The Great Western Greenway

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life as you take on 42km of the Great Western Greenway, the longest off-road walking and cycling trail in Ireland. The best part is that it’s a traffic-free trail.

The route follows the Westport to Achill railway line, which closed in 1937. While travelling the Greenway, you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Mayo.

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Soak up the views of the spectacular Nephin Beg mountain range and cross Clew Bay to Croagh Patrick’s breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re looking for a family activity or a quiet cycle, The Great Western Greenway is sure to have something for everyone. For more information, visit www.greenway.ie.

Aran Islands, Galway

Located 30km from the mouth of Galway Bay, the three islands are famous for their prehistoric and Christian monuments. Inis Mór is the most well-known of the three islands. Dún Aengus and Dún Ducathair are but a few of the ancient stone forts worth visiting. The islands offer unique scenery and are home to more than 430 different varieties of wild flowers and plants. If you’re a garden lover, you’ve picked the right spot. To plan your trip, visit www.aranislands.ie.

Coole Park, Galway

The heritage town of Gort is in south Galway. Just outside Gort, you will find the beautiful Coole Park.

The estate once belonged to Lady Gregory, a co-founder of the Abbey Theatre, but has since been turned into a 1,000-acre nature reserve.

Coole Park has often been referred to in stories and poems by writers such as WB Yeats. When visiting Coole Park you will be mesmerised by the beauty of the woods, lakes, nature trails and walled gardens.

One of the great features of Coole Park is the tourloughs, which are considered to be among the best in the world. Coole Park also acts as an important sanctuary for birds.

The park is open year round and admission is free, making it the perfect day out for the family.

Killary Fjord, Galway

No visit to Connemara would be complete without a visit to Killary Fjord. The 9km inlet has some of the finest scenery in the west of Ireland. Its sheltered nature and waters are always calm and ideal for taking one of the daily cruises which depart from Leenane village.

Dunguaire Castle, Galway

Galway’s Dunguaire Castle, on the shores of Galway Bay near Kinvara, is a castle full of Irish history and a great way to learn about what life was like long ago.

The castle, built in 1520 by the Hynes Clan, has a 75ft tower and a defensive wall set against stunning scenery. It once served as a meeting place for famous writers, such as WB Yeats and George Bernard Shaw.

It is now owned by Shannon Development and serves as a popular tourist attraction.

From April to October, the castle hosts medieval banquets where guests can enjoy a delicious four-course meal and fine wines. For further information, visit www.galwaytourism.ie.