Ireland truly was a special place for me, but for some reason I hadn’t written much about it. I was blown away by the friendly locals and stunning countryside, but had trouble finding the words to describe the beauty of it.
That was, until I reviewed my photos and realized that I simply couldn’t fail to pass along information on the amazing west coast attractions.
I was very surprised to learn that this is actually the least fertile part of Ireland, given I come from the desert and this looked pretty darn green and lush to me, not to mention it boasts some amazingly gorgeous beaches that you can get almost completely to yourself (check that link for another idea of a great way to spend a day in this area).
The area was hit very hard by the potato blight as well as emigration, resulting in a relatively small population as compared to the past, which these days makes for a great array of off the beaten path adventures:
The Great Western Greenway
Hop on a bicycle and cycle the Great Western Greenway, aptly named as the view along the entire ride is rewarding as is the exercise kick. The entire greenway stretches for 42 km along the western Irish coast from Westport to Achill.
Check out this map for a better idea of where to bike and where to eat some amazing Irish cuisine along the way.
Cliffs of Moher
Though arguably firmly on the tourist trail, the Cliffs of Moher are wildly popular for a reason.
Easily accessed as a day trip from both Dublin and Galway (though it’s a mighty long bus ride from the former), these cliffs are well worth taking a look at. If you’re lucky, you’ll get them on a day as clear as I did:
Cnoc Suain in Spiddal
Stop at the Cnoc Suain a few miles outside of Galway – a restored 17th century Connemara hill-village set on 200 acres of bog land.
The family that lives there has committed their lives to educating visitors more about Irish culture, the ties of western Ireland to the bogs and the importance of peet as fuel, as well as some traditional Irish music and dancing.
Visitors can even stay here overnight in one of the cottages, which in hindsight I absolutely would have done. It’s incredibly peaceful and warmly welcoming at the same time.
Though I certainly can’t consider myself Irish, given my family has been in the United States since the Mayflower, I couldn’t help but feel somewhat connected to this part of the world, and its history. Part of my heritage is Irish (I believe my surname is as well), which had me wondering about my forefathers who walked these very same fields.
I wonder how they felt about the bogs, how hard it was to leave this beautiful place for the bustle and confusion of the United States, and if they ever missed it.
I feel lucky to have seen it for myself.
Have you been to Western Ireland or are you planning to go?
*In the spirit of full disclosure, Failte Ireland was my host on the west coast and Paddywagon brought me to the Cliffs of Moher. Opinions are, as always, my own.
Diane says
I LOVED Ireland and was lucky enough to visit a few years back. We drove from Dublin, west to Galway, then south to Cork and then looped back up to Dublin. I found the people warm, the scenery just stunning and pretty must everything about the country inviting. Driving on the left made me a little crazy (no shoulders on the narrow roads and the Irish love to whip around the little curves) but I’d go back in a heartbeat! Thanks for bringing back memories from my trip!
Kristin says
You said it well Diane! The locals really make Ireland awesome.
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says
Oh man, I would LOVE to go to Ireland. My great-great-grandparents were from there and I’ve always wanted to see it. Your photos make me think it might actually look the way I picture it in my mind 🙂
Kristin says
I think it probably does. Western Ireland isn’t even the “green” part!
Hogga says
so pretty (except for the grey sky)
Kristin says
I didn’t mind the grey sky 🙂
Liam says
Hey Kristin!
Love your photos of the west of Ireland. I’ve spent plenty of time there, but always long to go back. You seem to have gotten plenty of fine weather for your photos. Lucky you!
Liam
Kristin says
I definitely liked the weather! Nice and misty but not torrential downpours. Felt like we got some of that Irish luck 🙂
Brian O'Neill says
Great pics of some of the iconic locations on the west coast, but and there is a but ! The best way to experience the west coast is not on a day trip from dublin (unless you have no other option) where you only get to interact with the other people on the bus.
One of the best experiences when in Ireland is staying in some small town or village and wandering in to the local pub, having a chat with some of the locals over a pint and maybe listening to some real traditional Irish music, it is during these often very humerous conversations that you will begin to understand the Irish psyche and also one of these locals may direct you to a hidden gem with a great story that other visitors will never know about.
Kristin says
I should have been clearer – I did the trip to Cliffs of Moher on a day trip from Dublin, but agree it was too rushed. Staying in Galway or the smaller towns is a great call!
Graefyl says
It looks really great there. The fotos are good and I bet you had trouble wondering which ones to post. Love it.
Western Ireland is one of my bucket list places to visit. How good is the local transport there (if there is any apart from tours etc)? Looks like I could bivvy up okay – like it’s so sparsely populated and there are abandoned places that’d do for an overnite etc.
Kristin says
I think you could probably find a bus.
Graefyl says
That’d be nice. Local info oughta point to something. Thanks.
Jen says
Had to take a minute to comment on your AMAZING photos!
Abby says
I know that this post is a bit dated, but I wanted to mention that if you’re a movie buff at all… The rock peeking out from the ocean at the Cliffs of Moher is actually featured in the Harry Potter films.. In the sixth film, Harry and Dumbledore go looking for one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes, and end up on that exact rock!
As well, the cliffs themselves are the “Cliffs of Insanity” of the always-classic The Princess Bride!
Truly gorgeous place to visit, though! I don’t know if you witness this as well, but there’s a big sign there at the end of the tourist are indicating that you shouldn’t go past it. I have a picture of that sign with about 50 people on the other (“forbidden”) side!
Kristin says
I didn’t know that! I’m a big fan of HP and Princess Bride! Good to know.