The West Travel Guide

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." More »

Top Reasons to Go
Getting Oriented
Transportation Basics
When to Go
Destination: Aran Islands
When Ireland Celebrates

Places to Explore

Ballina
Ballyvaughan
The Burren
Castlebar
Clifden
Cong
Corofin
Doolin
Ennis
Galway City
Inis Meáin (Inishmaan)
Inis Mór (Inishmore)
Inis Oirr (Inisheer)
Kinvara
Kylemore Valley
Lahinch
Leenane
Letterfrack
Newmarket-on-Fergus
Oughterard
Turlough
Westport

Photo: Nina Gonzaludo/Shutterstock

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