Galway, Mayo and Donegal make up the largest two counties of Ireland West. Donegal boasts the longest coastline in Ireland. It also has two unique features that set it apart from other counties: stunning beaches and one the most beautiful surfing areas and climates in the country. Many of Ireland’s beaches are vastly desolate and beautiful. There are also many spectacular links golf courses like Ballyliffen, which has two courses located on South Donegal’s Inishowen peninsula. Each year thousands visit Donegal to enjoy the amazing surfing conditions offered by the Atlantic Ocean currents. The county town of Donegal offers more than just a vacation to another country.
Sligo is a tiny coastal area, while Leitrim actually boasts a 10-kilometre stretch of coastline that runs between Donegal & Sligo. Roscommon and Leitrim have wonderful river and lake amenities, so what it is lacking in size Roscommon makes up. Glencar Lake, Waterfall and Carrick-on-Shannon are just a few of the many attractions that make Leitrim the most visited county in Ireland. Roscommon, which is near Boyle has both the beautiful Curlew Mountains (and the huge and stunning Lough Key Lake and Forest Park).
Connemara is the area most well-known in the area. It’s a large area of stunning natural beauty and breathtaking scenery that draws millions of tourists every year. While most of Connemara’s area can be found in County Galway it also extends north to Louisburgh, County Mayo west of Westport. Clifden is the capital of Connemara, located 80 km west of Galway. It is full of charm and vibrancy, and reflects the laid-back attitude of western Irish citizens that makes them so charming to foreigners. There is no rush. Haste does not appear in the Gaelic language, which means that it isn’t a common word. You can’t understand the meaning of these words, but there’s no need to hurry.
Connemara is home to many activities, including lakes, mountains, horse riding, hunting, and fishing.
Galway City, the capital of West Ireland is regarded as being the best place to be in Ireland. It’s also the largest city. Galway seems to be a place where festivals are an almost daily occupation. There is always something happening in Galway during the summer months. The most well-known of these events are the Galway Races, which take place in July/August each year. This seven-day festival draws hundreds of thousands to the city, most without any interest in racing. They are there for the side shows and the culture that the Irish love. It’s a great time!
There are also two Oyster Festivals, a world-famous Arts Festival and an Oyster Festival. Also there is a drama Festival. Galway’s compact center offers many great restaurants, bars and pubs for a quick bite to eat and to enjoy each other.
While County Mayo may not be as well-known as Galway in terms of population, it still offers stunning scenery and a wide range of activities. Castlebar, the capital of County Mayo is a vibrant modern town and gateway to the west. Although not the largest, it is the most notable town.
Westport holds the distinction of being Ireland’s only city that has been designed architecturally. The place is stunning. The place has won the Irish Tidy Towns Award on several occasions. It is an excellent base for exploring all of Mayo’s southern region, Achill, and Clare islands. It can be accessed via a bridge from Achill, but Clare Island is only accessible by boat. Clare Island is sparsely inhabited. Westport has everything you need, from excellent accommodation to great leisure activities and delicious food to suit all tastes. Croagh Patrick, one of Ireland’s most revered mountains, is located just to the west. The mountain is named after Saint Patrick, who established a church on its summit. It attracts many visitors throughout the year but especially during what’s known as “The Snowy Day”. “Reek Sunday”A pilgrimage up to the summit is made by thousands of people. Mass is then celebrated there. The views from this point are spectacular and include Clew Bay as well as the famed 365 island that it holds.
Ballina lies further north and is the second most populous town in Mayo. This bustling town is well-located to explore the numerous fishing lakes nearby. This is an ideal location to explore the northern Mayo coastline, where you can find outstanding links golf courses such as Carne/Belmullet Golf Club. For a glimpse into the past, don’t miss the incredible sights at the megalithic Ceide Fields.