuam and its surroundings with an outlet for its wealth of...

Festival of the Connemara Pony & The Connemara Pony Show

16 Aug 2009 - 21 Aug 2009

The Connemara Pony is a distinctive breed with excellent qualities: strong, intelligent and very hard working, perfect for the...

Terryglass Arts Festival

19 Aug 2009 - 23 Aug 2009

Terryglass Arts Festival is a family focused festival that brings a diverse range of artistic events and experiences to a broad...

Irish Game and Country Fair

22 Aug 2009 - 28 Aug 2009

The Irish Game and Country Fair at Birr, Co Offaly (22nd & 23rd August 2009) and its partner event, The Irish Game Fair and...

Carlsberg West Coast Challenge

07 Sep 2009 - 10 Sep 2009

The Carlsberg West Coast Challenge is a 72 Hole Stableford Golf Competition played over the four Links courses of Bundoran,...

Clarenbridge Oyster Festival

10 Sep 2009 - 13 Sep 2009

The Clarenbridge Oyster Festival has for many years been established as a premier event of top-class international entertainment...

Dunfanaghy Jazz and Blues Festival

11 Sep 2009 - 13 Sep 2009

Dunfanaghy Jazz and Blues Festival with a wide selection of excellent Jazz Musicians 11th, 12th, 13th September. For more detailed...

Harvest Feast Food Festival

12 Sep 2009 - 13 Sep 2009

Join us for a weekend of food-related activities, food market, food tastings, seminars, cookery demonstrations, food films and...

Suck Valley Walking Festival

12 Sep 2009 - 13 Sep 2009

There are three walks organised for the Suck Valley Walking Festival. The walks are varied to suit different abilities from the...

Clifden Community Arts Week

17 Sep 2009 - 27 Sep 2009

Clifden Community Arts Week is celebrating its 32nd anniversary in 2009, and is a great celebration of the Arts which includes...

Galway International Oyster Festival

24 Sep 2009 - 27 Sep 2009

It was the first week of September in 1953 and the worried manager of the Great Southern Hotel, Brian Collins, was looking at his...

Dromineer Literary Festival

02 Oct 2009 - 04 Oct 2009

The festival invites participants from all members of the community of all ages for writing competitions, workshops, readings and...

Sligo Traditional Singing Weekend

02 Oct 2009 - 04 Oct 2009

A weekend of traditional singing, lectures, workshops and field trips. Come and sing or listen in a relaxed and friendly...

Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival

03 Oct 2009 - 11 Oct 2009

A nine-day extravaganza of all things equestrian, with entertainment, music and great family fun, the 168th Ballinasloe...

Feile Frank McGann

08 Oct 2009 - 11 Oct 2009

Féile Frank McGann, which takes place in Strokestown, Co Roscommon, is a festival of Irish traditional music, song and dance, and...

Baboró - International Arts Festival for Children

12 Oct 2009 - 18 Oct 2009

Today, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is recognised as the leading Irish Arts Festival devoted exclusively to...

Clifden Marconi Commemorative Weekend

16 Oct 2009 - 18 Oct 2009

On the 17th October, 1907, a defining event in world communication occurred on a bog outside of Clifden, Connemara, Co Galway. The...

RoolaBoola Children's Arts Festival

19 Oct 2009 - 26 Oct 2009

RoolaBoola is the Linenhall Art Centre's funky and fantastic arts festival for young people, with a packed programme of quality...

Willie Keane Memorial Weekend

23 Oct 2009 - 26 Oct 2009

A weekend which promotes traditional music, song & dance and in doing so ensures that the asperations of Willie Keane, one of the...

14th Annual Bundoran Music Festival

23 Oct 2009 - 26 Oct 2009

Irelands Longest Running and Most Popular Country Music Jamboree. Friday 23rd October: Dancing with MIKE DENVER & T.R DALLAS...

Ennis Fashion Week

24 Oct 2009 - 31 Oct 2009

Shopping in Ennis All of these shops are participating in Ennis Fashion Week and will be offering in-store promotions during the...

Ardara Matchmaking Weekend

06 Nov 2009 - 08 Nov 2009

Weekend of music, dancing and matchmaking based on an old idea of matchmaking once prevalent in Co Donegal.

Junior Film Fleadh

10 Nov 2009 - 14 Nov 2009

The Junior Film Fleadh was founded with the aim of addressing young people as a distinctive cinema-going audience in a way that...

Spirit of Voice Festival

11 Nov 2009 - 14 Nov 2009

The annual Spirit of Voice Festival is a cultural celebration of song and spoken word. It will take place at multiple venues in...

Ennis Trad Festival

12 Nov 2009 - 16 Nov 2009

The Ennis Trad Festival is a festival for those who love to hear (or play) Irish Traditional music of the highest quality in its...

Galway Greyhound Stadium

19 Dec 2009 - 19 Dec 2009

Looking for something fun that all ages and groups can enjoy? Check out the thrills, the experience and the excitement that is a...

Éigse an Spidéil

04 Mar 2010 - 07 Mar 2010

Éigse an Spidéil is a festival of music, song and dance and will take place in Spiddal, Co. Galway on the 4 – 7 March 2010 The...

Cúirt International Festival of Literature

19 Apr 2010 - 25 Apr 2010

The Cúirt International Festival of Literature is Ireland’s premier literary event. The festival annually brings approximately...

Féile na Tuaithe - Turlough Park - A Celebration of Country Life Today

22 May 2010 - 23 May 2010

Here comes the Summer and families countrywide are looking for day trips and places to go. Féile na Tuaithe - Turlough Park at the...

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ABSOLUTE HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Enjoy a wonderful stay at the 4 Star Absolute Hotel, ideally located in heart of Limerick City. This offer includes two nights...

FALLS HOTEL - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

2 nights accommodation, including Full Irish Breakfast each morning, Four course Dinner on one of the evenings and 1 Spa Treatment...

SLIGO PARK HOTEL AND LEISURE CLUB - General Offer

 

FAMILY GETAWAY - €318 for 2 nights B&B & 1 Dinner (2 adults and 2 children under 12 sharing). Offer includes full use of the...

OLD GROUND HOTEL - 2 nights B and B

 

2 nights bed and full Irish breakfast plus 1 four course dinners in the O Brien Room restaurant.

The Wyatt Hotel

 

FREE N' EASY FAMILY SUMMER BREAK Relax on a leisurely free n' easy stay in the heart of Westport on our overnight mid-week Bed &...

Clayton At Ballybrit - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

SUMMER WEEKEND OFFERS: €169pps for 2 B&B and 1 Dinner.Two night’s luxury accommodation, breakfast each morning and dinner on one...

County Arms Hotel & Leisure Club - Couples Wellness Weekend

 

Relax and let us pamper you with our Couples Wellness Package Get re-connected: body, mind, soul and with each other. Includes 2...

Claregalway Hotel - 3B2D for 2+2 E166 pn

 

If you have got the time, we have the fun..Three nights bed and breakfast with Dinner on two evenings, a family pass to the...

LISLOUGHREY LODGE - General Offer

 

FAMILY BREAK: €325pps, midweek, 2 B&B + 1D. Extra night €99.€345pps, weekend, 2 B&B + 1D. Extra night €99. Includes babysitting,...

FLANNERYS BEST WESTERN HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Enjoy 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast with 1 Table d'Hote Evening Meal.

LISLOUGHREY LODGE - General Offer

 

TAKE TIME TO UNWIND: €175pps, midweek, 2 B&B + 1D - 3rd night at 50% OFF!!Come and stay for 2 nights midweek and get the 3rd night...

WESTPORT WOODS HOTEL & SPA

 

This package includes 3 nights bed and 3 evening meals for 2 adults and 2 children ( between the ages of 3 years and 12 years ....

DAYS HOTEL GALWAY

 

Come and enjoy Galway This Summer!! Take a walk on the Salthill Prom, stroll around the shops in the city centre or just stay in...

WESTPORT PLAZA HOTEL

 

2 Nights Bed and Breakfast,one meal in the Intimate Restaurant Merlot.

COUNTY ARMS HOTEL - 2 nights B and B

 

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a Weekend away at the 4* County Arms Hotel Birr - 2 Nights stay, Dinner on 1 Evening, Use of the...

MOUNT FALCON COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Relax and savour the atmosphere in the West of Ireland for a weekend break. This offer includes two nights accommodation,...

Kitty's Cottage - General Offer

 

Midweek Leisure Breaks - Summer Bonanza! MaryKate's Special - €499 for 4 nights at MaryKate’s Traditional Stone Cottages. All...

RATHBAUN HOTEL - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Enjoy a midweek break including two nights accommodation and one evening meal at the most renowned hotel in Co. Clare for Irish...

ROCK GLEN COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL

 

Relax and enjoy 3 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast with 2 Dinner Included at Rock Glen Country House Hotel from where you can...

Ostan Na Rosann Hotel and Leisure Centre - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Discover Donegal stay in the vibrant town of Dungloe for 2 nights bed and full breakfast, table d'hote dinner on one night. Return...

WESTPORT PLAZA HOTEL

 

5 Nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and 4 Evening Meals in the Intimate Restaurant Merlot. Golden trips for the over '55 and...

CARLTON ATLANTIC COAST HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Enjoy a weekend stay at the Carlton Atlantic Coast Hotel. This offer includes two nights accommodation, breakfast on each morning...

Carna Bay Hotel - KILLARY FJORD, GALWAY

 

Enjoy 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast in Beautiful Connemara, have a relaxing evening dinner on one evening after the unmissable boat...

CASHEL HOUSE HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

WEEKEND OF WONDER: €225pps for 2B&B+1D.The wonders of Connemara – walking, riding, exploring, fishing, golfing, scenery, dining....

ROSS LAKE HOUSE HOTEL - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Ross Lake Country House situated 7km from the picturesque fishing village of Oughterard at the Gateway to Connemara in the heart...

AN CHUIRT HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Enjoy a weekend 2 nights bed and breakfast and 1 Dinner at An Chuirt Hotel, which is re-opening at Easter following extension...

ABBEY COURT HOTEL,LODGES AND TRINITY LEISURE SPA

 

Over 55's enjoy 3 nights of luxury accommodation with Full Irish Breakfast each morning , 3 Evening Meals in the Cloister...

RENVYLE HOUSE HOTEL

 

Four for the prince of 3!! 4 Nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfast Here, the 4th B&B is FREE!! plus Gourmet Dinner on Two Evenings of...

LAKESIDE HOTEL & LEISURE CENTRE - General Offer

 

FAMILY BONANZA BREAKS: €99pps midweek for 2 nights B&B including dinner on one evening or €129pps for weekends. 2 nights bed &...

RENVYLE HOUSE HOTEL - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

EXTRA SPECIAL MIDWEEK OFFERS from Renvyle House Hotel, Connemara, Co. Galway. Enjoy Mad Rates ALL YEAR!! From ¤112pp 2BB1D....

RENVYLE HOUSE HOTEL

 

3 night Summer Break inclusive of 3 nights B&B and Gourmet Dinner on 2 evenings - with 2 children uner 12 Included in the package....

ABBEY HOTEL CONFERENCE AND LEISURE - General Offer

 

FAMILY MIDWEEK BREAK: €109pps, 2 B&B + 1 D. 2 Kids under 10 sharing with parents, B&B free. During your stay relax and unwind in...

ABBEY HOTEL CONFERENCE AND LEISURE - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

MIDWEEK LEISURE BREAK: €109pps, 2 nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfast with 1 Table D’hôte Dinner.During your stay relax and unwind...

The Ardilaun Hotel - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Enjoy 2 nights in luxury accommodation at the Ardilaun Hotel with a sumptuous 5 course evening meal on the night of your choice....

Sonas - 3 nights B and B

 

Enjoy a Golf break at Sonas B & B. This offer includes three nights accommodation and breakfast on each morning of your stay....

COUNTY ARMS HOTEL

 

Enjoy a revitalising visit to the 4* County Arms Hotel Birr. This great value special offer includes 1 night stay in a Deluxe...

Leenane Hotel - 3 nights Bed and Breakfast

 

Overlooking spectacular Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, Leenane Hotel offers some of the most incredible views in Ireland....

Leenane Hotel - 2 B&B,1 Dinner & 2 Lunch

 

Overlooking spectacular Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, Leenane Hotel offers some of the most incredible views in Ireland....

ROCK GLEN COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Enjoy a weekend break with 2 nights bed and breakfast and 1 dinner. Experience Connemara from Rock Glen Country House. A small...

OAKWOOD ARMS HOTEL

 

Beat the traffic and set off to the grounds from Shannon. Thomond Park Stadium is just a 15 minute drive from the hotel and also...

KNOCKRANNY HOUSE HOTEL & SPA - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

2BB & one 30 Minute spa treatment Access to thermal suite & Vitality pool

Leenane Hotel - 2 B&B weekend

 

Overlooking spectacular Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, Leenane Hotel offers some of the most incredible views in Ireland....

MUSTARD SEED AT ECHO LODGE HOTEL - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Stay for two nights with dinner on one evening. Nestled in the heart of the County Limerick countryside is The Mustard Seed at...

PONTOON BRIDGE HOTEL - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

2 nights Bed and Breakfast offer in an Ensuite Bedroom enjoying scenic views overlooking Lough Conn and Cullen, enjoy one evening...

DIAMOND COAST HOTEL - General Offer

 

WAKE UP TO GOLF - €149pps for 2 Nights B&B and 1 Dinner, includes a round of Golf in Enniscrone. Enjoy Enniscrone's magnificent...

RADISSON SAS HOTEL AND SPA, LIMERICK - Mid-Week 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Two Night Luxury Spa Break at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, LimerickThe package includes two nights in an upgraded Business...

The Twelve

 

Our Weekend package unique to the Twelve includes 3 Nights in deluxe accommodation featuring king size or twin beds, with fine...

Sandhouse Hotel - 2 Bed and Breakfast +Surf Lesson

 

Surf's Up- The ideal location to try your hand at Surfing. Enjoy 2 Nights Bed and Full irish Breakfast plus a Surf Lesson which...

Claregalway Hotel - General Offer

 

FAMILY ADVENTURE BREAK: €73 per adult, €20 per child for this amazing family adventure break.Stay 3 nights + enjoy 2 delicious...

Holyrood Hotel - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

Why not avail of our "Golf Special Offers" - two nights Bed and Full Irish Breakfast and One Evening Dinner. This offer also...

Armada Hotel - General Offer

 

SURF & STAY BREAK: €169PPS 2 nights B&B+1D and One surfing lesson in the renowned Lahinch beach. Enjoy a healthy outdoor break...

MILL TIMES HOTEL

 

Enjoy a 2 Night Stay at the Weekend from Thursday to Sunday

THE WESTWOOD - General Offer

 

ROOM ONLY MIDWEEK BREAK: €89 Room Only. Rates vary. Enjoy the ambience of The Westwood Hotel and why not visit the sister property...

FALLS HOTEL - 2 nights B and B

 

2 nights accommodation, full Irish breakfast each morning and one evening meal

Clayton At Ballybrit - General Offer

 

SUMMER MIDWEEK SPECIALS: €139pps for 2 night midweek break, 2 B&B and 1 Dinner. €199pps for 3 night midweek break, 3 B&B and 2...

Carna Bay Hotel - 2 Nights B & B + 1 Dinner

 

Carna Bay Hotel Weekend Special to include two nights Bed & Full Irish Breakfst and one Evening Meal

ATLANTIC APARTOTEL - General Offer

 

Learn to surf in Irelands Surf Capital3 nights accommodation and get 2 Surf lessons including all necessary equipment &...

DAYS HOTEL GALWAY - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

 

WEEKEND OFFERS JULY/AUGUST: 2 nights B&B and 1 evening meal from only €169pps.Days Hotel is located just a few minutes from Galway...

Dundrum House Hotel - GOLF OVERNIGHTER

 

Enjoy One night mid week accommodation with country Irish Breakfast in the morning with a Table d'Hote Dinner in the Rossmore...

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ABSOLUTE HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

ABSOLUTE HOTEL - Weekend 2 nights B and B + 1 dinner

Enjoy a wonderful stay at the 4 Star Absolute Hotel, ideally located in heart of Limerick City. This offer includes two nights...

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.