Top Things to do in Western Ireland
Countries
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Western Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Knocknarea, Mullaghmore Coast, Downpatrick Head, Sligo Abbey, Kirwan's Lane, Rosserk Friary, Castlestrange Scribed Stone, Creevykeel Court Tomb, Kilmacduagh Tower.
Restaurants in Western Ireland
1. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
2. 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
3. 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!
4. Downpatrick Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 300 reviews
Downpatrick Head is a place of spectacular scenic and geological importance. One of the noted locations on the West of Ireland's world renowned "Wild Atlantic Way". A tourist location not to be missed if you are in the area of north Mayo. The sea stack is one of the most photographed cliff areas in Ireland. A note of caution should be stated as the cliffs are extremely high with no barrier protection to preserve the natural views. View with extreme caution especially in windy conditions. Children should be held on to at all times. No dogs allowed. The site can be viewed during daylight hours.
Reviewed By Lorraine-Apr2016 - Coffs Harbour, Australia
We travelled to Ireland in May and prior to leaving Sligo, enquired at the Tourist Office about sights to see on the next leg of our journey to WESTPORT. The helpful lady recommended Downpatrick Head as a must see and one of her favourite places along the coast. We were not disappointed......there were few people for a start, the weather was perfect and the scenery breathless including the undulating soft green grassy mounds splattered with beautiful pink wildflowers on the headland. Dun Briste sea stack was majestic as were the Cliffs, providing nesting sites for the many sea birds. This would have to be one of the highlights of our 18 day self tour around Ireland and is highly recommended. The trip via The Wild Atlantic Way was indeed memorable and well worth the detour to this incredibly special place.
5. Sligo Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By LucyKilkenny
We live in Kilkenny, so we have Jerpoint Abbey close by and St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny, but if you appreciate your history the cloisters in Sligo Abbey are a must as there are three sections more or less in tact and you get a definite feel for the times when it was built. We would highly recommend an hour here and at only a fiver to get in it was well worth the price
6. Kirwan's Lane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By T9857KErachelb
Came across this little gem 25th Jan. Fabulous little quaint restaurant, never made it upstairs but we could hear fabulous music been played which carried down. Food was amazing. We had the prawns gambas to start and the prawns were beautifully cooked in garlic on sourdough bread, just wanted more.... the other dishes we had were panfried hake on chorizo risotto OMG amazing, so tasty. Also seabass in a creamy mushroom sauce. They hadn't got a children's menu but were willing to cook anything from their main menu in a more simple version. Kids both had chicken fillet with plain spaghetti pasta and they lapped it up. Staff were super friendly and attentive. Also what's more made us feel extremely welcome with the children on a busy Saturday night at 8pm. Had a beautiful bottle of Albarino wine called Charquino. Couldn't fit desert in but children had ice cream and even the presentation for the children's ice cream was pretty. Unfortunately I got no pictures but we will definitely be back and highly recommend.
7. Rosserk Friary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By spinellae
Amazingly quiet area with fantastic views of the lake. The friary is beautiful, very peaceful atmosphere.
8. Castlestrange Scribed Stone
9. Creevykeel Court Tomb
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By garbagecollector - Land O Lakes, United States
This is a 6,000 year old Court Tomb, and you can get close to it without swarming tourists or ropes to keep you out. It's a terrific example of a court tomb, and you can walk around the entire ruin getting various nice vantage points. We came just after a rain, and it was still dry enough that we didn't have any problem with puddles or mud. The grass is cut, so it's easy to walk around. Plenty of free parking just down below (not many steps up). We were surprised when we came back to the parking lot that some locals use this lot for picking up kids after school. Not a problem, though.
10. Kilmacduagh Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Susanne900
We found this graveyard coinidentally. This is a beautiful ancient place. Great for pictures. The church ruins, the tower, the graves, all are pitoresque.
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