Dreaming of a sip of that frothy, pitch-black Guinness in a dimly-lit alley lined with pubs, to the sound of Gaelic buskers?
Or perhaps exploring fairytale castles nestled deep in a verdant hinterland, the place few have trodden earlier than?
You know, the stuff of legendary kings and chivalric tales.
Ireland is looking, and it is excessive time you answered in 2025, however for those who assume overtouristed Dublin is the reply to these cravings, we would urge you to rethink until you are comfortable with paying $10 or extra for industrialized lager, and seeing extra kebab retailers per sq. mile than you’d in Istanbul.
Looking for a more true, extra genuine model of Ireland? You ought to head as an alternative to the West Coast, that’s the truth is a shorter flight from America and away from the spoils of globalization:
Why Swap Dublin For The West Coast Of Ireland?
Though not that many U.S. vacationers know this, Dublin isn’t the one airport they’ll fly to nonstop when planning an Ireland journey.
They can select to land as an alternative in Shannon Airport, which serves the West Coast, or how poets have known as it over the centuries, the Wild Atlantic Way, the place the drab suburbs give method to lush hills, moon-like landscapes, and castle-dotted rugged surroundings.
We’ll get to these flights in a bit, however what’s it about West Ireland, precisely, that makes it such a magical vacation spot?
It’s solely pure we begin with Limerick, the most important metropolis round these ends, and one which’s a brief 25-minute drive from Shannon Airport.
Limerick
A big metropolis within the Western half of Ireland, Ireland’s third-biggest, at that, Limerick is best-known for its charming Old Town, the place stone-paved streets run alongside rows upon rows of Georgian-era homes, and the monumental King John’s Castle.
A Thirteenth-century fortification, it’s perched on the River Shannon waterfront, and it is amongst Ireland’s most historically-significant websites, based by Norman lords to defend the territory towards native Gaelic uprisings on the time of Ireland’s conquest.
As a college metropolis, Limerick can be recognized for its vibrant nightlife, and for those who assume Dublin’s Temple Bar is all the craze, wait till you are strolling up O’Connell Street, a primary thoroughfare flanked by centuries-old pubs serving Guinness pints for €6.30, and the place you’ll be able to virtually at all times discover reside music.
Charming Towns Galore
You did not simply swap Dublin for yet one more booze-filled metropolis break: with the intention to really soak up the fantastic thing about the West Coast of Ireland, you could take a ‘wee’ detour to a few of its small villages, nonetheless preserving their Gaelic heritage, and filled with Old World attract.
Think Adare, recognized for its thatched-roof cottages and medieval church; Doolin, a small, conventional Irish city with a giant pub scene and pleasant locals; or Kinvara, a fishing village revolving round a picturesque Dunguaire Castle.
The historic metropolis of Galway, in style for its pub-packed Latin Quarter and scenic bay, can be a one-hour drive from Shannon Airport, and it is usually utilized by vacationers as base for exploring the broader County Clare, residence to a few of Ireland’s most stunning pure landmarks.
Beautiful Coastal Scenery
Speaking of nature, those that fly into Dublin and solely keep domestically are lacking out on a lot of Ireland’s most infamous gems: the West Coast’s delight and pleasure, the Cliffs of Moher, are a collection of sea cliffs stretching for five miles, some rising 702 toes above the Atlantic.
Nearby, the Burren is Ireland’s moon-like, karst desert, ensuing from rainwater slowly dissolving the limestone over hundreds of years, and over within the Loop Head Peninsula, you will discover extra breathtaking cliffs, sandy seashores and the landmark Loop Head Lighthouse.
All of those spots are inside quick access of huge cities like Limerick and Galway by automotive, however for those who’re not driving, there are numerous firms taking guests on full-day, guided excursions of main sights just like the Cliffs of Moher, from as little as €50.
The West Coast Of Ireland Is Generally Cheaper Than Dublin
This ties into our subsequent level: Dublin is notorious for being one of the costly locations in Europe, the place a pint of beer will value upwards of €10, in touristy areas like Temple Bar, and the common value of a pub meal is €28 (as per Budget Your Trip estimates).
Out West, costs are typically on the cheaper finish, owing it to the off-path enchantment of a lot of the area, and its rural character—anticipate to pay €10 to €20 for a typical pub meal, and between €5 and €7 for a pint of frothy Guinnnes.
As far as lodging goes, Ireland isn’t precisely essentially the most budget-friendly of locations, although there are some good offers to be discovered, particularly on the Old Quarter Townhouse in Limerick, the place a single room will set you again by €125-a-night, or the Wards Hotel in Galway (€88).
Fly Nonstop From The U.S. To Shannon Airport
Onto these flights now: for those who’re questioning how accessible the West Coast of Ireland is for Americans, it is an even-shorter flight than Dublin, that sits on the East Coast.
Shannon Airport (SNN) is far smaller than Dublin Airport (DUB), so choices flying there are extra restricted, but it surely nonetheless hosts flights from 4 main U.S. hubs:
Boston (BOS)—1 flight per day with Aer Lingus
Chicago (ORD)—1 flight per day with United
Newark (EWR)—1 flight per day with United
New York (JFK)—1 flight per day with Delta or Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is the flag service airline for Ireland, and the common value for an Aer Lingus flight from New York to Shannon stars from solely €521 round-trip.
Naturally, costs are based mostly on season and seat availability.
As for the flight length from the East Coast of America, from someplace like Boston, it’s as quick as 5h50.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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