Holiday Ideas - West & North West

The west of Ireland is a wonderfully wild and dramatic part of the country, often thought of as the most typically ‘Irish’ part of Ireland, where Irish (Gaelic) is still spoken in many areas and there is a strong traditional music culture. Fringed by the Wild Atlantic Ocean, visitors to this area are exposed to nature’s splendour in each county, all of which have their own unique personality. Experience the dramatic landscapes, evident in the majestic Cliffs of Moher and in the limestone plateau of the Burren in County Clare, through Connemara’s purple hills and bogs fringed by dramatic mountains and white coral beaches. 

Drama, Surf & Poetry on Ireland’s West Coast 

Bordered by Clew Bay, Mayo is an area of immense beauty and drama. Donegal has a unique personality, ‘the wild child of Ireland’ lately unrivalled for surfing on her long sandy beaches. Sligo is W.B. Yeats’ ‘Land of heart’s desire’ a land famed for its magnificent natural landscapes under the shadow of Ben Bulben. 

Discover the Ancient City of Galway 

Galway city, ancient capital of the west with a vibrant University City, has a wonderful mixture of culture, shopping, and friendliness. The Atlantic Coastline is peppered with islands such as the famous “Gaeltacht” (Irish speaking) Aran Islands, Inishbofin, Inishturk, Clare Island – home to Ireland’s 16th century pirate queen Gráinne Mhaol, and Achill Island.