The West Travel Guide
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Places to Explore
- Sights
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Travel Tips
- Features
- Fodor's Choice
- Deals
- Guidebooks
Guidebooks
Photo: Nina Gonzaludo/shutterstock
Although Ireland's East, Southwest, and the North were influenced by either 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 language, social organization, and general outlook far longer than the rest of the country. The land in the West, predominantly mountains and bogs, did not immediately tempt the conquering barons. Oliver Cromwell was among those who found the place thoroughly unattractive, and he gave the Irish chieftains who would not conform to English rule the choice of going "to Hell or Connaught."
The West Hotels
Some of Ireland's finest country-house and castle hotels are in the West. Ashford and Dromoland castles provide a standard of luxury that you should experience...read more
The West Restaurants
Find the best West restaurants in every price category with our top picks.
Things To Do in The West
This is organized into four parts, covering the territory...read more
Travel Deals in The West
- Europe & Iceland from Seattle (R/T, incl. Tax) Icelandair
- Ireland Independent Journey IExplore
- 5-Night Mediterranean Cruise w/Free Hotel Stay Priceline.com
- Europe & Iceland from NYC (R/T, incl. Tax) — $595-$915 Icelandair
The West Experiences
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Ancient Aran: Spend at least one night on one of the Oileáin Árainn (Aran Islands), three outposts of Gaelic civilization, which... Read more
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Galway City's TIO (Tourist Information Office) has details of walking tours of Galway, including the City River two-hour guided walk along the... Read more
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Galway's founders were Anglo-Normans who arrived in the mid-13th century and fortified their settlement against "the native Irish," as local... Read more
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During the 1800s, the islands, wracked by famine and mass emigration, were virtually forgotten by mainland Ireland. At the turn of the 20th century... Read more
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The Member of Parliament (or Dáil Éireann as it became known after independence) for Ennis has twice been a national leader at... Read more
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While the West's rugged scenery has always been popular with outdoor types, the biggest growth area in recent years has been in providing facilities... Read more
Travel Blog
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Best of the Best,
Featured
Sometimes, a girl just needs to get away for the weekend for a little relaxation and rejuvenation. Read more
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Trip Ideas & Itineraries
From chic new hotels to can't-miss art events, the season's top destinations are blossoming with fresh Read more
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Hotels
The prospect of traveling with children can indeed seem daunting, sometimes so much so that the very idea Read more
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Arriving:· Forums Trip Reports
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Hi All! Read more
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IRELAND TRIP REPORT: SEPTEMBER 2011:
Clifden Arts Week & Connemara
Scenic Beara & Iveragh peninsulas with Ring of Kerry & Kenmare
Kilkenny Trad, Cahir Castle, & Rock of Cashel
Blues Read more
·Ireland Forum
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A friend says nobody 75 or over can drive in Ireland. Read more
