Getting Oriented

Without ever passing beyond the perimeter of this region, visitors get to sample the best of Ireland's attributes like a well-thought-out tasting menu. The west coast of County Clare and the Aran Islands offer cinematic seascapes, music, age-old Irish traditions, and, of course, the giant Cliffs of Moher and mysterious rocky Burren Park. The rural villages, country castles, lakes, and pastures of Clare match every preconception of Ireland's varied green landscape while Galway City is easily the liveliest city in Ireland after Dublin.

• Bunratty Village. A tiny medieval village with the original Durty Nelly's Pub nestled by historic Bunratty Castle.
• Quin. A rural village home to a worth-visiting abbey, fort, early-Celt dwellings, and a stunning castle-hotel.
• Ennis. The lively county town with good pubs and live music.
• Killaloe. A good base to explore the Lower River Shannon by boat.
• Kilkee. A quiet seaside town with a crescent-shape beach and the stunning Loop Head Peninsula.
• Lahinch. A popular seaside town for surfers and walkers and a good base to explore area attractions.
• The Cliffs of Moher. One of Ireland's top attractions.
• Doolin. A tiny fishing village known for its live music and pubs and a launch pad to the Aran Islands.
• The Burren. A dramatic landscape home to forts, megalithic tombs, and rare flora and fauna.
• Ballyvaughan. A pretty village on the water and good base for exploring the Burren.
• Kinvara. Set on a pretty harbor and known for its good pubs, festivals, and oysters.
• Coole Park. A nature reserve and popular haunt for W. B. Yeats fans.
• Galway City. Ireland's liveliest city, named European Capital of Culture 2020.
• The Aran Islands. A short ferry ride from Galway or Doolin, these rocky isles are home to prehistoric sites and beautiful scenery.