This location: >> Galway.

N = North | S = South | E = East | W = West.

Galway: The second largest county in Ireland it is almost split in two with the great expanse of Lough Corrib almost seperating the county in two different parts. For many people The county is of magnificent scenic grandeur which is typified by the rocky mountain range known as 'Twelve Bens'. Most of the inhabitants are Irish (Gaelic) speakers and where ever you go in Galway you are sure to see the ancient Gaelic culture preserved here.
Despite being the third largest city in Ireland Galway has retained a village like atmosphere to a place where everyone seems to know everyone else. The city of Galway is home to the National University of Ireland and so it has a vibrant youth life and culture. The city also has many festival and events throughout the year, events such as; 6-week race festival usually held end of July, or the Galway international Oyster festival usually held late September or the Galway Arts festival usually held mid-July.
Places to visit in Galway city: A good place to start must surely be at Eyre Square, the shopping centre is a good centre point and a good place to park up your rental car and explore the shopping centre. From here take a stroll through the John F.Kennedy Memorial Park and from here take in the sights of Lynch's castle, St Nicholas' Church and also the Galway Irish crystal heritage centre on Dublin road where visitors can watch mastercutters creating intricate designs.
As you continue to read more about our review of Galway and county Galway you will begin to discover that we will take you on our Co.Galway tour, pointing out the highlights as we go, we will tell you the approx driving distances, roads and our recommendations from each location along the way, whilst also informing you of what's there, events and any other interesting facts that may be of use.
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Places of interest in or around Galway city and county.

Aran Islands: Located approx 30 miles out in Galway bay.
Located here is the three islands of Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. Arguably the most popular reason to visit Galway the Aran Islands are the most definate reason the visit here and atleast one full day visit is a must. Travel by air or sea is highly dependant on weather conditions and either travel arrangement becomes booked very quickly so reserving ahead is a definate must do here. The ferries from Doolin in Co.Clare and by air from the airport near Inveran on the Galway coast you will need to remember are dependant on the highly unpredictable weather on the west coast. The island is much loved even more due to the fact that most of the 1,500 inhabitants speak Gaelic as their native tongue and still use today the traditional canvas covered boats 'Curraghs' for both fishing and for access to the smaller islands to where the ferry cannot dock.
We would recommend approx: >> Atleast one full day stay.

Salthill: Located approx 1 mile S of Galway on the R338 road.
Salthill is Galway's seaside resort and is also one if Ireland's leading seaside resorts. It has a prmoenade of approx 2 and half miles long, it has good bathing and sailing here, amusements and also a huge entertainment complex 'Leisureland' which provides a range of all-weather activities including a 65 metre waterslide. Also the Galway Atlantaquaria which is the National Aquarium of Ireland where visitors can follow the trail of the famed Galway Salmon, (The Bradán) through it's journey from the Corrib river to Galway bay. The complex also has a café and gift shop.
We would recommend approx: >> Full day stay.

Barna Village (Bearna): Located approx 5 miles W of Galway on the R336 road.
If you plan on exploring Connemara (and why wouldn't you want to?) the best way to do that would be to follow our Co.Galway tour which is approx 150 mile drive that takes you through one of the most beautiful regions of Ireland and also some of the most barren, Much of the tour lies in the Gaeltacht area where Irish is still very much spoken so be prepared to see road and town signs in Gaelic. As we begin our tour we begin at the little pituresque fishing village of 'Bearna' since the village is located in the Gaeltacht area.
We would recommend approx: >> A quick stop over en route.

For more places to see and visit in and around Galway and to continue our tour, please continue here.