I came to Ireland dreaming about listening to Irish music in every nook and corner, to stumble upon trad sessions in a random bar, get some delicious Irish coffee, listen to people speak in gaelic and much more. It wasn’t long enough when I realized that wasn’t going to happen staying in Dublin. After seeing the city trying to keep up with the boom of IT industry and modernization, leaving no essence of Irish culture or tradition, I knew I had to get out of Dublin and thus started my expedition, in the hope of experiencing true Ireland.
While exploring the colorful villages, the cliffs and the wild atlantic drive in the west is when I came across the nitty-gritty of it and what makes it the Country that it is. These are some of my favorites places and experiences that got me a lot closer to knowing the Country. I would highly recommend visiting these places if you decide on exploring Western Ireland. Here’s what’s in store for you in the West!
A Warm Welcome With An Epic Trad Session in Clare County
Imagine driving in a secluded village in the pitch dark with minimum street lights, crazy wind, no people around, GPS navigating you through the shadiest route every time that you are looking for a decent place to eat. Just when you are scared and weirded out with the solitude, you are welcomed to the soothing Irish music as soon as you hesitantly enter the pub/restaurant, instantly putting you at ease.
My expedition started from the musical county of Clare where artists from all over the World come to participate in the trad sessions, play live music and have a good time. The environment is very lively, friendly and brimming with good vibes. You can read more on where to catch a good trad session in Western Ireland on my blog here.
A Dreamy Walk on the Cliffs
I never imagined few years back that I would be walking on one of the most beautiful, wondrous cliffs of the World until I was in Ireland. It was a magical walk From Hag’s Head to the Cliffs of Moher. These Cliffs are rich in history and legend, but the scenery is its most outstanding feature. The Cliffs of Moher are home to thousands of seabirds, including puffins. They stand 214 m above the Atlantic ocean. All the big wave surfers travel from all over the world to surf the famous big wave Aileen’s.
It was super windy when I came here and could barely stand without support. The thoughtfully paved walk from Doolin to the Cliffs is a splendid walk on the Cliff. It was rainy and muddy, if it weren’t for the protective walls at the edge of the cliffs I am sure I would have gotten a taste of the Atlantic Ocean.
A Landscape Miracle Called Burren
The Burren is a karst landscape that incorporates a vast cracked pavement of glacial-era limestone, cliffs and caves, fossils, rock formations and archaeological sites. The region supports Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants side-by-side, due to the unusual environment. The strata contains fossil corals, crinoids, sea urchins and ammonites.
The High Crosses of Kilfenora, a 500 year old castle, Carran Perfumery in the heart of the Burren, the stunning Eagle’s Rock and the Flaggy Shore. The ancient Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb about 6,000 years old. The Green Road and Black Head, this trail along the ancient Green road and up to the Black Head offers stunning views of the Burren meeting the Atlantic ocean.
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Aran Islands and the mountains of Connemara alter in the changing sunlight along this Atlantic Trail. Landscapes resemble seascapes, this 2-3 hour walk on green road or limestone paths highlights all the unique features of the Burren.
The Most Dramatic Castles!
Dysert O’Dea Castle and the Archaeology/History Trail, featuring 25 sites
was an interesting tour, giving a deeper perspective on Ireland’s rich and diverse past. The authentically restored 15th century Dysert O’Dea castle, the stronghold of the O’Dea clan, houses the Clare Archaeology Centre which was opened in July 1986 and has been the recipient of numerous national awards. However, my favorite of all is Doonagore Castle.
I remember driving to Doolin from Liscannor and stumbling upon Doonagore Castle overlooking the ocean. It is that common of a sight to come across a Castle on your way and be amazed by spectacular views surrounding it! I loved Doonagore Castle more than Dysert O’Sea Castle. It sits on top of Doolin Point which makes it one of the most scenic castles in Clare County.
Experience the Wild Waves of Atlantic Ocean at Doolin Pier
Doolin is divided by a small river. On one side of the river the rock is mainly shale. North of the river is limestone and the beginning of the Burren. This vast rocky area, which looks like the surface of the moon in places, is a captivating landscape and well worth a visit. While I was here, I didn’t feel like leaving, I couldn’t get enough of Atlantic Ocean and didn’t mind spending the day watching the waves hit the shore!
Find a Soulmate in Lisdoonvarna
I was intrigued to learn that this place is famous for its oldest Irish festival of match-making started by Willie Daily with the view of bringing hopeful singles together. Now over 160 years old, this festival attracts over 60000 people from all over the world for music, dance and meeting their potential match. This is where many Irish farmers traditionally go to find a wife, though most farmers who are having trouble finding love are likely to head to the Internet these days, and you will mostly meet ordinary Irish people who are in town purely for the ‘craic’.
You can make your bookings or find more details on the festival here or just drive by!
Finding hidden cascades in Ennistymon
I have been enjoying the fact that every town in Ireland has a river flowing in the middle. When I was driving around Ennistymon looking for coffee I crossed the bridge going over the river like every other normal river you see around the towns, overlooking the fact that the river juts out into a cascade. While walking towards a restaurant serving coffee a mysterious looking arch ally caught my attention and I decided to check it out. As soon as I entered the alley, I see the cascades right in front of me. Since then I have been looking out for every river in the city!
Unraveling Irish History in Dingle
Dingle is definitely one of my favorite villages in Western Ireland. Dingle loop trail is a perfect way to enjoy an entire day driving around Dingle without GPS. This loop trail does complete justice in unraveling the history and the beauty of this small fishing village. I was completely immersed in the intricacies, details, beauty, cause, facts and everything that the place represented. Ireland especially seems to have that power on you because of its tragic and dramatic history!! Nonetheless it only made the experience more enjoyable and worthy. Besides its always good to get a dose of history, especially if the story is right in front of you in all its glory.
You can read more about this loop trail here.
Drive the scenic sky road to experience the Wild Atlantic Way
This jaw-dropping loop from Clifden in Connemara county of Galway is a must and the most popular drive of Ireland. The 12 Bens Mountain range along with Inagh Valley makes for a perfect backdrop for a postcard from Ireland! There is a car park at the upper road, where you can park and soak all the views of Connemara in. This is a perfect drive to start your Wild Atlantic adventure and to get an idea of what lies ahead!
Great Photo Opportunity in Achill Island
Achill Island is a definition of how beautiful blue flag beaches of Ireland are. Achill Island is separated from the mainland by just a small bridge. Experience the quietness of winter on this small island. It is also the time when you have the whole place to yourself! I was here for only two nights and trust me I didn’t want to leave. It is a popular spot for water sports and is famously a part of surf coast of Ireland. Places like Keem Bay, Minaun Cliffs and Keel beach are photographers paradise. You can read more about things to do on the island here.
Roads where you can stop and catch a rainbow
On my Way to Downpatrick Head from Achill Island, I was blown away by the breathtaking drive through Ballycroy National Park to the Head. The Claggan Mountain on the right will blow your mind away. There is also a beautiful Coastal trail facing the mountain which I would highly recommend! The Downpatrick head on the other hand is the most pristine place in this area. I remember it being cloudy while I was here and it clearing out almost immediately, with the sun shining and exhibiting rainbows in the backdrops. The whole day was literally sunshine and rainbows!
Surfing on the wild waves of Atlantic Ocean in Sligo
Mayo and Donegal county are famously known as the surf coast of Ireland due to the wild waves of Atlantic ocean here! Sligo is one of them, it was a bright and sunny day when I got to see it for myself. There are ample of surf schools, hostels here which implies how seriously they take surfing. In reality entire Western Seaboard will tempt you into surfing and is surf worthy. However this particular stretch has drawn a lot of surfers attention.
Surfing is close for the winter season, but if you are here in the summer you will enjoy the battle between the warriors and the wave or so I’ve heard!
One of the many Lighthouses
Lighthouses in Ireland take the adventure of unraveling nature’s hidden treasures to next level. These lighthouses are mostly at some exquisite locations with the best view and the most extreme weather conditions. Some of my favorites being at Old Head Kinsale which is a golf course, the Dunree Head Lighthouse also known as Fanad Lighthouse which is blessed with spectacular views and Galley head light house near Clonakilty being the third most favorite in Ireland. These lighthouses surrounded by blue flag beaches and decades old history are worth the hours of drive in any weather conditions.
Watch People riding horse by the beach in Strandhill
Cullegnmore beach in Strandhill is where I saw a couple of people horse-riding. Other few locations like Streedagh point in Sligo, Kinsale, Keel and many more have amazing beaches where you’ll see a lot of people either bring their own horses or various tours providing the service.
A fun ride later you cannot miss the sunset by the beach. Strandhill beach is one of the best places to view the sunset from. While here, you cannot miss the sunset and coffee at You, me & the sea cafe” or if you are brave enough to go for an ice cream Mammy Johnston’s home-made ice cream is delicious. After the beautiful sunset, enjoy some amazing pizza and live music at The Strand bar by the beach.
Learn Irish language from Scratch in the Glencolmcile folk village of Donegal
Donegal is the most poor village in Ireland. However, it is also the most beautiful part of the Country in my opinion. Transportation isn’t much developed here and tourism hasn’t boomed to its peak, which makes it the most immaculate and unspoiled beauty of Ireland that everyone loves.
In order to facilitate occupation, people from Glencolmcile Village started the Irish language coaching classes. Today people from all over the world come to learn the language. The course lasts for a week and covers speaking skills for all the levels. I myself am planning on taking a weekend course in June to get started with the Irish language and meeting some fun people.
Finding tranquility in Slieve League
This is the most tranquil and peaceful place in Ireland. The drive to the Slieve League cliffs is an experience itself. It is not as scary as what you’ll read on trip advisor. It is infact a very scenic and safe drive. These are the highest cliffs in Europe and hence, I would recommend going here only when it is sunny. I got here on a cloudy day and decided to park my car at the first parking level and walk up from the gate although you can drive all the way up. It started sleeting on my way. I decided to ask for ride and luckily I found one. It is easily an hour worth of a walk, by the time I was in front of the cliffs they were completely covered with clouds. I thought of getting some lunch hoping that it would clear out. Soon after lunch the sky cleared and I took my chances again and drove all the way up this time. It was pure magic!
In winter, its safe to say that Rusty’s is the only hotel open for food and drinks. Food service starts from 1:00 PM. There is no network service in this area or in the parts near Slieve League. I was staying in an airbnb in Derrylaghan Village right at the foot of the Cliffs which was the most rural part of Donegal County where I got to experience the solitude and disconnect that the rural life in Ireland provides!
Experience the highest level of seclusion on the Silver Strand beach of Malin Beg
Malin Beg is the most quiet village I have ever visited in Ireland. To the extreme west of Donegal a secluded drive to this remote village is sure to vivify you. There are only a few houses around, with one hostel and a coffee shop both of which were shut, probably due to winter. As I continued driving to the beach, I realized I was the only person there and had the whole beach to myself and a few sheep of course! In Ireland it is absolutely normal to find yourself the only one in the village during winter.
There’s something more than just the Wild Atlantic Drive, it is called Glengesh Pass!
Glengesh Pass is a winding section of the road that links from Glencolmile to Ardara. This is often the road taken on the way back from Slieve League cliffs as it is very close by. I would highly recommend this drive for its awe-inspiring scenery reminds me of the time when we had more time! If you go here in the summer you would be welcomed to the warm coffee of Pirates of the coffee bean truck. Unfortunately when I went here, they were basking on the beach of Narin for the weekend. Sip on some good coffee while enjoying the expansive view of Ardara from the viewing point at the pass.
Only after exploring the whole of West is when I realized that the residues of the culture are still intact in some parts of this Country and can only hope for it to be untouched forever!
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