Top Things to do in Western Ireland
Countries
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Inishbofin, Lough Corrib, Knocknarea, Dun Aonghasa, The Great Western Greenway, Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre, Wild Atlantic Way, Connacht Whiskey Company, Boyle Abbey.
Restaurants in Western Ireland
1. Inishbofin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
This tiny rustic island has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years.
Reviewed By rebeccaruva - New York City, United States
Inishbofin is a beautiful island just off the coast of County Galway. There is a lovely hike around the island and the people there are simply wonderful. With picturesque beaches, views of both County Galway and the Atlantic Ocean, and stunning cliffs on the west side of the island - Inishbofin is great for a day trip or a few days stay. I stayed at the Hostel on the island with a friend, and the women who ran the place was very nice and accommodating. The hike around the island has stunning views. On the North-West side of the island there is a blowhole that is a treat to see. On the East side of the island there is a lovely walk around the beaches and fields. There are also some small tide pools on East End Beach and cool places to explore. Inishbofin is easy to get to from Galway on public transportation. If you need to get to Galway from any other major city in Ireland, you can use Bus Eireann or other bus companies for an easy trip. From Galway, you should take a CityLink bus to Cleggan, which is where you will pick up the ferry to the island. For a day trip, it would be easiest to get to the island on the morning ferry and take the last ferry out in the late afternoon. You should double check the Inishbofin ferry site for the latest schedule depending on the time of year you are going to Inishbofin. (BE WARNED, if you take the last ferry out and catch the CityLink bus into Galway, and expect to catch the last buses out of Galway (ex. Bus Eireann to Limerick or Shannon Airport) you will most likely NOT make these buses. Expect to spend the night in Galway or catch the midday ferry so you do not have any chance of missing your bus.)
2. Lough Corrib
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By michaelmE5451AW - York, United Kingdom
In the past we have done the tour near the near the shores of Lough Corrib on bicycles but this time we used a friend’s boat. There are also boats for hire at several locations around the lough, and boatmen are also available. We headed out for a cruise into the Lough and had great views of the many islands and the multiformed Connemara Mountains. The lake (lough” in Irish/Gaelic) is famous for its salmon fishing and wild brown trout, with the added avantage that angling is free on Lough Corrib, which is 33 miles long from Maum Bridge to near Galway City, making it the second largest lake in Ireland with over 365 islands. After tea in the majestic Ashford Castle we later visited the adjacent Lough Carra and Lough Mask in county Mayo – stunning in fine weather and a most enjoyable area to visit.
3. 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
4. Dun Aonghasa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,399 reviews
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a chevaux-de-frise consisting of blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. Originally constructed c.1100BC, it was re-fortified around 700-800 AD. Excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several burials. Visitor safety information: The fort is about 1km from the Visitors Centre and is approached over rising ground. The last section of the path is over rough, natural rock and care is needed, especially when descending. Boots or strong walking shoes are recommended. There is no fence or barrier at the edge of the cliff.
Reviewed By geraldine946 - Western Ireland, Ireland
Well worth a visit, rain hail or sunshine....have been here a few times and loved it, the most amazing views on the island and definitely worth it.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
Carrowholly Stables is situated 3 miles from Westport town in the beautiful west coast of Ireland and is the perfect choice for all your horse riding. We offer pony camps, group parties, beach and trail rides suitable for all levels of riders from the beginner to the more accomplished enthusiast. We have a wide range of horses and ponies from 11hh- 17hh to suit all abilities (We have ponies ranging in height from 107-148 cm and our horses range in height from 149-165 cm). Packages can be tailor made to suit your requirements. Discounts are available for groups and regular bookings. A.I.R.E. and Failte Ireland Approved.
Reviewed By Mollymullet
Carrowholly Stables Westport Co.Mayo. We weren't expecting the experience we got - in a great way. For the price of €30 pp, we got a little more than an hour. The staff were so calming and helpful, that we couldn't have been made feel more relaxed or at ease. I had Graham as my guide. He was gentle and very nice to chat with. I had Molly Mullet as my horse, she was sweet and she took good care when I was on her back. But the nicest thing we got to do was not only trek on the beach but to walk through the water up to the horses chest. Wow what an experience to do and on such beautiful creatures. I would like to thank Kitty and her staff who run a beautiful establishment with so many wonderful horses. What an experience and I would hope tourist will visit this place when in Westpost Co. Mayo, Ireland. You won't be disappointed. Thanks to Joe also who was our other guide. For a beginner and the first time on a horse, I was able to trot after a while, due to the staff. They take great care in every way to make you feel at ease and place you on a horse that suits you. Myself and my 2 friends loved it. I would go again
8. 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.
9. Connacht Whiskey Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
We are an independently owned craft Irish whiskey distillery located in the town of Ballina, County Mayo Ireland. Situated in a beautiful setting across from the River Moy, the distillery offers guided tours, tastings, and a gift shop. You will learn how pot still Irish whiskey is made and get to enjoy a sampling of our products. The Visitor Centre is open Wednesday - Friday 10.30AM-18.00PM and Saturday's 12.00PM-17.00PM. The guided tours of the distillery are scheduled and run from Wednesday- Saturday at 12:00 PM, 13.30PM and 15:30 PM Booking online is necessary as we can only accomidate smaller groups due to the new governement restrictions. Please note our guided tours are running from August 1st please book online and read our new terms and conditions to avoid dissapointment. You will be asked to full out a health declartion and travel form for the past 14days on arrival, your co-operation at this time is appreciated. Please wear a mask or purchase one on arrival.
Reviewed By D9448DDdenisec - Ballina, Ireland
This tour is well worth a visit,we went as a family for a birthday treat,although the tour itself takes place in only one room is extremely interesting and informative,the lady conducting the tour was really good at her job,after the tour it was time for the taste testing,which again was very interesting,we have been on many of these tours and never experienced this type of tasting session before,really good, very relaxed ,would definitely recommend a visit
10. Boyle Abbey
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