US website singles out one rural Irish village as a 'must-visit' for tourists

The Wild Atlantic Way's rugged charm has been hailed as a paradise for holidaymakers , from domestic vacationers to overseas explorers. A US travel site has heaped accolades on the west of Ireland, shining a spotlight on a quaint village in rural Co. Galway , which is expected to attract more attention and tourism revenue to the area.

"The charming village of Clarinbridge in Co Galway " received special mention in a recent feature that highlighted this hidden treasure deserving of greater recognition by travellers. While tourists in the county, particularly Americans, tend to stick to Galway city and the well-known attractions of Connemara, the newfound focus on this village is set to enhance its global standing.

"Even Dubliners find it worth the three-hour journey to immerse themselves in the myriad experiences on offer here, appealing to all types of travel enthusiasts," noted the travel website reports Galway Beo . Clarinbridge may not be bustling with Dublin accents, but there's no denying that people from all over come to savour the nation's oyster hub.

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The local passion for these delectable molluscs is so fervent that the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival has celebrated the community's love for them for seventy years. Cultivated locally in what's been dubbed "perfect" conditions, these "probably the most succulent oysters in the world" are not only a treat for seafood aficionados but also crucial for sustaining employment in the region.

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This year's festival is set to take place from 6 to 8 September, with over 100,000 oysters anticipated to be consumed during the weekend festivities. In addition to the festival attracting visitors, Clarinbridge boasts significant historical remains and artefacts.

A suspected medieval fortification can be found on the banks of the Clarin River, while an ancient ringfort - known as Dunbulcaun - is located near the Ballynamanagh Bridge.

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