Top Things to do in Western Ireland
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Western Ireland, Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Inishbofin, Lough Corrib, Knocknarea, The Great Western Greenway, Erris Head Loop Walk, Dog's Bay Beach, Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre, Clonbur/Cong Trail, Diamond Hill, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.
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. Lough Corrib
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By michaelmE5451AW - York, United Kingdom
In the past we have done the tour near the near the shores of Lough Corrib on bicycles but this time we used a friend’s boat. There are also boats for hire at several locations around the lough, and boatmen are also available. We headed out for a cruise into the Lough and had great views of the many islands and the multiformed Connemara Mountains. The lake (lough” in Irish/Gaelic) is famous for its salmon fishing and wild brown trout, with the added avantage that angling is free on Lough Corrib, which is 33 miles long from Maum Bridge to near Galway City, making it the second largest lake in Ireland with over 365 islands. After tea in the majestic Ashford Castle we later visited the adjacent Lough Carra and Lough Mask in county Mayo – stunning in fine weather and a most enjoyable area to visit.
3. 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
4. The Great Western Greenway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,438 reviews
Reviewed By UndergroundOfHappy
Wonderful day cycling from Achill back to Westport. Love the way the Greenway is close to the road in places although protected or segregated, giving you a picture of the vehicle traffic as you're whistling to yourself, gliding along past picture perfect views. The coastline, hillscape, terrain are all stunning, also nice to see the odd bit of local farm activity along the cycle path. At one point a ram literally said hello to us from high up on a rock (that's what we told ourselves anyway!). Stopped in Mulranny and Newport, both perfect stop offs for bit of food or refreshment, and great views of the coastline or river. We brought two kids of 9 years old and the 42km was just about manageable for them, it's mostly flat anyway. But there were plenty of even younger children we passed along the way too. An unforgettable day's cycling. Highly recommended.
5. Erris Head Loop Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By Errisg
Easy 5k incline - world war 2 lookout post at the top with Eire carved out down below. Fabulous views.
6. Dog's Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By victoriafoody - Victoria, Canada
We discovered this beach at the end of our day driving the Wild Atlantic way. In hindsight, we should have driven straight here and just hanged out at the beach. We arrived here without any beach gear (swim suits, towels etc), but it didn't matter. We were just happy to walk or sit on the gorgeous white sandy beach, play in the crystal clear water and admire the beauty of the landscape. We had only allowed ourselves an hour here, next time we'll make sure that we can spend most of the day to relax at the beach.
7. Carrowholly Stables & Trekking Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 260 reviews
Carrowholly Stables is situated 3 miles from Westport town in the beautiful west coast of Ireland and is the perfect choice for all your horse riding. We offer pony camps, group parties, beach and trail rides suitable for all levels of riders from the beginner to the more accomplished enthusiast. We have a wide range of horses and ponies from 11hh- 17hh to suit all abilities (We have ponies ranging in height from 107-148 cm and our horses range in height from 149-165 cm). Packages can be tailor made to suit your requirements. Discounts are available for groups and regular bookings. A.I.R.E. and Failte Ireland Approved.
Reviewed By Mollymullet
Carrowholly Stables Westport Co.Mayo. We weren't expecting the experience we got - in a great way. For the price of €30 pp, we got a little more than an hour. The staff were so calming and helpful, that we couldn't have been made feel more relaxed or at ease. I had Graham as my guide. He was gentle and very nice to chat with. I had Molly Mullet as my horse, she was sweet and she took good care when I was on her back. But the nicest thing we got to do was not only trek on the beach but to walk through the water up to the horses chest. Wow what an experience to do and on such beautiful creatures. I would like to thank Kitty and her staff who run a beautiful establishment with so many wonderful horses. What an experience and I would hope tourist will visit this place when in Westpost Co. Mayo, Ireland. You won't be disappointed. Thanks to Joe also who was our other guide. For a beginner and the first time on a horse, I was able to trot after a while, due to the staff. They take great care in every way to make you feel at ease and place you on a horse that suits you. Myself and my 2 friends loved it. I would go again
8. Clonbur/Cong Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Mary737
Excellent trail from Cong Abbey to Clonbur. Route clearly signposted. Possible to take a detour to White Island which in total was about 15km from Cong to Clonbur and back. Great facility.
9. Diamond Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By DubTourist123
Great hike! Very well maintained trail with nice and clean toilet facilities at the entrance to the National Park. Amazing views from the top of the surrounding area. Worth keeping in mind that proper footwear is needed as it does get a bit rocky near the top.
10. Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 662 reviews
Fun for all ages!!Whatever you choose it is the perfect location to do as much or as little as you like!Boda Borg questing is a great way to spend a few fun filled hours with family or friends. After entering the weather-independent house only teamwork, ingenuity, trial and error will allow you to survive the challenges.The Lough Key Experience is an engaging audio tour, directing you through 19th century tunnels to the top of the Moylurg Tower and over the Tree Canopy Trail.The Adventure Play Kingdom is a purpose built outdoor children’s play area providing stimulating and entertaining activities and equipment suitable for a variety of ages and abilities.Enjoy the stunning views & homemade cooking from the Lough Key Café and outdoor deck or browsing for a memento in our Gift Shop.Thinking of spending a few days experiencing the delights that North Roscommon and the surrounding area have to offer? Why not book a pitch for your tent or caravan in the Lough Key Caravan and Camping Park, open from Easter to September.
Reviewed By 607rayn - County Dublin, Ireland
We arrived by boat at their large marina You can get there by road to the camping and caravanning site There is so much to do here, swimming in the lake, fishing, going on long or short walks, a tree top canopy walk, cycling, boat trips. Zip line, and so much more Plenty of picnic tables, and the staff are very friendly. So much fun for all ages
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