KILRUSH to GALWAY
HIGHLIGHTS
- Burren. The limestone plateau with amazing rock formations, native flora and a superb archaeological heritage. Unesco Geopark.
- Loop Head. The tip of the promontory where the Shannon ends. The lighthouse, built in 1854, is 23 metres high. Panoramic view from the top.
- Wild Kitchen, Lahinch. Oonagh Dwyer organizes guided foraging excursions to collect wild algae and herbs.
- Cliffs of Moher Walking Trail. A 10 kilometers journey between the depths of the Cliffs of Moher, away from the crowds of the Visitor Center.
- Pollock Holes, Kilkee. Natural pools carved into the rock, filled with transparent water deposited by the ocean after it recedes on the low tide.
- Aniar, Galway. The Michelin-starred restaurant of JP MacMahon, visionary chef and writer. In the kitchen he uses wild herbs and local ingredients.
- Poulnabrone Dolmen. A megalithic tomb that dates back to 2500 BC, in the Burren stony landscape.
- Music pubs in Doolin. Good music not only at the historic Gus O’Connor’s Pub, but also at Fitzpatrick’s Bar, McDermott’s and McGann’s Pub.
- Moran’s Oyster Cottage, Kilcogan. For seven generations has served oysters and Guinness in a bucolic setting. A classic of the West.
- Inisheere. The smallest of the Aran Islands can be reached from Doolin in 30 minutes by boat. A taste of Ireland’s most famous archipelago.
AUTHOR’S TIPS
Dolphinwatch, Carrigaholt.
Cruises to spot Shannon dolphins, but also seals and fin whales.
Loop Head Lightkeeper's House, Kilbaha.
Sleep in the lighthouse keeper's house, in the romantic solitude of Loop Head.
https://irishlandmark.com/properties/loop-head-lightkeepers-house/
Diamond Rocks Cafe, Kilkee.
Coffee and cakes overlooking the ocean at the start of the trail to the Kilkee Cliffs.
Wild Kitchen, Lahinch.
Oonagh O'Dwyer runs guided foraging hikes to collect algae and wild herbs.
https://www.facebook.com/wildkitchen.ie/
Vaughans Anchor Inn, Liscannor.
An inn in the fishing village south of the Cliffs of Moher. Fish restaurant and charming rooms.
Doolin Cliff Walk, Doolin.
Walk the Cliffs of Moher with Pat Sweeney who knows every secret of the famous cliffs.
Home Stad Cottage, Doolin.
A rural restaurant in a 200-year-old cottage, overlooking the ocean, next to the Cliffs of Moher. Perfect at sunset.
https://www.homesteadcottagedoolin.com/
Wild Honey Inn, Lisdoonvarna.
An inn with charming rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant in a nineteenth-century house.
The Roadside Tavern, Lisdoonvarna.
A historic pub with microbrewery, famous for its music, good food and house beer.
www.burrenexperiences.ie/the-roadside-tavern/
Caherconnell Stone Fort, Carron.
A ring fort of medieval origin, very well preserved, between the pastures and the Burren stones.
The Burren Perfumery, Carron.
In the heart of the arid Burren, perfumes and creams with essences, extracted from wild flowers or naturally grown.
O' Loclainn Irish Whiskey Bar, Ballyvaughan.
A tiny pub with a large collection of whiskeys, including special editions, and décor that dates back to 1935.
Hazel Mountain Chocolate, Oughtmama.
A 4.0 chocolate factory, fair trade, ecological. Shop, tea room and nature trails. Also in Galway.
www.hazelmountainchocolate.com
Linnane's Lobster Bar, New Quay.
Seafood cuisine at the historic New Quay beach cottage. The ingredients come from nearby fishermen.
Moran's Oyster Cottage, Kilcogan.
For seven generations he has been serving oysters and Guinness in the Kilcogan pub. A classic of the West.
Micil Distillery, Salthill
The distillery of a Connemara family that has been producing illegal poítin for years. Now it can be found together with whiskey and Irish gin.
Aniar, Galway.
The reign of JP MacMahon, Michelin-starred chef, writer and visionary researcher. His bread is accompanied by a poem.
https://www.aniarrestaurant.ie/
Éan, Galway.
The creative restaurant-wine bar of the Michelin-starred and sustainable Loam, from breakfast to dinner, always based on local products.
Kai Restaurant, Galway.
A New Zealand chef who uses local products for an unconventional market cuisine.
Tigh Neachtain, Galway.
One of the oldest and most popular pubs in Galway, with a great selection of whiskey and house beer.
