West of Ireland

fondue

I'm looking at going on a break to the west of Ireland midweek at the end of the month. I don't really know the west coast at all and I was wondering can anybody recommend a couple of villages/towns that would have a nice touristy atmosphere. Were not fussy so anywhere from cork up to donegal. We're up for doing a bit of driving so maybe taking in a couple of places over the few days. We'd also like to go out to an island, maybe one of the Aran islands for a day trip or possibly overnight.

Riamfada

It is a large distance to cover but a few days spent on the north coast of Mayo is spectacular. It really is off the beaten track and away from tourists. This is where I have stayed and Id really recommend the Ceide Fields and Dun Bhriste.

Belderrig Bay Hotel

toadfly

Achill is lovely, you could go there and spend a few days in Westport and climb the reek if ye are into that. As above Belmullet and Ceide Fields is a lovely area and a great drive. I also love Enniscrone and Easkey in Sligo.

finbarrk

Come to West Clare for a few days. Then get the ferry to the Aran Islands from Doolin.
http://www.loophead.ie/
http://www.doolinferries.com/

Kittywake

Head to Roundstone and Clifden in Connemara, Galway for a few nights and get the ferry to Inishbofin for a night. It is a great island and just as nice if not nicer than Aran!

fondue

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll have a look into them all. I would love to be goin this week with this weather!

Remouad

+1 for Achill
+1 for Clare

Both Great places for water sports too.

The islands are really nice. If you're able, rent some bikes and go for a cycle around them.

Strandhill in sligo is a good place to stop off.
Nice touristy atmosphere. Nice beach and the irish version of Ayers Rock

In fact you're on to a winner wherever you go in the west!:)

The Irish Ayers Rock.jpg

shigg

Enniscrone!

Eponymous

If you're going to Clare, I'm just back. Got a great deal on Pigsback for the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon and booked immediately. Was damn lucky with the weather. A couple of days earlier we were in Connemara and it rained most of the time!

Anywhere on the west coast has spectacular scenery, it's all about getting lucky with the weather!

hawkwind23

http://www.postbreaks.ie/

look at sites like this.
usually do 3 nights breakfast and one dinner for €99 each!

stayed in a few this year and all were superb.
last one was killarney and it was stunning

also try booking.com and sign up to "secret deals"
we had a nice few days around wicklow for €30 a night with breakfast!

peter bermingham

A few days around westport is nice to

enniscrone

You should visit us in Enniscrone Co Sligo

JuliusCaesar

Bit (very) broke and in need of self-catering cottage/apartment somewhere/anywhere in the West (except Donegal) for less than €300 pw for a couple, no kids, non-smokers, no pets in August. Broke but optimistic! Any ideas?

Lapin

Everywhere along the coast between Leenane and Kinvara and the islands off it.

navigator

Lapin wrote: »

Everywhere along the coast between Leenane and Kinvara and the islands off it.

...proud galwegian patriotism!

anyway, I definitely agree