Want to escape the winter chill, but find beach holidays boring? Why not try a sightseeing holiday in the west of Ireland.

Many visitors see Ireland as a leafy green island, full of pubs, clubs and thatched cottages. And to be honest- they’re not far wrong. The more west you travel, the more remote it becomes with a stunning landscape running the entire west coast.

Starting at the Ring of Kerry and running north for 470 Miles (approx), ‘till you enter the splendid Co Donegal, the battered west coast remains unspoiled with towering cliffs and sandy beaches.

Three weeks ago I travelled this journey, starting in Killarney, Co Kerry, and ending up in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. This twelve day trip brought me to many remote areas, including some of the more well knowing sites: Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Connermara to name a few.

Ireland has the lowest population density in Europe so there is lots of room on the roads, which make driving these remote areas a pleasure.

For the more adventurous there are several boat trips along the coast to some of Ireland’s most remote islands. The coastline and the islands are littered with a wide range of fauna - a perfect habitat for so many different species.

The most popular months for visiting Ireland are between June and September, but don’t let this turn you away from a winter break. Ireland doesn’t have an extreme climate: the weather is normally mild throughout these winter months.

The harsh Atlantic Ocean hammers the west coast most of the year round. While not renowned for water sports, the Atlantic waves make this region of Ireland attractive to the brave surfer.

If you do have time to spare, a tour of the west of Ireland should take three weeks at the very least. You could spend weeks in Killarney alone, but if time allowed you, it’s well worth spending a day there, at the very least.

With such a wide variety of places to visit along the coast, a quick break here is a must for any person in love with the great outdoors. The Irish landscape is one of Ireland’s greatest attractions. Magnificent scenery has attracted many visitors to this part of Ireland for years, some travelling for the scenery, and more travelling for the song and dance. Whether you‘re looking for excitement or just want to sit back and relax in the lush countryside - coastal Ireland has it all.

Submitted by: TJ Tierney TJ Tierney. Award winning Irish Landscape photographer. If you are looking for more photo tips visit http://www.goldenirishlight.com/photographytips.html To view some of his images visit his on line gallery @ http://www.goldenirishlight.com