Tour up the West Coast

Hi

We have never been to Ireland before and we want to do a trip up the West Coast.  I have a dream to move to the west coast to see the sun set over the water daily (Stupid I guess but we all need to dream!)

We have booked a flight into Cork in August and are picking up a car but after that I have no idea and would welcome suggestions of where to book accommodation giving ourselves time to explore.  We only have a week and appreciate we cannot see everything. We want to stay somewhere nice in Cork on the 1st day (we land at 4pm) and don't know whether we should stay more than 1 night or move somewhere else?

Any advice will be more than welcome

Thanks in advance

Lynn Ash

Hi Lynn,

To watch the sunset over the Atlantic is a dream we all share here on the island of Ireland and some of us are fortunate to see it every day!

Cork is a great city to spend some time and a day or two would be lovely. We have an approved accommodation search page which may be helpful, I have pre-selected Cork and B&B to get you started, please feel free to change the location and type using the drop-down menus.

The Wild Atlantic Way has many sections to discover and depending on any specific must-see places, it is a fantastic drive from County Donegal all the way down to Cork. The Beara Peninsula would be a good place to start, a drive around there before stopping in the Dingle area would be great, following that a drive up to the Aran Islands and Galway is also a must.

Is there anything, apart from a sunset, that you would love to see and do?

I hope this gives you lots of inspiration, and hopefully, your fellow members and some industry partners will be able to add to this list! 

Speak soon, 
Martin

Hi Martin

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I will look forward to pouring over a map at the weekend and checking out the links you kindly included.

I will probably be back in touch when I have discovered what else there is to see.  I am very excited!

Cheers again

Lynn 

Hi Lynn,

That's a great idea, we are here all the time to help, even at weekends!

The accommodation search page has a helpful view in map feature available if you are unsure of the smaller places to stay.

I look forward to taking a look at any itinerary plans you make, it's great to see what wonderful things our visitors plan to see.

Martin

Hi Lynn!
What, may I ask, is the least bit stupid about wanting to see a sunset over the water?? Sure isn't that just pure tonic for your soul :) Ok, we may be slightly biased, but it's still true!
There are so many amazing places along our west coast, it's hard to choose the best one.  Of course, I am going to tell you that you have to come to Doolin, to the Cliffs of Moher and to the Aran Islands, but I promise, you will not be disappointed.  By August, the evenings are still long, so sunsets will be somewhere around 9pm.  

3 suggestions for a spectacular sunset:

1. Aran Islands
Stay overnight on one of the islands - we sail to all 3 daily from Doolin and you can take an extended return and come back the next day or any day for that matter. (This image of Dun Aonghasa appeared on Facebook: Aran Island Horse Riding)



2. Doonagore Castle
Take an evening Cliffs of Moher Cruise, settle in to your accommodation in Doolin and then take a drive up to Doonagore Castle, which overlooks the bay and on out to the Aran Islands


Another choice is to take a stroll back down to Doolin pier, and just take in the beautiful sunset before heading off to one of our amazing Irish traditional pubs for a night of musical entertainment.


 
3. From the top of the Cliffs of Moher
The centre stays open until 9pm and the crowds will have thinned out by then ( this picture was taken by Cormac McGinley, a marine biologist who offers guided walks to the cliffs



So, Lynn, I hope I have persuaded you to consider us as a sunset-worthy destination :)  I sincerely hope this trip to Ireland is your first of many and that you have a fantastic visit.

All the best,
Joan

Hi Joan

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

This has given us loads to think about

Cheers

Lynn

Hi Lynn, 

I am happy to see you've received so many wonderful suggestions! Keep us posted on your plans, and we're always here if you have any questions. :)