Things to do in Galway, the Cliffs of Moher & the West

Paved paths run along the sheer Cliffs of Moher to O'Brien's Tower, with the Aran Islands in view on clear days and puffins and razorbills on the ledges, and out on Inis Mór the prehistoric stone fort of Dún Aonghasa sits right on an 87 m cliff edge. Inland, Burren National Park spreads across limestone pavement where 23 of Ireland's 27 orchid species grow, Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey Centre pairs an underground waterfall and brown bear bones with flying displays, and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park adds a 15th-century castle, a 19th-century village street and a fairy village. In Galway, the free Galway City Museum stands beside the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral is open to visitors through the day, and in the Christmas season the Galway Christmas Market fills Eyre Square with wooden chalets and a Big Wheel. Further north, Connemara National Park's Upper Diamond Trail looks over Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden and the Twelve Bens, the Great Western Greenway follows an old railway for 49 km from Westport to Achill, and Keem Bay sits between cliffs and Croaghaun Mountain on Achill Island.

Good to knowDún Aonghasa has no fence or barrier at its 87 m drop, so keep well back and wear sturdy shoes, and bring supplies to Burren National Park, as the Gortlecka trailhead has no toilets, shops or parking (stop in Corofin first). The Connemara National Park visitor centre closes on Mondays and Tuesdays though the trails stay open, while Galway City Museum is closed on Mondays and opens on Sundays only in summer. Booking the Cliffs of Moher online is cheaper, and on the Greenway, hiring a bike for one section works well if time is short.