Western Ireland

Region

The wild Atlantic west. Galway is a lively, music-filled city, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren are in Clare, the Aran Islands and Connemara have stone walls and Irish speakers, Mayo has Croagh Patrick and Achill Island, and Limerick has King John's Castle. It is best from May to September.

Western Ireland Cliffs of MoherAran IslandsKylemore AbbeyLough CorribThe BurrenLough Derg (Shannon)InishmoreCroagh PatrickConnemara National ParkInisheerInishmaanUniversity of LimerickClare IslandPoulnabrone dolmenWild Nephin National ParkBunratty CastleBurren National ParkLough MaskInishturkMweelreaInishbofin, County GalwayAshford CastleLough ConnTwelve BensInisharkKnock ShrineAchillbeg IslandCathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, GalwayDún AonghasaLimerickGalwayWestport, County MayoEnnisShannon, County ClareKing John's Castle (Limerick)ConnemaraAchill IslandCastlebarRoscommonBallina, County MayoTuamAthenryBallinasloeLoughreaAbbeyfealeClifdenNewcastle WestOranmoreGortBallinrobe

Western Ireland essentials

Country: Ireland
Driest months: Apr-Jun
Pay in: Euro (€)
Language: English

Where to Go in Western Ireland

City Galway GalwayBohemian west-coast city of pubs and music City Limerick LimerickShannon River city of King John's Castle City Ennis EnnisCity in Munster, Ireland known for local music Island Aran Islands Aran IslandsRugged Atlantic islands with Gaelic culture Island Achill Island Achill IslandLarge Irish island with dramatic cliffs and beaches Island Inishmore InishmoreLargest Aran Island with prehistoric forts and cliffs History Poulnabrone dolmen Poulnabrone dolmenNeolithic portal tomb on Ireland's Burren landscape History Bunratty Castle Bunratty CastleRestored medieval castle adjacent to a folk park History King John's Castle (Limerick) King John's Castle (Limerick)Norman castle on Limerick's riverfront, medieval fortification Nature Cliffs of Moher Cliffs of MoherDramatic Atlantic sea cliffs with coastal vistas Nature Lough Corrib Lough CorribIreland's second largest lake in County Galway Nature Lough Derg (Shannon) Lough Derg (Shannon)Large Shannon River lake, popular for boating
Regions & Cities
Limerick Explore Limerick Perched on the Shannon, Limerick mixes a medieval core - King John’s Castle and narrow lanes - with gritty 20th-century stories; visitors come for riverside walks, local markets, and pubs that still argue about hurling. Galway Explore Galway Atlantic winds shape Galway’s harbour and low stone walls; tourists come for lively pubs on Quay Street, traditional music sessions, the Spanish Arch, Galway oysters and summer festival crowds. Westport, County Mayo Explore Westport, County Mayo Westport keeps a tidy Georgian centre and looks out over Clew Bay; walkers head for Croagh Patrick, sailors circle the island-studded bay and pubs host late-night trad sessions. Ennis Explore Ennis Cobblestone lanes and low pubs give Ennis its honest face; trad sessions spill out some nights. Shannon, County Clare Explore Shannon, County Clare Shannon functions as an airport and ferry gateway to western Ireland, prized for quick access to Bunratty Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and the River Shannon estuary. King John's Castle (Limerick) Explore King John's Castle (Limerick) Dominating King’s Island beside the River Shannon, King John’s Castle dates to the 13th century; its restored towers and interactive exhibitions cover medieval Limerick, and the battlements offer river and city views. Connemara Explore Connemara A rugged coastal region in western Ireland, Connemara offers bogs, mountain ranges like the Twelve Bens, fishing villages and beaches; visitors come for hiking, traditional music sessions and Gaelic-speaking communities. Achill Island Explore Achill Island Off County Mayo, Achill Island offers Atlantic coastline, long sandy beaches like Keem Bay, sea cliffs and walking routes; visitors come for hiking, surfing, seafood and rural pubs.

Western Ireland at a Glance

Local Time
12:14 AM
GMT+0
Population
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Best Things to Do in Western Ireland