Discover the beautiful west coast of Ireland

During a visit to the west coast of Ireland, the overwhelming nature of this sparsely populated area takes center stage. Ireland's west coast is among the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The Atlantic Ocean has created here a beautiful rugged coastline with jagged cliffs, spectacular peninsulas and remote islands.

The Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km motorway route that runs from Donegal in northeast Ireland along the west coast to West Cork. This winding coastal road is an amazing experience, where behind every bend a new surprise awaits you. If you like rugged scenery that is relatively untouched, this road is not to be missed. Besides the rugged coast, the Wild Atlantic Way takes you through an idyllic green interior with low stone walls, enchanting fishing villages, ruins, castles and the Connemara National Park. Explore the lively towns of Galway and Westport that have literary ties to W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory and pubs full of traditional Irish music. Stand face to face with the power of nature while visiting the steep Cliffs of Moher, a highlight of your trip through Ireland. Discover the beautiful scenery of Achill Island or the remote Aran Islands, where it feels like you are at the end of the world. Western Ireland is a feast for your eyes!

Highlights of the west coast of Ireland

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are justifiably one of Ireland's most famous sights. The limestone cliffs are 8 kilometers long and at their highest point they rise a whopping 214 meters from the raging sea. Admire the steep vertical cliffs on one of the cliff top walks, for example to Hag's Head. Or enjoy the view from O'Brien's observation tower, the informative visitor center or on a boat tour. On a clear day, the Aran Islands can be seen in the distance. During sunset, this stunning jagged coastline forms one of Ireland's most beautiful views. These awe-inspiring cliffs will make you feel insignificant.

The Burren

The word "Burren" comes from an Irish word "Boíreann" meaning a rocky place. The name fits well with the moon-like landscape of the Burren, which is probably the largest limestone plateau in the world. Together with the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren form a geopark and were created 359 to 299 million years ago by geothermal forces. Since then, rain has slowly eroded the plateau, forming potholes and peaks within it. The jagged landscape appears barren, but is home to 70% of Ireland's 900 native plants, which can be seen especially in spring. In addition to an extraordinary ecosystem, the area also has much to offer historically. The Burren region has more than 2,700 recorded monuments, some of which are more than 6,000 years old. Poulnabrone is one of the most famous monuments. This hunebed is a huge heavy gate grave over 5,000 years old that houses the remains of 22 people who were buried here for six centuries. Learn more about this unique area at the visitor center.

Galway

Galway is a lively port city with charming streets, friendly locals and an extraordinary history. The medieval city is home to many brightly colored pubs, where there is plenty of activity and traditional Irish folk music. Legendary street performers and musicians and numerous festivals provide an artistic atmosphere. Enjoy the famous oysters and stroll through the narrow streets buzzing with tales of piracy, the love story behind the Claddagh ring and a the mystery surrounding Christopher Columbus' visit to the city. Visit the 16-century Spanish Arch, St. Nicholas' Cathedral, Lynch Castle, Galway Cathedral and Galway Museum. Or explore nearby Galway Bay or the Aran Islands.

Aran Islands

To experience Ireland at its most remote and rugged, travel to the Aran Islands. These three islands lie at the mouth of Galway Bay. Accessible by plane and boat, the islands feel like you are taking a trip back in time. The inhabitants keep a different pace, and the Irish language still reigns as their native tongue. The dramatic desolation creates the enchanting beauty of these untouched islands. The islands consist of jagged cliffs, green fields, remnants of ancient stone forts and medieval churches and villages with one or two pubs at their core, where traditional music can be heard late into the night.

Achill Island

Achill is Ireland's largest island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. The island has stunning scenery ranging from steep cliffs and sandy beaches to bogs and mountains. Explore the island via the Atlantic Drive, which is part of the Wild Atlantic Way. The Atlantic drive has been named one of the most scenic drives in the world. Achill's Croaghaun Cliffs are higher than the Cliffs of Moher, making them the highest sea cliffs in Ireland. Keem Bay is one of Ireland's most beautiful beaches. The combination of a rugged backdrop of heather and cliffs interspersed with the calm surf and gleaming white sand beach, make for a beautiful picture. From Minaun Heights, there are stunning 360-degree views of the island.

Connemara National Park

Connemara is a magnificent three thousand acre wilderness of mountains, marshes, moors, grasslands and forests. The park is home to some of the famous Twelve Bens, the unmistakable mountain range that towers high above the landscape. The park is a hiker's paradise. Once this area was home to the famous pirate queen, Grace O'Malley. Today it is best known for Kylemore Abbey, a former manor house, which is one of Ireland's most beautiful buildings. In 1920, Kylemore was purchased by the Irish Benedictine nuns and top today it is a working monastery open to the public. Discover the touching love story behind the building of Kylemore Abbey and visit Kylemore's beautiful Victorian Gardens Gothic church.