Eire is a shocking place to discover and the form of place that’s acquired a bit of one thing for everybody. From its unimaginable castles, cities like; Dublin and among the most dramatic landscapes, Eire is an unimaginable spot to go to. That is very true for Galway on the west coast. Truthfully, there are such a lot of beautiful locations and a heap of the very best issues to do in Galway that you just’ll be spoilt for alternative.
Now, one of many issues I like most about visiting Galway is that it’s additionally a fantastic place to journey to and from while exploring the broader space and among the Wild Atlantic Approach. This makes the town a fantastic place to begin for seeing extra of the west coast of Eire and the beautiful pure great thing about the realm.
That is precisely why I wished to share among the greatest issues to do in Galway and the broader neighborhood. In spite of everything, there’s no level in lacking out on all the opposite unimaginable locations which are only a stone’s throw from the town itself. So, please don’t assume I’m simply lacking all of the issues in Galway… I simply couldn’t resist including a couple of extras, too.
Truthfully, Eire is beautiful and also you’ll have a very good outdated craic if you’re there; and an compulsory Guinness (or two), naturally! 😉
Have a look, under, at the very best issues to do in Galway. Have an epic journey!
1.) The Aran Islands
This can be a collection of three ruggedly stunning islands situated off the coast of Galway Bay and probably the greatest issues to do in Galway in the summertime months, for positive.
Typically, referred to as the Islands of Saints and Students, there are a variety of historical ruins to see if you get right here; and some church buildings besides.
Now, maybe essentially the most well-known attraction is the Celtic Church Dun Aonghasa, which is located atop a cliff ledge over 300 ft tall and possibly essentially the most iconic spot to see.
Truthfully, a go to to the Aran Islands is like taking a step again in time and fairly straightforward to go to by way of the Aran Island Ferries service that runs from Rossaveel Harbour (about 40-minutes away from the centre of Galway).
In spite of everything that exploring, head over to the Brasserie On The Nook. Right here, they’ll serve you up a mountain of recent fish and chips they usually’ve additionally acquired some tasty mussels, too.
2.) Connemara Nationwide Park
Connemara Nationwide Park is a spot that’s choc-o-block stuffed with attractive rolling hills and dramatic mountainous backdrop.
Truthfully, this makes exploring Connemara Nationwide Park probably the greatest issues to do in Galway in the event you fancy leaving the city-centre for a short time.
Now, a lot of folks will let you know that Connemara Nationwide Park is essentially the most stunning nationwide park in all of Eire; and who am I to disagree! There are shed a great deal of mountaineering trails that aren’t only for skilled hikers; there’s a path for each capacity. The decrease loop of Diamond Hill, for instance, is a good place to start out.
Plus, it’s a fantastic place for chook watchers, too. There’s a fairly large number of wildlife, starting from; widespread kestrels, woodcocks, merlin, hawks and even peregrine falcons.
Oh, and in the event you’re visiting throughout a wetter interval, be certain to stay to the boardwalks; the bathroom will get actually moist and it makes these routes completely important.
3.) Dunguaire Citadel
Situated on the southeastern shores of Galway Bay, this fortress was constructed within the 16th century by the O’Hynes clan.
Now, you possibly can go to the Dunguaire Citadel within the extra delicate months of April to September.
That being stated, for a stunning expertise, e-book tickets to the Dunguaire Citadel Banquet for an evening of conventional medieval track and dance coupled with a incredible four-course meal. It’s enjoyable, quirky and seems like a bit of step again in time.
Plus, in the event you’re heading additional down the Wild Atlantic Approach (to the Cliffs of Moher and O’Briens’s Tower), then it’s a fantastic little place to cease alongside your route.
4.) Eyre Sq.
Also referred to as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, Eyre Sq. is straightforward to go to in the event you’re within the centre of Galway.
After stress-free within the park, go to the close by store road. Right here, you can see quite a few shops and attractive pubs coupled with road performers and stay music!
Additionally, if it’s stay music you’re after, pop into Taaffes Bar that sometimes has conventional Irish music each day between 5-9 pm. Although, double-check if you arrive as it might probably change.
5.) The Galway Cathedral
In comparison with many of the different buildings within the metropolis, Galway’s Cathedral is sort of brand-new, having been in-built 1965. Nicely, yeah, it’s clearly not model new; however when you think about the hundreds of years of historical past on this space of Eire, it completely seems like it’s! 😉
Take a wander across the cathedral, or attend mass in order for you, it actually is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Galway if you wish to see a few of its iconic buildings.
6.) Kylemore Abbey
Based means again in 1920, this can be a Benedictine nunnery that was constructed on the Kylemore Citadel’s grounds that also stands at this time. Truthfully, the home and abbey are completely beautiful and the Gothic Church is simply unreal.
Nonetheless a purposeful monastery, it’s an unimaginable place to see and completely stunning, too. They’ve additionally acquired some beautiful Victorian Walled Gardens which are fairly particular. Although, I’d keep away from these within the winter months as they’re a little bit of a let down with out every thing in bloom.
If starvation’s calling, head on over to Le Petit Pois; right here, you’ll have among the tastiest French dishes in Galway and their salmon is so yummy.
7.) Lough Corrib
Seeing Lough Corrib (Eire’s largest lake) is well probably the greatest issues to do in Galway in the event you’re exploring past the town limits, You see, there are many stunning seashores to see, in addition to a wood walkway that leads you on a reasonably straightforward trek by means of the close by woods, too.
plus, you possibly can simply discover the bounds of Lough Corrib while in your option to Kylemore Abbey or Ashford Citadel from Galway.
That being stated, if you wish to spend a bit of extra time on the lake, take a Corrib Cruise boat from Ashford Citadel and Lisloughrey Pier. Oh, plus, in the event you’re visiting in the summertime months, take a look at their tour that visits the historic island of Inchagoill and features a guided tour, too.
8.) Salthill Promenade
Whereas Eire might not be the obvious alternative for sunning your self on the seashore however Salthill Promenade is a good place for a stroll and wander on the attractive coast. In the summertime months, you possibly can pop onto the Blackrock diving board and go in for a dip… although, these Atlantic waters will be chilly!
Alongside the promenade, there are a number of historic bars, little trinket retailers and some yummy ice cream spots, too. If starvation calls otherwise you’re wanting a pint, pop into O’Reilly’s that’s good for a fast lunch.
Afterwards, take an extended stroll by means of Galway Bay and actually see the great thing about this attractive space. Afterwards, head to Monroes Tavern for a couple of pints of Guinness and loads of conventional Irish music.
9.) The Spanish Arch
erected means again in 1584 as a protecting addition to the town’s defensive wall, seeing the Spanish Arch is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Galway in the event you’re within the historical past of the realm.
Now, the arch sustained important injury from a tsunami in 1755 (which I had no concept about earlier than visiting Eire) it stays primarily intact. After seeing the arch, pop contained in the Galway Metropolis Museum, which is ideal if the climate takes a flip for the worst.
Afterwards, pop over to the West Restaurant (in Barna) that serves up the tastiest Inagh lamb dishes.
10.) Quay Road & Latin Quarter
After seeing the locations simply outdoors Galway, be certain to go to Quay Road if you return to the town itself. Truthfully, it’s a fantastic place to go for some correct Irish pubs (some outdated and a few new) and proper within the coronary heart of the Latin Quarter of the town.
Truthfully, it’s a fantastic place to go for the music and a spot that’s nice within the early night. Completely find it irresistible.
Plus, cease off at Quay Road Kitchen who’ve some tasty hake and mussels dishes. Although, remember to reserve a desk in the event you’ve visited on the weekend as it may be busy.
Learn extra: Greatest locations in Eire to see
12 Stunning Locations To Go to In Eire