Top Things to do in Western Ireland
Things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland: The Best Islands
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Inishbofin, Coney Island, Inishmurray Island, Clare Island, Omey Island, Inis Meain, Dorinish (Beatle Island), Mutton Island.
Restaurants in Western Ireland
1. Inishbofin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
This tiny rustic island has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years.
Reviewed By rebeccaruva - New York City, United States
Inishbofin is a beautiful island just off the coast of County Galway. There is a lovely hike around the island and the people there are simply wonderful. With picturesque beaches, views of both County Galway and the Atlantic Ocean, and stunning cliffs on the west side of the island - Inishbofin is great for a day trip or a few days stay. I stayed at the Hostel on the island with a friend, and the women who ran the place was very nice and accommodating. The hike around the island has stunning views. On the North-West side of the island there is a blowhole that is a treat to see. On the East side of the island there is a lovely walk around the beaches and fields. There are also some small tide pools on East End Beach and cool places to explore. Inishbofin is easy to get to from Galway on public transportation. If you need to get to Galway from any other major city in Ireland, you can use Bus Eireann or other bus companies for an easy trip. From Galway, you should take a CityLink bus to Cleggan, which is where you will pick up the ferry to the island. For a day trip, it would be easiest to get to the island on the morning ferry and take the last ferry out in the late afternoon. You should double check the Inishbofin ferry site for the latest schedule depending on the time of year you are going to Inishbofin. (BE WARNED, if you take the last ferry out and catch the CityLink bus into Galway, and expect to catch the last buses out of Galway (ex. Bus Eireann to Limerick or Shannon Airport) you will most likely NOT make these buses. Expect to spend the night in Galway or catch the midday ferry so you do not have any chance of missing your bus.)
2. Coney Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By ProseccoJenny - Limerick, Ireland
We visited Coney island after a recommendation from locals, the scenery was amazing just make sure you check the tide times before you travel.
3. Inishmurray Island
4. Clare Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
A tiny island off the west coast of Ireland with dramatic scenery. Once on Clare Island, there is so much to see and do – the island’s rich history, geological and biological landscape (studied in depth in the Clare Island survey) can be explored on foot, bike or by mini bus. Be sure to take time out to view the Blue Flag Beach, Granuaile’s Castle, the 12th century Cistercian Abbey, the Lighthouse, the Napoleonic Tower and the various Bronze-Age sites. Why not call in and see the Heritage Centre or Ballytoughey Loom? There are also plenty of activities to suit everyone including hiking, cycling, fishing, swimming, boat trips, yoga retreats, weaving courses and a variety of adventure activities.
5. Omey Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Galwaywalks - Galway, Ireland
Omey island is a tidal island in Connemara, connected to the mainland by an amazing beach that's maybe a square mile in area, and that is the scene for an annual horse race meeting, on the last Sunday in July. If you like horse racing...and beaches, and fun and fresh air and amazing scenery, this is the place to be. If you just like coastal scenery and exploring, history and building sandcastles, then go visit Omey island... just don't get caught by the tide, otherwise you are stuck for five hours... at least bring sandwiches...hey, always time for a picnic on the wild Atlantic way. We were there yesterday, in a light misty rain, it was pure magic... a salve for the soul. The island is an easy two hour visit.. steeped in ancient history and bathed in Atlantic sun and rain... like I say, magical. Just 90 minutes west of Galway..15 minutes from Clifden and Renvyle. Great for kids and adults... and dogs and horses.
6. Inis Meain
7. Dorinish (Beatle Island)
This small island was once owned by John Lennon.
