Whilst many visitors to Ireland are familiar with Dublin and attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, West Ireland is often unjustly overlooked. Yet its superb scenery, gastronomic delights and charming locals make this area one of the best places to visit in Ireland. Here are some of the best places to visit in West Ireland, to inspire your wanderlust.
Things To Do on a West Ireland Trip
The West region of Ireland stretches over 8,575 miles. Within West Ireland, you’ll find the regional capital, Galway City together with the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
You can easily combine a visit to the west of Ireland with a Northern Ireland road trip. It’s 202 miles from Galway to Belfast.
1. Ballynahinch Castle
This superb hotel has a fascinating history. Ballynahinch Castle was previously the home of Prince Ranjitsinhji, Maharajah of Nawanager. He was an accomplished cricketer who batted on the England team with W.G. Grace and loved fly fishing.
The prince was the first head of state to visit the Irish Free State in 1924. Today, his former home is a luxury Irish castle hotel with a myriad of outdoor activities.
2. Connemara Ponies
These handsome ponies are specific to the area of Connemara and they excel at show jumping. They are known for their good nature and hardy disposition. The Connemara Pony Breeders Society organises an annual pony show.
3. Wild Atlantic Way
As you walk, cycle or drive around the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll notice quite a few sheep in the middle of the road so be prepared to slow down at a moment’s notice!
4. Inishlacken
The island of Inishlacken is largely uninhabited these days but makes an interesting excursion from nearby Ballynahinch Castle. This is one of the best hotels in Ireland.
Ballynahinch can arrange a tour with local fisherman John. You’ll learn to fish and see the lobster pots being collected.
Then you head on to Inishlacken to see the last remaining inhabitants…the sheep that are brought here by boat to graze each day. Archie rounds them up with his sheepdog before transporting them back to the mainland.
The weather in Ireland can be unpredictable so make sure to dress in plenty of layers and to take a waterproof jacket.
5. Kylemore Abbey
There’s a link between the Maharajah who bought Ballynahinch Castle, aka Prince Ranji, and this Benedictine Abbey. Although it’s still a monastery, it was also a girls’ school until 2010.
The Maharajah sent several of his nieces to school here. These days its attractive Victorian walled garden is a popular visitor attraction.
6. Pine Island, Derryclare Lough
This atmospheric place has the distinction of being the most photographed place in the Connemara area. Its located on Derryclare Lough, a freshwater lake, 20 kilometers east of Clifden and close to the Twelve Bens mountain range.
Whatever the weather, it certainly makes for a unique shot and it’s also a popular fishing spot for salmon and trout.
7. Roundstone Village
This picturesque fishing village is the departure point for quite a few boat trips and well known for O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant. This cosy eatery is at the heart of the local community and serves excellent food.
Roundstone has featured in several films and is a designated Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty. This is a must-see when visiting the West of Ireland.
8. Sky Road
If ever a road deserved it’s name, the Sky Road certainly does. This circular coastal route stretches for 11 kilometers with an upper and a lower road.
Along the way, you’ll discover some fantastic vantage points. There is a car park at the highest point so that you can capture shots like this one.
9. West Ireland Sunsets
With very little light pollution, West Ireland is a particularly good place to see spectacular sunsets and also to stargaze. Fingers crossed that you get to experience one like we did, it’s a great way to conclude a stay in this beautiful area.
Fly to Knock or Shannon international airports to see it for yourself.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in West Ireland
West Ireland provides a stunning backdrop for an amazing and unforgettable vacation. With the list of activities we’ve outlined, you can look forward to exploring everything from traditional historical sites to modern attractions that capture the spirit of this gorgeous region.
From outdoor recreation to nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Emerald Isle. To get your next adventure started, check out our other travel articles and find the perfect spot for your next getaway!
Have you ever been to West Ireland?
You might also enjoy:
- What to See in Clare, Ireland
- Two Days in Dublin
- Best Dublin Hidden Gems
- Ireland’s Blue Book
- Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan
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We were lucky to catch such an amazing sunset, you just don’t get them like that in London!
What a beautiful place and Ireland is the perfect location for nature lovers as well. Great images, Suze. <3 Have a great weekend. /Madison x
It really is perfect for nature lovers and anyone who likes the great outdoors! Greetings from Thailand, Madison
What a stunning natural landscape,
It’s so scenic, Angie and surprisingly warm for the time of year
Love Ireland. I had no idea about the Connemara ponies. My husband and I made a trip to Ireland when I was pregnant (not the best time to take a ferry to Aran Islands) and we loved it. These photos remind me that we really need to go back. There is so much to see and do!
I hadn’t heard of the Connemara ponies either, they’re so photogenic. Must have been tough being on a ferry there and pregnant, you should definitely go back in more relaxed circumstances!
Thanks for sharing this. Ireland has been on my bucket list for a while now and these beautiful pictures have placed it higher on the list. 🙂
XoXo Noma
I’m very glad to hear that, Noma – you won’t be disappointed if you go! There’s so much space and the people are very friendly
That castle is absolutely gorgeous!! I’ve been to Ireland a few times in the past few years but now I feel like I need to plan a trip to west Ireland asap!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
It’s such a stunning place, I’ll be writing about it in full next year
I see what you mean, there is something a bit spooky about it on a dark day! I’d like to go back and see the gardens as we didn’t get time
Isn’t West Ireland simply gorgeous – we spent one of our all-time favourite holidays there.
We really loved it, I was surprised how mild the weather was and there was so much to see!
You make me wish we’ll win the lotto this weekend and just hop onto the next flight and head to Europe and just travel to our hearts content.
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
I’ll keep my fingers firmly crossed for you, Shireen! Do let me know if you’re ever coming to London
Wow Ireland looks so incredibly beautiful. I must visit one day!
– Maya at www.TheKelleyDoll.com
You won’t be disappointed, Maya! Thanks for stopping by
We visited the area a few years ago and stopped off the Sky Road for a picnic – the scenery is stunning, as your photos show! Connemara is gorgeous too 🙂
A picnic along the Sky Road sounds like a great idea! I’ll bear that in mind if we go back in Summertime
I’ve only been to Dublin and I should really think about a two-week road trip around Ireland to see all these beautiful sights! By the way, I went to Brussels yesterday to visit Villa Empain. Thanks again for the inspiration. Will post about it soon!
Beautiful post, definitely inspires wanderlust! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Camille xo
www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
It’s my pleasure, Camille! Have a great weekend
I’m so glad to hear that, Gabrielle, you would love it there – very picturesque and lots of activities on your doorstep
Beautiful post! It definitely inspires me to visit Ireland!
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http://ourruins.com
There’s something very distinctive about Ireland that I’m sure you’d love, Valerie
I visited the Causeway Coast this year and I loved it, it was so unspoilt and naturally beautiful so I’d love to see more of Ireland!
I’m yet to visit the Causeway Coast but that’s also high on my travel wish list
What a quaint area! I hope to visit there someday!!
xx,
Kit | THINGS SHE LOVES
You definitely should, Kit! Thanks for stopping by
I really need to make a trip to Ireland happen next year as other than a 2 day work trip to Enniskillen I don’t know the country at all and it’s so close to the UK. Kylemore Abbey looks stunning and I can see why Roundstone is designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty!
It’s so quick to get to and I just know that you’ll love it, Maggie as the food is amazing too
I haven’t been to Western Ireland for years. The connemara ponies take me back to holidays with my parents when I was young
Those must have been fun holidays, especially if you got to ride the ponies
We were planning to go to Ireland this year, but things didn’t go as planned (busy work schedule sucks)! All these photos are amazing, Sky Road would be a perfect place to watch the sunset!
Ela BellaWorld
I hope that you get a chance to visit next year, Ela – you’ll love it!
Interesting – and maybe deliberate, that you avoided mentioning Galway city and bay, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher and nearby town of Doolin? Or is that heading too far south for the purposes of your article? Great pics anyhow, thanks 🙂
Hi Jon, we didn’t get time to explore those areas but I’ll make a mental note of them for our next trip!
Galway is totally amazing – especially for live Irish music. But the whole city has such a fun, laid back vibe and it makes a great base to explore from (hence me mentioning the Burren and Moher cliffs)
I preferred both Galway and Cork to Dublin, big time.
That’s interesting to know, I may be going to Dublin again at the end of the year but with a trip out to the coast on the Dart train
I went years ago but did get out of Dublin on the D.A.R.T to Bray, in the south and Howth (beautiful!) just to the north. The network may be even more extensive today, enjoy exploring 🙂
Gorgeous pictures suze, I have always wanted to go to Kylemore Abbey. It is one of those places that have been on my buck-list for a while now and i hope to get there one day. You definitely inspired me to go back to Ireland again.
We didn’t get time to go inside so I also need to go back and see the gardens!
Love reading this.!
Alice Cerea
babywhatsup.com
It’s nice to read about areas of Ireland aside from Dublin / Cork etc and the scenery and castles look beautiful! I never would have known the maharajas were such a part of the history in this area!
Who would have guessed about the maharaja – he sounds like an amazing character
Wow stunning pictures Suze. Ireland is very beautiful. Galaway and Kinvara are also stunning and worthy additions to your list. Derry has wonderful sunsets Lucy x
Thanks for the tips, Lucy – I’ll put Kinvara and Derry on my to visit list!
Beautiful images! You certainly inspired my wanderlust – been to Dublin so many times but I would love to explore the countryside a little more.
Miriam
www.londonkitchendiaries.com
The countryside has so much to recommend it too
That’s so sweet, thank you Jalisa – hope you have a lovely end of the week. We are just back from Thailand
amazing! counting sheep:))
This is such a great post. I have always wanted to visit Ireland and these pictures make me want to book a flight TODAY! Gorgeous… Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
– Elise xo
www.thewaterwanderer.com
Well you’ve definitely inspired me! Really beautiful shots of a lovely part of the world. Ireland is so underrated as a travel destination.
So happy that I came across your blog, love it
Thanks for sharing
xx
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https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/