Tourism

The stunning natural landscape, culture, tradition and lifestyle combine to create a world-class holiday destination.

Tourism has been part of the lifeblood of Ireland and the West for centuries. Recent years have seen growth in areas such as water based activity holidays and a genuine rural tourism experience combining heritage and culture with a green environment and quality food.

• There is demand for theme based holidays such as walking, golfing, horse-riding & cooking.
• New and emerging sports and activities provide additional opportunities to the Tourism industry. 
• The West’s world class surfing and the emergence of local sporting endurance events such as the Connemarathon provide a boost in terms of foreign and domestic tourism.
• In 2009 Galway proved itself on the world stage as an excellent and hospitable stopover venue for the Volvo Ocean World Race.

Source: Failte Ireland Tourism Facts 2008

New tourism enterprises can avail of a range of supports from Fáilte Ireland and the EU Leader programme.

Some companies here already

National Museum of Ireland, Brian McEniff Hotels, Bunratty Castle, Hodson Bay Watersports, Lahinch Surf School