Aran Islands – situated off the Galway Coast in
the Atlantic Ocean and comprising the three spectacular islands
of Inishmore, Inisheer and Inishmaan. The islands are accessible
by air and ferry and represent a throwback to the Ireland of times
past. Being a gaeltacht area, Gaelic remains the day-to-day spoken
language here.
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre – lying
southwest of Ballinasloe Town, the interpretative centre recalls
the history of the bloodiest battle ever fought in Ireland, when
the forces of Willam of Orange defeated the followers of King
James II in 1691.
Church of St. Nicholas - located on Market Street in
Galway City and built in 1320, this is the most significant medieval
building in Galway. Dedicated to the patron Saint of sailors,
it was used as a stable by Oliver Cromwell, while according to
legend, Christopher Columbus stopped by here to pray during his
voyage of discovery to America.
Clarinbridge Town – a small town on the Galway to
Limerick road, famous for its oysters. The Clarinbridge Oyster
Festival takes place every September, at which time the pubs are
literally overflowing with Guinness.
Clifden Harbour
Clifden Town – referred to as the "capital of
Connemara", Clifden enjoys a magnificent setting, perched
high above an Atlantic inlet with the striking framework of the
Twelve Pins mountain range behind it.
Connemara – the region of county Galway northwest
of the city, noted for its beautiful rugged landscape of mountains,
beaches, rivers and bogland. Bounded by Lough Corrib to the east
and Killary Harbour to the north, it is an area dominated by the
Twelve Pins and Maamturk mountain ranges.
Connemara Scenery
Connemara National Park – situated at Letterfrack
on the Clifden to Westport road, Connemara ponies and Irish red
deer roam through 5,000 acres of mountains, bogs and parkland,
while impressive displays familiarise visitors with the variety
of birds and animals in the park.
Coole Park – situated north of the town of Gort,
Coole Park is the former residence of Lady Gregory, a founding
member of Dublin’s famous Abbey Theatre. The stables have
been converted into an interpretative centre, while the demense
is now a national forest and wildlife park.
Dún Guaire Castle – lying to the north of
Kinvarra at the head of the bay, this is a restored 16th century
castle, once taken over by Oliver St. John Gogarty. It now specialises
in guided tours and medieval banquets, with readings from Irish
literature.
Galway's Cobbled Streets
Eyre Square – a small park in the centre of Galway
City, containing an old-fashioned statue of famed Irish writer,
Pádraig O’ Conaire, and a sculpture evoking the sails
of the traditional Irish sailing boats, known as hookers.
Galway City – the capital city of western Ireland,
Galway is a hotbed of the arts and culture and is noted for its
atmosphere and good humour. Whether it’s shopping, music,
pub life or restaurants, there is much to enjoy in the city.
Galway Crystal Heritage Centre – situated on the
Dublin Road, overlooking Galway Bay, the centre offers an introduction
to Galway boat-building methods, a history of Galway families
and of course, a demonstration of glassworking skills by experienced
craftsmen.
Inishbofin Island – located six miles off the Galway
coast, this is an archaeologically rich island, offering some
splendid scenery. 7th century monastic remains and a large population
of seabirds ensure this makes for an interesting trip.
Kinvarra Village – a delightful fishing village
in the southeast corner of Galway Bay. Its small harbour contains
a number of Galway Hookers (traditional Galway boats).
Kylemore Abbey – a spectacular 19th century neo-gothic
edifice in white granite and grey limestone, situated at the foot
of a wooded mountain in the heart of Connemara. Now run as a Benedictine
convent, the beautiful grounds and part of the building are open
to the public.
Lynch’s Castle – situated southwest of Eyre
Square in Galway City, this is considered to be Galway’s
first medieval townhouse. Dating from the 15th century and boasting
a decorative façade, carved panels, gargoyles and lions,
the house now serves as a bank.
Nora Barnacle House Museum – located across the
river from Spanish Arch in Galway City, this was home to Nora
Barnacle, the wife of renowned Irish writer, James Joyce. An interesting
place for literature enthusiasts.
Salthill – a busy seaside resort just outside Galway
City with a good natured but honkytonk atmosphere. The promenade
here is a favourite place for a stroll, while a vibrant club and
disco scene prevails at night.
Spanish Arch – situated near the harbour in Galway
City and originally called the "Blind Arch", this is
a 16th century structure used to protect ships as they unloaded
their cargos of wine and brandy. It is a reminder of the time
when Galway rivalled London and Bristol as a port for Continental
trade.
St. Brendan’s Cathedral – situated in the town
of Loughrea and famous for the way in which its magnificent stained-glass
windows illustrate developments in ecclesiastical art around turn
of the 20th Century.
