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    Exploring Ireland’s West Coast

    Dingle Peninsula - Image via David Jones on Flickr
    Dingle Peninsula – Image via David Jones on Flickr

    As an island nation, Ireland offers plenty of coastline to explore, and indeed wherever you are in the Republic, you’re never that far from the sea and its influence. The West Coast in particular has achieved considerable fame for its spectacular scenery and unique culture, and the local towns are among the best places to hear Irish Gaelic spoken in an everyday setting.

    One of the nicest ways to experience Ireland’s West Coast is by packing up the car for a road trip and taking time out to explore the cliffs, hidden beaches and charming small towns you’ll encounter along the route – the narrow, winding roads are amongst the best ways to test a new car. Often it’s best to go without a map, heading off wherever the mood takes you – you can still cover quite a bit of ground in a week or less, or even a couple of days. For inspiration, consider the world-class destinations below:

    Cliffs of Moher

    No visit to Ireland would be complete without a pilgrimage to these breathtaking sea cliffs overlooking the rugged Atlantic coast. Standing up to 214 metres high and extending for 8 kilometres along the coast of County Clare, the cliffs are deservedly one of Ireland’s chief tourist attractions. With stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands out to sea, the cliffs are the perfect place to contemplate the majesty of the land and ocean. It’s also a prime nesting spot for seabirds, so be sure to bring your camera for some brilliant nature shots.

    The Ring of Kerry

    Starting at Killarney and looping around the Inveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, this impossibly scenic route is one of the most popular drives in Ireland and a must-see for visitors to the Emerald Isle. The dramatic coastal landscape of cliffs, valleys and forests is worth the trip alone, but the area is packed with attractions that will appeal to fans of nature and history in particular. Stop to visit the enchantingly lovely Killarney National Park, including historic Ross Castle and Muckross House, or brave the boat ride to contemplate the monastic ruins on lonely Skellig Michael.

    The Burren

    The strange, lunar landscape of the Burren in County Clare has a haunting beauty that is hard to resist. As one of the largest karst landscapes in Europe (formed when its underlying limestone dissolves to leave a topography of caves, sinkholes and rocky landscapes), it’s a paradise for cavers and climbers, and home to an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna. The barren countryside is also an atmospheric backdrop for over a hundred prehistoric monuments, ranging from ring forts to dolmens and megalithic tombs.

    Dingle Peninsula

    The rugged hills and blue waters of the Dingle Peninsula gained world-wide fame when they served as the setting for the popular 1970 film Ryan’s Daughter. This lovely corner of County Kerry is still one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland today, beloved for its quaint towns, windswept beaches and breathtaking views. Those who enjoy hillwalking and other outdoor activities will feel right at home here, as will those who enjoy searching out forts and other historic sites in the countryside. In the town of Dingle itself, from which the peninsula takes its name, a popular pastime is taking a boat trip to visit Funghi the dolphin, a male bottlenose dolphin who has resided in the harbour for over 30 years and earned local celebrity status.

    Aran Islands

    You’ll have to take a ferry to access these three remarkable islands off the coast of County Galway, but the journey is well worth it. Rocky, flat and initially a bit bleak, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr soon reveal themselves to be possessed of an otherworldly beauty and a unique and fascinating culture that stems from their remote location and long history. This is the perfect getaway if you really want to escape the bustle of the modern world for a spell. Be sure to check out the various stone forts on the islands to appreciate the hardiness of the early islanders – Dun Aengus, perched precariously on a sheer-sided cliff overlooking the Atlantic, is the largest and most evocative.

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