What to do and see in Western Ireland, Ireland: The Best Things to do Adventurous

January 28, 2022 Marianna Hollaway

Discover the best top things to do in Western Ireland, Ireland including Glengowla Mines, Sligo Bay Sup, Paddy & Nelly Electric Bike Rental, Knocknarea, Dun Aonghasa, Eagles Flying, Arigna Mining Experience, Dun Duchathair, Drummindoo Stud, Surf Mayo.
Restaurants in Western Ireland

1. Glengowla Mines

Oughterard Ireland +353 87 252 9850 [email protected] http://www.glengowlamines.ie/
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 426 reviews

Glengowla Mines

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. Sligo Bay Sup

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 86 reviews

Sligo Bay Sup

Welcome to Sligo Bay Sup , ASI qualified stand up paddle board school and guiding service operating from Rosses Point , Lissadell , Streedagh beach , Mullaghmore and Doorly Park . Experience stand up paddle boarding or (SUP) surrounded by 360 degree views of the stunning Sligo coast line .

3. Paddy & Nelly Electric Bike Rental

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 168 reviews

Paddy & Nelly Electric Bike Rental

Paul and Elke would like to welcome you to Westport and introduce to you our Paddy & Nelly Electric bike rental and hire experience. New to the Greenway, we have a fresh concept in quality German electric bikes comfortable stress free cycling for all abilities and daily schuttle Bus service to Achill

4. Knocknarea

Sligo Ireland 353-71-61201 http://www.megalithicireland.com/Knocknarea.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 660 reviews

Knocknarea

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

5. Dun Aonghasa

Cill Mhuirbhigh, Province of Connacht Ireland +353 99 61008 [email protected] http://www.heritageireland.ie
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,399 reviews

Dun Aonghasa

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.

6. Eagles Flying

Eagles Flying, Sligo F56 P089 Ireland +353 87 211 0538 [email protected] http://www.eaglesflying.com/
Excellent
93%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 522 reviews

Eagles Flying

Eagles Flying is a scientifically run Wildlife Sanctuary specializing on Birds of Prey and Owls. We focus on "hands on" interaction between our well trained animals and our visitors. During our educational flying demonstrations members of the audience can have a bird of prey land on their hand or have Eagles, Falcons, Hawks or Vultures stoop inches over their heads while Scientists inform in a friendly and fun way. Our visitors can also visit our unique "Touch-Zoo" where they can play and pet "Tui & Alan" our Foxes, get pick pocketed by "Grizzly" our tame Raccoon, have "Monty" our 4 meter Python around their shoulders or get up close and personal with any of the other unusual animals. Get closer than you have ever been to the masters of the sky. Eagles Flying really is an unforgettable experience and a must see for people of all ages and interests.

Reviewed By smE1293RF

Thanks a mil for a great day out. Brilliant for kids and adults alike. Well kept sanctuary with lovely, knowledgeable staff. The show with birds of prey is great and very interesting. Some kids/adults get to participate. But don't worry if your child doesn't get picked, you can do lovely pictures at the end and all the kids who want to, can hold an owl (the highlight of the day for my son who is a big Harry Potter fan :-) The petting farm was a bonus. Among other animals, you could see a fox, a raccoon up-close. The staff answered all your questions. We will be back. Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing there. It is inspirational.

7. Arigna Mining Experience

Arigna Derreenavoggy, Roscommon Ireland +353 71 964 6466 [email protected] http://www.arignaminingexperience.ie
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 874 reviews

Arigna Mining Experience

Reviewed By Meganmccarthy1705

Visited the mine on a recent breakaway in Carrick on Shannon. Such a worthwhile experience and would definitely recommend a visit. The staff are such lovely welcoming people and Maurice gave a fantastic tour of the mine providing lots of interesting information as well as first hand accounts of his own mining work. Amazing to see the conditions that people endured. The views from outside the experience are breathtaking but can be viewed from the fabulous coffee shop inside also. Really enjoyed ourselves!

8. Dun Duchathair

Inis Mor, County Galway, Province of Connacht Ireland http://www.aranislands.ie
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 143 reviews

Dun Duchathair

Reviewed By redhead_roaming - Seattle, United States

Honestly, it's quite an adventure just getting to this place! We rented mountain bikes in town and we were glad we got those versus gentle city bikes. The road that gets you closest, while it looks smooth and nice on Google Maps satellite view, is full of large rocks that would take out city bikes - there was more than one occasion I almost biffed it even with my mountain bike! While walking is certainly an option, it kinda makes sense just to get bikes for the whole day to explore the island anyway. Anyway, the path ends near the cliff side, with a lone bench. It's not America - there are no signs, no safety rails, nothing. Be safe and be informed as to where you need to go. We left our bikes there and I was really worried they would get stolen but no one touched them - thank you kind people! Walking through the limestone landscape, you have to be careful where you step, as you could easily twist an ankle if you're too busy looking around. You start to notice that the stone walls have a couple entries in them and you can follow some virtually all the way to Dun Duchathair. Once you get there, there's not much to see of the actual fort. There's no signs about not walking on the structure and you kinda have to but we tried to keep that to a minimum, to keep the integrity of the structure for years to come. We sat and enjoyed the views for a while though, especially loving waves crashing along the steep cliffs. As cool as watching the sunset would be here, I 100% do not recommend it. I can't imagine trying to navigate the cliffs or the limestone landscape in the dark. For clothing, it wasn't a terribly cold day but with the wind, it made it. We had lightweight fleece jackets, pants and good hiking shoes.

9. Drummindoo Stud

Knockranny Village, Westport Ireland +353 98 25616 [email protected] http://www.drummindoo.com
Excellent
89%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 221 reviews

Drummindoo Stud

Family run equitation center only 1 mile from Westport, on the Wild Atlantic Way. Horseriding for adults and children (minimum age 4 years). Good selection of horses (Connemara Ponies, Irish Cobs, Irish Sport Horses) for all levels and abilities. Pony Camps. Lead rein pony rides. Pony trekking. A.I.R.E.Approved. Qualified instruction. Day Rides (advance booking required). All weather facilities. Experienced riders can avail of ''The Clew Bay Trail Ride'' which takes small groups of experienced riders through new and ever-changing landscapes of small villages, breathtaking sandy beaches, sea and off-shore islands, country lanes, mountain tracks and local heritage sites, stopping for a picnic along the way.

Reviewed By eimearjmccartney

Accommodated my 6yr old daughter at short notice for a lesson while on our holidays!very helpful and friendly staff!my daughter thoroughly enjoyed it!

10. Surf Mayo

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 114 reviews

Surf Mayo

Mayo's first surf school, established in 1998, SURFMAYO was one of the first surf schools and surf hire companies established in Ireland. We are also an ISA (Irish Surfing Association) approved surf school, where we abide by stringent ISA surf school standards and are evaluated yearly. With 20+ years of experience, SURFMAYO surf school caters for all ages and abilities in surfing. Whether you are a complete beginner, improver or advanced surfer, we offer professional surf coaching and equipment to suit your needs. We have on hand some of Ireland's finest surf coaches all of whom are fully-trained lifeguards and highly experienced, passionate surfers. We offer surf lessons for groups, families, friends, hens & stag groups, school tours and sports clubs, any age; you are all welcome to taste the ultimate surfing experience on this beautiful stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.

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