Top Things to do in Western Ireland
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Western Ireland, Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Knocknarea, Dun Aonghasa, Killary Sheep Farm, Atlantic Drive on Achill Island, Belleek Castle Museum, Mullaghmore Coast, Wild Atlantic Way, Galway Cathedral, Boyle Abbey.
Restaurants in Western Ireland
1. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
2. 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
3. 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.
4. Killary Sheep Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 375 reviews
contains some of Ireland's most awe-inspiring and dramatic scenery including Killary Fjord. Sheepdog Demonstrations with highly skilled working dogs, feeding the lambs with bottles, Sheep shearing using the hand shears, turf cutting using the traditional method which visitors can try out this ancient method for themselves, walking trails, Great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By peteald - Downers Grove, United States
The drive up to Leenane is absolutely stunning. Once you enter the town of Leenane and see the Fjord you will be blown away, the mountains with the water and the amazing flowers are an unbeatable scene. We took a day trip up to the area on one of our last days in Ireland and wish we would have gone earlier so we could have spent more time there! Killary Sheep Farm is spectacular. We went in May, when it was a little warmer than usual for the time, and had a wonderful experience. There was a tour group of about 30 individuals there, and my girlfriend and I were the only ones there not a part of the tour. Tom took time to answer everyone questions and explain how a sheep farm operates. The best part was toward the end, we got to hold baby sheep and feed them. We feed a sheep that was just born the day before, they are so cute! You get a little bottle that you feed them with and you have one of the most adorable experiences ever. The farm is amazing, the family that runs it are so nice and helpful, and the views are impeccable. This day trip was the highlight of a week long trip all over Ireland. If you are on the west coast, or staying in Galway, make the trip up and have a day you'll always remember.
5. 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.
6. Belleek Castle Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 231 reviews
Learn about the history of Belleek Castle & the story of its inhabitants the Knox-Gore family. Lean about the exciting life of Marshall Doran a sailor who made his fortune from smuggling & antique dealing who later became hotelier & restored Belleek Castle in the 1960's. Visitors will see the original Castle & Marshalls additions to the house such as the Spanish Armada Bar (built from salvaged wood from Spanish Armada shipwrecks) and the Medieval Banquet Hall,. The highlight of the tour will be the Marshall Doran Collection! One of the finest collections of antiques, Jurassic Fossils, Medieval weapons and Medieval Armour in Ireland! Other curiosities include the last wolf shot in Connaught & the bed of Grace O'Malley, Ireland's Pirate Queen.
Reviewed By sandramK8378SD
Went Nov. 2019, great tour, guide fantastically knowledgeable. Would be great for kids as well. Very interesting history. ????
7. Mullaghmore Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By JRAsFishBabe
We were staying at Lareen Estate, County Leitrim, just outside of Kinlough, the home of the Drowes Salmon Fishery. This resort offers a great opportunity to fish for spring salmon, grilse and gillaroo trout on the Drowes river and on Lough Melvin. Indeed, the Drowes is one of earliest rivers to open for fishing in Ireland and generally is where the first salmon of the year is caught. Lareen Estate is located on Lough Melvin and is where the Drowes begins its 8 km journey to the sea. The proprietor, Shane Gallagher, offers fully contained cottages which can be rented out as self catering, the fishing rights to the estates waters included, or as part of a package. These well equipped units are all situated very close to the river, giving you easy access to some very productive pools. The river, I believe, leaves the property at the Four Masters Bridge, but there is good access to the seventy named pools, all the way down to the sea pools at Tullaghan Bridge. There is a fishery office and a tackle shop on the estate where you can purchase the necessary fishing permits and also "fill-in" the gaps missing in your tackle. There are also boats available for hire here if you wish to have a go at fishing in Lough Melvin. As you might guess, this is a really beautiful area, the cabins are quite wonderful, and the setting is superb. Shane is a very pleasant, informed host and Lareen Estate is a convenient and affordable place to make as your base, whether for fishing and/or for visiting the area. We were here at the encouragement of our friend, a fellow fishing aficionado, a very good recommendation, John, thanks very much! The chance to come here and perhaps catch a salmon was too good to pass up, and coupled with the opportunity to visit the area, irresistible. We were here primarily to fish, yes, but the wild, beautiful countryside needed to be explored as well! You are situated on a small portion of what is referred to as the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a tourism trail that winds along the Irish coast for 2500 km., stretching from Malin Head in the north down to the Old Head of Kinsale in the south. Situated in Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, just south of where we were staying, Mullaghmore Coastal drive is a part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Classiebawn Castle is the impressive structure, easily visible, standing atop the peninsula. Built by Lord Palmerston in the late 19th century and owned in later years by the late Lord Mountbatten. There is a sad history associated with this place, this was the unfortunate location where during the Great Famine, over 2000 tenants from Lord Palmerston's estates were evicted, essentially "shovelled out" and shipped overseas to New Brunswick. This was an attempt by the landlord and his agents to make the estate's landholdings more profitable. They arrived in Canada totally destitute and unprepared for the hardships of their new home, dependant upon the charity of the citizens of St. John, New Brunswick. More recently, the waters off the coast were the scene of the assassination of Lord Mountbatten. In August, 1979, he and several others were the victims of a bomb planted in their boat by the IRA. These days it is more known as a holiday destination and in particular for surfers, as one of the world's top' big wave surfing" locations! You are also very close to the town of Belleek, situated just over the border in Northern Ireland. Here you can tour the oldest pottery in Ireland, Belleek Pottery. Baleek Pottery has been producing its fine pottery for over 160 years! We could have stayed longer as there is a lot to see and experience, but we will be back!
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. Galway Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,951 reviews
Reviewed By CarolinaNurse323 - Kernersville, United States
My husband & I were travelling with a tour group with Gate 1 Travel and Galway Cathedral was on our list of MUST SEE when we arrived in Galway. This spectacular Cathedral was built with local limestone and Connemara marble and is truly amazing. The awe inspiring sanctuary with its wooden pews, flags, marble floors, stained glass windows, altars, cupola and THAT large pipe organ are exquisite! The plaque with JFK made a lasting impression. THIS CATHEDRAL IS A MUST SEE! TRULY ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!
10. Boyle Abbey
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