County Galway

COUNTY GALWAY – WHY GO?

Head west to County Galway's fresh Atlantic shores. This is the home of Connemara – archetypal Ireland, with its peat bogs, white-painted crofts, breezy lakes and a rocky mountains.

MUST SEE, MUST DO

Road trips
Take the scenic seven-mile Sky road to see Clifden and its lovely coastal setting from above, taking in the ruined castle as you go. Make a trip to Kylemore Abbey, set into green hills and the perfect place for a picnic. Explore the Connemara national park and be sure to call into Roundstone village – something of an artists’ colony – with its harbour and small streets.

Aran Islands
Hop on a boat and step back in time with a trip to the Aran Islands. Located in Galway Bay, these three islands feature prehistoric stone forts, ruins of 15^th Century churches, as well as rare and exotic flower meadows.

Twelve Pins
Make the most of Connemara’s wild countryside and hit some walking trails – your hosts will be happy to arrange a guided walk of one of the region’s Twelve Pins, which dominate the landscape, while others radiate out along the coast.

Glengowla Mines
Head underground to see what’s hiding below all that beautiful countryside. Explore large marbled chambers and caves studded with silver and quartz on a guided tour of these historic 19^th Century silver and lead mines.

MAKE A DATE

August
Lovers of all things equine should trot along to Clifden Pony Show. Horse races and shows take place throughout the summer months.

September
Slurp on some seafood at the annual Galway Oyster Festival.

COUNTY GALWAY ROMANCE
Share a platter of oysters in a coastal café and find out whether that old wives’ tale is really true or not.