Lose yourself in Ireland West

With stunning scenery, a truly authentic cultural heritage and fantastic seafood, Ireland's West Coast is the perfect weekend retreat and a unique holiday destination...

Immerse yourself in the romantic beauty and drama of the West Coast of Ireland. Take the time to discover the lesser-explored parts of Ireland - the vibrant Irish-speaking region of the Gaeltacht, and the array of arts and music festivals, all surrounded by the dramatic vistas of the West.


The Gaeltacht region

The West Coast's Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region offers a unique and exciting glimpse into the richness of the Irish language. Spoken over a wide area (mainly in Galway and Mayo), Gaeilge (Gaelic) is still spoken as a community language and is at the heart of Irish culture. You'll see it in the road signs all around Ireland, but in this part of the country, you'll also hear the locals chatting in their native tongue. Make sure you try and pick some up - it always helps to know how to say cheers! (Sláinte!)

Music and arts festivals
As you make your way through the small towns and villages of the West Coast, make sure to plan your trip with time for a detour. The West is alight with brilliant arts and music festivals all summer long. Traditional music can be heard everywhere from city centre pubs to rural festivals. The bodhrán, which is like a hand-held drum, is one of the most popular instruments in Irish music. The Galway Arts Festival, Earagail Arts Festival and World Fleadh (Ireland's Traditional Folk & Celtic Music Festival) are just some of the dozens of festivals that make this part of the world one of the best places to really relax into the Irish way of enjoying yourself.

The Galway oyster festival
Celebrate the start of the oyster season with the Galway International Oyster Festival (24-27 September). Running for more than half a century, it's been voted one of the 12 greatest shows on earth! The city of Galway really comes alive as thousands of people flock in to enjoy a unique festival celebrating the oyster, a food known for its aphrodisiac effects. The festival also hits the streets and theatres, with artists, cabaret and dancing.

Natural beauty
The dramatic landscapes of the West Coast have been inspiring writers and artists for centuries. Famous poet William Butler Yeats was greatly inspired by the scenery in his hometown of Sligo, while contemporary playwright Martin McDonagh set many of his plays in the small villages and islands situated along the West Coast. Shaped by the raw force of the Atlantic Ocean, the stretch of coastline from Malin Head to Kinsale has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the whole of the island, with magnificent cliffs and quiet tranquil inlets. The mountains of North Mayo are also a must for all who travel there. But wherever you venture, you'll witness jaw-dropping natural beauty, be it in Cork or Connemara.