Galway
Take a trip into the rugged wonderland of County Galway for an experience of a lifetime
Sightseeing
Delve into Galway’s unique history with stunning ancient sites
Aran Islands
Crossing the choppy waters to the remote Aran Islands by ferry is an experience in itself. Once you get there you’re free to explore the islands’ patchwork fields, quiet pace of life, ancient monuments, awesome cliffs and crystal clear waters.
Connemara National Park
With almost 3,000-hectares of wild open heaths, windswept grasslands and deep glens, Connemara National Park is home to red deer and native Connemara ponies.
Dogs Bay, Roundstone, County Galway
Set back to back with Gurteen Bay, Dogs Bay forms a join between the mainland and an island and is a beautiful beach to walk along.
See more highlightsDun Aonghasa, Aran Islands
This dramatic stone fort is perched on a clifftop almost 300ft above sea level. It’s an extremely important, and vulnerable, archaeological site.
Killary Fjord, County Galway
This nine-mile inlet is the only fjord in Ireland and is surrounded by a stunning lush green backdrop.
Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Originally a Victorian-era castle, the Abbey now serves as home to the Benedictine nuns in Ireland. The gardens contain a magnificent 10,000 trees.
St Brendan’s Cathedral, Clonfert
St Brendan’s is famed for its beautiful Romanesque doorway, which dates back to about 1200. The cathedral is on the site of St Brendan’s monastery, which dates back to the sixth century.
Activities
From the thrill of the races to spectacular sailing
Angling
Right on the western edge of Europe, Galway offers one of the last unspoilt angling locations with unrivalled environments for every type of angler.
Cycling
Saddle up and enjoy exploring the West’s awe-inspiring scenery and dramatic coastal roads.
Galway Races
Not many race meetings come close to the excitement of Galway [www.galwayraces.com], regarded by many as Ireland's most colourful racing festival.
See more highlightsHorse Riding
The West provides a superb backdrop for a bracing holiday on horseback, with equestrian centres dotted around the stunning landscape.
Sailing
By boat you can discover the wild Atlantic coast, with its secluded bays and islands, or cruise through rivers, fjord and loughs with an unforgettable sense of space and freedom.
Walking
A variety of marked routes cover some of the most scenic areas, such as the very beautiful Connemara Gaeltacht.
Watersports
The expanse of Atlantic coastline along Galway and Mayo offers canoeing, sailing, surfing, water-skiing and deep-sea diving.
Children
Kids will be spoiled for choice in Galway
Atlantaquaria, Salthill
Kids can explore the deep with Ireland’s largest aquarium, which houses 170 species of marine and freshwater life. There are sleepy starfish to hold, a load of fish to feed and a lot to learn about Bradán, the salmon, King of Fish!
Connemara Pony Show, Clifden
Little ones will go mad for this wonderful festival that showcases the very cute Connemara pony, which is held in August.
Glengowla Mines
Ireland’s only show mine offers guided tours through marble chambers and caverns. Silver, lead, calcite and quartz are all revealed in their natural glory.
Culture & festivals
Enjoy the Galway party atmosphere with oyster festivals and medieval banquets
Galway International Oyster Festival, Clarinbridge
An annual celebration of great food, accompanied by great fun, now in its 51st year and still going strong.
Medieval Banquets, Kinvara
Evoking the spirit of Ireland’s rich musical and literary past, the Dunguaire Medieval Castle Banquets are great fun and take place in a castle that covers 13 centuries of Irish history.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Treat yourself to utter relaxation in hotels and spas with stunning locations
Cashel House Hotel, Connemara
This four-star retreat stands in the heart of Connemara and is set in an award-winning garden of flowering shrubs and woodland walks.
Delphi Mountain Resort and Spa
This truly luxurious spa has been voted one of the ten best in the world. Perfect for forgetting the stresses of modern life.
Galway Bay Health Farm, Spa & Relaxation Centre, Loughaunrone House, Oranmore
Intimate, elegant and perfectly located on a 50-acre deer farm on the shores of Galway Bay.
Gay & Lesbian
Enjoy a vibrant emerging gay and lesbian scene in Galway
Eden @ The Warwick Hotel, Salthill, County Galway;
Club night every Sunday just outside Galway city.
Stage Door, Woodquay, Galway
One of the city’s few full-time gay bars.
Stranos, Corner William Street West and Henry Street, Galway
Revitalised bar opened under new management with themed nights and DJs.
Shopping
From smoked salmon to special crafts, there's plenty to pack in your suitcase!
Connemara Smokehouse, Ballyconneely
Specialists in wild smoked salmon, gravadlax, and roast- and honey-roast smoked Irish salmon.
Spiddal Craft and Design Centre
This centre includes a number of workshops producing traditional Irish crafts including candles, leatherwork, pottery, woodwork, screenprinting and bodhráns.
