Western Ireland attractions

The village of Cong, located on the border of County Galway and County Mayo, in western Ireland, is known for its thatched-roof cottages and its connection to John Wayne’s Oscar-winning film The Quiet Man. The ruins of Cong Abbey, which date back to the 13th century, are a popular sight and a lovely spot for a stroll.

Sandy beaches and a windswept coastline draw travelers to Salthill, one of Ireland’s popular seaside resorts located on the cusp of Galway Bay. A two-kilometer seafront promenade with panoramic views is home to bars, restaurants, and hotels. The summer months draw locals and international travelers alike for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and snorkeling.

Set among green pastures, this 15th-century stone complex—once the home of Franciscan friars—now lies in ruins, peaceful and eerily empty, with tombstones dotted throughout the site. Inside, visitors can explore the roofless remains, including the church, cloister, kitchen area, and living quarters.

Said to be one of Ireland’s most beautiful estates, Westport House and Gardens is a heritage attraction on the country’s west coast. With more than 30 rooms open to the public, the 18th-century home offers guided tours telling the story of its owners and connection to Grace O’Malley, the famed pirate queen.

Dating back hundreds of thousands of years, the Doolin Cave sits within Ireland’s Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. The main attraction is the 24-foot-long (7.3-meter-long) Great Stalactite, one of the world’s largest free-hanging stalactites. Besides cave tours, there’s a farmland nature trail, a café, and a gift shop.

The Twelve Bens range rises on the horizon while fishing boats bob in the water at the picturesque Roundstone Harbour. Behind the harbor is Roundstone village, a colorful cluster of houses, craft shops, and galleries, as well as pubs, cafes, and restaurants specializing in seafood hauled in fresh from the Atlantic.

The Galway Arts Centre is a cultural institution supporting local talent in visual art, writing, theater, photography, and more. It first opened in 1988 and over the decades has showcased a variety of both Irish and international contemporary art. In addition to its galleries, the centre has an event space for readings, performances, and classes. There’s also a darkroom for hire.

Located on the wave-beaten western edge of Ireland, this former fisherman’s village is known for its traditional Irish music scene. Every night, patrons squeeze into a trio of popular pubs to listen to fiddlers, singers, flutists, tin whistlers, and bodhrán (a traditional Irish drum) players take part in toe-tapping jam sessions.

Lining 1.8 miles (three kilometers) of Galway Bay, Ireland’s Salthill Promenade offers beautiful seaside views from the Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock Diving Board. The stroll along the paved promenade doesn’t take long, so many Galway visitors easily fit this memorable experience into their visit.

When traveling the Wild Atlantic Way’s Sky Road outside the town of Clifden, the ruins of Clifden Castle are a popular stop. This stone castle, built in 1812, is abandoned and only the shell remains, yet it attracts visitors with its striking architecture and, for some, eerie vibes. Kids especially enjoy the opportunity to explore the exterior of the mysterious stone ruins and imagine the wealthy family who once lived here.

Galway's Latin Quarter is a pedestrian’s paradise. The streets of this part of the Irish harbor city are lined with restaurants, pubs, arts-and-crafts tables, and other souvenir shops. It’s a wonderful area to take a break from the water and roam shops selling specialty, hand-crafted pieces, and then pop into a restaurant or pub for a traditional Irish meal.

Strandhill Beach extends for approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) and offers sweeping views of Sligo Bay, Benbulben, Knocknarea Mountain, and Coney Island. Located near Sligo Town, this scenic stretch of sand is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially surfers who come for its famous break. Close by are cafés, bars, and a seaweed bathhouse.

The largest aquarium in Ireland is not in the capital city of Dublin, but along the west coast in Galway. Saltwater and freshwater species inhabit the tanks at Galway Atlantaquaria including seahorses, stingrays, eels, sharks, and a white skate nicknamed ‘Valentine’. One of the most popular exhibits is an enormous skeleton of a Fin Whale.

Along Ireland’s popular Wild Atlantic Way is the Alcock and Brown Landing Site in Derrigimlagh, where the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic Ocean landed in 1919. Following the stone-laid walking path to the site, there’s a white cairn marking the area for visitors who wish to learn about the aviation milestone, as well as take in the beautiful surrounding scenery.

A country manor in Ireland’s County Sligo, Lissadell House is an architectural landmark and scenic estate open to visitors during summer. Dating back to the 1830s and famous as the childhood home of Constance Markievicz (a leader of the 1916 Rising), Lissadell House today is a private home that opens for tours of the manor and access to the gardens seasonally.

Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park make for an engaging day out for visitors of all ages. Wander more than 30 rooms in the 18th-century house, while learning the story of its owners and connection to Grace O’Malley, the famed pirate queen. Then, head over to the theme park for a ride on the swinging pirate ship or mini Ferris wheel.

Knocknarea is a mountain in County Sligo with a historic landmark at its peak. It’s a popular place for a scenic walk, with two main access trails, though visitors should be aware that some challenging climbing is involved. Countryside views, a walk through the forest, and views out over the coastline are rewards for setting out on this hike.

Ireland’s Ancient East isn’t the only part of the country where megalithic landmarks are found. Set in County Sligo in the northwest, the Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is a dense concentration of tombs that date back almost 6,000 years. Over 35 passage tombs remain here, with an on-site exhibition offering context for exploring the stones and their surrounding landscape.

Set off Ireland’s craggy, wind-battered Atlantic coast on the western edge of Europe, this trio of sparsely populated and starkly beautiful islands is a stronghold of traditional Irish culture. The Aran Islands’ jagged coastal cliffs enclose a patchwork of green fields, where the remnants of ancient stone forts and medieval churches can be seen, while in their one- and two-pub towns, locals trade gossip in Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) and traditional music sessions last well into the night.