One of the must-see attractions of the Emerald Isle, these enormous cliffs hug the North Atlantic with all its ferocity. It’s difficult for your eyes to comprehend their height as drop down to the foamy waters below, but they say the cliffs are 120 metres (390 ft) on average, with a maximum height of 214 metres (702 ft). Now, this is impressive enough, but the fact that they extend for as long as 14 kilometres (9 miles) makes this a bucket list item. Look out and you’ll see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Gaze deeper and you might see a very distant island floating on the horizon - Hy Breasail or St. Brendan’s Island - a fictional island that inspires who knows how many dreamers to travel west to ‘the island of promise’. Once the wind has refreshed you well enough, seek shelter in The Atlantic Edge interpretive centre, to gain a deeper understanding of the topology, flora and fauna of the area. Then warm up with some snacks, beverages or even a meal.

(optional) Built by the MacNamaras around 1425, but later the seat of the O’Brien family, this impressive castle appeases most expectations of a stereotypical ‘medieval castle’. Today, adjoining the castle is "Bunratty Folk Park" that demonstrates life in 19th century Ireland. It’s an open-air museum featuring around 30 buildings. In the evenings, the castle itself holds banquets that are as true to the medieval format as is practical.

Meaning ‘Rocky Place’ in Irish, you might think that there’s not much to this place but a load of bright grey rocks. But look a bit closer and you’ll find treasures. In fact, the protected area is quite unique in that naturally hosts flowers from sub-arctic, mountainous and Mediterranean areas. 23 of Ireland’s 27 orchid species can be found in the Park. 75% of Ireland’s native plant species can be found in this ostensibly barren landscape. This is a surreal karst landscape that has been compared to the moon for its blanket of nearly endless limestone.

(optional) Dolmens are one of Ireland’s icons. They’ve been a part of the native architecture of Ireland for longer than the existence of the Egyptian pyramids. Few of them are more epic than the Poulnabrone Dolmen. It the best known and most widely photographed of the approximately 172 dolmens in Ireland. Dolmens are not only impressive megalithic arrangements, they are burial sites. The remains underneath this dolmen date from between 3800 BC and 3200 BC, though the construction could have happened anytime between 4200 BC and 2900 BC.

A picturesque setting is carved by the medieval fortification right beside Galway Bay. Built in the 1520s by Rory Mor O'Shaughnessy, the castle has been and continues to be an inspiration for historians, writers, musicians and poets.

(optional) Galway is renowned in Ireland for being the most vibrant and cultured city in the country. Regarded as the most ‘Irish’ city, due to its isolation in western Ireland and the high number of Irish-speakers, Galway has a refreshing and energetic air. Architecturally, Galway has a unique feel thanks to the preservation of townhouses from the 17th and even 16th centuries. The best place for a proper ‘session’ (Traditional Irish Music session), Galway has no shortage of authentic and charming pubs. But even during the day, you’ll hear talented buskers breathing music into the narrow streets. Learn about the famous Claddagh ring, Arran Sweater or Galway Hooker (it’s a boat!).

One of the most stunning coastal drives in the world, the Wild Atlantic Way stretches the entire west coast of the island of Ireland. The untamable Irish coastline has stood defiantly against the north Atlantic’s storms for millenia. It shows us just how beautiful yet powerful and unforgiving the mighty sea can be.

(optional) An Early Christian site founded by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th century on the eastern bank of the River Shannon. The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches (10th-13th century), two round towers, three high crosses and the largest collection of Early Christian graveslabs in Western Europe. The original high crosses and a selection of graveslabs are on display in the visitor centre. The long and varied history of Clonmacnoise is recounted in an audiovisual presentation shown in the visitor centre. There are also exhibitions that deal with the flora, fauna and landscape of the region.