Advertisement
Western Ireland
Western Ireland
Hotels
All Western Ireland HotelsWestern Ireland Hotel DealsBy Hotel Type
By Hotel Class
By Hotel Brand
Popular Amenities
Popular Western Ireland Categories
Near Landmarks
Near Train Stations
Near Airports
Near Colleges
Popular Hotel Categories
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental CarsMore

Plan Your Trip to Western Ireland: Best of Western Ireland Tourism

By John S

Western Ireland, Ireland

From the bustling charm of Galway City to the rugged, otherworldly Burren, Western Ireland offers a wonderful wealth of experiences. Exuberant Galway, City of Tribes, packs summers with festivals and packs pubs with locals and visitors. Westport is another charismatic town, full of colorful shopfronts, pubs and great restaurants. The near lunar landscape of the Burren delights with its unexpected flora. Don’t miss its Stone Age burial monuments, fishing village Ballyvaughan or cheerful Lisdoonvarna.

Essential Western Ireland

Pick a category to filter your recs

Western Ireland Is Great For

Historical Tours

Bars

Cultural Tours

After dark

Fishing Charters

Eat & drink

Explore more from our sponsors

Western Ireland travel advice

Powered by AI
These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Travel Routes from Galway

According to forum posts, some travelers recommend exploring the coastal road R336 for stunning views of the 12 Bens near Roundstone and continuing through Ballynahinch to Recess and Oughterard. This route offers a scenic drive with opportunities to dine at notable places like White Gables in Moycullen.

Travel Routes from Cong

For those staying in Cong, travelers have called out several day trips worth taking. One suggested route includes visiting nearby attractions such as the Doo Lough Famine Memorial, Clonbur, and Maam. Additionally, Kylemore Abbey and the Connemara National Park, featuring the Diamond Hill Loop Walk, are highly recommended for their breathtaking landscapes and historical significance.

Additional Scenic Drives

Travelers also suggest the drive from Clifden to Westport, particularly noting the route through the Doolough Valley as hauntingly beautiful and memorable. This drive encapsulates the rugged beauty of Western Ireland and is a must for those seeking both natural scenery and historical context.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Historical Sites and Museums

According to forum posts, the Galway City Museum near the Spanish Arch is highly recommended due to its fantastic exhibits, offering a deep dive into the local culture and history without any entry fee. Additionally, Kirwan’s Lane is noted for its wonderful pottery, appealing to those interested in local crafts.

Natural Beauty and Day Trips

Travelers have called out Connemara and the Aran Islands as must-see places for nature lovers, accessible via guided tours or car rentals. Connemara offers a scenic drive and proximity to the Connemara National Park, which includes the popular Diamond Hill Loop Walk. The Aran Islands provide a rich cultural experience and stunning landscapes, reachable by ferry or guided tours from Galway.

Unique Local Experiences

Some travelers suggested exploring the Salthill area, known for its beautiful seaside walks. Additionally, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop is a popular spot among visitors for its vast collection of books, adding a unique cultural flavor to the Galway visit.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Accommodation Options

According to forum posts, the Nest Boutique in Salthill, Galway, is recommended for family stays due to its proximity to local attractions and amenities like Morton’s Artisan Grocer. Another option is The George Hotel in Limerick, which offers family rooms and has been described as a lovely hotel.

University Accommodation

Some travelers have suggested considering university accommodation for family stays during the summer months when students are not on campus. University of Galway and University of Limerick offer short-term lets that could be suitable for families.

Self-Catering and Unique Stays

For those looking for self-catering options, travelers have mentioned the Top of the Rock glamping near Drimoleague, where families can book multiple pods. In Westport, the Croagh Patrick Hostel and Holiday Cottages provide a comfortable base with easy access to local sights and activities.

Additional Recommendations

Travelers have also suggested exploring options in Clifden for family-friendly stays, although specific accommodations were not detailed due to availability issues during the discussed period.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.