From fun festivals to ancient monastic sites, the spectacular views and brisk sea air of the islands around the country’s west coast have made them some of the most popular tourist destinations. Here are the 10 greatest things to see and do
Aran Islands, Co Galway
Achill Island, Co Mayo
Little Skellig seen from Skellig Michael
Use the force at Skellig Michael Take a tour around the wild Skellig Islands in Kerry, made world-famous for featuring in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ and the upcoming ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’. Walk the same steps as Rey and Luke Skywalker, while carrying that lightsaber you keep for special occasions! Or, drive the Skellig Ring Scenic Drive on the Ring of Kerry along the Wild Atlantic Way, taking in awe-inspiring views of the Skellig Islands at every turn.
Up in the air in Dursey Island Take Ireland’s only cable car to Dursey Island in the west of Cork. The cable car runs about 250m above the sea and can take six people on the journey across the infamous Dursey Sound. Kids will love the dolphins and whales who are regular visitors to the rich waters that surround the island.
Row your boat to Inis Mór The Aran Islands in Galway Bay are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. Inis Mór hosts many festivals including the annual ‘Tedfest’ and the Inis Mór Pátrún Festival in June which celebrates the Patron Saint of the island, St Enda. This event has lots of fun for all the family including sandcastle building, tug of war, road races, inter-island currach races and the Galway Hooker Regatta, displaying unique Irish boats. With bike hires and pony and trap tours on the island, the whole family will love it and don’t forget to pick up an Aran sweater while there!
Cúpla Focail in the Aran Islands If you’re in the mood for learning Irish, the Gaeltacht of the Aran Islands provides many opportunities, with summer courses for students and several conversion courses for adults. Visit Coláiste Ó Direáin on the beautiful island of Inis Mór or Coláiste Laichtín situated on Inis Oírr and stay in the homes of Irish-speaking families. You’ll be reciting your focail in no time at all!
A wheelie great time in Achill Island Achill, which is at one end of the Great Western Greenway in Co Mayo – a 42km off-road cycle and walking trail – is a
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Take the steps to Skellig Michael Above pictures courtesy of Fáilte Ireland
Escape to an island superb place for cycling enthusiasts. Or go on the Atlantic Drive, a 40km drive along the coast with breathtaking views. Along the drive there are many fabulous sights to be seen, including the castle of the woman who gained fame as a pirate along the western coast, Granuaile’s Castle.
On the seashore in Inishbofin or Achill The small island Inishbofin, off the coast of Galway, has numerous beautiful beaches, with crystal clear waters, many having been awarded the Green Coast Award. Speaking of great beaches – Achill Island, known for tall sea cliffs and mountain views, has five Blue Flag beaches, denoting pure excellence. Try Trawmore Strand, which is popular with bathers and also regularly used for adventure watersports.
How yawl doing in Achill? The Achill Yawl Festival runs from July to September each year, with races taking place at weekends and in the evenings. An annual series of races involving traditional
Achill yawl sailing boats, the exciting spectator sport is contested by local teams. The Yawl Festival helps preserve local culture and the use of the Irish language.
Go loopy around Tory Island Take in the incredible attractions on the
Getting to the islands is half the fun! For some, you drive distances across causeways and bridges, or travel on a swinging cable car, but for most it is the ferries that will bring you to your island escape. The ferry rides are a fun family adventure and many are wheelchair accessible. The main ferry port for the islands of West Cork is the village of Baltimore; for the Aran Islands it is Rossaveal and Doolin; for Inishturk and Clare Island it is Roonagh Pier; and for the northwest islands of Tory and Inishbofin the port is Magheroarty. For more information and to see the ferry listings for each of the islands visit www.wildatlanticway.com
Tory Island Loop walk. The walk around the Donegal Island will allow you to explore several historical sites, including the fascinating Tau Cross and the 6thcentury ruins of Colmcille’s monastery. You can also bow to the locally elected King of the island, who welcomes visitors to see all the wonderful attractions.
Hoof it to Omey Island Omey Island is accessible at low tide every day by crossing acres of sandy beach by driving or walking. You can attend the annual Omey Island Races at Omey Strand in Connemara held every summer. Known as ‘The Other Galway Races’, the summer races are a fun day of horses, sea, sand and hopefully some sun. It’s a great opportunity for young jockeys to show off their talent, while also a wonderful day out for everyone else.
Have a whale of a time in Sherkin Island Sherkin Island, southwest of Cork, is a great base for whale watching, with good fishing to be had on the rocky headlands. If you’re lucky, you could spot seals and dolphins swimming offshore. Sherkin’s flora and fauna attract nature lovers and birdwatchers, as many birds breed on the island, and you can even spot rare migrants flying through in spring and autumn.
Irish Independent I 31 May 2017
Food for thought
Dingle, Co Kerry
Four foodie highlights of the Wild Atlantic Way
When travelling west, prepare your tastebuds for a mouthwatering food experience. From the freshest of fish dishes to fine dairy ice-cream and artisan treats, Clodagh Dooley chooses some of the eating houses you’ll want to savour every moment spent in
There’s something along the Wild Atlantic Way to satisfy every appetite – but don’t just eat the food, discover the stories behind the local produce too. Here are four unique eateries to stop by en route The Little Cheese Shop, Co Kerry Tucked away on Grey’s Lane in the colourful town of Dingle, you’ll find cheesemaker Maja Binder. Originally trained in Switzerland, Maja has been making her award-winning cheeses on the Dingle Peninsula for almost 20 years. Made in spring and autumn from locally-sourced milk, her cheeses are stone-pressed and matured in a 200-year-old storehouse. Each day, the rind is brushed with whey, as flavours develop within a truly individual environment.
THE TRADITIONAL ONE McDonagh’s, Co Galway
For a traditional feed in a cosy maritimethemed dining room, visit McDonagh’s Fish and Chips Bar and Seafood Restaurant. A family-run business, McDonagh’s has been serving the freshest fish and chips to Galway residents for four generations. Choose from a variety of fish dishes including a Shellfish Platter, Roast Scallops with Black Pudding, and Baked Monkfish in the Seafood Restaurant, but whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the traditional cod fillet in a golden batter with chips – you won’t be disappointed.
Clonakilty Chocolate, Co Cork With a small home-based operation, Alison at Clonakilty Chocolate likes to keep things simple. Her small team in West Cork uses Fairtrade Ghanaian cocoa beans with natural sweeteners and dairy alternatives to create artisan truffles and rich slabs of chocolate. Her Wild West chocolate, made with a pinch of Irish salt and Achill seaweed, is truly a taste of the Wild Atlantic Way. Join in a workshop to learn the process from roasting to tempering. Image courtesy of Fáilte Ireland
THE INTIMATE ONE Chocolat, Co Limerick
You’ll have a lavish experience when you step inside Chocolat, particularly if you are seated downstairs. An intimate setting with a mirrored roof and plush wine sofas and chairs, Chocolat has an extensive menu of global classics including Sizzling Fajitas, Honey Glazed Chicken, and Fish and Chips. The Yan Pang Chicken, a crispy breaded chicken breast smothered in a peanut satay sauce, is a must-try.
THE SWEET ONE Kaff’Eile, Co Leitrim
THE HEALTHY ONE Quay Co-op, Co Cork
For the more health-conscious or those with special dietary requirements, visit the Quay Co-op in Co Cork. The vegetarian restaurant is a staple of Cork’s food scene and has a selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free starters, mains and desserts. Also worth checking out on Sullivan’s Quay, is one of the city’s biggest and most-loved health food stores, Sullivan’s Quay Shop. Shop the organic
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when the site was home of the Royal Irish Constabulary – but it will also go down in history for its tasty, locally-sourced cuisine and craft beers! Just a five-minute drive from Donegal Town, the award-winning seafood bar serves everything from Panfried Irish Sirloin Steak to Local Lobster Tail and Langoustine Risotto.
wines, fresh bread, herbs and spices and extensive range of gluten-free products and meat alternatives to bring home.
THE HISTORIC ONE The Village Tavern, Co Donegal
Situated along the Wild Atlantic Way route, The Village Tavern in Mountcharles, Co Donegal, not only has a fascinating history – dating back to the 1798 Rebellion
A combination of café and creperie, Kaff ’Eile in Carrick-on-Shannon does what is says on the tin – and more. It’s the home of the crepe, and those with a sweet tooth will be satisfied by the Choco’berry Delight, which includes Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream, or the amazing Rocky Road – a delicious crepe with Nutella, marshmallow and biscuit. Quench your thirst with an icecold smoothie – the names themselves are tempting enough. Choose from the likes of Tropical Dream, Strawberry Sunrise and Berrylicious. But, it’s not just sweet treats you can look forward to at Kaff’Eile, they also have an extensive menu of paninis, wraps, bagels, salads and more.
Shells Café, Co Sligo Inside its cheery blue facade, you’ll find the owners Jane and Myles Lamberth experimenting with new recipes and serving up their wildly popular breakfast salads. After travelling the world, the couple opened their seaside haven in Strandhill, a beach known for its amazing surf. Here, locals and visitors are happy to queue for dishes like Persian Couscous with Grilled Chicken, Slow-Cooked Beef Briskets and Rainbow Trout with Barley Risotto. Burren Smokehouse, Clare At Lisdoonvarna, Peter and Birgitta Curtin operate one of the great European smokehouses. Here, you’ll find superb smoked salmon from Clare Island in Co Mayo, alongside locally-caught mackerel and trout. Skill and patience are essential to do justice to this quality ingredient – and this duo aren’t short of either! Fish is smoked on-site using unique marinades and infused woods, resulting in a sublime and unforgettable culinary experience. For more information, visit www.wildatlanticway.com
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