Top Things to do in Western Ireland
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Knocknarea, The Great Western Greenway, Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, Wild Atlantic Way, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, Benbulben, Croagh Patrick, Quay Street, Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre, Sky Road.
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. 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.
4. 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.
5. Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 662 reviews
Fun for all ages!!Whatever you choose it is the perfect location to do as much or as little as you like!Boda Borg questing is a great way to spend a few fun filled hours with family or friends. After entering the weather-independent house only teamwork, ingenuity, trial and error will allow you to survive the challenges.The Lough Key Experience is an engaging audio tour, directing you through 19th century tunnels to the top of the Moylurg Tower and over the Tree Canopy Trail.The Adventure Play Kingdom is a purpose built outdoor children’s play area providing stimulating and entertaining activities and equipment suitable for a variety of ages and abilities.Enjoy the stunning views & homemade cooking from the Lough Key Café and outdoor deck or browsing for a memento in our Gift Shop.Thinking of spending a few days experiencing the delights that North Roscommon and the surrounding area have to offer? Why not book a pitch for your tent or caravan in the Lough Key Caravan and Camping Park, open from Easter to September.
Reviewed By 607rayn - County Dublin, Ireland
We arrived by boat at their large marina You can get there by road to the camping and caravanning site There is so much to do here, swimming in the lake, fishing, going on long or short walks, a tree top canopy walk, cycling, boat trips. Zip line, and so much more Plenty of picnic tables, and the staff are very friendly. So much fun for all ages
6. Benbulben
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 386 reviews
Reviewed By mariamariabb - County Westmeath, Ireland
We followed the red arrows 5.5 km walk. Stunning views of the mountain and Donegal bay. There is a sign about 3km in to the carpark we went by this and kept to the red arrows and went through a lovely winding area with lovely trees and views very nice walk.
7. Croagh Patrick
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 768 reviews
One of the oldest religious sites in Ireland, this mountain is home to an 11th century monastery.
Reviewed By lillybelf - Belfast, United Kingdom
We headed from Belfast in the early hours and landed to Croagh Patrick early to get stuck into the climb. With covid there are a few restrictions. The centre and cafe aren't open but there is a small kiosk shop. There's a pay and display car park for a few euro. You can buy poles on site. I brought my own and would definitely recommend. Allow yourself approximately 3_3.5hours with a stop and lunch at the top. Weather changed constantly up and down. Very warm going up and very cold at the top. If you've time and the views are obscured wait a while because the clouds can pass very quick and the views of clew Bay are stunning. As mentioned the path and footing is stone and rock on the way down you're practically surfing on stones everyone warned us and they were 100% correct be prepared and take your time and wear proper shoes. There are toilets at the bottom the water in the area is discoloured as are the toilets but they are clean and grand for use. We'll worth the early start and views.
8. Quay Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,530 reviews
Reviewed By LillianM751
A must if you visit Galway...it's vibrant with street entertainers of the highest calibre. .musicians with great talent all in a pedestrian area with shops selling everything from funny Irish souvenirs to musical instruments ..good pubs with live music sessions and good food.The friendly Irish know how to enjoy themselves...
9. Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,819 reviews
***FREE OF CHARGE*** Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's six National Parks. The Visitor Centre for the National Park is located beside Letterfrack Village. Entrance to the National Park grounds and trails (Diamond Hill), exhibition and Audio Visual is ***FREE OF CHARGE***. The Visitor Centre is the starting point for Diamond Hill trail.
Reviewed By notions - Galway, Ireland
Kylemore Abbey is a must see and diamond hill is a great hike for all levels. There are long and short paths and it is accessible for people of any fitness level,
10. Sky Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,077 reviews
Reviewed By markgY7154GS - Dublin, Ireland
Certainly worth a drive :) fantastic views of the stunning countryside, just take your time as the roads are very narrow. If you start from Clifton town you should also take the beach road, incredible little beach beside the peer at the end of the road. Enjoy
