To look at Galway Cathedral you could be mistaken for thinking that this dignified limestone construction is centuries old. Spend a night in the buzzy little town of Clifden, 20. This western coastal route, which begins in the north of Donegal and runs 1,500 miles through nine counties ending in the south of Cork, is a breathtakingly scenic experience. After you've walked the cliffs, stop by the visitor center, which houses interactive exhibits, a virtual reality tour of the cliffs from a bird's-eye point of view, historic images and much more. Beginning beside the Spanish Arch on the Claddagh Quay, it stretches all the way to the Blackrock diving tower. Visit Moycullen Bogs. The fairytale-like Kylemore Abbey in Connemara is arguably one of the most iconic places to see in Galway. Sloping down to the river in the Latin Quarter, Quay Street is a fun and friendly pedestrian artery with colourful storefronts, trendy shops and restaurant and bar terraces under awnings. Youll depart from the docks in Galway and then be treated to views of the breath-taking Clare coastline and a chunk of Connemara before setting off to Inis Mor Island (youll have 4.5 hours on the island). 11. 7. 180. By subscribing to our mailing list, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Theres a number of different walks that you can head off on around Omey. Museums in Galway are a trove of stories, artefacts, culture and living heritage just waiting to be discovered. Right: Chris Hill. Youll find everything you need to know. This site exists to inspire and guide you on an Irish adventure thatll give birth to a lifetime of memories! You can park the car at a lay-by close to the falls and theres a pathway that allows visitors to make the short stroll to the waterfall. This stunning backdrop means it's rumoured to be the . Explore the slightly off-the-beaten-path Omey Island, 19. A good chunk of the movie was filmed in Cong in Mayo, but several scenes were shot around Connemara. Thats whats on offer at Aran Glamping on Inis Mr Island. Its a circular route around 11km long that takes you out west from the brilliant little town of Clifden in Galway. There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from freshly shucked oysters to paintings. If youre looking forslightlyoff-the-beaten-path things to do in Galway, this should tickle your fancy. There are several different companies offering boat tours of the harbour and those that climb aboard can soak up spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. Rinville Park. Galway City Museum. Dating back to 1320, this church is Irelands largest medieval parish church hosting regular services. Ive had many a feed from here and its always 10/10. There is a terrific nightlife in Galway that brings a fantastic buzz that has to be experienced. As you may have guessed, Galway hosts its fair share of festivals over the year. Its like something whipped from a Disney movie! Dive on in below! 11. A group of us gave the whiskey tasting at Garavans a bash last winter. Rumoured to be the most photographed castle in Ireland, the 16th-century tower house is undoubtedly picturesque. The Square is steeped in history, having been hosts to both President Kennedy and the Pope. Omey Island is one of the best-kept secrets in Galway. Although many retailers in Ireland claim to be the original maker of the Claddagh Ring, Thomas Dillons is where the original design was born. Id like to say that the only thing stopping me doing is the lack of opportunity. O'Connor's Famous Pub. Ive done it 3 times at this stage and Id gladly do it 33 times more. It features world-renowned traditional musicians and Irish dancers in a small setting. Busy Bees Soft Play and Roller Disco, Oranmore. Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin. The area that surrounds Connemara National Park is a pretty safe place to do this. Warm your cockles with a whiskey tasting at Garavans, 11. The promenade is lined with bars, seafood restaurants and cafes. 3. Whether youre a history nut, a shopaholic, a sports fanatic or a night owl, Galway has the museums, shops, markets, nightlife and more to keep you entertained. This place is up there with the best castle hotels in Ireland and youll find it tucked away in Connemara on a beautiful 700-acre estate of woodland and rivers. If you manage to do so, this is a cracking spot to nurse a pint while doing a bit of people watching. Reviewers also noted that the route is well-marked. Here are a few different places where you can find whats on: If youre wondering what to do in Galway on any given weekend, look no further thanthe This Is Galway website. I am in the process of planning our trip and your website is most helpful. On the river youll pass the ruins of Menlo Castle, a 16th-century mansion that burnt down in 1910 and is now completely taken over by ivy. 10. If youre wondering where to stay in Galway thats unique and verypocket-friendly this place should tickle your fancy. This corner of Galway is home to a heap of history, a number of archaeological sites and a castle that was once home to Grace OMalley. If youre a local or a tourist, no matter what your interests might be, youre sure to find something to enjoy in Galway. See which amazing locales around the globe are ideal for a girls-only vacation. Ireland is a land of rich storytelling, and you'll find some of the best stories on the west of Ireland in Galway city. Another of my favourite things to do in Galway (Im like a broken record, I know) is to grab a ferry over to Inis Orr and rent a bike for the day. Over the course of 3 hours, youll explore Galway citys award-winning bars and restaurants and taste delicious foods from family-run businesses and artisanal producers. One of my favourite drives in Ireland starts in Galway and finishes in Mayo. On a fine day, you can kick-back outside and enjoy a panoramic view out over Roundstone Bay and the Twelve Bens. ), get yourself to the very swanky Ballynahinch Castle. Best Things to Do in Galway City with Kids. On a clear day, youll see the Cliffs of Moher off in the distance along with the Burren and Galway Bay. Photo by Lisandro Luis Trarbach/shutterstock.com. If youre a pizza fan, Dough Bros is going to make your belly happy. If youre feeling peckish, nip into Cleggan and try a bit of seafood. Galway City is the capital of the west of Ireland and it's idyllic location on the edge of the Atlantic combined with the surrounding countryside provides a memorable setting for any holiday. Galway hosts a spectacular farmer's market every weekend. The Corrib Princess sets off at 12:30 and 14:30, and theres an extra trip at 16:30 in July and August. Rossaveal is the main ferry port in Galway for the islands, with sailings twice daily to each island year-round, and more frequent departures in the summer months. My husband's great grandfather and grandmother came from Galway (McDermitt, McDermott). One of the newer works of art is the Quincentennial Fountain with an abstract depiction of one of Galways typical Hooker, sailboats. Visit the Galway Museum. Galway is a walker's dream because many areas of the city are pedestrianized and ban cars. Well known for several beautiful festivals, the city is joy to explore. Here are the 20 best things to do in Galway, Ireland. There's so much to do on these beautiful islands, you may end up staying for longer than expected. In fact, much more than you would think. It is the second oldest city in the country, dating back to the 8th century. and a full-scale Galway hooker (a traditional Irish boat used for fishing and ferrying supplies). It takes you from the gorgeous little village of Leenaun on the Killary Fjord to the often-overlooked town of Louisburgh in Mayo. Galway offers a host of exciting indoor and outdoor activities and adventures to cater for all types of interests and for all types of weather. Theres also several brilliant looped walks on the island thatll treat you to a clatter of scenery while also bringing you past award-winning beaches, ancient sites and plenty more. Day 3: Day trip to Connemara and Cong. Theres plenty of other things to do in Salthill to keep you busy and theres alsoplentyof brilliant restaurants in Salthill to nip into. There are few places in Ireland that can go toe-to-toe with the raw beauty and vast range of scenery that those who drive along the Sky Road experience. If you visit, make sure to tip on up to OBriens Castle (one of the lesser-known castles in Galway). If youre looking for unique things to do in Galway, take a ferry over to Inis Mor island (one of the three Aran Islands) and cycle out to Dn Aonghasa. Our next stop, the Quiet Man Bridge, is one is for those of you that have watched the movie The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen OHara. Head up the coast and youll come to the Connemara National Park, which has over 50 peaks in four mountain ranges. We strolled through this street market on Sunday . Others were less impressed and say it's not worth making a special trip. The Renvyle peninsula is easily, in my opinion, one of Galways greatest hidden gems. Even if you havent seen the movie this is worth a quick stop off. The tower was erected in 1942 after the near-death of a diver (up until then there was a springboard in place). The Sky Road is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Connemara region. So if youre sitting wondering what there is to do in Galway and whether you might bored think again! Known . Travelers favorites include #1 Wild Atlantic Way, #2 Aran Islands and more. 3. By the Corrib River, the Galway City museum opened in a new building in 2007 and is a free and multifaceted attraction covering Galways archaeology, folk history, art and natural history. You can't miss this vibrant, energetic small city. Youll get away with speaking English on these Gaeltacht islands, but theres never been a better time to try out your cpla focail. Tip: Grab the ferry to Inishbofin from Cleggan Pier. The Square is steeped in history, having been hosts to both President Kennedy and the Pope. You tend to pick up stories and insights that you wouldnt normally get from tour books and, eh, websites. You can see a traditional Galway sailboat, known as a hooker, and the Great Mace a magnificent piece of ornamental silverware produced in Dublin at the start of the 18th century. Parks. Visit the 49th state for unforgettable scenery and adventure. This island is Ireland's Alcatraz and it was used as a prison. Discover all the different activities there is to do in Galway now. Connemara National Park - one of the top things to do in Galway. You pop into a pub for a pint and a friendly chat with a local. Traditional, genuine Irish pubs abound, excellent seafood restaurants are within easy walking distance, and medieval structures like St. Nicholas Church and Lynch's Castle provide many interesting experiences. The scenery youll be treated to as you spin along the Sky Road will etch itself upon your mind. However, Ive visited a few times over the years and you can get a decent view (the one above) from near the car park. Or just head to Hyde the pub with the biggest gin selection in Ireland, 5. Possibly my favourite place in the world! Youll find this little hidden gem a short drive or cycle from Roundstone Village where youll find plenty of places to grab a pre or post-walk bite-to-eat. photos by Stefano_Valeri + Timaldo (shutterstock.com). By 148mattm. A lively harbor city on Ireland's Atlantic coast, and Ireland's sixth most populous city, Galway lies between the River Corrib and Galway Bay. Completed sometime in the early 14th century, the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use. The Galway Races at Galway Racecourse is the quintessential Galway experience, but its about far more than just horse-racing. 11. Parks. Between the eateries and bars are stores like Twice as Nice, purveying vintage clothes and wool, or the Wooden Heart next door, making its own traditional wooden toys. 1) Wild Atlantic Way. Cobblestone and brick pedestrian-only streets, street performers, outdoor dining, interesting shops, street vendors. 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