Overview of The North West Region of Ireland

Tourist Information

Thrifty Site Search

The north-west of Ireland is a unique place. It is an area that combines all that is good about Ireland in one small, easy-to-manage region. Stunning scenery, great activities, top attractions, fine food and the best of Irish culture combine to make this a genuinely special place to visit.

The north-west of Ireland is famed for a lot of things, but the scenery is the big draw for many people. There is little that compares to a tour of the rugged Atlantic coastlines of Sligo and Donegal. There are many fascinating villages, towns and sights along the way. You can find all the information you need on Atlantic Drift and Discover Seaside Town.

Inland, you will find a different kind of experience. The lush lakes and valleys of Cavan, Monaghan and Leitrim offer great scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is also a great region for cross-border day trips to Northern Ireland.

A trip to the north-west region will also leave you spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. With the Atlantic Ocean at your doorstep it is not surprising that water sports opportunities are second to none. Surfing, sailing, sea fishing, kiting, wind-surfing, diving and more are all easily and cheaply available. The north-west of Ireland is a haven for walking and hiking enthusiasts, while the region also offers some of the best river and lake fishing in the country. In addition, there is a good choice excellent links and parkland golf courses for the golf enthusiast.

Ireland is a place that is well known for its cultural heritage. Traditional music is still heard in pubs around the country and a number of great writers have hailed from the Emerald Isle. The north-west has long been a hotbed of Irish culture. Some of Irish greatest writers past and present, such as WB Yeats and Patrick Kavanagh, come from the region. There is also a strong music and arts culture that can be seen in the region's festivals every summer.

Getting to and from the north-west of Ireland is easy. It is a two to three hour drive from Ireland's major airports, Dublin and Shannon, while there are a number of local airports in the region. There are also decent rail and bus links from the major towns and cities to the region.

There is a holiday to suit every taste in the north-west. Whether you want to take on the Atlantic waves with your surfboard, sample the craic and ceoil of the Irish pubs or try a rural eco-holiday, you will find something to suit you. For more information on travel, accommodation and things to do in the region you should check out Look West and Passport Breifne.