The West Coast of Ireland has some of the best and perhaps dramatic aspects of the Irish landscape. Yes, the Irish climate is unpredictable, but there are some clear days too without rain!
Here are two interesting leisurely drives from Westport, the first being a day trip to Achill Island and the second one that may be spread over two days to Clifden and back. You will be rewarded with awesome scenic views and good opportunities for the adventurous!
We checked in at a B&B in Westport late on a damp evening and were treated to a mug of (liberally laced) Irish coffee. Next morning we set off northwards on our first drive for Achill Island, via Newport.
Achill Island
Achill is one of Ireland’s most spectacular islands. Its landscape is full of dramatic cliffs, soaring mountains, remote lakes, and several secluded beaches including some blue flag beaches.
You may want to stop at Newport for a short hike on a good walking trail leading from Newport to Bangor. There is a seven arch railway viaduct near Newport that was erected to connect Westport to the Achill railway line.
If you love water sports, the world is open to you here! The awesome “Atlantic Drive” along the west coast leads to Keel village with views of the magnificent Minaun Cliffs. The adventurous may climb the Saddle Head at Keel Bay and view the sea cliffs at Craughaun (668m). Achill island also has many archaeological and historical sites, including the famous Deserted Village at Slievemore and the Kildamhnait Castle. If you love driving, you could continue the Atlantic Drive beyond Keel beach northwards to Dugort (another small village).
Clifden
The second leisurely drive is southwards from Westport towards Letterfrack and Clifden, a beautiful drive through the rugged Connemara region which took us high up into the mountains, with panoramic views of the coast on the way to Clifden.
We first stopped to explore the Kylemore Abbey and its beautiful Victorian Walled Garden, followed by tea and scone at the Garden tea house. Connemara national park is located just a stone’s throw away and offers several short hiking opportunities with different levels of difficulty.
Onward to Clifden and the panoramic loop route – Sky Road – leading westward to the Atlantic coastline, with breathtaking views of the Clifden bay and other islands. The Sky Road also passes by the ruins of Clifden Castle.
If you are planning a trip to Westport or Kenmare or around, here are some best things to do.
We returned to Westport via a different but interesting drive through the Killary harbour and fjord area and Doolough Valley on a coastal road with very scenic views.
Oh wow, this is crazy beautiful!
I would love to do some more travelling in Ireland, I have only visited the Dublin so far.
I spent a week on the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry & Cork last year & fell in love with Ireland. Reading this I was keen to see what else the west coast had to offer & I love the look of these. I also have family who own a property on Achill Island which I have never visited. You’ve now added it to my list of places for 2020!
I just love that this part of the world is so well preserved, there are beautiful castles everywhere 🙂 You could travel through UK forever and still not see everything!
Ireland has so much to offer. I’ve had the opportunity to visit on three occasions, however there’s still areas I’m yet to experience. The locations you’ve shared along the West Coast have now been added to the list.
We’ve got some walled Victorian designed gardens near my home town in the UK, and I love visiting them. They remind me of the people of that era. Very confined, structured, tamed, and straight-laced! If I ever get to the west coast, then I’ll make a stop at Kylemore Abbey – and finish off my visit with a cup of tea and slice of cake! A great way to spend an afternoon.
Wow, the more I read about Ireland, the more I want to drive the entire ring road around the entire emerald isle. I love all the hikes and outdoor scenery you found on this stretch but I think Darcee, my wife, would especially love seeing the seven arch railway viaduct near Newport and then head for tea in the Victorian Gardens!
I was hoping to visit Ireland this summer, but of course that didn’t happen so this makes me so excited to hopefully visit next year! I just love the green Irish landscapes so much 🙂
I have heard that you lose yourself amid the amazing beauty of the Irish West Coast and from just your pictures alone, it is easy to see why! I dont know if I could have even made it past Kildamhnait Castle but all the beauty of the coast lines and the mountains and cliffs, are just to romatic for words!
This post was a reminder of how little of Ireland we have visited. And how long we need to plan for a return visit! I love the wild cliffs but also would want to hike in the green meadows and gardens. I would probably want to do both drives that take me both into the mountains and along the coast. I can see why you call it a magical coast.
I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and your post makes me want to go even more! What beautiful countryside. I love how green and fresh everything looks. I’ll have to add Achill Island to my list of places to visit!
Ireland is still on my bucket list. I would love to see cliffs, old houses, and drink Irish beer. Achill looks fabulous, so photogenic! The landscape is full of dramatic cliffs, amazing views! I would like to see Kildamhnait Castle. I hope to visit it one day.
Wonderful! I have to earmark that for a future Ireland trip!