With all counties of the West of Ireland having coastlines that run along the Atlantic Ocean, it's little wonder that the region is famous for its seafood. Centuries of skill, craft and experience have lead the West of Ireland to where it is today, a seafood Mecca. More modern touches have been added over the years, a pint of Guinness to wash down a bowl of mussels, adding batter to fish and mushy peas and tartar sauce as options—but the great quality of the seafood has remained the same.
While the West of Ireland is known for its rugged landscape and barren wilderness, there is no shortage of fresh culinary produce coming from its otherwise productive farmland. The West of Ireland is also blessed with a massive coastline connecting it with the Atlantic Ocean which, for centuries, has yielded the people of the West with a bounty of fresh seafood. Galway City, as well as some of the larger towns of the West, is synonymous with a more relaxed way of life. It's perfectly normal to sit outside a café for hours at a time in Galway City and just watch the world go by—provided you buy at least one coffee!
A cozy pub, lit only by a crackling fire and some candles, Guinness flowing and traditional music being played by some cheerful looking musicians in the corner. Ok, you're not going to walk into every pub in the West and find this scene but it's the region of Ireland where you'd have the best chance. While other parts of Ireland have turned towards broadcasting live sporting events, an emphasis on brighter more sterile lighting and serving the latest in food trends, the pubs of the West are still keeping the traditions of yesteryear alive, either through inactivity on their part or a stubbornness to change, and can serve as a welcome hideaway from the modern world.
You'll find a healthy supply of fish and chip shops in the town and villages of the West. These tend to have the same offerings as everywhere else in Ireland. Fresh cut chips, battered fresh fish as well as burgers, fried chicken and an endless assortment of condiments. Where you'll find the most innovation in the trade, perhaps anywhere in Ireland, is in Galway City. While Galway is home to Ireland's version of McDonald's; Supermac's (the first of which opened in 1978 in Ballinasloe), it has seen an influx of people with a more liberal, eco-friendly view on life over the past 30 years. This has seen Galway become the flagbearer in artisanal, vegan and new-age culinary practices. Falafels, gluten-free pizza, and vegan alternatives have recently been embraced by the majority of the eateries and it makes for an exciting and eye-opening food tour of the city.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
