West Ireland

 
Hero Image

Vacation Packages

The Western Coast of Ireland

Click for Deals

Along with robust outdoor adventure, West Ireland welcomes visitors with traditional music, dance, festivals, celebrations, cuisine and hospitality.

West Ireland Hotels

Costco Member Reviews

Featured Deals

More About West Ireland

Overview

County Clare: Set with postcard-perfect villages like Doolin and Lisdoonvarna, the lunar landscape of the Burren, and the towering Cliffs of Moher, County Clare, is pure tourist gold. Its capital, Ennis, is renowned for its annual Fleadh Nua (Fla-noo-a), in which hundreds of traditional Irish music and dance performers compete. Less formal sessions take place in Doolin's three pubs. Along the mouth of the great Shannon River, and just across the border from County Limerick, the so-called Castle Country is dotted with ruins.

County Limerick: Before you ask, there's no direct connection between Limerick and the five-line verse form known as a limerick, which was first popularized by the English writer Edward Lear in his 1846 Book of Nonsense. Limerick City, at the head of the Shannon estuary, is the republic's third-largest (population 75,000). It has undergone considerable revitalization since the days recounted in Frank McCourt's memoir, Angela's Ashes. The area around its cathedral and castle is dominated by mid-18th-century buildings with fine Georgian proportions.

County Mayo: Cong, County Mayo is Ireland's third largest county, with coast on three of its four sides, and the River Moy and the huge expanse of Lough Conn and Lough Cullin on the fourth. Bright lights are to be found in Castlebar and Westport, lively towns of great charm. The rest of the county has long empty roads leading to isolated shorelines, stunning vistas from remote peaks, and silent ghostly valleys that stretch along for miles. This is a relatively undeveloped destination, where the natives still provide a glimpse of the Ireland of old.

Fodor's Travel logo

Content provided by Fodor's Travel. Copyright © Fodor’s Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Fodor’s is a registered trademarked of Internet Brands, Inc.

Planner

County Clare: It is said to rain in the west on at least 300 of the 365 days in the year. It may be damp, but it’s rarely very cold, with a mean daily temperature around 43° in January and February, the chilliest months. In July and August, the warmest months, average temperatures are around 60°. Mid-May to mid-June is the best time to see wildflowers in the Burren.

County Limerick: The best times to visit are April to June and September and October. July and August are busy months. March is chilly, with daily temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Although May and June are the sunniest months, the average high in June is 65°. For the best chance to stay dry, visit in May and September. The days in November through late March are short and damp.

County Mayo: There is a local saying in the Westport area: if you can't see the summit of Croaghpatrick, then it is raining; if you can see it, it is about to rain. Between November and February, many places close for the winter and the days are short and overcast. In fact, you could have your umbrellas out constantly during all times but the warmest months, July and August, when the average temperatures are around 60°.

Fodor's Travel logo

Content provided by Fodor's Travel. Copyright © Fodor’s Travel, a division of Internet Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Fodor’s is a registered trademarked of Internet Brands, Inc.

Top Experiences

  • Connemara National Park : Hiking trails and longer treks are stunning in this exceptional national park.

  • The Cliffs of Moher : One of Ireland’s most visited natural attractions. Awe-inspiring natural beauty with its sweeping cliffs.

  • Visit Small Towns : Visiting the towns of the area will give you a taste of true Ireland. Galway, Limerick and Cong are just a few of the highlights.

  • Kylemore Abbey : Just a 15-minute drive from Connemara Park, this structure is run by Benedictine nuns and is an oasis of serenity and beauty.

  • Killarney National Park : Just 10 minutes south of Killarney, the park has ancient woodlands and lakes, as well as beautiful gardens. Walking and cycling are popular ways to explore the park.

Content provided by Costco Travel experts. Copyright © Costco Travel. All rights reserved.

Rental Cars

rental car logo

Shannon Airport
Shannon, Ireland (Republic), M SNN
Telephone: (353) 61-715600
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin Airport
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L D
Telephone: (353) 1 605-7500
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Dublin City Centre
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), 8
Telephone: (353) 1-605-7501
Monday-Friday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Rates Include

  • Rates include the daily rental rate, unlimited mileage, taxes and service fees.

Renter Qualifications

  • Renters must be at least 25 years of age at the time of the rental.
  • Major credit card in own name. Debit cards are not accepted.

Accident Protection Plan

  • Optional insurance plans are available to book directly through Avis at the rental location.


rental car logo

Shannon Airport
Shannon, Ireland (Republic), M SNN
Telephone: (353) 061-704914
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin Airport
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L D
Telephone: (353) 01-8445848
Monday-Friday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Dublin City Centre
Dublin, Ireland (Republic), L 1
Telephone: (353) 01-8366577
Monday-Friday Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Rates Include

  • Rates include the daily rental rate, unlimited mileage, taxes and service fees.

Renter Qualifications

  • Renters must be at least 25 years of age at the time of the rental.
  • Major credit card in own name. Debit cards are not accepted.

Accident Protection Plan

  • Optional insurance plans are available to book directly through Enterprise at the rental location.