Galway's Latin Quarter is the heart of the city
Why Visit Galway
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the thing I like the most about Galway is just the vibes you feel when you're there. It's fun. It's relaxing. It's laid back and just really different than anywhere else in Ireland. The key to all this is the Latin Quarter - the most popular neighborhood in the city - street performers, lively pubs, outdoor cafes, quaint shops - a great place for strolling.
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the Pubs and Irish music set the mood for the city
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the Galway City Museum is fun, engaging and provides informative historical context about the city's past
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the Salthill area is on the outskirts of the city. It's fun and relaxing - beaches, a promenade which is great for walking or running, the Galway Atlantaquaria is the National Aquarium of Ireland . Take the tourist train to get here from the city centre.
Nearby.........
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the Connemara region and Connemara National Park are one of Ireland's most beautiful areas - walking trails, cycling, kayaking, and great scenery sightseeing
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Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland's most beautiful houses and the setting is out of a storybook
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Dunguaire Castle is well preserved and an easy/quick stop since it's not crowded
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One of Ireland's best locations for Scenic drives
Galway's most popular things to See and Do
Galway City Museum
found on the banks of the famous River Corrib, the museum features an ever-changing set of exhibitions offering insight into the history & culture of the city & its people
Eyre Square
the square dwells at the very heart of the city and its manifestations date all the way back to the 17th century; the park is officially known as John F Kennedy Memorial Park in honor of the visit and speech made by President Kennedy in 1963
a Stroll along the Corrib River
the Corrib River runs through the center of the city. A stroll along its banks is relaxing and quite beautiful - a great opportunity for a nice chat with someone you're close to
Spanish Arch
constructed in 1584, the "Blind Arch" as it was previously known was an extension of the city's defensive walls specifically designed to protect the quays from looting; its current name comes from the usage of the quays by Spanish traders
Galway Tourist Train
a 45-minute historical tour (seasonal) with stops at the Spanish Arch and the Salthill Aquarium; a great way to get around the city and then to the Salthill area
Galway Cathedral
the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, commonly known as the Galway Cathedral, is an impressive building located along the Corrib River banks; it's not very old - built in 1965
One of Galway's best highlights
The Latin Quarter
- restaurants, cafes
- pubs, Irish music
- street performers
- retail shops
- relaxed, fun atmosphere
Sreet performers entertain throughout the Latin Quarter
Pubs like
Tig Coilli
are popular with locals & tourists
Scenic drive
Connemara region
North of Galway in the Connemara region just about any drive is a scenic one. There are mountains, and bogs, and loughs and sheep on the two-lane country roads. One drive that I particular like is the N59/R344 loop. Heading north on N59 out of Galway, turn right on R344 just past the town of Recess. Driving through through the expansive bog region, you'll come upon Lough Inagh on your left. There's not much traffic here. Stop as often as you want for incredible photos. At N59, turn left and you'll pass Kylemore Abbey on your right and then Connemara National Park on your left.
Galway's beaches
Nearby.....
Kylemore Abbey
Built as a breathtaking castle in 1868, it's now the abbey and home of the Benedictine community of nuns whose previous abbey in Belgium was destroyed during World War I. You can tour sections of the abbey, the grounds, the small neo-Gothic church and walled garden. History talks & guided tours. Guided hikes above the abbey. This is one of Ireland's best photo ops.
Dunguaire Castle
A 16th century tower house on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay near Kinvarra. The name derives from the Dun of King Guaire, the legendary king of Connacht. The castle's 75-foot tower and its defensive wall have been restored. Visit the castle for a self-tour. This is a great castle to visit. It's restored and does not have a lot of visitors. In the tradition of "King Guaire", savor a delicious four-course dinner in the castle.
Outdoor activities
