Galway City & Connemara

Located in County Galway, the city of Galway is not only one of Ireland’s fastest growing cities but it also holds the distinction of being the 42nd best world tourism destination and 14th in the whole of Europe (results of a 2008 poll). Whether you are backpacking across Ireland or Europe, make sure you savour some of Galway’s major attractions. It is captivating dynamic, modern and a premier cultural hub.

Galway Attractions

Galway Cathedral: One of the city’s most impressive buildings, the 20th century Galway Cathedral has a 145ft high dome. It is one of the few large Ireland churches to be constructed from stone. Its large octagonal dome looks imposing against the city’s skyline while the wall paintings and rose windows in its interiors are beautiful.

Galway City Museum: Besides offering great views of the Spanish Arch (another 16th century historical landmark), Galway Bay and River Corrib, the Galway City Museum offers an insight into the city’s heritage and history. Learn more about early 19th century Galway and its medieval town. Or enjoy an interesting mix of temporary exhibits that are quite often on display in this museum.

Atlantaquaria: Discover a beautiful water world that educates you about Ireland’s diverse aquatic eco-system. From saltwater and freshwater exhibits to touch pools where you can get a closer look at crabs and starfish, a fun experience is guaranteed. The re-creation of the natural habitats, including the local lakes, rivers, canals, and seabeds, will keep you hooked.

As part of your deep-sea experience, you can spend some time with underwater lobsters, rays and conger eels. Book a place on the submarine vehicle for an under-water trip, and get a fish-eye view of a pretty waterfall at Atlantaquaria.

Galway nightlife: From trendy clubs to quieter, more-traditional watering holes, you can take your pick of nightlife options in Galway. The city’s pub scene is vibrant as is its festival circuit, the more famous ones being Galway Arts Festival (end of July), Galway Race Week (August’s first week) and the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival.

Getting Around

A convenient way to travel around Galway is by bus. The public bus service makes stops at the city centre as well the suburbs. Renting taxis and hackneys for hire is another option. As some of the city’s best restaurants, clubs and pubs are within close proximity of one another, covering them on foot also makes sense. In fact, when you are backpacking through Ireland you can get around quite comfortably on foot in most of the smaller cities and towns.

Connemara

The west Ireland district of Connemara in County Galway is a great destination for outdoor activities. If you stop at Connemara while trekking in Ireland, take some time to enjoy its diverse natural habitat, which includes beaches, islands, grassland, lakes and mountains. The fishing and golfing opportunities here are excellent- so make the most of these too.

Connemara National Park: The park’s scenic beauty will wow you, while its nature trails and hill walks will give you a chance to engage in some refreshing outdoor adventures.

Kylemore Abbey: This 18thcentury landmark is home to Irish Benedictine nuns. A one hour drive from Galway city, the 1000 acre site’s biggest attraction is its stunning landscape. The abbey’s restored rooms have a Victorian elegance to them while the feted walled garden has unique varieties of Victorian vegetables and flowers. Take home some souvenirs from the estate’s gift shop that sells products made by Kylemore’s Benedictine nuns.

Races and sporting events: The beautiful natural landscape of Connemara makes it a haven for sporting events and races. Horse racing on grassland and beaches, regattas, soccer, Gaelic football, rugby and golf competitions take place at different times of the year.

Getting Around

Public buses offer commuting convenience; you can also hire hackneys and taxis to get around Connemara.