Around Galway and the Aran Islands it is possible to sample the best of two very different worlds ~ the bars and backstreets of a small but busy city and the majestic splendour of the rugged coastline.
The core the city lies between Eyre Square on the east and the River Corrib on the west. The main thoroughfare begins west of Eyre Square. Kennedy Park was built to honour the visit by John F. Kennedy in 1963. Dating from 1320, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra is also located off the square, and has some interesting tombs.
A town of medieval arches, alleyways, and cobblestone lanes, Galway is best explored on foot. The narrow, cobbled streets, quirky shopfronts and great places to eat and drink make this a popular destination for an eclectic mix of people, with visitors from Dublin coming down on weekend evenings to have fun.
At Salthill, just south-west of the city, The National Aquarium of Ireland is the jewel in the crown of visitor attractions in the West of Ireland. As Ireland's largest aquarium, it is home to 170 species of marine and freshwater life.
There are many physical activities to keep you entertained, including Go-Karting, and at the Galway Leisure World, you can enjoy 10-pin bowling, Laserquest, Pool and the use of a full Fitness Centre.
The city is also the departure point for visitors to the Aran Islands and Connemara.
In Connemara, the Killary Adventure Company offers multi-activity daily activities, including cycling, hiking, walking, sea-kayaking, horse-riding, diving and also a cultural celtic eperience.
You can travel to Aran by ferry boat, directly from Galway city Dockside (90 minutes), or Connemara (35/40 mins). An Island rich in the language, culture and heritage of Ireland, unique in its geology and archaeology, a place to sense the spirit of Gaelic Ireland, but also a place of great fun and activity.
- Thoor Ballylee ~ W. B. Yeats had a own summer home in Gort, where the now-restored 16th-century Norman tower house served as the inspiration for his poems "The Winding Stair" and "The Tower." In the interpretive center, an audiovisual presentation examines the poet's life.
- Nora Barnacle Museum ~ The home of James Joyce's wife.
- St Nicholas Collegiate Church ~ The largest medieval parish church in Ireland, and still in use. It was built in 1320, and Christopher Columbus is said to have worshipped here in 1477.
- Galway Cathedral ~ This cathedral, whose official name is 'Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas' was built in the 1960's, with contemporary artists designing the stained-glass windows, statues and mosaics.
- Lynch Castle ~ Lynch was a mayor of Galway in the 15th century, and upon his son receiving a death sentence for his misdemeanours, the story runs that his father acted as the hangman. The Lynch Memorial Window is said to be the spot where the execution took place.
- Spanish Arch ~ All that really remains of the old city walls.
- River cruises ~ Take a boat cruises along the River Corrib, with commentary on points of interest. Lasting 90 minutes, you will pass castles, historical sites, and assorted wildlife, and the boat offers a bar and snacks.
- Trips to the Aran Islands ~ See above.
