7 Day West of Ireland Road Trip (Galway And Mayo)

Many people mix the West of Ireland up with the Wild Atlantic Way – yes, it forms part of it, but only a very small section.

The West of Ireland is made up of counties Roscommon, Mayo and Galway. In this itinerary, I’m going to focus solely on Galway and Mayo.

This road trip is part of my 1 week in Ireland series where you’ll find 7 different ways to explore Ireland over 1 week!

Itinerary overview:

• Day 1: Galway City. Today depends on your arrival time (stay in Galway)
• Day 2: Inis Mor (Galway)
• Day 3: Connemara (Clifden)
• Day 4: Connemara, Doolough Valley and Westport (Westport)
• Day 5: Achill Island (Westport)
• Day 6: Castlebar and North Mayo (Belmullet)
• Day 7: The Mullet Peninsula (Belmullet)

West of Ireland itinerary overview

In a perfect world, you’d have 7 full days for this West of Ireland road trip. In reality, day 1 and day 7 will likely be travel-heavy, so you need to plan with that in mind.

If you do have 7 full days, great – follow the route in my map above. If you don’t, alter your trip – here’s some info:

1. For those of you flying to Ireland

So, there are many airports in Ireland and, while ideally you’d be flying into Mayo’s Knock Airport, most of you will likely arrive into Dublin or Shannon:

• Dublin: You’re likely not going to want to land and do the 2.5-hour drive to Galway straight away. So, spend 24 hours in Dublin to give yourself time to relax after the flight. You’re going to have to choose between day 1 and 2 from the map above. Keep the other days the same
• Shannon: Is just over an hour from Galway City. Depending on how long your flight was, you should aim to get to Galway on day 1

2. For those living in Ireland

• Where to start: Begin from whichever end is closest (Galway City or North Mayo)
• Your day 1: Let drive time dictate the pace. Long drive to start point = handy day 1. Short drive = more time to explore
• Your day 7: If home is far, travel straight back and trim the itinerary earlier (see flight-based scenarios above)

3. Getting around

You’ll need a car for this West of Ireland itinerary. If you’ve never rented one here before, here are some very useful tips for hiring a car in Ireland.

Day 1: Galway City

Day one of this West of Ireland road trip will depend on what time you get to Galway City. In an ideal world, you’ll arrive early and have the whole day.

However, that’s not always possible, so you’ll need to adjust day 1 below as needed.

Set between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic, Galway grew from a 12th-century fort into a walled merchant port ruled by the powerful Tribes of Galway, and that trading spirit still shapes the city today.

Where to stay in Galway on nights 1 and 2

• Budget: Feeney’s Audubon Lodge (by the sea outside the city) and Kinlay Hostel (very central)
• Mid-range: The Snug Townhouse (very central) and Ash Grove House (right by Galway Cathedral) 
• Luxury: The G (in the city) and Glenlo Abbey (15-minute drive from the city)

Explore Galway on foot

Get up, grab breakfast in your accommodation (or head to Galway’s Jungle Cafe – it’s fantastic!) and then set off for a stroll.

The map above outlines my self guided Galway Walking Tour that’s easy-to-follow and that takes in the best of the city.

Overview: 2.2km self-guided walk from Eyre Square to Galway Cathedral (35 mins total walking time).

• Start at Eyre Square: 18th-century city centre hub with statues
• Shop Street and High Street: See Lynch’s Castle, colourful shopfronts and the city’s busiest stretch
• The Latin Quarter: Home to a lively pub scene, Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Ring Museum and cobbled side streets
• Plenty more: See my Galway Walking Tour route

An evening in Galway

There’s a lot to look forward to on the evening of day 1 of my West of Ireland itinerary. Galway punches well above its weight when it comes to eating and drinking.

It was named European Region of Gastronomy in 2018, but long before that the city had built a reputation for oysters pulled straight from the bay and Atlantic seafood that barely has time to cool before it hits the plate.

Add in a pub scene where traditional music reigns supreme, and you’re in for a treat. Here are my favourites:

• Restaurants in Galway: Ard Bia (exceptionally presented dishes – book in advance) and Dela (modern Irish cuisine at its finest)
• Pubs in Galway: Tigh Neachtain and The Crane are traditional pubs with a great atmosphere. For trad tune, Tigh Chóilí is hard to beat.

Day 2: The Aran Islands

The 2nd day of this West of Ireland itinerary involves departing the mainland and heading off to the Aran Islands.

The Aran Islands are three rugged, Gaelic-speaking islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, known for stone walls, cliffs, ancient forts and a traditional way of life.

My map above should help you decide which Aran Island to visit, but here’s a quick overview of each.

• Inis Meáin (middle island) is the quietest: Ideal if you want near-silence and a step back in time, but there’s less to see and do
• Inis Oírr (smallest) is compact: Easy to cycle and good for a lively day trip, though it gets busy in summer
• Inis Mór (largest) has the most impressive landmarks: It’s the busiest, but if I had to pick one, this is where I’d lean

Inis Mor itinerary

I’m going to recommend that you head across to Inis Mór. During the summer months, you can get the ferry from Galway City to the Aran Islands.

If you’re visiting outside of summer, you can take a shuttle to Rossaveal and depart from there. I’ve created the map above for you to save to your phone. The highlights of the itinerary are:

• Kilmurvey Beach: Blue Flag beach with white sand and clear water
• Dún Eoghanachta: 9th-century ring fort with 5m-high circular walls
• Dún Aonghasa: 1100 BC cliff-edge fort, 1km walk, 300ft Atlantic views
• Poll na bPéist (Wormhole): Natural rectangular tidal pool near Gort na gCapall (not safe for swimming!)
• Get a detailed itinerary: In my Inis Mór travel guide

Getting back to Galway

You’ll leave Inis Mór the same way you arrived, via the island’s ferry terminal. Now, if you have a bit of time before you head off, you’re in luck.

There are two great little pubs located right by the pier:

• Tigh Joe Mac: Great for cosy pints on cold days thanks to the open fire and just as good for sunny sips thanks to their outdoor seating area facing the water!
• The Bar: Lovely sea views, super pints of Guinness and a traditional interior. What more could you ask for?

Day 3: Connemara

Day 3 of this 7 day West of Ireland itinerary takes you out into the wilds of Connemara. 1 day is nowhere near enough time to tackle the many things to do in Connemara, however, you only have the day, so it’s important to have a clear plan.

There’s plenty going on today, but I’ve structured the itinerary in a very doable manner.

Where to stay in Clifden on night 3

• Budget: Errismore House is right in the town and always great value
• Mid-range: Alcock & Brown Hotel is in the town and has excellent reviews
• Unique: Abbeyglen Castle is good value a short walk from the town

1. Aughnanure Castle

Aughnanure Castle is around a 30-minute spin from Galway City and makes for a handy first stop to break up the journey.

It served as the stronghold of the O’Flaherty clan, who controlled much of west Connacht for roughly three centuries.

Set on the edge of Lough Corrib, the six-storey tower house is a solid reminder of their influence and ambition, tied neatly to their motto, “Fortune favours the strong.”

Inside, you can wander through the remains of the banqueting hall, climb to the watch tower and see the old dry harbour.

2. The Quiet Man Bridge

If you’ve ever seen The Quiet Man, the 1952 classic with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, you’ll likely remember the scene where Sean Thornton arrives in the Irish countryside for the first time.

That memorable moment was shot at this now well-known little bridge, about 15 minutes on from Aughnanure Castle.

Although many of the Quiet Man filming locations are centred around Cong in Mayo, this unassuming corner of Connemara had its own starring role.

In the scene, Sean steps down from a cart, wanders to a stone wall and pauses to take in the view as his mother’s voice drifts through his thoughts.

Head across it and you’ll spot a plaque marking its place in film history. This is a real nugget of ‘Old World Ireland’ that’s hidden in plain sight.

3. The Inagh Valley

The Inagh Valley drive is short, scenic and easily one of the standout spins in Connemara. It begins just off the N59 (you’ll find the turn here on Google Maps), where the main road fades away and the landscape starts to feel properly untamed.

As you roll between the Maumturks and the Twelve Bens, Lough Inagh reflects the mountains on a clear day, serving up some of the most memorable scenery in this corner of the West of Ireland.

There’s a handy little lay-by midway along where you can pull in and soak it up.

4. Diamond Hill

Right – for those of you that fancy a hike, head for Connemara National Park, a 10-minute drive from where you exit the Inagh Valley. It’s from the park’s main car park that the brilliant Diamond Hill walk begins.

One of the highlights of this 7 day West of Ireland itinerary, it can be tackled via two trails (the Upper Trail is the one with the magnificent views):

• The Upper Trail: 6km long, relatively easy-going and takes around 2 hours
• The Lower Trail: 2.8km long, moderately difficult and takes around 45 minutes

If you don’t fancy the hike, head straight to Kylemore Abbey, do the tour and then grab lunch in Letterfrack (see below).

5. Lunch in Letterfrack

Letterfrack is located right next to the National Park and it makes a great pit-stop for lunch before you head into the second half of the day.

I have a few go-tos in Letterfrack (I’m generally here during the busier seasons, so I usually head to whichever looks least busy):

• Veldons Seafarer: Casual pub grub with fresh seafood and hearty mains
• The Clover Fox: Laid-back bistro-style menu with veggie options and homemade desserts
• The Hungry Hiker: Casual café that’s good for toasties, soups, and baked treats

6. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey, one of the most popular places to visit in Galway, is a breezy 5-minute drive from Letterfrack.

Built in 1868 by Mitchell Henry, Kylemore Abbey started life as a private castle, fuelled by wealth and heartbreak. It sits on the edge of Pollacapall Lough, with the Twelve Bens rising behind it.

The abbey’s story runs deep, from a tragic love story and political ambition to fleeing nuns and decades of education.

Today, you can walk through restored period rooms, visit the tiny Gothic church, explore six acres of walled gardens, and follow forest trails to the Henrys’ final resting place.

7. The Sky Road

The Sky Road begins in Clifden, around a 25-minute drive from Kylemore Abbey, and forms a 16km loop around the Kingston Peninsula along a rugged stretch of coastline.

You’ll pass Clifden Castle, a crumbling 19th-century manor house perched above the Atlantic. Further along, the route splits.

The lower road stays close to the water, while the upper road climbs for wider views over the ocean and offshore islands (I’d recommend following the upper road).

I usually leave this spin until later in the day – it’s quieter, and as the sun starts to drop, the light turns the coastline a deep gold that etches itself upon your memory.

8. Clifden for the night

Night 3 of your West of Ireland road trip finishes in Clifden Town.

This is a lively tourist town during the summer months but it tends to be much quieter outside of peak season.

• Places to eat: Guys Seafood Bar (A Clifden institution serving seafood for over 150 years) and Off The Square (reliable seafood-led restaurant in the centre of town)
• Pubs: Lowry’s Music & Whiskey Bar (award-winning trad pub with live music 7 nights a week in season) and McGraths Pub (family-run pub known for its open fire, intimate feel and regular live trad sessions)

Day 4: Connemara, Doolough Valley and Westport

Day 4 of this 1 week West of Ireland itinerary sees you take the spin from Galway into Mayo.

You’ll see more of Connemara before travelling through the Doolough Valley and then on to Westport.

Where to stay in Westport on days 4 and 5

• Budget: Old Mill Holiday Hostel (in the town with good reviews) and Clooneen House (very central with excellent reviews)
• Mid-range: Castlecourt Hotel (very central and has a spa) and Westport Plaza Hotel (central with exceptional reviews)
• High-range: Knockranny House (gorgeous hotel a 1-minute drive from town)

1. Killary Fjord

Your first stop is this viewpoint, about 35 minutes from Clifden. Below you lies Killary Harbour – Ireland’s only fjord.

Carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, it stretches 16km inland between Mayo and Galway, with mountains rising sharply on either side.

Look closely across the water and you may spot long ridges in the fields – these are lazy beds used to grow potatoes. Many date back to the Famine era, when families tried to coax survival from poor soil in harsh conditions.

It’s a quiet reminder that this landscape, beautiful as it is, has a hard edge to its history.

From here, follow the road into Leenane, a tiny harbour village tucked at the head of the fjord and a handy place to stretch the legs.

2. Aasleagh Falls

Less than 10 minutes beyond Leenane you’ll reach Aasleagh Falls. Now, a warning – there are two small car parks on either side of the road, but each is a short distance from a blind spot/bad bend.

Great care is required here, especially when you’re driving in/out of the spot. There’s no formal pathway right to the falls, so expect slightly uneven ground (and the possibility of mucky shoes if it’s been raining).

The waterfall itself isn’t towering or dramatic – but that’s not the point. It’s broad, steady and particularly impressive after heavy rain, when the River Erriff is in full flow.

3. The Doolough Valley

From the falls, you’ll follow the road toward Louisburgh through the hauntingly beautiful Doolough Valley.

Doolough means “Black Lake”, and you’ll soon see why. The valley is framed by steep, barren mountains with inky black water stretching between them.

It’s arguably one of the best drives in Ireland, but many that spin through the valley never stop to take note of the area’s dark past.

The Doolough Tragedy occurred in March 1849 during the Great Famine, when starving locals were forced to walk nearly 19km to Delphi Lodge for a relief inspection, only to be turned away.

Several passed away along the roadside on their return, and while exact numbers are unknown, the event remains one of the starkest examples of famine-era hardship in the West of Ireland.

4. Old Head Beach

The area around Louisburgh is home to some of the West of Ireland’s finest beaches, and few compare to the breath-taking Old Head Beach, which stretches 2.2km along the shores of Clew Bay.

With a summer lifeguard service, a large car park (height barrier in place) and calm conditions on the right day, it’s a good choice for swimmers and families.

You’ll also find kayaking and SUP rentals on-site in season, plus a pier, woodland walks and even a sauna for warming up after a brisk Atlantic dip.

5. Westport for lunch and a ramble

Westport is a 25-minute spin from Old Head. Unlike many Irish towns, Westport was carefully planned in the 18th century, so you can expect wide streets, tree-lined promenades and stone bridges.

Depending on the time of year, finding a lunch spot in Westport can be out of your hands, as the town gets busy quickly and tables fill fast. If you can, try to grab a seat in Servd. on Bridge Street – expect creative brunch plates and great coffee!

When your belly’s full, follow this walking route I’ve put together that covers many of Westport’s main landmarks.

The route is around 1.3km long, takes about 20 minutes, and gives you a great overview of the town. Here’s what you’ll see:

• Stop 1 (coffee): Start at This Must Be The Place for a coffee
• Stop 2 (The Clock): Built in 1947, this is Ireland’s only art-deco municipal clock. It’s nicknamed ‘The Four Faced Liar’ for often showing the wrong time
• Stop 3 (The Octagon): Westport’s most iconic landmark, built between 1843 and 1845, featuring St. Patrick at the top of the column
• Stop 4 (Doris Brothers’ Bridge): A stunning stone bridge
• Stop 5 (The Mall): Walk along the river past St. Mary’s Church
• Stop 6 (Bridge St): End your route among the colourful buildings of Bridge Street

Westport for the night

If you’re following my West of Ireland itinerary while reading this, I’m jealous… Westport is a mighty town when it comes to evening escapades!

Food-wise, there’s a wealth of great grub to sample, regardless of whether you’re after a fancy feed or a casual bite. And when it comes to pubs… well, read on!

Great food in Westport

• An Port Mór: Award-winning restaurant in the town centre focused on local produce and seafood
• JJ O’Malleys: Wide-ranging menu blending traditional Irish favourites with contemporary dishes in a lively setting
• There’s some excellent restaurants in Westport

My favourite pubs in the town

• Toby’s Bar: Traditional, no-frills local pub (home to the best Guinness in town, in my opinion!)
• Blouser’s Pub: Cosy spot with a fireplace, good whiskey selection and regular live music
• Matt Molloy’s: The town’s most famous music pub, hosting traditional Irish sessions nightly
• There’s some mighty pubs in Westport, too! For an end-of-day pint, you’d struggle to beat a visit to Toby’s Bar.

Day 5: Achill Island

Day 5 of this West of Ireland itinerary takes you out onto Achill Island, one of the wildest corners of the Atlantic coast.

It’s around a 45-minute drive from Westport, and you can drive straight onto the island via the bridge at Achill Sound!

Once you cross over, the landscape quickly shifts to vast beaches, exposed cliffs and long, open roads.

The Atlantic Drive

You’re going to be tackling what’s known as the Atlantic Drive. I’ve done this exact spin 7 or 8 times over the years and I genuinely never get tired of it.

The first stop, Mulranny Beach, is a 30-minute drive from Westport. Here are the stops:

• Mulranny Beach: Stretch the legs along the Mulranny Causeway, with sweeping views across Clew Bay
• Dumhach Bheag: Great viewpoint delivering wide-open panoramas over Clew Bay’s scattered islands
• Armada Viewpoint: Overlooks Clare Island, where several Armada ships were wrecked in 1588
• Grace O’Malley’s Castle: A 15th-century tower once used by Grace O’Malley, the Celtic Goddess
• Cloughmore Viewpoint: A rugged roadside stop with fine views towards Achillbeg Island
• Ashleam Cliffs: A WAW Discovery Point where chalk-white cliffs drop sharply into crashing surf below
• Dooega Bay Beach: A peaceful, less-crowded beach with soft sands, rock pools, and stunning views
• Minaun Heights: A 466m-high viewpoint offering one of the best panoramic views on this Wild Atlantic Way route
• Keel Beach: A vast sandy beach perfect for surfing, kayaking, and coastal walks
• Keem Beach: Iconic golden-sand beach surrounded by green hills
• Golden Strand: A broad, crescent-shaped beach with views towards Slievemore
• Back to Westport: It’s a 1-hour drive

Back to Westport

When you land back in Westport, head into your accommodation (here’s where to stay in Westport) and chill for a while.

When you’re ready, set-off into the town for the evening.

Great food in Westport

• Sage: Contemporary Irish cooking with beautifully presented dishes
• The Helm (Westport Quay): Nautical-themed seafood spot known for excellent chowder, monkfish and a cosy bar next door

More great Westport pubs

• Moran’s: Proper old-school trad bar with a tiny interior and one of the best pints in town
• McGing’s Bar: Heritage-heavy High Street pub with wood panelling, a roaring fire in winter and regular live music
• The Old Grainstore: Atmospheric pub in a former 1700s grainstore, great for whiskey lovers and cosy winter pints

Day 6: Castlebar and North Mayo

Day 6 of my West of Ireland itinerary takes you to a part of the island that many visitors tend to miss – North Mayo.

It’s often best known for the towering Dun Briste sea stack, but this corner of Ireland is far from a one-trick pony.

Where to stay in Belmullet on days 6 and 7

• Budget: Geraghtys Farmyard Pods (quirky accommodation a 15-minute stroll from town centre)
• Mid-range: Broadhaven Bay Hotel (3-star hotel overlooking the water a 15-minute walk from the centre) and The Talbot Hotel (4-star right in town)
• High-end: None

1. National Museum of Ireland (Country Life)

The first stop of day 6 is a 20-minute spin from Westport – the National Museum of Ireland Country Life!

The National Museum of Ireland Country Life sits at Turlough Park, 8km east of Castlebar, and it focuses on rural Irish life from the 1850s onwards.

This is the one to visit if you want to understand how people actually lived, worked and survived outside the cities. Farming tools, fishing gear, household objects and craft traditions are the backbone of the collection.

Admission is free and you’ll want to allow 1.5 to 2 hours inside, then walk the grounds if the weather holds.

2. Coffee in Ballina

Ballina is a 35-minute drive north of the museum and it sits on the River Moy, right before it reaches Killala Bay. Stop at Mocha Beans Ballina, first, and then set-off for a stroll.

The River Moy is world-renowned for salmon fishing, and the Ridge Pool sits right in the centre of town. Cross either of the two 1830s stone bridges and you’ve seen the core of the town.

History-wise, there’s St Muredach’s Cathedral (1827) and the 1898 Humbert Monument, marking the French landing during the 1798 rebellion.

About five minutes from town, Belleek Woods offers a complete change of pace. Covering roughly 200 acres, it’s one of the largest urban woodlands in Europe, with easy trails that run alongside the River Moy.

3. Rosserk Friary

Rosserk Friary is a 15-minute drive north of Ballina, tucked quietly along the River Moy on the road toward Killala. Founded around 1441 for the Franciscan Third Order, it’s widely regarded as one of the best-preserved friary ruins in Ireland.

The church is late Irish Gothic in style, with a single nave, south transept chapels and a bell tower rising above the chancel arch.

Inside, the stonework is surprisingly detailed, including a beautifully carved double piscina decorated with angels and Passion symbols – not something you expect to find in what looks, from the outside, like “just another ruin”.

It was burned in 1590 during the Reformation, likely by Sir Richard Bingham, who had a habit of leaving his mark on Mayo. Allow 20 – 30 minutes. It’s compact, atmospheric and usually blissfully quiet.

4. Moyne Abbey

Moyne Abbey is a handy 8-minute drive from Rosserk, just outside Killala, and around 20 minutes from Ballina. Founded before 1455 and consecrated in 1462, it too was burned in 1590… a rough year to be a friary in Mayo.

This one is larger and more dramatic than Rosserk. The church and domestic buildings are arranged around a central cloister, and much of the structure still stands to near full height.

The east window, with its Gothic tracery, is particularly impressive, and the cloister arcade is the highlight – you can still walk beneath the arches and imagine daily monastic life.

5. Dún Briste

Downpatrick Head is around 30 minutes from Moyne Abbey and it’s one of the most striking stops on the north Mayo coast.

From the car park, it’s a 500m walk across grass to the clifftop. After rain, it gets very boggy, and the cliffs are unfenced, so mind your footing and give the edge a wide berth, especially if the wind is up (and this is north Mayo, so it often is).

Out to sea stands Dún Briste, a 45m-high sea stack that separated from the mainland in 1393 when a sea arch collapsed. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to explore the headland.

There’s also the WWII “EIRE 64” marker, the ruins of St Patrick’s Church and the blowhole known as Púl na Seantine. On a clear day, it’s spectacular. In rough weather, it’s dramatic – just steer well clear of the edge!

6. Céide Fields

The Céide Fields are about 20 minutes from Downpatrick Head, west of Ballycastle on the R314, and they’re the oldest known field system in the world.

The stone walls hidden beneath the blanket bog date back almost 6,000 years. What you’re looking at is a preserved Neolithic farming landscape – field systems, house sites and megalithic tombs frozen in time under layers of peat.

The visitor centre is well worth a stop. It explains how the site was discovered in the 1930s and gives essential context before you head out onto the bog.

Allow 60–90 minutes and wear proper footwear – the ground is uneven, and the viewing platform sits 110 metres above the Atlantic.

7. Belmullet for the evening

The final stretch of the day is a 40-minute spin west to Belmullet, the main town on the Mullet Peninsula. I’ve recommended the Broadhaven Bay Hotel as your base – it’s central, comfortable and you can walk to everything, which is ideal after a long day on the road.

For food, The Talbot Hotel on Lower Barrack Street is a good shout. Talbot’s Seafood Bar is a great spot for a relaxed dinner with fresh, local caught seafood and generous portions.

For post-adventure pints, McDonnells Bar & Undertakers is hard to beat – its an old-school Irish pub with a friendly buzz about it and there’s often tunes at the weekends.

Day 7: The Mullet Peninsula

So, as was the case with day 1, day 7 of this West of Ireland road trip will depend entirely upon you and your schedule.

If today is head-home-day, then hit the road. If you have all of day 7 to explore, here are some options:

1. Pick a walk

If the weather plays ball, North Mayo is made for a proper ramble. Here are three solid options on and around the Mullet Peninsula, from handy strolls to half-day loops.

If you’re short on time, Erris Head is the sweet spot. If you’ve energy to burn and the weather’s good, Benwee will steal the show.

Erris Head Loop (Mullet Peninsula): 5km / 1.5–2 hours / Moderate

Starting about 4km from Belmullet, the Erris Head Loop winds around the headland with constant Atlantic views. There’s some gradual climbing and boggy patches, so boots are a good shout. On a clear day you’ll see Eagle Island lighthouse and sea arches carved into the cliffs.

Cross Loop Walk (Mullet Peninsula): 5.7km to 7.6km / 1.5–2.5 hours / Easy

These are well-marked coastal loops starting beside Cross Abbey at Cross Point. Expect quiet lanes, shoreline paths and views towards Inis Gé and Inis Gluaire. This is the one to choose if you want something scenic without too much effort.

Benwee Head Loop (near Carrowteige): 12.4km / 5 hours / Hard

For those with decent fitness, the Benwee Head Loop is well worth doing. The loop climbs to 255m with 383m of ascent and serves up some of the wildest cliff scenery in the West of Ireland.

2. A post-walk feed

If you’ve worked up an appetite after one of the walks, The Western Strands on Main Street in Belmullet is a handy spot to refuel.

They serve lunch from 12pm Friday to Sunday and dinner from 5pm (Thursday through Sunday), with a menu that leans towards crowd-pleasers and local seafood.

Expect things like fresh fish specials, classic mains, solid burgers and steaks, plus rotating daily specials depending on what’s in.

3. Mayo’s best beaches

Although it may not always get the weather, there are few places in Ireland for beaches like the Mullet Peninsula. On a fine day, the sandy shores and coves here are like something from a land far more tropical.

My favourite of the bunch are Elly Beach (wide, sandy Blue Flag beach) Falmore Beach (faces out towards the Inishkea Islands), Glosh (wild with plenty of waves) and Cross Beach (quiet, scenic and often blissfully empty).

Grab a coffee to-go from the Western Strands and enjoy a saunter along the sand. 

4. Blacksod Lighthouse

At the tip of the Mullet Peninsula, Blacksod Lighthouse is more than a scenic stop – it famously provided the weather report that helped shape the D-Day landings.

Guided tours (around 30 minutes, €12) take you through the old keeper’s quarters and up the tower to the original Fresnel lens and balcony views over Blacksod Bay towards Achill.

Booking ahead is needed during summer. It’s still a working site, so tours can pause for rescue operations. Short, fascinating and well worth stopping by.

An evening in Belmullet

Today comes to an end back in Belmullet Town. If you haven’t tried it already, grab a feed at the Broadhaven Bay Hotel. The Bayside Restaurant is the more polished option, serving a mix of modern and traditional Irish dishes with plenty of local produce.

If you’re after something more relaxed, the Kilmore Bar does all-day food and usually has music at the weekends – handy when you don’t want to overthink dinner.

The chances are, if you visited McDonnells pub last night, you’ll want to return (it really is a peach of a pub). However, if you want to mix it up, O’D’s Bar is well worth a look. It’s a cosy, traditional pub that pours a great pint of Guinness!

And that, folks, is a wrap on my 7 day West of Ireland itinerary! Have questions? Ask away in the comments below! Cheers!

Explore beyond the West of Ireland

I’d always recommend weighing up different options when it comes do deciding what to do in Ireland for a week!

You’ve already seen my West of Ireland itinerary, now here are some other options (you can see each on my map above):

• Southwest of Ireland itinerary
• West Coast of Ireland road trip
• Donegal and Northern Ireland itinerary
• Fly into Dublin and out of Shannon road trip
• Northern Ireland itinerary