Kylemore Abbey is one of the best things to do near Clifden. Theyve been crafting jewellery since way back in 1750 and are the only producer that can get Original stamped on each Claddagh ring by the Irish Assay Office in Dublin Castle. Address: Gaol Rd, Galway, H91 A780, Ireland. The Square is steeped in history, having been hosts to both President Kennedy and the Pope. The image of the Virgin Mary which you will notice in the compound of the cathedral was made by Imogen Stuart who was a German-Irish sculptor. Visit the incredible Dn Aonghasa (one of my favourite things to do in Galway), 3. Busy Bees Soft Play and Roller Disco, Oranmore. Hours: 09:00-19:00. This is widely regarded as one of the best beaches in Galway, and for good reason it and the neighboring Gurteen Bay are out of this world. 11. The baptismal font is from roughly this period and has an image of a dog carved into its side, while the oldest ledger stone in the church belongs to one Adam Bures, dating back to the 1200s. Galway City Museum. Ireland is a land of rich storytelling, and you'll find some of the best stories on the west of Ireland in Galway city. The folks at Galway Food Tours launched an evening tour that helps visitors get to know the city through food. Its from the top of Diamond Hill where you can soak up a view of Connemara thatll knock you sideways. Youre probably sick of hearing me talking about this drive at this stage. You might remember Poll na bPeist from the Red Bull Cliff Diving event back in 2004. 11. Recent visitors said they enjoyed the "lovely, scenic" walk along the seashore, calling it relaxing. The Corrib Princess sets off at 12:30 and 14:30, and theres an extra trip at 16:30 in July and August. 3. The abbey sits on a lake and the whole area has lots of explore. Just half an hour's drive away from Galway City centre, Dunguaire Castle is one attraction that really is as old as it looks. Grab one of the finest views in Ireland from Diamond Hill, 5. Lough Corrib - the Republic of Ireland's largest lake. Visiting this natural and rugged part of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way coastline is a must when deciding what to do in Galway. Connemara National Park - one of the top things to do in Galway. It is one of the most incredible things to do in Galway if you want to view some of the city's most renowned structures. Galway Golf Club. Home Travel Guides Ireland 15 Best Things to Do in Galway (Ireland). What to do in Galway City. Blackrock Diving Tower is a now-iconic feature in Galway and can be found along the Salthill promenade. Discover gorgeous white sandy beaches just 11km off the Galway coast on Inishbofin Island with stunning views back to the Galway coast and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Hop on a boat and catch an incredible view of the Killary Fjord, 2. The only building of its kind in Ireland, the Fishery Watchtower is a Victorian draft netting station. Visit the beautiful Kylemore Abbey. Galway hosts a spectacular farmer's market every weekend. Grab one of the finest views in Ireland from Diamond Hill. By candaceb699. There are a number of hikes and trails you can do in glorious Galway, but I am obsessed with the ocean, island, and mountain views throughout the Diamond Hill Loop Walk. Theres an almost endless number of things to do in Galway with family, friends, and as a solo traveller. Travelers were also quick to note that you'll want to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water, snacks and layers as the weather can change quickly. If you don't have your own set of wheels, you can rely on the best Ireland tours to get you to these awe-inspiring sights. At the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street is a robust limestone house that stands apart from the buildings around it. Best Things to Do in Galway City with Kids. Head up the coast and youll come to the Connemara National Park, which has over 50 peaks in four mountain ranges. The Square is steeped in history, having been hosts to both President Kennedy and the Pope. Here in Galway, we believe in providing a warm welcome and an unrivalled experience that resonates long after leaving. Visit The Weekend Farmer's Market. No matter how you spend your free time, its impossible to be bored in Galway. Whittle away an evening in a cosy pub with friends, 13. 180. Getting the kids to burn off some energy in a safe, supervised place is a great rainy day activity, and Galway has several options, including: Kardio Kids, at Tranquillity Leisure & Spa, Athenry. Traditional, genuine Irish pubs abound, excellent seafood restaurants are within easy walking distance, and medieval structures like St. Nicholas Church and Lynch's Castle provide many interesting experiences. 3. Latin Quarter. Im going to chop this guide up into two different sections, to make it a little bit easier to scan through. Summing it up: Galway is a great place to retire. Take a stroll around the cathedral or attend mass if you choose. If you fancy discovering other castles nearby, hop into our guide to the best castles near Galway that are worth a visit. Youll find the Glengowla Mines deep beneath a mountain in Connemara. Now, with all of the disruptions in 2020, its likely that itll be 2022 at the earliest that these festivals will return. So be sure to find out more about the entertainment on offer in Galway. Nestled between the Twelve Pins Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, you cant miss the nearby high point at Sky Road, one of Irelands most impressive scenic drives. If you fancy braving the chilly depths of Galway Bay, lash on your swimming gear and take a dive. Photo by Alexander Narraina (Shutterstock). From film and movie festivals to the oyster festival and the Galway Races, there are plenty of lively events to plan your trip around. May to September you can catch this boat up the River Corrib to the lake (lough) of the same name. Theres also plenty of great places for brunch in Galway nearby! The best chipper (places that sell, you guessed it, chips, for our non-Irish readers) in Galway is McDonaghs. Chill out in Eyre Square. From lazy Saturdays spent floating about Galway City to the more strenuous adventures that Connemara boasts in abundance, Galway has a little bit of something for everyone. From the top on a clear day you can see Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Below you can find in-depth information on activities, entertainment, museums and family friendly things to do right throughout Galway. A morning spent up Diamond Hill is one of the best things to do in Ireland, never mind Galway. Possibly my favourite place in the world! The cone-shaped Diamond Hill from the village of Letterfrack has one of Irelands best hikes, past a 5,000-year-old tomb and up to a summit blessed with far-off mountain and ocean views. If youd like to see what other unique accommodation Galway has to offer, hop into our Airbnb Galway guide (its packed with quirky rentals!). Whether youre a history nut, a shopaholic, a sports fanatic or a night owl, Galway has the museums, shops, markets, nightlife and more to keep you entertained. 6.) Experience the dramatic scenery from a more unique vantage point by taking a boat tour to the base of the cliffs. Rinville Park. 20. Youll be spoiled for scenic choice at Connemara National Park, which stretches across 2,957 hectares roughly the size of 2,400 football pitches. Dunguaire Castle. Day 2: Day trip to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Cliffs of Moher & The Burren. Murphys Ice Cream is ridiculously expensive and I meanridiculously. Parks. But its also pretty damn tasty (if youre on a budget, there are several other ice cream sellers along Shop St. and Quay St.). Rossaveal is the main ferry port in Galway for the islands, with sailings twice daily to each island year-round, and more frequent departures in the summer months. The whiskey tasting was decent value and it came with a little platter that was accompanied by an information booklet that walks you through each whiskey. Well worth doing (were in no way affiliated). Galway is roughly at the halfway point and has amazing road trips to the north and south. According to past visitors, this museums offers a great introduction to the area's history. If you arrive at Neachtains pub and see a couple of free seats, hop on them. Ive had many a feed from here and its always 10/10. Unearth the legend of Claddagh's rings. You tend to end up surrounded by an almost other-worldly mountainous landscape regardless of which way you point the car/bike. Thanks for visiting the Irish road trip! It's one of the best things to do in Galway! There are 2 walks here:The Lower Diamond Hill walk (3 km long and takes 1 to 1.5 hours) and the Upper Diamond Hill trail (7 km long and takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete). The Galway tourism website is another great resource for those of you in search of things to do in Galway at the weekend. The abbey is now home to the Benedictine nuns, whove been living there since 1920. It takes in four of the famous Twelve Bens mountains, huge expanses of bogs, grasslands and woodlands, and its a birdwatchers delight. Travelers favorites include #1 Wild Atlantic Way, #2 Aran Islands and more. If youre fortunate enough to walk the promenade when the skies are clear youll see the outline of The Burren down in County Clare, while up in the northwest are the peaks of Connemara. The Arch is also right next to Galway City Museum! Once home to the richest family in Galway in 1592 (the Blakes), Menlo is now a picturesque ruin thats covered head to toe in ivy. The 14 Tribes of Galway are also represented with flags bearing the family colours. Recent visitors called the park a "must-do" and raved about the views. On a cool winters morning, theres just nothing like it in the world. Celtic Tales runs regular evenings in the Crane Bar where you can enjoy urban legends and folklore that cover all genres - from horror to comedy! You pop into a pub for a pint and a friendly chat with a local. If youre wondering what to do in Galway over a summer weekend, base yourself in Clifden and explore all around you. This stunning backdrop means it's rumoured to be the . Along with their medieval forts, Celtic churches and dramatic cliffs, the islands offer a glimpse into Ireland's history and culture, as this is a place where locals still speak Gaelic (and English). Spin around the outside of Connemara National Park, 14. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday . A lot of people visiting Galway never look outside the city, which is a shame, as its outside the buzzy walls of Galway City that youll discover some of the most scenic corners of Ireland. Galway is known for being the festival capital of Ireland, as it hosts a huge number of festivals and events every year. This walk, in particular, is well worth a crack. In the middle of the 17th century the largest body of Irish genealogical lore, Leabhar na nGenealach, recording the heritage of families across Ireland, was written at this very place. Several visitors who happened to be in town on a weekend called themselves "lucky" and said the market was "wonderful." One of my favourite drives in Ireland starts in Galway and finishes in Mayo. Grab a seat outside Tigh Neachtain and watch the world go by, 7. Experience world-class winter sports across the Centennial State. 10. Youll then leave the island and get to see the Cliffs of Moher from right below! Taking over the city at the end of July each year, its a major cultural festival as well. Our next stop, the Quiet Man Bridge, is one is for those of you that have watched the movie The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen OHara. - Lady Gregory. On the river youll pass the ruins of Menlo Castle, a 16th-century mansion that burnt down in 1910 and is now completely taken over by ivy. Ive heard the food here is great, but its the pint with a view that has me itching to visit. Its like something whipped from a Disney movie! If, like me, you live a couple of hours from Galway, you may find yourself pointing the car out west and heading over on a Friday after work. Traversing the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the top things to do in Galway. No matter what the age, from tiny tots to teens, there are activities to suit everyone, so be sure to check out the family friendly activities in Galway below. By the Corrib River, the Galway City museum opened in a new building in 2007 and is a free and multifaceted attraction covering Galways archaeology, folk history, art and natural history. A small museum on the banks of the Corrib River, the Galway Museum is free for anyone interested in the history of the city. Dive in and browse hundreds of different events by month. Click to discover all the fun things to do in Galway during your time here. Youll get away with speaking English on these Gaeltacht islands, but theres never been a better time to try out your cpla focail. Let me know in the comments below and Ill check them out! Museums in Galway are a trove of stories, artefacts, culture and living heritage just waiting to be discovered. Discover the many fantastic day tours throughout Galway; to the Cliffs of Moher, to Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, to the Aran Islands and more, and experience Irish culture and local traditions through food and drink experiences, walking tours and fishing trips. For a relatively small city, Galway has a wealth of attractions and natural beauty to keep anyone entranced for days. For one, Irish Gaelic is still the first language here. Arguably the most beautiful corner of the Connemara region, this scenic 16km circular route offers some of the most rugged and varied scenery in the county. It is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers and constructed from Galways signature grey limestone. Sheltered among beachy coves along this Blue Flag-designated shoreline, you can sunbathe, explore amongst the rocks or dive in and join the swimmers in lapping up those Atlantic waves. Photo left: LUKinMEDIA (shutterstock). Table of Contents show 20. None of us knew the first thing about whiskey but it was cold, the pub was cosy and sure look, why not. The Cliff of Moher run for almost 14km reaching a highest point of 214m. An actress wants to fight the changing of the times. Explore Galway's Many Canals. Whether youre searching for the perfect souvenir, beautiful handmade crafts, some homegrown goods or simply window shopping, youll be spoiled for choice in Galway. Galway City is the capital of the west of Ireland and it's idyllic location on the edge of the Atlantic combined with the surrounding countryside provides a memorable setting for any holiday. The farming communities on the Aran Islands came about after centuries of ploughing and enriching the soil with seaweed, and in their isolation the Aran Islands have kept a quiet rural character that cant easily be found in modern Europe. Imagine peeling yourself out of bed before the sun rears its head, brewing up a coffee, and sauntering a few feet to the sand to sip it as you watch the sunrise?! Recently visited Galway and completely fell in love with the place! Step back in time at Galway City Museum, 15. 26 - Hike the Diamond Hill Loop Walk. Retirement in or near Galway has all the big city benefits with none of the disadvantages. There's so much to do on these beautiful islands, you may end up staying for longer than expected. You wont be short on options for great music, culinary delights and cutting-edge fashion so dig out your best hat and prepare for a weekend of fun. 2. From mountain escapes to quaint small towns, a blissful trip for two is right around the corner. Now, you can go inside Kylemore Abbey, if you fancy. What to see in Galway: where have we missed? And while the arches arent exactly a stirring monument its worth remembering that they date all the way back to 1584, and also sustained damage from the tsunami caused by the Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. We exist to make planning your Irish Road Trip easy. In fact, even the grown ups are known to have quite a lot of fun too! It is nestled peacefully on the banks of Kylemore Lough, surrounded by the beautiful rolling mountains of Connemara. The architecture is modern and instead ofthe typical altars and stained-glass windows, there are mosaics. Its a circular route around 11km long that takes you out west from the brilliant little town of Clifden in Galway. Stop in at Claddagh Jewellers to learn about the fascinating history of the famed Claddagh Ring and maybe pick up one yourself as an authentic Irish souvenir. Dating back to 1320, this church is Irelands largest medieval parish church hosting regular services. The Eyre Square Centre on the south border of the square is Galways prime shopping centre, with more than 70 high street chains and eateries. By subscribing to our mailing list, you agree to our Privacy Policy. Busker Brownes Pub here has the vestiges of the Dominican Slate Nunnery, donated by John Kirwan in 1686. Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden, 9 things to do in Galway on your next visit. Highlights include a stone ax head carbon-dated to 3500 B.C. Head southwest of the city centre and youll soon come to the Salthill Promenade, two kilometres long with a beautiful perspective from the north side of the bay. 3. Galway offers a host of exciting indoor and outdoor activities and adventures to cater for all types of interests and for all types of weather. The whole area has lots of explore, even the grown ups are known have... Do on these beautiful Islands, but its the pint with a view of Connemara thatll knock you sideways mountainous! 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