Updated September 17, 2023
Western Ireland is spectacular. Full of sweeping cliffs and colorful towns like Galway and Limerick, it’s a practical treasure trove! Be sure to check out these 15 magical things to do in the west of Ireland—from jamming to local music to exploring incredible national parks to enjoy the region’s sensational cities.
Once a fisherman’s village on the wave-beaten western edge of Ireland, Doolin today is seen as the capital of Irish traditional music. Check out spots like McGann’s Pub, where you’ll find locals squeezed in to hear fiddlers, singers, flutists, tin whistlers, and bodhrán (Irish drum) players belting out toe-tapping trad sessions. The next day, follow the Doolin Cliff walk for incredible views of the Atlantic.
Killary Fjord is Ireland's only Fjord; it extends 10 miles from the Atlantic through the heart of the rugged Connemara region. Drive along the fjord from Kylemore Abbey to Westport for a unique view around every corner. Or, relax on a catamaran as you cruise down the sheltered waters, and take in the dramatic mountains as dolphins swim alongside.
No trip to the west of Ireland is complete without visiting the famous Cliffs of Moher. The sweeping, romantic cliffs are one of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions and definitely one of the coolest things to do in Ireland. Stand on the cliff’s edge and take in the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.
Galway’s incredible seafood, historic markets, and nearby nature make it one of the best cities to visit in Ireland. There's lots to do during the day but at night, the streets of Galway come alive with music! Check out the tunes. It’s easy to do, as many pubs jam late into the night with traditional Irish music.
Definitely also pay a visit to the Galway City Museum to check out the city’s long and rich history.
The Burren National Park in County Claire is home to spectacular rocky cliffs and rugged landscapes that may remind you of the surface of the moon. Moonlike, perhaps—but the countryside bursts into color in the spring when blooming wildflowers spread across the rock formations. Exploring the rainbow display is one of the best things to do in Ireland.
Foodie? Make sure to check out the Burren Food Trail, a restaurant, market, and food-shop crawl that takes you on a farm-to-fork journey every Monday from May through October.
Speaking of national parks...exploring the expansive and beautiful Connemara National Park is one of the most remarkable things to do while in Ireland. Its rugged mountains and numerous lakes make Connemara a must-see destination. The park’s many hiking trails range from 30-minute strolls to 8-hour treks, and views from the summit of Diamond Hill are simply stunning!
Limerick, one of Ireland’s oldest cities, will leave you in awe. Explore the regal King John’s Castle, shop the Milk Market to pick-up locally-produced, fresh food, and check out Celtic artifacts at the Hunt Museum.
Standing majestically on the edge of Kylemore Lake is the neo-Gothic Kylemore Abbey, which looks like it sprang from the pages of a fairytale. This storybook castle is run by Benedictine nuns who invite visitors to discover the magic, beauty, and serenity of one of the best places to visit in Ireland. (It’s only a 15-minute drive from the Connemara National Park visitor center so you can see both in one visit!) The Abbey is amazing to look at from the lake, or from up close. Don’t forget to stop and see the beautiful walled garden near the Abbey.
Exploring the spectacular and remote Aran Islands is one of the top things to do in Ireland—and one of the best ways to see the islands is by bike (you can easily rent one near the ferry terminal). The islands are known for their ancient stone forts, churches, magnificent cliffs, and Gaelic culture—so basically, you'll never run out of things to see. A stay in a local B&B will give you a sense of the island’s rustic feel—the islands didn’t even have electricity until 1973!
Set among the rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, the ruins of the 800-year-old Kilmacduagh Monastery still stand. The ruins are remarkable enough, but Ireland’s tallest surviving ancient bell tower is truly something to behold. Saint Colman is said to have founded the monastery on this site in the 7th century when his belt fell to the ground—a sign that this was the spot to build the church.
Nestled between the lakes of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, the peaceful village of Cong is known for its pretty, thatched-roof cottages and as the setting for the Oscar-winning movie, The Quiet Man. Visit the burial site of Rory O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland at Cong Abbey and tour Ashford Castle, the old country estate of the Guinness family. Ashford is home to one of Ireland’s luxe 5-star hotels, making it one of the best places to stay in Ireland.
Achill, Ireland’s largest island, gives visitors a wonderful sense of solitude and tranquility (despite its connection to the mainland by a short bridge over the Achill Sound). It’s a beautiful and dramatic spot with an amazingly diverse landscape that features sheer cliffs, heather-filled highlands, and sandy beaches. If you’re trying to get off the beaten path in Ireland, you couldn’t do better than exploring the rugged beauty of this enchanting island.
Salthill is one of Ireland’s premier seaside resorts, and exploring its promenade is among the best things to do in Galway. Situated on Galway Bay, Salthill promenades winds along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, offering unparalleled views of the Aran Islands and Galway City. Salthill has drawn admirers for hundreds of years and is a hugely popular vacation spot during the summer months.
Yes, another national park! (What can we say, Ireland’s nature is out-of-this-world beautiful.) Killarney itself is home to 26,000 acres of lush mountains, native forests, rivers, castles, and stately homes. And Killarney National Park has something for all you adventure junkies (hiking, biking, and kayaking)—as well as nature enthusiasts (garden and farm walks). History buffs will love touring Ross Castle and the grand Victorian Muckross House and gardens.
At the end of a coastal road, the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle appears like an image from a myth. The castle sits on an outcrop jutting into Galway Bay and housed prominent local clans for centuries before famous Irish surgeon, poet, and playwright Oliver St. John Gogarty bought it in 1924. He turned it into a hangout for Ireland’s literary elite like W.B. Yeats, Seán O'Casey, and George Bernard Shaw.
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