Blog Posts & News. What we like on Ireland’s West Coast.
Let’s start with this – there are no bridges at Bridges of Ross. One natural bridge is all that remains today of the original three rock arcs. Because over the ages, the relentless waves of the Atlantic have first sculpted them out of the cliffs, only to eventually take them away again. For interest’s sake, … Read more
One of our favourite destinations on the West Coast are The Burren National Park and Aillwee Cave in County Clare. The Burren is famous for its landscape of exposed limestone bedrock, rare plants and unique habitats. In addition, the scenery on this part of the Wild Atlantic Way is quite simply spectacular. Access to the … Read more
The lovely County Mayo town will be the centre of attention for the next few weeks, with President Joe Biden’s visit announced recently. So it looks like the best time to visit Ballina will be next week, if you can still make it. Do not confuse this Ballina in County Mayo with the equally picturesque … Read more
Recently we were back visiting the beautiful North Mayo. We only had a small budget for our few days away, but had a brilliant time nevertheless. Unlike other tourist hot spots on Ireland’s West Coast, most of the unspoilt Mullet peninsula does not vacuum visitors’ money straight out of their pockets. There are plenty of … Read more
Who does not love good food festivals? Savouring unique menu items created by passionate growers and producers. Sampling new gastronomic inventions from acclaimed chefs. Restaurateurs showcasing the finest traditions of local cuisine and hospitality. Sipping on delicious brews, distils and ferments. Then shopping for organic, ethically produced, home-grown culinary ingredients and products. Personally, we have … Read more
As we have written previously, we love County Mayo. The Erris Head Loop Walk is easily one of our favourite hikes in the area. Not only because it is a relatively easy three miles (five kms) but mainly for the incredible views. Erris Head, or Ceann Iorrais in Irish, is the northernmost tip of the … Read more
Last week we wrote about the Flying Boat and Maritime Museum in Foynes in County Limerick. We mentioned several ‘firsts’ and ‘onlys’ for which Foynes Port and Shannon Airport across the estuary are famous. World’s first commercial transatlantic flight landed in Foynes, which is now home to world’s only Boeing 314 flying boat replica. Shannon … Read more
One might not think that the unassuming town of Foynes in County Limerick was the landing place of the first transatlantic commercial flight. It lies on the Shannon estuary and is a major port. While not exactly on the sea, we think it deserves to be included in the ‘west coast of Ireland’ area. After … Read more
Achill Island area is cca 150 square kms (57 square miles),which makes it the country’s largest island. Its biggest town is Achill Sound, straight after the swing bridge connecting it to the mainland since 1887. The current bridge dates to 2008 but, interestingly, the swing is still manual to allow boats pass when necessary. We … Read more
The 2022 Oscar nominations were announced last month. Since then, many of our overseas friends asked us whether Inisherin was a real place. And if so, where in Ireland is it? The Banshees of Inisherin They are of course referring to director Martin McDonagh’s new film, The Banshees of Inisherin. Its recent nine Oscar nominations … Read more