Top Things to do in Western Ireland
Countries
10 Free Things to do in Western Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Knocknarea, The Great Western Greenway, Erris Head Loop Walk, Una Bhan Tourist Information and Traditional Craft Shop, Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, Mullaghmore Coast, Wild Atlantic Way, Galway Cathedral, Salthill Promenade, Glencar Waterfall.
Restaurants in Western Ireland
1. Knocknarea
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 660 reviews
Reviewed By brianf197 - Sligo, Ireland
I always go up the back way so cant say anything about the new walk way. Its a lovely easy climb and the views are class on a nice day
2. The Great Western Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,438 reviews
Reviewed By UndergroundOfHappy
Wonderful day cycling from Achill back to Westport. Love the way the Greenway is close to the road in places although protected or segregated, giving you a picture of the vehicle traffic as you're whistling to yourself, gliding along past picture perfect views. The coastline, hillscape, terrain are all stunning, also nice to see the odd bit of local farm activity along the cycle path. At one point a ram literally said hello to us from high up on a rock (that's what we told ourselves anyway!). Stopped in Mulranny and Newport, both perfect stop offs for bit of food or refreshment, and great views of the coastline or river. We brought two kids of 9 years old and the 42km was just about manageable for them, it's mostly flat anyway. But there were plenty of even younger children we passed along the way too. An unforgettable day's cycling. Highly recommended.
3. Erris Head Loop Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Errisg
Easy 5k incline - world war 2 lookout post at the top with Eire carved out down below. Fabulous views.
4. Una Bhan Tourist Information and Traditional Craft Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Traditional Irish Craft Shop with Tourist information and office services available. All products sold in Úna Bhán Traditional Craft Shop are all locally sourced and guaranteed Irish. Products sold include CDs, Ceramics, Postcards, Photographs, Maps, Jewellery, Confectionary, Magnets, and much, much more. If you want to take home so authentic Irish merchandise from calm and tranquil surroundings, please call into us.
5. Atlantic Drive on Achill Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,306 reviews
Reviewed By Venture14995
I love Achill Island and visit it at least twice a year. There is a lovely drive from Mulranny along by the coast with views of Clare Island & lots of sheep on the road. Keem beach is worth a visit at any time of the year.
6. Mullaghmore Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By JRAsFishBabe
We were staying at Lareen Estate, County Leitrim, just outside of Kinlough, the home of the Drowes Salmon Fishery. This resort offers a great opportunity to fish for spring salmon, grilse and gillaroo trout on the Drowes river and on Lough Melvin. Indeed, the Drowes is one of earliest rivers to open for fishing in Ireland and generally is where the first salmon of the year is caught. Lareen Estate is located on Lough Melvin and is where the Drowes begins its 8 km journey to the sea. The proprietor, Shane Gallagher, offers fully contained cottages which can be rented out as self catering, the fishing rights to the estates waters included, or as part of a package. These well equipped units are all situated very close to the river, giving you easy access to some very productive pools. The river, I believe, leaves the property at the Four Masters Bridge, but there is good access to the seventy named pools, all the way down to the sea pools at Tullaghan Bridge. There is a fishery office and a tackle shop on the estate where you can purchase the necessary fishing permits and also "fill-in" the gaps missing in your tackle. There are also boats available for hire here if you wish to have a go at fishing in Lough Melvin. As you might guess, this is a really beautiful area, the cabins are quite wonderful, and the setting is superb. Shane is a very pleasant, informed host and Lareen Estate is a convenient and affordable place to make as your base, whether for fishing and/or for visiting the area. We were here at the encouragement of our friend, a fellow fishing aficionado, a very good recommendation, John, thanks very much! The chance to come here and perhaps catch a salmon was too good to pass up, and coupled with the opportunity to visit the area, irresistible. We were here primarily to fish, yes, but the wild, beautiful countryside needed to be explored as well! You are situated on a small portion of what is referred to as the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a tourism trail that winds along the Irish coast for 2500 km., stretching from Malin Head in the north down to the Old Head of Kinsale in the south. Situated in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, just south of where we were staying, Mullaghmore Coastal drive is a part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Classiebawn Castle is the impressive structure, easily visible, standing atop the peninsula. Built by Lord Palmerston in the late 19th century and owned in later years by the late Lord Mountbatten. There is a sad history associated with this place, this was the unfortunate location where during the Great Famine, over 2000 tenants from Lord Palmerston's estates were evicted, essentially "shovelled out" and shipped overseas to New Brunswick. This was an attempt by the landlord and his agents to make the estate's landholdings more profitable. They arrived in Canada totally destitute and unprepared for the hardships of their new home, dependant upon the charity of the citizens of St. John, New Brunswick. More recently, the waters off the coast were the scene of the assassination of Lord Mountbatten. In August, 1979, he and several others were the victims of a bomb planted in their boat by the IRA. These days it is more known as a holiday destination and in particular for surfers, as one of the world's top' big wave surfing" locations! You are also very close to the town of Belleek, situated just over the border in Northern Ireland. Here you can tour the oldest pottery in Ireland, Belleek Pottery. Baleek Pottery has been producing its fine pottery for over 160 years! We could have stayed longer as there is a lot to see and experience, but we will be back!
7. Wild Atlantic Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,705 reviews
Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom
After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.
8. Galway Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,951 reviews
Reviewed By CarolinaNurse323 - Kernersville, United States
My husband & I were travelling with a tour group with Gate 1 Travel and Galway Cathedral was on our list of MUST SEE when we arrived in Galway. This spectacular Cathedral was built with local limestone and Connemara marble and is truly amazing. The awe inspiring sanctuary with its wooden pews, flags, marble floors, stained glass windows, altars, cupola and THAT large pipe organ are exquisite! The plaque with JFK made a lasting impression. THIS CATHEDRAL IS A MUST SEE! TRULY ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!
9. Salthill Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,023 reviews
Reviewed By 128annettes - Nenagh, Ireland
If I was lucky enough to live within walking distance of this lovely promenade I would indeed be a very grateful lady. Yes, it is very busy on a nice day and you do have many children, dogs, bicyclists and roller skaters to share with, bu it is a lovely walk with plenty of places to rest, breathe in that sea air and watch the world go by.
10. Glencar Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 538 reviews
Reviewed By 106virginiar - Fort Myers, United States
The drive through the valley is worth the eye candy with the extraordinary mountains surrounding you, then to arrive at the car park lined with welcoming sheep and a magnificent lake. You feel like you are in a dream. A very short walk and some steps you see the breathtaking waterfall.
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