Inhabitants of the Western counties are surrounded with historical and cultural gems, so much so that is easy to take them for granted.  The stunning Cliffs of Moher has made it to the 28 official finalists in the New 7 Wonders of the World online poll.

The Cliffs of Moher has the distinction of being among the 28 official finalists in the New 7 Wonders of the Natural World online poll.  You can view all 28 finalists and cast your vote here

We are spoiled with stunning scenery throughout the region such as the Burren, Connemara and the aforementioned Cliffs of Moher.  We boast quaint heritage towns bustling with activity and are spoit for choice with castles, dolmens, islands and ancient monuments and sites to explore.  Weekends are for exploring the region and there is always something to see and do.  

Four of Ireland's six National Parks are located in the Western Region. They are Glenveagh, Ballycroy, Connemara and the Burren.  Perhaps the least well known is Ballycroy which is the most recently established in 1998.  As far back as 1937 in his famous travel book, The Way that I went, Robert Lloyd Praeger described this area thus, “Indeed the Nephinbeg range of mountains is I think the very loneliest place in this country, for the hills themselves are encircled by this vast area of trackless bog…..I confess I find such a place not lonely or depressing but inspiriting.  You are thrown at the same time back upon yourself and forward against the mystery and majesty of nature.”

The Park contains the Owenduff bog which is one of the last intact active blanket bog systems in Ireland and Western Europe.  Exotic fauna including greenland white-fronted geese, red grouse, golden plover and otters are to be found within the park, which itself is part of the much larger Owenduff/Nephin Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC).  This is a wonderful part of our region and of Ireland that will touch site-seers and culture seekers just as it did Praeger, over 70 years ago.

Offering ‘a unique experience’ is the The Céide Fields in North Mayo, a living example of our historic past and the life and its struggles our ancestors faced.  Here visitors can indulge themselves in a vast prehistoric landscape, a natural wild ecology of blanket bog, dramatic cliffs and coastline, and a much acclaimed building, which has received Ireland’s most prestigious architectural award.

If you need inspiration, the Tourism Ireland Website and Lonely Planet Guide have extensive sections on activities in the region and things to do with children.