With dramatic cliffs, rolling emerald hills, quaint fishing villages, and a rich history, Western Ireland simply begs to be explored. While there are plenty of hidden gems across this region, which encompasses the counties of Galway, Clare, Limerick, and parts of Donegal, the harbor town of Galway and the fishing port of Killybegs are the ideal starting points for a Western Ireland sojourn—especially when you’re arriving by sea.

Pack your walking shoes, a raincoat, and your sense of wonder and set off to explore these two charming coastal outposts.

Galway

The town of Galway has the affectionate nickname of, “The most Irish city in Ireland,” making it an ideal place to immerse yourself in Irish culture. County Galway is home to the largest percentage of Irish speakers in the country, so you’ll have plenty of time to hear the beauty of the spoken language while cozying up in a local pub, sampling traditional Irish fare, and enjoying live music.

See: Spend a few hours wandering through the vibrant Latin Quarter. One of the most dynamic neighborhoods in Galway, it features colorful buildings, cobblestoned roads, unique shops, and even some medieval heritage sites. As you meander, stop, and listen to the buskers playing traditional music throughout the neighborhood. Love what you hear? Throw them a few euros and then head into a local pub for even more live music.

Shop: Legend has it that Galway is where the iconic Irish Claddagh ring came from—you may recognize the design with two hands holding a crowned heart, which symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. While the origin story of this famous piece of jewelry has evolved over hundreds of years, local goldsmith Thomas Dillon’s has been handcrafting the rings since 1750. Stop by their Quay Street shop and pick out one of your own. There are also some wonderful shops where you can find traditional Irish clothing and crafts, including handknit Aran sweaters.

Taste: Galway is a wonderful place to sample Irish food and drink, especially if you love seafood. Perhaps its most famous dish is local oysters, served raw with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a pint of beer. At most local pubs, you can find traditional comfort foods like boxty (Irish potato pancakes), Irish stew, black pudding, and freshly baked soda bread.

Killybegs

It’s not just a fun name to say; it’s a beautiful place to visit. Nestled along the Wild Atlantic Way, a scenic coastal route known for its stunning landscapes, Killybegs is Ireland’s biggest fishing port. The town, located in County Donegal, offers an appealing escape for those seeking a slower pace of life, with warm and welcoming residents, plenty of natural beauty, and endless waterfront views.

See: Just a short drive from the center of town, Fintra Beach is always dressed to impress, with soft golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful views of the surrounding rolling hills. Visitors and locals alike flock to Fintra Beach for family fun, leisurely picnics, and quiet relaxation. While beautiful on a sunny day, it’s also worth a visit when the clouds roll in—the combination of churning ocean and cloud-draped hillsides feels somehow even more authentic.

Shop: Killybegs’ local shopping scene is a celebration of all things local, artisan and quality. Spend an afternoon popping in and out of boutiques and leave with treasures like hand-woven textiles, unique pottery, locally dyed yarn, handmade chocolates, and historic Killybegs lace.

Taste: As an important fishing port, Killybegs is the perfect place to indulge in the bounty of the sea. Hungry visitors can enjoy locally caught seafood including mussels, prawns, crab, classic fish and chips, and rich and creamy seafood chowder.

Western Ireland is more than just a stopover between better-known Northern European destinations. It’s an idyllic getaway, rich with natural splendor, maritime history, and artistic tradition. And there is no better way to experience the rich culture and beauty of the region than on a Seabourn ultra-luxury cruise.