Loading...

County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands

TRAVEL GUIDE

County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands

TRAVEL GUIDE

The West of Ireland is the most westerly seaboard in Europe, and the part of Ireland least influenced by its neighbor to the east, England. Galway and West Clare are where the Irish go to reconnect with their heritage, whether by practicing their jigs at the Fleadh Nua folk festival, enjoying "the craic" at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, visiting the ancient megalithic tombs of the Burren, or trading news with a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) resident. Wherever you go in the West, you'll not only see, but more important hear, how the best of traditional Ireland survives.

This area lies at the far western extremity of Europe, facing its nearest North American neighbors across thousands of miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Although other areas of Ireland were influenced by Nor... Read More

The West of Ireland is the most westerly seaboard in Europe, and the part of Ireland least influenced by its neighbor to the east, England. Galway and West Clare are where the Irish go to reconnect with their heritage, whether by practicing their jigs at the Fleadh Nua folk festival, enjoying "the craic" at the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival, visiting the ancient megalithic tombs of the Burren, or trading news with a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) resident. Wherever you go in the West, you'll not only see, but more important hear, how the best of traditional Ireland survives.

This area lies at the far western extremity of Europe, facing its nearest North American neighbors across thousands of miles of the Atlantic Ocean. Although other areas of Ireland were influenced by Norman, Scots, or English settlers, the West largely escaped systematic resettlement and, with the exception of the walled town of Galway, remained purely Irish in outlook. No wonder these western regions have the highest concentration of Irish-speaking communities and the best traditional musicians in the republic.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Hotels

Quickly find County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands Hotels and compare prices.

Powered by Clicktripz

Find the perfect tours and activities in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Find the best food tours and activities in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Language

English and Irish

Nearby Airports

GWY

Electrical Outlets

230v/50 cycles; electrical plugs have three prongs

Currency

Euro

Language

English and Irish

Electrical Outlets

230v/50 cycles; electrical plugs have three prongs

Currency

Euro

Nearby Airports

GWY

Like everywhere in Ireland, the weather in this region is unpredictable but rarely extreme. A downpour can last a week in July, while October...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Like everywhere in Ireland, the weather in this region is unpredictable but rarely extreme. A downpour can last a week in July, while October...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Like everywhere in Ireland, the weather in this region is unpredictable but rarely extreme. A downpour can last a week in July, while October...Read More

Discover the best neighborhoods in County Clare, Galway, and the Aran Islands with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Our worldwide travel correspondents bring you the best and most up-to-date coverage of over 7,500 global destinations.

Shop Now

Fodor's Essential Ireland 2024
For over 80 years, Fodor's Travel has been a trusted resource offering expert travel...

View Details