Dramatic scenery defines Western Ireland, often called the west coast of Ireland by locals. This coastline of cliffs, rocky peninsulas, and fishing villages is connected by the Wild Atlantic Way, a trail that stretches for 1,553 miles (2,500 kilometers). The top things to do in Western Ireland include coastal walks, sea kayaking, and seeking out traditional music. The city of Galway is a common starting point for visitors looking to explore Western Ireland’s nine countries, which include County Galway, County Clare, and County Kerry.
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Western Ireland, especially for international travelers. While beach weather isn’t guaranteed, the summer often offers the best chance for warm temperatures and sunny skies to accompany outdoor activities like hiking, biking, golfing, and fishing. Popular summer events include the Galway International Arts Festival in July and the Dingle Food Festival in August. Visitors seeking to avoid the crowds may want to plan trips in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.
Western Ireland is all about getting lost down country roads and exploring the coastline at your leisure, so a rental car or private driver is the best way to get around. Other fun ways to explore include cycling, sea kayaking tours, and boat tours that offer a fresh perspective on iconic landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher. To maximize time in Western Ireland, fly to Shannon Airport and pick up a rental car there.
The Wild Atlantic Way isn’t the only tourist trail worth exploring in Western Ireland. Seafood lovers may want to explore the Taste the Atlantic trail that brings visitors to seafood-focused attractions like oyster farms. Cyclists should check out County Mayo’s Great Western Greenway, a former rail trail that runs along the coast of Clew Bay. Long-distance hikers can set out along the Kerry Way, a 133.6-mile (215-kilometer) loop trail in County Kerry.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone GMT (UTC +1) | Country Code +353 | Language(s) English | Attractions 33 | Tours 337 | Reviews 18,094 |
Yes, the west coast of Ireland is worth visiting. The Atlantic coast is home to some of Ireland’s most well-known landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher. Go for a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to explore the coastline’s fishing villages and dramatic scenery. Fun things to do include biking and coastal walks.
...MoreWith famous landmarks such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara National Park, the Ring of Kerry, and the Aran Islands, Western Ireland is a well-known tourist attraction thanks to its stunning nature and scenery.
...MoreWestern Ireland is best known for its dramatic scenery and unspoiled nature, with the Cliffs of Moher and the Wild Atlantic Way some of the best sites to see in this part of the country, and outdoor activities like biking, fishing, and kayaking popular things to do. The west coast is also home to the city of Galway, a lively university town.
...MoreDuring one day in Western Ireland, pick a section of the Wild Atlantic Way to explore. Go see a top attraction or two, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, before checking out shops, small pubs, and seafood restaurants in a nearby town.
...MoreThe top attractions in Western Ireland include the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, the Ring of Kerry, and the Burren. This section of Ireland is also home to the city of Galway, which has a lovely pedestrianized center, and scenic towns such as Clifden, Doolin, Kenmare, and Killarney.
...MoreIt depends on what you’re interested in. Galway is Western Ireland’s biggest city thanks to its university, and here you’ll find no shortage of accommodation, boutique shops and galleries, restaurants and cafés, and nightlife. Other places to stay in Western Ireland include Doolin in County Clare and Killarney in County Kerry.
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