Curator’s statement
The heart of Ireland’s west, Counties Galway and Clare are rich in history, dramatic landscapes and locally-sourced cuisine. You can visit ancient monuments, swim in stunningly clear water and learn what farm-to-table really means. While Ireland might be one of the best places in the world for a game of golf and a pint, white sand beaches and the perfect pizza are just a few things you’ll find if you dig a bit deeper.
The Fora Difference
Book with Alexandrine to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Ireland
Unlock perks by contacting Alexandrine to book your trip.
Things to do in Ireland
Visit:
Inis Mor: The largest of the Aran Islands that sit at the entrance to Galway Bay, Inis Mor boasts one of Ireland’s most impressive archaeological sites, Dun Aonghasa, a stone fort dating from the second century BC.
Connemara: Rightfully considered one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, this region just west of Galway City is home to a national park and is the largest gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) in the country.
Burren National Park: The stark landscape of the Burren is as nuanced as it is iconic. Fields of what appear at first glance to be bare limestone are revealed on closer inspection to house a variety of unique plants and animals, as well as numerous megalithic tombs built thousands of years ago.
Aillwee Cave: Tour this impressive cave, sample local cheese and meet majestic birds of prey.
Cliffs of Moher: These windswept cliffs are a geological wonder and probably Ireland’s number one selfie spot. Be sensible and stay behind the barriers!
Festivals: Galway is one of only five cities in the world to be recognized as a UNESCO Creative City. As such, it is home to numerous festivals. The biggest is the Galway Arts Festival, held every July. For two weeks, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, comedy shows and lively discussions with leading creative voices enliven the already vibrant town.
Galway is also a UNESCO City of Film and the Galway Flim Fleadh is one of Ireland’s most important film festivals. Even if you’re not in town for the fleadh, check out a film at Palas, an arthouse cinema showing the latest independent films from Ireland and around the world.
Beaches:
Grattan Beach: The soft white sand of Grattan Beach is a welcome place of serenity just steps from the lively Salthill neighborhood of Galway City.
Silverstrand Beach: Just west of Galway City and down a country lane is an unspoiled piece of rocky coastline ideal for a picnic or a surf session.
Shop:
Kennys Bookshop: Along with a vast selection of new and used books in all genres (the Irish history section is particularly good), Kennys also has an adjacent art gallery with rotating exhibitions of Irish contemporary art.
The Burren Perfumery: Learn about perfume making and sample from a diverse collection of fragrances made with local botanicals. Be sure to enjoy a complimentary coffee or tea in the cozy tearoom.
Galway Saturday Market: One of the pleasures of visiting Ireland is the abundance of locally sourced food. You will find fresh-caught seafood, seasonal produce, handmade cheese, baked goods, crafts and even skincare.
Places to eat & drink in Ireland
The Pullman - Fine dining in one of the train cars from the original Orient Express
Dough Brothers - Best pizza in Ireland and one of the top-rated pizzerias in Europe
Pratai - The name says it all (potatoes in Irish)— they do just one thing and that’s chips perfectly cut, fried and sauced
Connemara On a Plate — Another perfect description of exactly what you will get— what’s on the menu is straight from the fields and sea that surround you
Aileens (Oceanview Restaurant) Armada Hotel - A romantic hideaway with a panoramic view of the Atlantic
The Arches Claregalway — A lovely spot for upscale pub fare while you watch the Sunday match
The Lane - A cozy cafe in Druid’s Lane
The Cellar — Grab a pint and head to the basement on Wednesday night to see a free showcase of Galway’s up-and-coming comedians
The Kings Head — With over 800 years of history, The Kings Head is an authentic medieval pub but with all the modern amenities from local craft beer to a detailed menu that lists the farms where their ingredients are sourced
Massimo - Located in Galway’s West End, despite having been around since 2000, this pub always feels on-trend, attracting a crowd of local artists and offering a nicely curated selection of signature cocktails.
Need to know
Reading recommendations:
How to Build a Boat, Elaine Feeney: set in modern-day Galway, in this novel you will learn a little about traditional Irish boatbuilding, but more than that you will be charmed by the three main characters who are brought together by this unlikely art form. You can’t help but cheer on Jamie, Tess and Tadgh as they navigate the everyday difficulties faced by a student and two dedicated teachers.
This Is Happiness, Niall Williams: set in the fictional village of Faha, Co. Clare, in 1959, the year they brought electricity to rural Ireland, the humor and life lessons contained in this charming coming-of-age story are unforgettable.
Travel Advisor
Alexandrine Rost
Get in touch with Alexandrine
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Alexandrine within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ireland. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jennifer Isom’s guide, Seven Days Exploring Classic and Ancient Ireland.