County Galway

County Galway, otherwise known as the City of Tribes, was once controlled by a group of fourteen families. Anglo-Normans traded with France and Spain from its shores. Today, in contrast, the area is full of a more modern influence-- theatre, arts, and music. Galway is generally revered as a bustling county where you can find plenty of traditional Irish pubs, shopping and a variety of entertainment venues. Visitors can discover the history of Galway at the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Center.

Venturing furtherest west in Galway is akin to stepping back in time. The Gaelic dialect still spoken here is nearly the same language that has existed since the beginning of Ireland’s history.

The Islands

Several islands are part of the Southwest portion of Ireland, too. The Aran Islands provide homes for gannets, otters, dolphins and whales. The cliffs are covered in native wildflowers.

Inis Moir is part of the Aran Islands and features several ancient forts. Ruins of an ancient stone church lie here.

Inis Meain is the second island in the Aran group. Only two square miles in size the island is distinctive for its huge sheets of limestone. The people living on this tiny island speak traditional Gaelic and remain farmers and fishermen like their descendents before them.

County Mayo

Lakes and rugged cliffs compete with beautiful flat lands in County Mayo. The county is home to Croagh Patrick where St. Patrick reportedly spent forty days fasting. There is also a Stone Age farm site called Ceide Fields that is open for tours. Heritages centers are available for those visitors particularly seeking genealogical records and local information. Local legends tell of Grace O’Malley and the Pirate Queen.

Clare Island, birthplace of legendary Grace O’Malley, is a favorite diving location. Other islands include Inisturk and Inishbiggle.

County Roscommon

Here you can visit the Famine Museum in Stokestown or visit Castlerea where the O’Connor family laid roots as early as 75 AD.

County Clarke

Walk, fish, boat or take in music, dance and theater. County Clark offers it all to the visitor. Explore stalactites and stalagmites in the popular caves of the area and take in the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Be sure and check out the Bunratty Folk Park where locals populate a recreation of a nineteenth century village.