This beautiful county is a personal favorite and one that has resisted the commercialism and touristy look of some of the other more popular destinations. Located on the West Coast of Ireland, the county is bordered on one side by the Atlantic and the Shannon River on the other (the longest river in Ireland). The landscape is rocky and rugged giving the coastline a wild look and feel. Much of the county is covered by The Burren - large, sweeping limestone rock landscape that is fascinating. To say Clare is picturesque is an understatement in the extreme.
Highlights of Clare
- Cliffs of Moher
- 250 castles dotted throughout the county
- Dromoland Castle
- Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
- The Burren
- Aillwee Caves
KERRY
Killarney in County Kerry is probably one of the most visited towns in Ireland and as such is awash with accommodation, tourist traps and crowds (especially in the summer). That's not to say that it still does not hold a charm. It does and is definitely worthy of a visit. The rest of the county is breathtaking and has to go on anyone's top list. Dingle Peninsula is famous for its beauty and the Ring of Kerry is a fantastic drive around the lakes of Kerry. The whole county offers great opportunities for hiking, cycling and sightseeing.
Highlights of Kerry
- Killarney
- Muckross House and Gardens
- Ring of Kerry
- Dingle Peninsula
- Carrigafoyle Castle
- Staigue Fort
- Skellig Michael
GALWAY
Another county on the West Coast, Galway is home to one of the most beautiful, unspoiled and wild areas in the whole country - Connemara. Galway should not be missed on your tour of Ireland. The rugged coastline is fantastic and the islands off the coast - the Aran Islands - take you back in time. The landscape of this county is varied and awe inspiring (a walker's paradise) and the capital, Galway, is a lively, hip and young city.
Highlights of Galway
- Connemara
- Kylemore Abbey
- Galway City
- Cliften
- Aran Islands
Donegal
"Delightful Donegal" is a phrase that comes to mind for this county. Located on the north west tip of Ireland, this county is outstanding in the landscape it presents. There is a bleakness and a drama to it that can't be found anywhere else. Donegal is a very rural county where all the towns are relatively small. The coastline is wonderful with dramatic cliffs and windswept beaches.
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