Galway

Dun 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.

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.

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.

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Atlantaquaria, Salthill

Kids can explore the deep with Ireland’s largest aquarium, which houses 170 species of marine and freshwater life including stingrays, seahorses and an angel shark. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Connemara Smokehouse, Ballyconneely

Specialists in wild smoked salmon, gravadlax, and roast and honey-roast smoked Irish salmon.

Spiddal Craft and Design Centre

This center includes a number of workshops producing traditional Irish crafts including candles, leatherwork, pottery, woodwork, screenprinting and bodhráns.