7-Nights Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way - Self-Drive

Athlone

You won't have to look far to find Athlone's main attraction: Its castle—dating from the 1200s—squats alongside the River Shannon right in the middle of this Irish town 70 mi/115 km west of Dublin, guarding a strategic crossing. The tourist information office is housed in the gatehouse. The castle ramparts offer nice views of the river and of the old, twisting streets that lie along the west bank of the Shannon. Several restaurants and pubs can be found there, including a pub named Sean's, said to be the oldest in Ireland. Also worth visiting are St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church on Market Square, and the Luan Gallery, which features exhibitions of local Midlands artists.

Some of the nearby towns are worth a look as well. We enjoyed visiting the pretty farm and market town of Tullamore (where you can rent a boat for touring the Grand Canal) and the ancient monastic settlement at Clonmacnoise.

In the surrounding area, note the vast brown bogs. The peat bogs—ancient carbonized vegetation on its way to becoming coal—are dug up and dried by the Bord na Mona semistate company, and burned as fuel.

Several companies offer day cruises from Athlone to Lough Ree, offering views of early monastic ruins and flocks of migratory birds. It's a pleasant way to see a bit more of the area. Check the timetables in the tourist office (on the castle grounds). http://www.athlone.ie.

Donegal

The county of Donegal contains breathtaking views of landscapes and seascapes set against a backdrop of mountains and moors, with evidence everywhere of traditional Irish Celtic culture. Its vast rugged coastline is mixed with beautiful beaches with golden sand and crystal clear waters. In addition to Donegal’s spectacular vistas, other major attractions include Glenveagh National Park and Castle, Glebe House and Gallery, Tory Island, Abbey Mill Wheels, Fort Dunree Military Museum, Colmcille Heritage Center and many interesting Celtic ruins.

Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows. Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs. Photo used with permission from Joe Desbonnet, www.galway.net

Westport

Westport, designated one of Bord Failte's Heritage Towns, is situated in the shadow of Croagh Patrick, overlooking Clew Bay. One of the few planned towns in the Country, Westport was designed in the 18th Century by James Wyatt. It has become one of Ireland's established tourism centres, with many outstanding features, most notably the beautiful tree lined boulevard known as The Mall, running parallel to the Carrowbeg River. Croagh Patrick, one of Europe's best know places of Pilgrimage, has provided a tough ascent for many pilgrims each year, climbing barefoot in the memory of St. Patrick, who spent forty days and forty nights fasting on the summit more than 1,500 years ago. A small church at the summit of the mountain welcomes penitents, while magnificent views of Clew Bay, with an island for every day of the week, provides inspiration for many walkers and visitors throughout the year. Westport town boasts many tourist facilities. An excellent 18 hole Championship Golf Course is located on the Golf Course Road, just off the Newport Road, approximately one mile outside the town centre. This fabulous golf course guarantees excellent golf and scenic splendour. Horse riding and Pony trekking is on offer all year round. Clay pigeon shooting, sea angling, hill walking, sailing and adventure sports are among the many other activities on offer to the visitor.

Dublin

Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.