West (Mayo and Galway)

Favoured by fishermen, farmers, novelists, exiled monks and fugitive pirates the Islands of the West of Ireland have caught the imaginations of generations. Here tradition and culture combine in a rugged stony landscape.

Windswept hills of blanket bog, towering cliffs and pristine Blue Flag sandy shores. The Island's complex histories can be read through their landscapes: archaeological remains tell of Neolithic and Bronze age pasts, early Christian and medieval monastic structures tell tales of saints and scholars; 16th Century strongholds whisper of pirates Don Bosco and Granuaile and the remains of 17th Century barracks cry out for the Catholic clergy once imprisoned here.

More recently, the Islands of the West of Ireland have become home to some of the best traditional Irish music and craic you are likely to find; come join in a set dance and twirl yourself dizzy to a traditional Irish jig.

Easily accessible by boat, plane, or road (at Achill and Ceantar na nOileán, the island district of southwest Connemara), the islands of the west are home to farmers’ markets and festivals, currach races and spectacular diving, summer schools and traditional music – making memories you’ll cherish long after you leave.