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Ireland's West is a vast region consisting of counties such as Galway and Mayo.
 Vibrant Galway City absolutely explodes with charisma and has been a popular holiday destination for many years, while Galway County offers the breathtaking scenery of Connemara, and the historical rural landscape of Galway East.
 The coastline of Ireland's West is dotted with islands of all shapes and sizes which provide a totally different holiday experience for visitors.
History and culture are an important part of what Ireland's West has to offer, and the region has a fantastic variety of Visitor Attractions to keep all ages entertained, including a fascinating selection of Christian Heritage sites.
Festival and Events | Castles to Cottages | Things to See | Things To Do | Culinary
Festivals and Events
Ireland’s West is fiercely proud of it’s deep cultural, artistic and traditional arts heritage. While on vacation you are cordially invited to share in this by joining the locals for the many outstanding festivals and events on offer.
Galway Oyster Festival
 Enjoy four days and nights at the world renowned Galway International Oyster Festival.
From Thursday 25th September to Sunday 28th September 2008, Galway City will come alive as thousands of people travel from the four corners of the world to enjoy a remarkable festival celebrating the oyster, a food known for it’s mysterious luxury and passion.
www.galwayoysterfest.com
Ballina Salmon Festival
Ballina welcomes you and yours to join us in our annual Salmon Festival this July. Spanning from July 11 to 20, the ten-day programme is a family-centred line-up that has something for young, old and everyone in between!
The Ballina Salmon Festival is proud to be ranked as one of Ireland's leading community based festivals, welcoming people from across the globe to enjoy craic agus ceol in the salmon capital of the world.
www.ballinasalmonfestival.ie
 Galway Arts Festival
Founded in 1978, the Festival collaborates with artists and companies throughout the world to produce and present an international program of theatre, spectacle, dance, visual arts, music, literature & comedy involving hundreds of artists and performers.
 Galway Arts Festival is at the heart of all aspects of life in Galway City contributing immeasurably to the economic, social and cultural life of the west of Ireland. Over its 30-year history the Festival has become a vital showcase for Irish arts internationally and international arts in Ireland and is now firmly established as Ireland's leading arts festival.
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Where To Stay
With charming country house hotels, elegant and stately guesthouses, opulent five - star resorts, charming hostels, cosy B&Bs, camping & caravan spots set amidst stunning scenery and wonderfully remote farmhouses where you can walk and talk with the animals, the choice of accommodation has never been better in the west of Ireland.
Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa
 Delphi is owned and managed by husband and wife team Rory and Aileen Concannon. Rory and Aileen have travelled extensively all over the world and have tried to bring to life their most memorable hospitality experiences in Delphi.
At its core Delphi is designed to be warm, natural, and truly relaxing. The team at Delphi are exceptional and has been hand picked to reflect these essential characteristics.
 It is our pleasure to welcome you to Ashford Castle, one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in the World. Standing over the shores of Lough Corrib, and hidden deep in over 350 acres of wooded parkland, this 13th Century Castle is a monument to a fascinating history of a bygone age. Once the estate of the Guinness Family, the Castle opened it’s doors as an exclusive hotel in 1939.
While staying with us you can enjoy a wide range of relaxing or exciting activities. Book a Spa treatment or Fly a Hawk in the School of Falconry, take a Picnic in the Walled Garden or catch Wild Trout or Salmon here, in one of the most famous fisheries in Ireland.
Just 30 minutes from Galway city, and within easy driving distance of Shannon International Airport, Ashford Castle is perfectly situated to welcome all ages of visitors, from every corner of the globe.
Mount Falcon Country House Hotel
 The Luxury 4 star Mount Falcon Country House Hotel and Estate is located on the west bank of the River Moy, 100 acres of magical woodlands, between Foxford and Ballina, in North County Mayo, a most beautiful part of the West of Ireland. Mount Falcon's new owners, amongst them the Maloney Family, who hail from the area, visited the Estate and fell in love with it. As the new owners, they have invested heavily in a refurbishment and development programme, and have at every stage ensured that the integrity and charm of the Estate has been completely retained.
The Mount Falcon Country House Hotel is a de luxe, 4 star family-run destination, for the most discerning of guests. Golf, Angling and Spa Breaks are available throughout the year.
Mount Falcon Leisure Centre Spa
What better way for guests to relax, than enjoy a swim in the 17m indoor heated pool, which projects into the surrounding woodland - a perfect place to appreciate and enjoy the natural beauty of the estate outside.
Fishing
 Mount Falcon has been inextricably linked with the River Moy and salmon fishing in Mayo throughout its history. The two mile double bank Mount Falcon Fishery is a mixed method salmon fishery catering for all fishing methods: fly, bait and spinning. The fishing is reserved exclusively for hotel guests.
 Ashford Castle is one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in the World. Standing over the shores of Lough Corrib, and hidden deep in over 350 acres of wooded parkland, this 13th Century Castle is a monument to a fascinating history of a bygone age. Once the estate of the Guinness Family, the Castle opened it’s doors as an exclusive hotel in 1939.
While staying at Ashford you can enjoy a wide range of relaxing or exciting activities. Book a Spa treatment or Fly a Hawk in the School of Falconry, take a Picnic in the Walled Garden or catch Wild Trout or Salmon here, in one of the most famous fisheries in Ireland.
Just 30 minutes from Galway city, and within easy driving distance of Shannon International Airport, Ashford Castle is perfectly situated to welcome all ages of visitors, from every corner of the globe.
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Things To See
 Jutting proudly into the Atlantic Ocean, County Mayo boasts a stunningly beautiful unspoilt environment with a magical attraction for visitors. Cosmopolitan towns such as Westport positively burst with charm and personality, as welcoming as the Mayo people themselves. Unique attractions include Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holy mountain with the starkly beautiful National Famine Memorial at its foot.
Also worth a visit are Westport House Estate, ancestral home of the Browne family, Knock Shrine, scene of an miraculous apparition in 1879 and Ballintubber Abbey, the Abbey that refused to die.
 Aran Islands
Inis Mór (Inishmore) is the largest and most developed of the Aran Islands and combines a vibrant history with excellent facilities and lively nightlife.
 Clare Island
Clare Island is the largest and highest of Clew Bay's many islands, with dramatic coastal cliffs and spectacular views of one of Ireland's best known peaks, Croagh Patrick.
Kylemore Abbey
 Kylemore Abbey, located in the heart of Connemara in the West of Ireland, was built as a neo-Gothic castle by Mitchell Henry, an English surgeon, in 1868. The Castle, now an Abbey, is home to the Benedictine Community of Nuns in Ireland.
Visitors can walk through a number of restored rooms in the Abbey – recreated as in the Victorian era of the Henry family. From The Abbey visitors can take a leisurely stroll by the lake to the Neo-Gothic Church, and Mausoleum, a centre of reflection and prayer for many visitors. A complimentary shuttle bus service takes visitors to and from the magnificent 6-acreVictorian Walled Garden which is located 1 mile west of the Abbey and which was restored by the Nuns and re-opened in 2000.
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Things To Do
Land of the Horse...
Ireland has long been referred to as 'land of the horse' and this is still very much the case. The horse enthusiast is well catered for within Ireland's West with riding schools, trekking centres and three superb racecourses.
When it comes to fishing, Ireland’s West has it all, from the promising waters of a remote inland lake, to the thrill of deep sea fishing.
 The great Western lakes of Galway and Mayo are recognised as the greatest wild brown trout fisheries in the world, while Lough Corrib in Galway is a mecca for game fishermen and is famous for its exciting Mayfly season.
 The rugged scenery, clear waters and winds sweeping in off the Atlantic make the West of Ireland perfect for lovers of the outdoors and adventure of all kinds and a touch of adrenaline is the perfect accompaniment to the breathtaking views.
Golf
 Ireland's West is littered with championship courses and challenging links in some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes. Galway and Mayo have long, dramatic coastlines, perfect for crafting the mighty championship links courses that Ireland is famous for. Inland, the parkland courses are lush, green and always challenging.
The Complete Golf Experience
Boasting the finest links, Irish hospitality and spectacular scenery, Carr Golf Travel remains committed to promoting Ireland’s Wonderful West, through traditional golfing holidays and unique tournaments.
 Founded in 1990, Marty Carr and his late father Joe Carr set about establishing a solid business base for the company. A world renowned amateur golfer JB, as he was affectionately known, accumulated 40 championship wins, three British Amateur victories and three US Masters appearances over a hugely successful 30 year career. He was the first and only Irishman to be captain of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and in November 2007, became the first Irishman to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame in the US.
www.carrgolf.com
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Culinary
Taste of the West
 There has been a huge explosion in the whole eating out and food sector over the past decade. The selection of restaurants and cafés, both ethnic and Irish in Ireland's West has expanded dramatically. Check out Galways fabulous G Hotel, www.theghotel.ie
If you’re planning a picnic or some self catering, keep an eye out for one of the excellent markets. Galway has a superb weekend market held outside St. Nicholas’ Cathedral in the city centre. It has a mouthwatering array of local breads and baking, cheeses, vegetables, olives and a huge array of local crafts. Also look out for other local markets with similar produce.
 Great dining can also be found outside the major cities, Burke's bar & restaurant is a family run business, situated in the beautiful village of Clonbur. Co Galway
Established in 1906, Flannery's Tavern is located in the town of Ballinrobe in the heart of the lake district - Loughs Mask, Corrib & Carra - world-renowned brown trout lakes. Flannery’s offer excellent cuisine in a traditional pub atmosphere.
Like the rest of Ireland, The West is famed for it’s fresh produce.
Kelly’s of Newport, Co Mayo
Kelly’s Artisan Butchers in Newport, Co Mayo began 75 years ago. Seán is a man who is passionate about his life’s work striving always for quality and the pleasure of meeting and pleasing his customers. “The Putóg”, a speciality pudding made in the traditional way, is synonymous with Kelly’s and a must to try when visiting!
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