Exploring the West of Ireland
The West of Ireland stretches along the Atlantic coast, encompassing Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry, with landscapes ranging from the mountains and sea cliffs of Donegal to the beaches and islands of Connemara, the limestone countryside of the Burren and the rugged peninsulas of County Kerry. Fishing villages, historic towns, offshore islands and rural communities reflect the region's varied geography and its longstanding relationship with the Atlantic Ocean.
Protected landscapes preserve some of western Ireland's most distinctive environments. Connemara National Park encompasses mountains, blanket bog, heathland and grassland beneath the Twelve Bens, while Wild Nephin National Park protects extensive boglands, mountains and remote countryside in County Mayo. Further south, The Burren National Park contains an unusual limestone landscape of pavements, grasslands and distinctive flora, while Killarney National Park combines lakes, native oak woodland, mountains and valleys in County Kerry. Together, these national parks offer opportunities to explore some of Ireland's most varied natural landscapes on foot.
Long-distance walking routes connect the coast, mountains and rural settlements of the region. The Western Way crosses the landscapes of Connemara and Mayo, linking mountain valleys, lakes and quiet countryside. In County Kerry, the Kerry Way follows a circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula, passing mountains, lakes, coastal settlements and traditional villages, while the Dingle Way explores the beaches, hills and Atlantic coastline of the Dingle Peninsula. The Beara Way follows the rugged Beara Peninsula through coastal villages, mountain passes and remote countryside, extending across Counties Kerry and Cork.
Other established routes explore western Ireland's historic landscapes, islands and coastline. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk follows the dramatic Atlantic cliffs of County Clare, while the Great Western Greenway provides a walking and cycling route through the countryside of County Mayo. In County Kerry, Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael) UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves an early medieval monastic settlement on a remote Atlantic island off the Iveragh Peninsula, reflecting the region's maritime history and cultural heritage.
Beyond the long-distance trails, the West of Ireland offers opportunities to explore coastal villages, islands, nature reserves, woodlands and wild places on foot. From the mountains and boglands of Connemara and Mayo to the limestone landscapes of the Burren, the Atlantic cliffs of Clare and the peninsulas of Kerry, the region provides a varied setting for shorter walks, walking breaks and multi-day journeys, with places to stay across its towns, villages and countryside.