West Atlantic

Achill, the Aran Islands, Croagh Patrick and Connemara: big water, bigger mountains, and a landscape that has shaped Irish storytelling for a thousand years.

Places

Island · Co. Mayo

Achill Island

Achill is Ireland's largest western island, connected to the mainland since 1887. It features dramatic headlands, historic lighthouses, and a community that blends farming with tourism.

Free to explore; a small charge at some coastal car parks.· Allow A full day is not enough; allow two or three days.+ Save

Walk · Co. Mayo

Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick, a 764-metre peak near Murrisk, is a historic site where St Patrick fasted. It offers a steep summit path and a gentler circular walk, drawing thousands annually for the July pilgrimage.

Free to climb.· Allow 2–3 hours to the summit and back; 3–4 hours for the round.+ Save

Attraction · Co. Galway

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey in Connemara is a working Benedictine monastery and former castle on the N59. It offers ticketed gardens and castle tours, free shore views, and quiet church access near Letterfrack.

Gardens and castle ticketed; the abbey grounds are free to view from the shore.· Allow 2–3 hours+ Save