County Galway Travel Guide

Explore County Galway's culturally important landmarks, natural attractions, hiking trails, local culture and customs, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to County Galway

County Galway is located in western Ireland and is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The landscape of County Galway includes rugged mountains, beautiful lakes, and long stretches of coastline. This county has something to offer for every kind of traveler: from picturesque villages and colorful towns to ancient castles and towering cliffs.

List of Places to Visit in County Galway

When visiting County Galway, make sure to add these places to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Galway City Museum: This museum is located in the heart of the city and showcases the rich cultural heritage of Galway through its various exhibits.
  • Dunguaire Castle: A well-preserved medieval tower house located on the edge of the Burren.
  • Coole Park: A historic park located in the countryside, once home to Lady Gregory, a leading figure in the Irish Literary Revival.
  • Aughnanure Castle: A 16th century tower house and bawn, surrounded by a beautiful landscape

Natural Attractions of County Galway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cliffs of Moher: A must-visit attraction of County Clare and known for its jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic.
  • Connemara National Park: A stunning national park where you can hike on the mountains or look out at Kylemore Lake.
  • Aran Islands: A trio of islands that are the perfect place to get away from it all.
  • Killary Harbour: A majestic fjord that features some of the most stunning views of Land and Sea.

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Galway

County Galway offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in Ireland. Choose from the Galway Bay, the Kilkerrin Way, the Aran Islands and others.

Best Things to Do in County Galway: Activities and Tours

  • Horseback Riding: County Galway is known for its impressive horse trade and racecourses, so why not take a horseback ride to see the rugged landscapes.
  • Tequila Tasting: The Latin Quarter in Galway offers some of the best tastes from around the world and Tequila is no different, try these world-famous samples.
  • Boat tour: Hop on a boat tour and explore the stunning landscapes of the Aran Islands

Week-Long Itinerary for County Galway

Day 1: Explore the stunning landscapes of Connemara National Park, hike Diamond Hill and visit Kylemore Abbey. Day 2: Take a kayak tour of the Corrib River and Lough Corrib. Day 3: Visit the charming town of Clifden and explore the Connemara Loop. Day 4: Explore the historic town of Galway and take a walking tour of the city. Day 5: Take a day trip to the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Day 6: Take a trip to the picturesque village of Roundstone and enjoy some fresh seafood. Day 7: Visit the Aran Islands and observe the historical landmarks and archaeological sites.

Food and Drink Scene of County Galway

Must-Try Dishes

County Galway has a rich culinary scene with a variety of unique specialties that you must try:

  • Galway Bay Oysters: A must-try dish of County Galway.
  • Irish Stew: A hearty dish made with lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots.
  • Seafood Chowder: A creamy soup made with a variety of seafood, vegetables, and herbs.

Local Beverages

  • Guinness: The world-famous beer is a favorite of the Irish and a drink you must try when visiting.
  • Irish Whiskey: Explore the history of Ireland and it’s top whiskey distilleries.
  • Murphy’s Irish Stout: Another rich, dark Irish stout that has become wildly popular in Europe.

Where to Stay in County Galway: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodation or budget-friendly lodging, you’ll find a range of options in County Galway.

Hotels

  • The G Hotel & Spa - A luxury hotel located in the heart of Galway City.
  • The Connemara Coast Hotel - A charming hotel located on the coastline of County Galway.

Hostels

  • Barnacles Hostel Galway - A centrally-located hostel suitable for travelers on a budget.
  • Kinlay Hostel Galway - Perfect for backpackers and solo travelers looking for affordable accommodation in the city.

Guesthouses

  • The Twelve Hotel - A boutique guesthouse located in the heart of Bearna.
  • The Ardilaun Hotel - A charming guesthouse located on the outskirts of Galway City.

What to Buy in County Galway: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

County Galway is known for its unique and authentic local products. Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs to take home with you:

  • Traditional Irish Aran Sweaters: A knitwear made by the people of the Aran Islands using traditional stitching methods.
  • Connemara Marble: A green marble that is unique to Connemara region of County Galway.
  • Irish Whiskey: Try some of the best Irish whiskey and buy some to take home.

Local Culture and Customs of County Galway

County Galway has a deep and rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its traditions, arts, and music. Visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music sessions, storytelling, and cultural events.

Best Time to Visit County Galway

The best time to visit County Galway is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. This is also the time of year when most of the festivals and events take place in County Galway.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Galway

Do:

  • Learn a few words of the Irish language and use them while communicating with locals.
  • Tip 10% at restaurants and for taxi rides.
  • Explore the charming villages, towns, and cities in County Galway.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to carry a raincoat and layers as it can be quite chilly despite temperatures eventually being a bit warm.
  • Don’t park in public areas, as it can cause a lot of disturbance.
  • Don’t forget to be on the left side of the road while driving in Ireland.

Safety and Health

Safety in County Galway

County Galway is a safe place for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to be precautious while traveling, keep your wallets and personal belongings in a safe place and follow common sense precautions as in every location

Health in County Galway

Health services are generally good in County Galway. Visitors are also advised to carry their own travel insurance in case of unexpected events and expenses.

Getting to County Galway: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Galway

The main airport nearest to County Galway is Shannon Airport, located around 90 minutes away by car. Another option is Ireland’s West Knock Airport,, which is about a 50-minute drive.

Bus Stations Near County Galway

Public buses and coach services connect travelers to all parts from Galway to Dublin, locations within the county, and other suburban areas as well.

Other Options

If traveling by car or hire car, national roads and highways easily connect County Galway with other places throughout Ireland.

How to Get Around in County Galway

One of the best ways to get around in County Galway is by public transportation. Bus Eireann, Irish Rail train services provide public transportation services. Alternatively, visitors can also hire a car to explore at their leisure.

Where to Go Next from County Galway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some nearby attractions to County Galway are the cities of Limerick and Dublin, with their rich and varied histories, Chliffs of Moher, and the Wicklow Mountains National Park. Each of these destinations offers a unique experience of Ireland’s traditional culture, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks.

Conclusion

County Galway is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and wide range of activities, it’s the perfect place to explore and experience the heart of Ireland. From charming villages and towns to ancient castles and towering cliffs, County Galway has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

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