What to do and see in Western Ireland, Ireland: The Best Tours

July 23, 2021 Timmy Ribble

Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Hill Sheep Farming and Sheepdog Trialling Experience in Galway, Shannon - Galway | Best Value Airport Transfer, Private Car & Chauffeur Service, Kayaking on the Corrib River, Galway City. Guided. 3 hours, Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes ), Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise, From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara and Connemara National Park., From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise., Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Kylemore Abbey and Ross Errily Friary, Beach & countryside horse ride along a Connemara beach. Privately guided , Westport House and Gardens Admission Ticket.
Restaurants in Western Ireland

1. Hill Sheep Farming and Sheepdog Trialling Experience in Galway

L1601, Shanafaraghaun, Co. Galway, Ireland Joyce Country Sheepdogs
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Successful sheep farmers need well-trained sheep dogs, and this 90-minute tour will show you how Border Collies are trained to work on a farm. Set in the stunning Connemara countryside, this farm is surrounded by rolling green hills that are backed by the Maumturk Mountains, and just minutes away from Lough Nafooey which boasts a freshwater beach. Depending on the season, you might have the chance to shear some sheep or cuddle with newborn puppies, and this tour is a truly authentic experience of life in western Ireland. Transportation is not provided to the farm to attend this experience; the distance is about an hour away from Galway city.

Inclusions: Farmer experience

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By 369loria

We had an excellent visit here! Joe is so knowledgeable and entertaining. His dogs are well-trained, and we learned a lot about the dogs and about raising sheep in Ireland. A definite highlight of our trip!

2. Shannon - Galway | Best Value Airport Transfer, Private Car & Chauffeur Service

Elite Motion Chauffeurs
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Elite Motion Chauffeurs is the leading provider of top quality and the best price for airport transportation service in Shannon and all surrounding areas. With our wide fleet we can support different passenger capacities. We offer luxury sedans, SUVs, minibuses, all with professional drivers.Travelling can be a very stressful and a tiring process. We pride ourselves in making sure that your journeys to and from the airport are as safe and comfortable as possible. Trusted Professional Chauffeurs - Ride with our fully licensed and insured professional chauffeurs Flight Monitoring - Our operators monitor flights for delays or early arrivals Meet & Greet - Your driver will be at the airport with a tablet displaying your name.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, One-way private transfer, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By eteliopoulos1

Service from Elite was excellent and Huber Pietrzak was a delight - he was on time, pleasant, knowledgeable and flexible. Hubert had great familiarity with our destinations and routes. Hubert was particularly helpful recommending stops and side trips - very professional service! We would give Hubert our highest recommendation.

3. Kayaking on the Corrib River, Galway City. Guided. 3 hours

Kayakmor Menlo Pier, Galway, Ireland Connemara Wild Escapes
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

River Corrib runs through the centre of Galway town. It connects Lough Corrib which is the largest lake in Republic of Ireland with a vast area of over 170sq.km to the sea. Lough Corrib has more than 1,000 islands and islets to explore.

Inclusions: Guide. Cags (kayaking anorak), spray deck, buoyancy aid & wetsuit. Hot drink and chocolate provided

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Reviewed By Janine o

We loved it!! Highly recommend if you are around connemara. We will be back again. The fellas in charge were sound out.

4. Clew Bay Cruise, Westport ( 90 minutes )

Westport Cruises, The Quay, Cloonmonad, Westport, Co. Mayo, Ireland Westport Cruises
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4.9 based on 104 reviews

Breathtaking cruise around Clew Bay from Westport Harbour. Taking in Croagh Patrick, Seal Colony, John Lennons Island, Inishgort Lighthouse & much more. Modern cruise ship. On board toilets, bar & cafe. Upper seated viewing deck & enclosed heated all weather lounge. Free WiFi & Free use of binoculars.

Inclusions: Binoculars , All Fees and Taxes, WiFi on board, Restroom on board, Air-conditioned vehicle, Free On-site Parking

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Reviewed By 112ajw

What a beautiful Sunday afternoon cruise we all had. The sun shone down on us as we enjoyed knowledge commentary and historical facts by skipper Johno. Seal spotting and smooth water. I highly recommend this trip to anyone, weather your a local like me on on holiday. Thanks guys.

5. Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Cruise

Galway, Co. Galway, H91 CX90, Ireland Galway Tour Company
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4.9 based on 165 reviews

Schedule** (Tour runs from Early March to 30th of September) 09:00 – Depart Galway New Coach Station for Doolin and The Burren 11:00 – All aboard the Ferry to Inisheer* 13:45 – Depart the Island and begin Cliffs Cruise 15:30 – Lunch stop in Doolin 16:30 – Arrive at the top of the Cliffs of Moher and receive free admission! 17:30 – Depart cliffs for Galway via Wild Atlantic Way 19:30** – Return to Galway New Coach Station Please be aware: * Sailings are weather dependant. In the unlikely event of a cancellation you will receive a full refund/reschedule or you will have the option to take our 10:00am Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour instead. ** All times are approximate, if you have connections to make please inform us in advance. Ferry tickets and admission to the Cliffs of Moher are FREE. Activities on the island and lunch are not included.

Inclusions: Cliffs of Moher Entrance Fee, Return Ferry to/from Island

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By aidomcdonnell

Not impressed with costs , id have prefered to ( after seing inside the abbey ) just miss that and be able to just walk around the beautiful grounds ! Bit of a rip off in my opinion

6. From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara and Connemara National Park.

Merchants Road, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours - Galway
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4.8 based on 284 reviews

Our unique Connemara Day Tour includes a 3 hour stop that affords visitors the time to explore the 3000+ hectares of the Connemara National Park, while taking in all the highlights of Connemara along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, Entry to Kylemore Abbey

Reviewed By Sandra M

Went Nov. 2019. Loved it! Took the bus from Galway and back. Windy day to visit but well worth it! Highly recommend, glad a bus was available. Cafe was great as well.????

7. From Galway: Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher including Cliffs of Moher cruise.

Merchants Road, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours - Galway
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4.8 based on 1,044 reviews

On this tour you will take in the amazing scenery of two of the Discovery Points on the Wild Atlantic Way, plus enjoy a boat ride beneath the Cliffs of Moher. Experience two of Ireland's top natural attractions—the Aran Islands (Inisheer) and the Cliffs of Moher—in one day on this tour from Galway. We will take you by boat from Doolin to Inis Oirr(Inisheer) where you can spend 2hours at your leisure exploring the island. On the return sailing from the island we will detour underneath the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher - subject to weather conditions. We will then enjoy the Cliffs of Moher from the top by visiting the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Centre

Inclusions: Round-trip ferry ride, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By meganahern99

Could not have asked for a better experience! Gerry was such a gentleman and a fantastic tour guide!

8. Connemara Day Trip from Galway: Kylemore Abbey and Ross Errily Friary

Galway, Co. Galway, H91 CX90, Ireland Galway Tour Company
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4.6 based on 331 reviews

Discover the dramatic beauty of Connemara with its rugged wilderness, welcoming locals and historic treasures, on this full-day trip from Galway city. Traveling with an expert guide, your tour visits Ross Errilly Friary, pretty Cong village and must-see Kylemore Abbey. Spend time at leisure in these Irish gems and enjoy stunning scenery in between each visit.

Inclusions: Professional Local Driver/Guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Entrance Fee to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Reviewed By tanjamattila

We booked Cliffs of Moher & Burren tour. The cliffs were awesome and our driver John was really great, but the tour was quite badly organised and ended up costing more. Right at the beginning of the journey we were told that due to covid 19 they had cancelled some of the activities that were included in the price: Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, the 5,800-year-old Poulnabrone Dolmen and Ballyalban Fairy Fort, and also a visit to Kilfenora to see Celtic Crosses was cancelled. We were offered an option to pay 15 euros extra per person to get a one hour boat trip in front of the Cliffs of Moher instead. That was quite unprofessional way from company's side to replace those very interesting attractions that we thought that we could see. We felt a bit scammed as we had to pay more to get a possibility to experience something else. Other option would have been to wait in Doolin until the boat trip was over. The boat trip itself was also very poor from its staff's side. We were given false information regarding how the Cliffs have formed (by atmospheric pressure - that's not correct), about the building date regarding a tower on top of the cliffs etc. It was a bit hilarious and frustrating. The quality of that boat trip didn't convince us but oh well, one more experience :) Other than these couple of odd things the day was really nice and as we live in Ireland we will for sure take another trip to see more of the area. But as we felt that we cannot really trust the tour description and we were not informed in advance about any changes, and there was no word about cancelled activities due to covid 19 on their website when we booked and read about this tour, we will either try another tour company or we will rent a car next time.

9. Beach & countryside horse ride along a Connemara beach. Privately guided

Cleggan, Co. Galway, Ireland Connemara Wild Escapes
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Spend an unforgettable day exploring Omey island and beach in Connemara on horseback. Your guide will introduce you the thrill of beach horse riding along the Wild Atlantic Way on this popular 2.5 hour equestrian escape. This private experience which starts at our renowned stables, Depending on your level of experience you can canter or gallop across the white strand. Novices are kept safely in walk and trot. takes you on a ride to Omey Island that is punctuated by dramatic land and seascapes, historical sites, wild rugged landscapes and islands flung out to sea. Our riding stables are Connemara’s premier beach trekking centre, and this trek is suitable for beginner to advanced riders. There will be a short assessment before leaving with up to 2 guides depending on the number in the group and the level of experience. Available every day of the year. Pax: Min 1, Max 10.

Inclusions: Horseback riding tour, Hats and boots are available at the riding center

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from Cleggan village

Reviewed By Janine o

We loved it!! Highly recommend if you are around connemara. We will be back again. The fellas in charge were sound out.

10. Westport House and Gardens Admission Ticket

Westport House & Gardens
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4.1 based on 27 reviews

With over 30 rooms on show, visitors can immerse themselves in life as far back as the 16th century when Grace O’Malley the Pirate Queen of Connacht ruled the land and seas around the estate. Built upon the foundations of one of her many castles which can still be toured in the dungeons today, the original Westport House was built in 1650 by Colonel John Browne and his wife Maud Burke, Grace O’Malley’s great-great-granddaughter. Since then it has undergone a number of developments under the direction of the celebrated architects Richard Cassels (of Carton and Leinster House architectural fame), James Wyatt and Thomas Ivory, progressing from a smaller, one room deep residence with a central open court yard to the stately square house complete with beautiful balustraded terraces that we recognise today.

Inclusions: Admission ticket

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By stephenpK5529KZ

Didn't go into the house but interesting from the outside, but lovely walk around it. Nice gardens and a good walk through from town to the harbour

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