Galway

Galway is a city, a county, and an experience to be savoured and remembered. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely it's own. There is a certain chemistry and vibrancy to this friendly university city, which many delight in, and few forget. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all -Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric medieval city of culture. From this pulsating heart the rest of the county flows. Galway Bay, immortalised in song, its beauty unchanging. Scenic Gaeltacht areas including the Aran Islands. Connemara, with the picturesque town of Clifden as its capital. Mountains, castles and stone walls, banks of turf, long sandy beaches, clear lakes, joyful leaping streams and flowing rivers. The mighty Shannon, delightful countryside punctuated by pretty villages, traditional pubs.

Explore

Galway City
Galway is a medieval city that is rich in culture. It is also a university city which is partly responsible for its vibrancy and love for the arts. It has much to offer visitors, both young and old.

Salthill
Situated just minutes from the Galway City Centre, Salthill is a traditional seaside resort offering facilities to please young and old. Salthill's famous prom is the perfect place to watch the sun go down on Galway Bay.

An Ghaeltacht - Galway's Gaelic Speaking Region
Galway's Gaeltacht is made up of South Connemara and the three Aran Islands that lie just of Connemara's coastline. Here, Irish traditions have never faded and traditional Irish food, music, dance, song and the Irish language can all be experienced in their natural habitat.

Galway's Islands
The Coast of Galway has many islands. The Aran Islands are unique and famous for their archaeology, language and culture. Inisbofin has fascinating historic sites and enchanting walks with breathtaking views. While in South Connemara the visitor can drive through a myriad of Islands, each one with its own uniqueness.

Corrib & Clare Valleys
The lovely Corrib Lake practically divides County Galway in two. To the East, the Clare Valley, a perfect location for cruising, fishing or just taking a peaceful stroll. To the West is the Connemara region with great contrasting landscapes.

Connemara
Connemara is a region which is often described as the heartland of Irish culture. It is rich in tradition and is famous for it's warm hospitality. The area offers a dramatic mix of scenery from lakeland to rugged coastline, from bogland in the South to lush woodland in the North.

Literary Galway & Heritage Towns
Thoor Ballylee was once the home of W.B. Yeats. Nearby Coole Park was made famous by Yeats' poem, Swans of Coole. Both are well worth a visit for literary and scenic value. Nearby Gort and Athenry are both towns of great character and are well deserved of their 'heritage town' status.

Excursions
Touring Galway should not be rushed, however, visitors on shorter breaks are well catered for with several day and half day excursions and tours of all of the areas mentioned above. These include bus tours to all areas on the mainland, boat trips to the islands and cruises on the Corrib Lake and River.

Attractions

Portumna Castle
The great semi-fortifed house at Portumna was built before 1618 by Richard Burke or de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde. There are exhibitions in the castle and Gate House. Guided tours of the gardens and part of the castle are available on request.

Coole Park
The former home of Lady Gregory, a founder of the Abbey Theatre and friend of William Butler Yeats. The house no longer stands, but the estate is now a national nature reserve. The garden of the house, with its yew walk and autograph tree is preserved. Carved on the autograph tree, among others are the signatures of John Masefield, George Bernard Shaw, Sean O'Casey. Attractions include nature trails, walks, a lake and turlough.

Turoe Pet Farm and Leisure Park
Situated in a beautiful rural setting Turoe Pet Farm provides great attractions for young and old, native and tourist! Excellent facilities are provided to cater for individual, family and group needs.

Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre
The battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre tells the story of the deadly battle fought at Aughrim. The Battle of Aughrim Centre is an ideal stop-off on a journey between Dublin and Galway and is located very close to the N6.The centre lies between Ballinasloe and Loughrea in County Galway.

Athenry Castle
A Norman castle consists of a three-storey tower surrounded by remains of a strong outer wall. Guided tours are available on request, access to ground floor of the castle for people with disabilities.

Dunguaire Castle
The castle, which overlooks Galway, is a 16th century castle. From April to September the castle comes alive with medieval banquets, which feature a theatrical performance involving rhyme, verse music and song. The castle has a crafts shop and visitors shop.

Little Mill, Tuam
Visitors can see the milling process that was employed as all the old machinery is still in place. This mill played a vital part in the life of the local community. It also serves as a seasonal Tourist Information Office. No admission charge.

Nora Barnacle House Museum
This tiny turn of the century house was the home of Nora Barnacle, companion, wife and life-long inspiration of James Joyce Ireland's greatest writer.

Activities

Walking
There is a wide range of walking trails and a fascinating variety of colours and landscapes. It has trails to suit walkers of all levels.

Golfing
Whether you want to play inland or by the sea, you won't be disappointed with the superb range of challenging golf courses on offer in Co. Galway.

Watersports
With one of the largest coastlines in Ireland Co. Galway offers a huge range of watersports from sailing in a traditional Galway sailing boat to rowing, and from canoeing to diving.

See Galway Bay - the adventurous way!
A trip on a speed boat offers an exciting alternative for those who would like to view Galway Bay from the sea.

Horseriding
What better way to see Galway's stunning countryside than by horseback. Whether you like to take in the sea air or meander through mountain paths, there are trails to suit all tastes.

Painting
The variations in Galway's landscape ensures that there's always a scene to paint and the ever-changing light and weather ensures no one scene is ever the same for two days.

Arts & Theatre
Galway is famous for its association with the arts. With its theatres, music venues and festivals - Galway is a must for visitors who wish to experience the arts in the perfect atmosphere and surroundings.

Cruising on Lough Corrib
Daily cruises on the Corrib provide a relaxing sightseeing trip for all the family. An evening cruise is the perfect way to relax after an eventful day.

Shopping
From sophisticated fashion shops to second-hand shops, superb shopping malls to outdoor street markets Galway is the ideal location for shopping catering for all tastes and pockets.

Children's Activities
For children of all ages, Galway City offers a large range of activities, both indoor and out. Galway's rural areas also have much to offer with an abundance of unpolluted beaches, rivers and mountains as well as visitor centres that have special sections to specifically cater for children.