Galway City
The capital of the west Galway is a cultural paradise best known for it numerous festivals and celebrations. One of Irelands top tourist destinations the city has no shortage of shops, restaurants or pubs all within easy walking distance. The large numbers of tourists that visit ensure a lively nightlife.
Tourists will want to visit Salthill where you will find a seaside resort with a wonderful beach and attractions including the Leisure Land complex. Salthill is only a 20 minute walk from the city centre.
Where to stay
Check out our accommodation page where you will find a comprehensive list of accommodation conveniently presented using Google Maps technology.
Arts, Culture and Music
Often referred to as Ireland's Cultural Heart Galway is strongly linked with Irish music, language and tradition. You will have no problem finding Art Galleries featuring local work as well as performances from local and international artists and musicians. "The Saw Doctors" are a band from Tuam who have had national and international success with their original blend of West of Ireland Irish Rock music. Galway is also home to Kennys Bookshop, which has been selling new, used, out of print, rare and antiquarian books since 1940 with free parking and coffee visit the bookstore in Liosbán. The East of Galway is well worth a visit as it is host to a wealth of cultural and heritage sites. This beautiful and unspoilt region is also well known for its craic and traditional music sessions.
Connemara and the Gaeltacht
Connemara is a Gaeltacht (Irish Speaking) area of West Galway famous for its scenic landscape of mountains, rivers, bogs and grassland. There are two main routes for visiting Connemara from Galway city. The first is to go through Salthill and out towards Barna/Spiddal. You eventually meet up with the N59 which is the main Galway/Clifden route going through Moycullen and Oughterard, and this is the second route through Connemara. The Connemara Heritage Centre is a good place to visit where you can learn about the history of the area. You can even take part in a bit of "turf cutting" or "sheaf tossing" if you feel you're up to it! In the middle of September the Clifden Arts Festival kicks off with a 10 day schedule jam packed with arts, poetry, theatre, music & "craic".
Horse Racing and Equestrian Holidays
People travel from all over the world for the summer festival which is the Galway Races. Industry shuts down in the city and people get into party mode for the week long festival.
Those interested in a horseback riding holiday in Galway should visit Flower Hill who can offer you the full package at their 250 acre equestrian holiday farm.
Activities
Ireland West Angling Centre can offer the tourist all the local knowledge and equipment needed for a successful fishing break.
Galway is well known in golfing circles for its variety of links and parkland courses. Tuam Golf Club and Athenry Golf Club are two of the many clubs that welcome visitors.
