Galway city is the gateway to the west of Ireland with the beautiful Connemara Gaeltacht area on its doorstep. Galway is rich in Irish culture and offers visitors a warm welcome and a promise that one visit will never be enough!
Shopping
Galway City
A unique Galway atmosphere. The historic city of the tribes dances to a beat uniquely its own. Music, festivals, horse racing, pubs, restaurants, shops, theatres and most of all Galway people, combine to create this atmospheric mediaeval city of culture.
Outdoor Activities
Exploring Galway
County Galway offers the visitor spectacular scenery combined with charming villages. Scenic areas include the Aran Islands, the haunting landscape of Connemara and the picturesque town of Clifden.
Aran Islands - Inis Mor, Inis Meain, Inis Orr
Group of three islands located in the Atlantic Ocean boasting some of Ireland's most impressive landscape. Located 50 minutes' drive from the City to Rossaveal, and 40 minutes' ferry ride. Serviced by a number of main agents who provide coach-and-ferry tickets, or ferry-only tickets. Approximately €30 return per adult. Cars cannot be taken. See Aran Island Ferries.
Connemara
Approximately one hours drive from the city, Connemara is an area of unspoiled beauty within County Galway. Many outdoor events such as walking, fishing, golfing and cycling can be enjoyed here. For more information on things to see and do in Connemara, visit the Connemara Tourism website.
Spiddal Craft Village
Visit the Spiddal Craft Centre and Café in Connemara at the edge of the Atlantic. Situated directly across from Spiddal Beach or Trá an Spidéil which looks across the great expanse of Galway Bay to the unique Burren region, the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. Come and see local arts and craft people working and bring home beautiful gifts for yourself, friends or family.
Family Activities
Atlantaquaria
National Aquarium, located one mile from the city in Salthill. Take A Tour, or just enjoy at your leisure, talks throughout the day include ' Big Fish' feeding, Rock pool tours, freshwater fish feeding.
Dartfield - Ireland's horse world
A centre devoted to horses, with horse riding, galleries and illustrations of horses through Ireland's history. About 40 minutes' drive from Galway on the N6 Galway to Dublin route.
Salthill
Salthill is a small resort with amusements, an Omniplex cinema and sandy beaches. 10-minute drive from the city or a 25-minute walk.
Historic Attractions
Spanish Arch
The historic Spanish Arch. Only one remaining of four located at the end of Shop Street.
Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
Home of the Irish Benedictine nuns. Located in north Connemara. One-hour drive from Galway City.
Rinville Park
Located just outside Oranmore, this park surrounds a stately home. Approximately 15 minutes' drive from the city with free admission.
Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral is one of the city’s largest buildings and its huge octagonal dome is visible for miles around. It is relatively new, completed in 1965, and unusually for a church of that period was built not of concrete but of stone (Galway limestone), a major project with took almost 8 years to complete. It mixes several architectural styles, and while the Renaissance influence is to the fore, there is a Gothic style to the arches in the nave, a Spanish feel about the side aisles and a Romaneque tower to add to the panoply of styles.
Portumna Castle and Demesne
Occupying a magnificent location on the shores of Lough Derg on the River Shannon, the Castle is an imposing example of Irish architecture of the early 17th Century. Built before 1618 by Richard de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde, the castle became the main seat of the de Burgo family for over 200 years. The ground floor of the castle is open to the public and houses an exhibition on the history and restoration of the building and the de Burgo family.
