Donegal Town is a fairytale of a place, featuring a charming harbour, serene beaches and stoic stone remains of centuries past, like those of 15th-century Donegal Abbey. Stern-looking Donegal Castle, recently restored to its one-time Gaelic glory, is the crown jewel of the area. If you’re looking for souvenirs, snag a hand-woven tweed or carpet, the signature goods of the area. For a good craic, the pubs of The Diamond area are a sure bet.

A true family destination, Westport boasts magnificent scenery, golf facilities, recreational fishing, sailing and yachting, beach swimming, hiking and cycling trails, and (to top it all off) a placed called Pirate Adventure Park. What kid wouldn't love this place? Visit in September and you'll witness the exciting Westport Arts Festival, perfect for all ages. And Westport was Google Earth's first fully 3D town, so you can relive the memories from your computer when you get home!

"The City of Tribes" provides a fun blast of the Ireland many first-time visitors expect. The compact city centre, with its winding streets, packed pubs and air of celebration, is easily walked - or pubcrawled. The west-coast city of almost 70,000 is home to merry bands of students, artists, writers and craftspeople, and is merriest during summer's Galway's Arts Festival. Don't miss shopping for Claddagh rings, the Druid Theatre or having a pint o' the black stuff at the atmospheric Tigh Neachtain pub.