Sightseeing

Sightseeing in West/Northwest Ireland (Counties Clare, Galway, Sligo & Donegal)

County Clare

• The Burren Region - This wild area of Ireland is made of a vast limestone plateau in northwest County Clare. There are few trees growing here, yet other plants do very well. From the months of May-August, there are a wide variety of plants which take root in the limestone, adding to the beauty of the stark region. Probably the most visited tourist attraction in the Burren is the Cliffs of Moher. These dramatic cliffs are five miles long and rise to a height of 650 feet out of the sea. The cliffs are also home to several colonies of guillemots and other sea birds. Another attraction of the Burren is the Aillwee Cave, the only cave in the area open to visitors and once the hibernation pit of bears.
• Knappogue Castle, Quin - This castle was built in 1467 by the MacNamara clan. It is now owned by Texans who have restored it to its former charm. Medieval banquets are held in the castle during the season.
• Craggaunowen, Kilmurry - The Craggaunowen Project depicts life in Ireland during the Bronze Age and brings Celtic culture to life. People in costume act out such daily activities as spinning, cooking and potting and serve as guides for the project.
• Bunratty Castle and Folk Park - Bunratty Castle was built in the 15th century and was the home of the Earls of Thomond. It is one of Ireland’s best restored castles. Surrounding the castle is the Folk Park, a complete village where rural life in Ireland at the turn of the century is recreated. The castle also hosts medieval banquets and traditional Irish music sessions nightly. The complex has several shops offering the best of Irish crafts and the famous Durty Nellie’s Pub, dating back to the 17th century.

County Galway

• Clifden - This 19th century market town has lovely views of the Twelve Ben mountains, great seafood restaurants, and excellent shops.
• Kylemore Abbey - This Gothic castle was built by Mitchell Henry as a present for his wife. When his wife died, he left the castle. It was taken over by the Benedictine nuns fleeing from Belgium during WW I. The nuns now run the Abbey as a girls’ school. You can visit the grounds, the restaurant, and a small part of the Abbey. There is also a six-acre restored Victorian walled garden.
• Connemara National Park - This 5,000-acre park provides fabulous drives encompassing bogland, lakes, and mountains. Four of the mountains in the Twelve Bens range are in the park, including Ben Bulbaun, the highest mountain in the range at 2,400 feet.
• Galway City - The city of Galway is both the center for the Irish-speaking regions of Ireland and a university city. It is known for its active nightlife and pubs. Some important things to see in Galway City are Eyre Square, a park area that is surrounded by the main shopping area of Galway; the Spanish Arch, built in 1584 to protect the harbor where the Spanish traders unloaded their docks; the Claddagh, a former fishing village which is considered the birthplace of the famous Claddagh ring.
• Aran Islands - There are three islands in this grouping, the largest being Inishmore. The islands are known for their hand-knit sweaters which are made to withstand all kinds of weather. The terrain on the island is wild and rocky, and there are stunning coastal views and several large prehistoric stone forts to visit. The islands can be reached by ferry from Galway, Rossaveal, or Doolin, or by air from Inverin.

County Sligo

• Yeats Country - This area is home to the poet W.B. Yeats and is a lovely part of Ireland for driving with its lakes, rivers, forests, and dramatic limestone ridges. Highlights to see on the Yeats Tour are Lissadell House, an 1830’s Georgian mansion home to the Gore-Booth family who contributed much to the region during the Famine; Drumcliff, resting place of Yeats’ body; Parke’s Castle, 17th century fortified manor house which has lovely views over Lough Gill; Lough Gill, one of the main features of Yeats Country, has daily boat tours during the season.

County Donegal

• Glenveagh National Park - This lovely park occupies 40,000 acres, including the wild and beautiful Derryveagh Mountains and Lough Veagh. The park also protects the largest herd of red deer in the country. On the banks of Lough Veagh is Glenveagh Castle, built in 1879 by John Adair who was notorious for his eviction of many families in the area after the Famine. Also in the park is Glebe House and Gallery, which was the home of Derek Hill, a painter and art collector. The gallery contains works of Picasso, Renoir and W.B. Yeats. Nearby is the Colmcille Heritage Center, which traces the life of St. Columba, born in AD 521 in the area.
• Inishowen Peninsula - This is the largest of Donegal’s northern peninsulas and can be explored by car in a day trip. The round trip is 98 miles. Important places to stop include Gap of Mamore, 850 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views; Grianan of Ailigh, a circular stone structure built as a pagan temple around 5th century BC and then later taken over by the Christians and restored in 1870; and Malin Head, the northernmost point in Ireland.
• Killybegs - One of Ireland’s busiest fishing ports, this is a fun place to be when the trawlers arrive to unload their catch. The town itself is interesting with narrow, winding streets.