Visit Beautiful Galway When in Ireland

County Galway can be found in the west ofis the point of departure for ferries to the Aran
Ireland in the province of Connaught. It's locatedIslands - 3 islands off the coast of Galway which
directly across the country from Dublin, so ifare not only recognised for their unique beauty,
you're driving from here it should only take youbut their language, culture, history and heritage.
about 3 hours.As you weave your way north along Galway's
Galway is quite a large county (2nd biggest inbeautiful west coast you'll come to the town of
Ireland) so it's brimming with lots of things to seeClifden, which can also be reached from Galway
and do. Galway boasts its own city, which iscity via the N59. Clifden is one of Ireland's best
renowned the world over as a little paradise ofloved holiday destinations as it's the perfect place
shopping, culture and nightlife.to 'get away from it all' and unwind. There's lots
Galway city is usually the first port-of-call forof outdoor activities in the area and attractions to
visitors, as it's got excellent road and railvisit like Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle,
connections with the rest of the country. A visitInishbofin Island and the site of the Alcock and
here and you'll be spellbound by its charm,Brown aircraft crash (1919) in Derrygimlach Bog.
laid-back atmosphere and its friendly attitude.Clifden is also known as the 'Capital of
Stroll around the city's narrow cobbled streets andConnemara' so it's a great base for exploring this
enjoy its cafes, shops and gourmet restaurants.area and its National Park. Connemara is a region
At night the city really comes alive with pulsatingnorthwest of Galway city, which is famous for its
nightclubs and bars and the sound of Irishwild and remote landscape. It mainly consists of
traditional music, which lingers in the air so justbogs, mountains, woodlands and rivers, but it's this
follow the sounds!raw natural beauty, which makes Connemara a
Galway city centre can be easily walked in a day,magnet for visitors to Galway. In north
but you'll need much more time to explore itsConnemara you'll find the National Park, which is
attractions like Eyre Square, The Spanish Arch,made up of about 4,000 acres of scenic
the City Museum, the National University oflandscape offering visitors many opportunities for
Galway, the Cathedral and the Salmon Weiroutdoor activities like fishing, hiking, walking, sailing,
Bridge. Don't forget to cross over the Riversnorkelling, diving, bird watching and pony trekking.
Corrib to get to the 'Claddagh', which was once aYou can also take the chance to see some
little fishing village outside the city walls. It's anwonderful historical and archaeological attractions.
area synonymous with the famous Claddagh RingOther pretty villages worth a visit include Cleggan,
as this was where the ring first originated. (SeeRenvyle, Roundstone and Leenane. Here the pace
our Irish Jewelry Blog for more).of life is slow and you'll get a real insight into Irish
Galway city has been called the 'Cultural Capital oflife and customs. Pop into the local pubs and shops
Ireland' and the 'San Francisco of Ireland' due toand you'll get to meet the friendly locals.
its dedication to the Arts, festivals and culturalNot to be outdone by the spectacular west of
events. Three of the biggest festivals on theGalway, the east also has a lot to offer. East and
Galway calender of events each year are thewest are both divided by Lough Corrib - the
Galway Races, the Galway Oyster Festival andlargest lake in the Republic of Ireland.
the Galway Arts Festival.The east has some of our favourite Irish towns
If the weather is nice, take a short drive (aboutlike the medieval town of Athenry, which is
3km) to Salthill - a beautiful seaside resort at thesynonymous with the legendary Irish song "The
edge of Galway Bay. It's got a superb waterfrontFields of Athenry". You can also visit the market
promenade, in fact it's the longest in Ireland sotown of Ballinasloe, which is also called 'The
enjoy a leisurely walk on the 'Prom' and don't beGateway to the West' as it's located on the main
shocked if you see local people (Galwegians)Dublin/Galway Road. Ballinasloe is the biggest town
kicking the wall at the end of it - this is a tradition!in Galway.
From Galway city, head west along the R336 aMaybe you'd like to visit the Georgian town of
coastal route which follows the northern shoresPortumna at the banks of the River Shannon, or
of Galway Bay. You'll find yourself pulling overthe Heritage Town of Gort where William Butler
quite a lot on this stretch of road, as scenery andYeats once lived.
views of the bay can only be described asKinvara, Claregalway, Tuam, Oranmore and
spectacular!Clarinbridge are other Galway towns worth a visit.
About 13km west of Galway city, you'll come toHope this gives you an idea of what to see and
the little village of Spiddal. This charming village isdo in Galway. You could easily spend a week here
the start of the Galway Gaeltacht (Irish speakingand you'd only be skimming the surface! Why not
area), so it's very popular with students whocheck it out for yourself. If you're thinking of
come here to learn the language during thevisiting Ireland in the near future, or you need to
Summer months. It has a beautiful beach andget away on a city break, or maybe you just
some lively traditional pubs where good Guinnesswant to de-stress and unwind in the peace and
and music can be enjoyed.quiet of the countryside - well then County
Continue west on the R336 and you'll come toGalway is the destination for you!
the picturesque harbour village of Rossaveal. This