IRELAND’S West Coast
Malin Culdaff
Ballyliffen Carndonagh Portsalon
Portstewart
Dunfanaghy
Buncrana
Gortahork
Donegal Castle
Map Information
Gweedore
Aran Island
A5
Sliabh Liag (Slieve League)
Wild Atlantic Drive
Rathmullen
Milford
Bunbeg
LETTERKENNY
Dunglow
Londonderry
N13
N14
A5
N13
Gaeltacht Area
Highlights
Ballybofey
Lifford
DONEGAL
Ardara
Airport
N15
Glenties
Glencolmcille Malin More
Car Ferry
DONEGAL
Killybegs
Glenveagh National Park
N15
Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking area)
Greenway
Ballyshannon Mullaghmore
Surfing
A48
N15
Grange Drumcliff
Manorhamilton
Easkey
Ballycastle
SLIGO
Strandhill
Ballysadare
Killala
Crossmolina
SLIGO
Ballina
Ballymote
N17
Castlebaldwin
Tobercurry
Ballycroy
Foxford
N26
MAYO
Mulrany Newport
LEITRIM
Charlestown
Swinford
Carrick-on-Shannon N5
Westport
Roonagh Point
N4
N5
Castlebar
A509
Collooney
Bangor
Keem
A4
N16
Dromahair
Dromore West
Belmullet
Croagh Patrick
Benbulben
Irvinestown
Belleek
Bundoran
Ballyhaunis
Louisburgh
Strokestown
Claremorris
Yeats Country Walking Connemara
Leenaun
Roscommon
Kylemore Abbey
Cleggan Letterfrack
Clonbur
Clifden
Tuam
Recess Ballyconneely
Gaeltacht Area
Roundstone
The Aran Islands
Mount Bellew
N17
Headford Oughterard
GALWAY
Spanish Arch
GALWAY
Carna
Rossaveal
Athenry
Carraroe
Spiddle
Inveran
Oranmore
M6
N18
Inishmore
Cliffs of Moher
Loughrea Portumna
Ballyvaughan
Lisdoonvarna
Doolin
Gaeltacht Area M18
Burren Surfing
Bunratty
Ennis
Music
M7
CLARE
Shannon N18
Kilrush
Loop Head Lighthouse
LIMERICK N24
M8
LIMERICK Listowel
Newcastle west
N21
Fungi
Killarney National Park
Abbeyfeale
N20
Tralee
Mitchelstown
Buttevant
N23
Gaeltacht Dingle Area
Kanturk
Fermoy Mallow
Killorglin
M8
Killarney
Glenbeigh
Blarney Castle
Millstreet
KERRY Skellig Michael UNESCO Site
CORK
Cahirciveen
N22 Kenmare
Waterville
Youghal
Sneem
CORK
Horseriding Killarney
Glengarriff
N25
Midleton
Cobh
Bandon
Ardgroom
Kinsale Bantry Castletown
Clonakilty
Cable Car to Dursey Island Skibbereen
Schull Goleen
Fishing
Baltimore
Kinsale Mizen Head Bridge English Market
CLARE Clare, a haven of wild beauty and wonderful music.
Galway International Oyster Festival
GALWAY Galway county is full of action and activity for visitors at any time of year. Medieval Galway City is a whirlwind of activity with pubs and restaurants, arts, crafts and culture, full to bursting with things to do and people to meet. Don’t miss the Galway Arts Festival which takes places annually in July is now an internationally acclaimed arts festival. It provides the visitor with
Kylemore Abbey a strong, vibrant and incredible visual spectacle that is continually innovative year after year! Galway is a bi-lingual city and the urban gateway to the Aran Islands, the Burren and Connemara.
Clare with its scenic beauty is a county carved out by nature and offers great picturesque diversity. The Atlantic Coastline includes some of the most stunning coastal scenery you will ever find. All along it you will encounter breathtaking scenery. From the awesome Cliffs of Moher, the eerie lunar like Burren or the unspoilt and sometimes undiscovered Loop Head Peninsula, it is truly a county with many different locations to offer the visitor.
The three Aran Islands, Inis Mór (Inishmore), Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) and Inis Óirr (Inisheer) are situated in a north westerly, south easterly direction at the mouth of Galway Bay and are a must visit. These islands are famous for their geological formation, historical monuments and cultural heritage. On Inis Mór is the heritage site of Dún Aonghasa fort and fabled stone wall network. Irish is the first language of the islanders and is still spoken in everyday life. Inishbofin Island is located off the west coast of Connemara and is renowned for its impromptu music sessions featuring wonderful local and visiting musicians. That’s Galway – different, special and never, ever predictable.
Connemara is celebrated for its ethereal beauty and has plenty to entertain including the town of Clifden, its picturesque capital. At Dan O’Hara’s Homestead, the Connemara history and heritage centre provides an insight into this wild and lyrical land, while nearby Connemara National Park and the magnificent Kylemore Abbey are not to be missed. Near Gortmore, is Patrick Pearse’s Cottage. A small restored cottage overlooking the breathtaking lakes and mountains of Connemara, used by Patrick Pearse (1879-1916) leader of the 1916 Rising.
Few Irish destinations offer the magical blend of City and County quite like Limerick! With a charter older than that of London, there is plenty of history to absorb in this fine riverside city; from the medieval glories of King’s Island, home to the magnificent King John’s Castle (celebrating 800 years in 2012 ) and St. Mary’s Cathedral; to the Georgian House and Garden, the Limerick Museum and the nearby Hunt Museum.
KERRY Kerry is renowned the world over for its beautiful scenery. Between the county’s snow-capped summits are medieval ruins, glacial lakes, coastal peninsulas, blustery beaches, deserted archipelagos, secluded hamlets, and larger towns where live music sparks up every night.
Cliffs of Moher The Burren, a national park featuring the world famous limestone karst landscape, draws people to study botany, take photographs or simply wonder at the almost lunar formations. The ruggedly scenic Atlantic coastline provides safe golden blue flag beaches for bathers and water sports enthusiasts. The seaside resorts of Lahinch is much beloved by surfers. If walking is your pleasure then you will be spoilt for choice with the many well developed looped walks available throughout the County.
In contrast to the buzz of the City, Limerick County offers a diversity of breathtaking landscapes, from rich, rolling farmland, to unspoilt mountain walks and forest parks. County Limerick is also home to a number of picturesque villages and towns full of character, colour and charm; including the Walled Town of Kilmallock, Adare, also known as “the prettiest village in Ireland” and Foynes. Foynes proudly claims to have invented Irish coffee and hosts an Irish Coffee Street Festival every year to commemorate the event. But what really sets Limerick apart from other destinations in Ireland is its tremendous passion for sport, so it is little wonder that Limerick was awarded the coveted title of European City of Sport in 2011. Limerick is home to some of the very best stadia and sporting infrastructure in Ireland. The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Centre is a unique opportunity to enjoy the Limerick’s outdoors by mountain bike. So make sure you get in on the sporting action when you come to town!
Bunratty, so conveniently located near Shannon International Airport, is a window to the past, the 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park, a vivid recreation of folk life at the time. The castle is the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in the country. It hosts the famous Bunratty Castle banquets with authentic food and of course superb entertainment. Ennis, the county town, is a bustling and active centre with a strong tradition of Irish music and dance. The county’s premier music festival is the week long Willie Clancy Festival which has been held in Miltown Malbay for over thirty five years.
Cork City
CORK The Skelligs UNESCO Heritage Site
Limerick’s proud heritage sits comfortably alongside pedestrian plazas lined with colourful boutiques and galleries, upmarket hotels, wonderful old pubs and legendary nightclubs, the newly developed Milk Market and Limerick’s many award-winning restaurants and cafes.
Coole Park & Visitor Centre was the home of Lady Augusta Gregory, dramatist and co-founder of the Abbey Theatre and is now a nature reserve and a tribute to the many Irish writers who visited Lady Gregory at her home each summer. The famous ‘autograph’ tree features initials carved by many writers including Yeats, Synge, O’Casey and Shaw. While the Galway Racing Festival and the Galway International Oyster Festival as well as Clarenbridge Oyster Festival compete as the social events of the season there’s so much more on offer for you to see and do – medieval banquets at Dunguaire Castle or a visit Cnoc Suain where you can immerse oneself in the ancient culture of the West of Ireland, a visit to Glengowla Mines or indeed the Ballinasloe Horse Fair in October, one of the most ancient gatherings in the region.
LIMERICK
Muckross House
Nestled in a mountain valley on the edge of a glorious lake, Killarney is renowned for its natural beauty. Killarney is the gateway to the Killarney National Park, with its magnificent scenery, famous lakes and numerous historical and archaeological remains. You can visit the stunning Muckross House, the atmospheric ruins of Muckross Abbey and the medieval Ross Castle. West of the Killarney valley the dramatic McGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range, form a backdrop to the park and offer fantastic outdoor opportunities for hikers and climbers.
Across a dolphin-inhabited bay, the Dingle Peninsula is home to one of the country’s highest concentrations of ancient sites. Step back in time as you visit such treasures as the Kilmalkedar Church and the Dún an Óir Fort. With over 5,000 years of history, mystery and legend swirling about the Dingle Peninsula, you’ll never be left wondering what to do. The Blaskets are the most westerly islands in Europe located off the coast. The wonderful heritage centre at Dún Chaoin celebrates the lives of the Islanders and the Irish language and culture. The Irish-speaking Dingle Peninsula is Ireland’s most westerly point, where the traditional language, folk customs, crafts and lore are very much alive today. But scenery is by no means Kerry’s only attraction; there are many excellent angling rivers, lakes and sea, climbing to suit all levels of experience including Ireland’s highest mountain, stretches of golden sandy beaches, world renowned golf courses and a fantastic natural playground for all outdoor pursuits for both young and old.
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives; it is a trail of about 180 kilometres with dramatic scenery, coastlines, colourful towns and villages as well as ancient archaeological remains. Don’t miss out on The Skelligs, outcrops of rocks rising from the Atlantic on which a 6th Century monastic settlement lies and one of only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country.
Spectacular Glenveagh National Park & Castle is a true national treasure. The extensive 16,000 hectare park consists of mountain, rare raised bog land, lakes and woodland. It contains the largest herd of red deer in the country and the majestic Golden Eagle was reintroduced to Ireland in Glenveagh in 2001.
Greenway
IRELAND’S WEST COAST FI/11686-11
Ireland has often been called the land of the horse, so it’s no surprise that every county has excellent horse riding facilities. Trail riding is a great choice to get a really local experience. It’s available throughout the region with half and full day treks which are a good option and beach riding, where available, is really popular.
Walkers revel in mountain hikes, way marked trails, the newly developed looped walks or strolls along the beach. Carrauntoohil Ireland’s highest mountain is located in County Kerry and other mountains such as Errigal, Croagh Patrick, Benbulben, Ballyhoura, Slieve Bloom, the Twelve Bens and the Maamturks will challenge hikers of all standards. There’s plenty for the casual walker too, many towns and villages have signposted short walks in their local areas, often flat and suitable for both young and old. Cycling is always popular, offering a chance to see so much more than when travelling by car or bus. New linear and looped routes are signposted around the region, and more routes are planned for the near future. In Mayo you’ll find the recently developed Great Western Greenway which comprises 42km of off road cycle and walking trails.
Wild and remote Malin Head on the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal marks the most northerly point of the entire island of Ireland. It sets the tone for the spirit of the county – independent, untamed and exciting, three quarters of its border formed by the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can experience this for themselves walking the towering cliffs of Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) with the wonderfully named One Man’s Pass at the summit.
The Counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry & Cork promise the holiday experience of a lifetime with their rugged beauty, interspersed with bays, seascapes, mountains, lakes, rivers, festivals, events and finally last, but by no means least, a warm, friendly and gregarious people.
Fishermen have come here for centuries to enjoy the world class salmon fishing. Every year in early summer, anglers hold their breath waiting for the Mayfly to hatch on the Great Western Lakes (Mayo & Galway). Deep sea anglers find paradise off the entire length of the coastline, rich in variety of species from West Cork right up to Donegal. Coarse angling is excellent on the inland lakes throughout the region and available all year around. West of Ireland waves are recognised by surfers worldwide for their quality and consistency. Some signature big waves are gathering support all around the globe especially Aileens near the Cliffs of Moher in Clare and Prowlers off Sligo. For less ambitious surfers, there is a huge choice of beaches some with equipment hire or surf schools. The waters of the west coast are famed as top class and very beautiful sailing waters with hidden bays, inlets and picturesque quays on both mainland and the islands. Fully serviced marinas are on the increase and secure visitor moorings are available all down the coastline and on the islands. Galway is the home of the Volvo Ocean Race, hosting a stage in 2009 and the finish in July 2012. Real adrenalin junkies can test themselves by taking part in the growing sport of Adventure Racing.
LEITRIM
Donegal town itself is dominated by the 17th century Donegal Castle. Hand-woven Donegal Tweed is a unique cloth woven by hand on traditional wooden looms. Today, Magee’s Hand Weaving in Donegal town is the largest stockist of Donegal Tweed in the world.
Leitrim county is a taste of the “real Ireland”, Ireland at its very best, a place of tranquillity and great natural beauty.
Benbulben
SLIGO Sligo stands out from neighbouring counties with a greener and more luxuriant appearance punctuated with distinctive limestone mountains such as Benbulben. W.B. Yeats and his brother the artist Jack B. Yeats are strongly associated with the county and much of their work is set there. W.B. Yeats grave at Drumcliffe is a popular attraction. The well known epitaph penned by the poet himself reads Cast a cold Eye On Life, on Death. Horseman, pass by. The Yeats Trail is an intriguing journey that draws you into the world of Nobel poet WB Yeats and his artist brother Jack Yeats. The Trail brings you on a unique experience through landscape, literature, history and culture. Consider this a “must do” on your visit! Historically the county is quite significant, especially Carrowmore which is the largest megalithic cemetery in Ireland and one of the most important in Europe dating back to nearly 5,000 BC.
Donegal Castle Donegal is a stronghold of the Irish language and has many Gaeltacht areas. Tradition and culture are still very strong here; music or dance sessions are common in pubs all over the county. Golden beaches adorn the coastline, from some high points, six or seven beautiful strands can be seen stretching out along the shore. Near Gweedore the quartzite conical peak of Errigal, Donegal’s highest mountain, stands proudly, a challenge for the hill walker and like much of this dramatic county a tempting subject for the photographer. From breath-taking abseils to tranquil walks spanning the length of Donegal’s mountains, lakes and coastline, there are a range of adventure activities to suit outdoor junkies of all levels.
Lovely Leitrim is the hidden jewel in the North West. Ireland’s first eco tourism destination, The Greenbook, Ireland, is centred in the county. Many tourist providers have received the prestigious EU Flower environmental award, and the National Organic Centre is located in Rossinver. Fishermen love Leitrim particularly because of the earliest salmon river of the season which is the Drowes in Tullaghan.
Another Sligo gem is Eagles Flying, Ireland’s largest sanctuary for birds of prey and owls which also houses the National Raptor Centre and has regular bird shows for visitors. In Gurteen, south Sligo, the Coleman Music Centre welcomes visitors and regularly hosts events and music classes. Sligo Folk Park in Riverstown promises a true experience of rural and Irish heritage that is based on a traditional cottage farm. A small replica cottage at the Folk Park called ‘Mrs Buckley’s Cottage’ has actually travelled all over the world for Irish celebrations. The North West is the perfect spot for a fun and spine-tingling adventure holiday, with a plethora of water activities to enjoy, ranging from surfing to windsurfing and gravity defying kite boarding! Beaches like Enniscrone, Easkey and Strandhill have become internationally renowned and there are several surf schools dotted around the area. All levels of experience are catered for, so it’s the perfect place for the whole family or a group of friends to experience a fun and challenging adventure break.
Glencar Lake
MAYO
Kinsale, the Gourmet Capital of Ireland, just south of Cork city, is where West Cork begins and runs in a westerly direction to Dursey Head at the tip of the Beara Peninsula. This is a really good sailing area. It is festooned with little ports, bays, inlets and harbours and boats of every type and design are there, fishing, sailing and cruising.
Westport
Jutting proudly into the Atlantic Ocean, Mayo boasts a stunningly beautiful unspoilt environment and a magical attraction for visitors. Cosmopolitan towns positively burst with charm and personality, as welcoming as the Mayo people themselves. The standard and availability of accommodation is excellent and the range of visitor attractions and activities expands every year. Unique highlights include climbing Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain with the starkly beautiful National Famine Memorial at its foot and spectacular views of Clew Bay and its many islands from the summit. History comes alive at the world famous Céide Fields near Ballycastle in North Mayo where man’s imprint on the land dates back 5,000 years. Foxford Woollen Mills offers a glimpse of the county’s industrial past while the quirky Hennigan’s Heritage Farm, a prefamine homestead, shows how one family existed on a meagre holding and illustrates their daily lives. The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life just outside Castlebar, the county town, houses the national folk life collection depicting everyday life in Ireland from the 1850s up to the 1950’s. The Museum is located on the grounds of historic Turlough Park House and set in award winning gardens. And opening in summer 2012, is the Jackie Clarke Repository in Ballina which has a unique collection of artefacts spanning 400 years of Irish history.
The Shannon Erne Waterway, Europe’s longest inland navigable waterway, forms part of Leitrim’s boundary and cruising holidays are very popular with visitors. The cruising is mainly centred around Carrick-on- Shannon the county town which is well supplied with marinas and harbours. Carrick, as it is usually known, is a delightful and picturesque town, packed with restaurants, bars, galleries, cafés, local crafts and shopping. It is also home to the Costello Memorial Chapel, the smallest in Ireland and reputedly second smallest in the world. Parke’s Castle is a beautifully restored 17th century fortified manor house on the shores of Lough Gill. From there the Rose of Innisfree boat departs for scenic trips around the fabled Lake Isle of Innisfree. Manorhamilton, located in the North Leitrim Glens, is an area renowned for its hillwalking. The Enchanting Glencar Waterfall was immortalised in poetry by W.B. Yeats in ‘The Stolen Child’. The small village of Dromahair is a very pretty and historic settlement resting in wooded surroundings on the banks of the Bonet River. Leitrim has the smallest population of any county in Ireland and also boasts the shortest coastline.
Kinsale
Roaringwater Bay with Carbery’s Hundred Isles including The Gaeltacht island of Oiléan Chléire and the islands out to the last landfall and the lighthouse at Mizen Head. Oiléan Chléire is Ireland’s southern most inhabited island. The nearby Fastnet Rock will be well known to sailors as an important navigational mark. West Cork is a world apart, an area seemingly remote from the noisy world of commercialisation, yet discreetly offering quiet luxury or simple homeliness, which ever you like to choose.
Cobh
Welcome to the WEST of IRELAND
Wonderful Walks
Apart from the myriad of historical and cultural attractions within the city itself, Cork, Ireland’s largest county offers a rich array of must-see scenic delights. Kiss the stone at Blarney Castle and acquire the Gift of the Irish Gab! Watch how one of Ireland’s most famous brands of whiskey, Jameson, is made in Midleton and maybe even taste a “wee drop”. Take a trip to the picturesque town of Cobh & visit St Colman’s Cathedral with its beautiful stained glass windows. Take a tour of the Queenstown Story Heritage Centre and follow the Titanic Trail walking tour. Lough Hyne is the only inland salt water lake in Europe. Enjoy a walk through lush woodland to see the lake itself, take part in a midnight kayak trip on the lake or find out more about this rarity at the Lough Hyne Interpretative Centre.
Ballyhoura
DONEGAL
For more information please contact: Fáilte Ireland Amiens Street, Dublin 1 T 1890 525 525 / +353 (0)1 884 7700 F +353 (0)1 855 6821 www.failteireland.ie www.discoverireland.com
Cork City is renowned for its culinary flair and vibrant cultural scene and was winner of the European Capital of Culture in 2005. It was listed by the Lonely Planet Guide as one of their top ten cities for ‘Best in Travel in 2010’. A strong festival programme attracts the best of film, jazz, folk, literary and musical talent year round. As Cork City is surrounded by water, the area is awash with activities such as cruising, whale watching and sailing. If the pastime of people watching appeals, a host of waterfront cafés and bars afford the perfect vantage point.
Killarney National Park
Dún Aonghusa
The rugged scenery, crystal clear waters and winds sweeping in off the Atlantic Ocean, make the west of Ireland perfect for lovers of the outdoors and adventure of all kinds. Whether you’re a fair weather adventurer just hoping for a little fresh air, or a dedicated adrenaline junkie in search of your next thrill, you’ll have a great choice of outdoor pursuits on your doorstep.
The County of Cork offers a wonderful mix of sophistication in the vibrant city of Cork to the remote yet welcoming towns and villages of West Cork.
Achill Island beloved of artists, has Slievemore Deserted Village, a poignant reminder of a darker past. Knock Shrine in the east of the county was the scene of an miraculous apparition in 1879, while charming Cong will forever be associated with Hollywood and ‘The Quiet Man’ film. Lesser known areas like the Lakes District in the south of the county or Erris and the Mullet Peninsula in the north are a joy to discover and why not try catching a salmon on the river Moy in Ballina. Achill Island is Ireland’s largest offshore island and one of the few to be accessible by road. The island boasts of spectacular sea cliffs, awesome scenery, stunning drives, walks and cycle routes and beautiful beaches (many of them Blue Flag Beaches) catering for all types of angling and water sports. You can cycle from Westport to Achill along the 42km Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. Festivals are a part of life here, particularly in the summer months when choosing is your only challenge – will it be adventure sports, beach racing, arts, busking or a children’s festival? Quite simply Mayo is amazing.
The Quiet Man Bridge Superb restaurants, pubs of character and of course the irresistible flowing melodies of traditional music permeate the county. Westport is one of Ireland’s most popular towns and Westport House & Pirate Adventure Park where the story of the legendary Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley (Granuaile) is brought to life, is a magnet for families while Achill Island,