Galway

Galway is two counties in one: a small city that never stops, and Connemara behind it with almost nobody in it. These are the ten we would start with, and there are ten more underneath them when you want to keep going.

National park · LetterfrackConnemara National ParkBog, heath and mountain on the north west coast, with waymarked trails climbing Diamond Hill.

Abbey · ConnemaraKylemore AbbeyKylemore sits on a lake below the mountains, with a walled garden and a church in the grounds.

Museum · Galway cityGalway City MuseumThree floors on the city's history beside the Spanish Arch, with a Galway hooker sailing boat standing inside it.

1. The Spanish ArchRuin · Galway cityWhat is left of the old city wall where the Corrib meets the sea, with the museum beside it.
2. Galway CathedralCathedral · Galway cityA dome stands on the island in the river, built on the site of the old city jail.
3. The CladdaghHarbour · Galway cityThe old fishing village across the river from the city, now a quay walk with the boats moored along it.
4. Salthill PromenadeWalk · SalthillThe seafront walk runs along Galway Bay, with the Burren across the water and the diving tower at the end.
5. Inis MorIsland · Aran IslandsLargest of the three Aran Islands, with stone walls, a fort on the cliff and a ferry from Rossaveal.
6. Dun AonghasaFort · Inis MorThe stone fort sits on the edge of a sea cliff, with nothing between you and the drop.
7. ClifdenTown · ClifdenConnemara's main town, built on a hill above the bay with the mountains behind it.

1. Ahascragh DistilleryMuseum · AhascraghAhascragh Distillery, close to Ballinasloe, County Galway, is Ireland's first zero energy emissions distillery.
2. Dún AonghasaMuseum · Aran IslandsDún Aonghasa is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands, off the coast of County Galway.
3. Na Seacht dTeampaillAbbey or church · Aran IslandsNa Seacht dTeampaill, or the Seven Churches, was probably the most important pilgrimage site on the Aran Islands during the Middle Ages.
4. Rathbaun FarmMuseum · ArdrahanRathbaun Farm is situated in southwest County Galway in Ardrahan.
5. Athenry Arts and Heritage CentreMuseum · AthenryThe award-winning Athenry Arts and Heritage Centre is set in the medieval walled town of Athenry, County Galway, providing a unique visitor experience.
6. The Battle of Aughrim Visitor CentreMuseum · Ballinasloe
7. Caimileon Art StudioGallery · BallinderreenCaimileon Art Studio is based in the West of Ireland close to Kinvara, in South County Galway.
8. Father Flanagan Visitor Centre, BallymoeMuseum · BallymoeThe Father Flanagan Visitor Centre, Ballymoe in County Galway, provides an illuminating and intimate glimpse into the Ireland of Father Flanagan's time.
9. Galway's Living BogNature and wildlife · CastlegarCarrownagappul Bog, near Mountbellew, is Galway's Living Bog.
10. Claregalway Museum and ForgeMuseum · ClaregalwayFormed in the early 1990’s, the Society felt it important to capture the rich culture and heritage of Claregalway’s rural parish history and traditions.
11. Connemara Blue Artisan GlassGallery · ClifdenConnemara Blue Artisan Glass aims to create unique handmade fused glass products in Clifden, Connemara.
12. Dan O’Hara’s Homestead - Connemara Heritage & History CentreMuseum · ClifdenNestling under the Twelve Bens mountain range, is the restored pre-famine cottage of Dan O'Hara, a man made famous in song and story.
13. The Whitethorn GalleryGallery · Clifden7 beautifully appointed rooms displaying some of the finest artists in Ireland.
14. Joyce Country SheepdogsVisitor farm · ClonburA visit to Joyce Country Sheepdogs Farm, in County Galway, includes sheepdog demonstrations, a talk on hill sheep farming, a chance to see hill sheep and rams and meet Seamie and Síle, the donkeys.
15. Kiltartan Gregory MuseumCastle or historic house · CrossThe Kiltartan Gregory Museum, Gort, County Galway, is a restored former schoolhouse dedicated to the memory of playwright Lady Augusta Gregory of nearby Coole.
16. Galway City's Medieval WallsAncient site · Eyre SquareBack in medieval times, Galway City was enclosed by an impressive stone wall, built by the Normans to protect its citizens from external attacks.
17. Quincentennial FountainCastle or historic house · Eyre Square
18. Circle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative GardenGarden · Galway CityCircle of Life is Ireland's National Organ Donor commemorative garden and is Galway's International Heritage Garden.
19. Galway County LibraryLiterary site · Galway CityThe Galway Library Service consists of 29 libraries in total across the city and county.
20. James Mitchell MuseumMuseum · Galway CityThe James Mitchell Museum, or Galway's Hidden Museum, is housed in the Department of Geology, National University of Ireland in Galway City.
21. The Kenny GalleryGallery · Galway CityThe Kenny Gallery has been selling original works of art in Galway for over 70 years.
22. The Autograph TreeLiterary site · GortThe Autograph Tree is located in Coole Park near Gort.
23. Thoor BallyleeCastle or historic house · GortW.B. Yeats, Nobel Prize winner, poet and senator, bought this ancient Norman tower and adjoining cottages in 1916.
24. Dumhach BeachBeach · Inishbofin
25. Inishbofin Heritage Museum & Gift ShopMuseum · InishbofinInishbofin Heritage Museum tells of the history and day to day life of inhabitants on this beautiful island, situated seven miles off the Galway coast.
26. Aerfort Réigiúnach Chonamara (Connemara Regional Airport)Attraction · InveranLeave the car behind and jet off to the Aran Islands from Aerfort Réigiúnach Chonamara (Connemara Regional Airport).
27. Woodville House and Walled GardenMuseum · KilchreestBeautifully positioned at the foot of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, Woodville House Walled Garden is found near Kilchreest and Loughrea, County Galway.
28. Burren Nature SanctuaryVisitor farm · KinvaraBurren Nature Sanctuary is the interpretive centre for the natural history of the Burren offering an accessible experience of the unique Burren landscape.
29. Finnerty's MillsCastle or historic house · LeitrimFinnerty's Mills in Leitrim, County Galway is a restored corn mill with working waterwheel.
30. Droichead Charraig an Logáin (Carrickalegaun Bridge)Island · LettermoreThis causeway links two of the islands of Kilkieran Bay, Gorumna and Lettermore.
31. Lettermullen & Garumna Heritage CentreMuseum · Lettermullen IslandThe Lettermullen and Garumna Heritage Centre, exhibits the rich heritage of the local area in Caladh Ghólam, 64kms from Galway City.
32. Leahy BeekeepingVisitor farm · LoughreaVisit Leahy Beekeeping in Loughrea, County Galway, for a full beekeeping experience.
33. Loughrea CathedralAbbey or church · LoughreaSt. Brendan’s Cathedral, located in Loughrea, County Galway, is one of Ireland’s greatest contributions to 20th-century European art.
34. Loughrea LakeBeach · LoughreaLoughrea Lake is located in Loughrea, County Galway.
35. Turoe Pet FarmVisitor farm · LoughreaHead to Turoe Pet Farm, just outside Loughrea in County Galway for a fun-filled family day out with animals and playgrounds.
36. Loughwell Farm ParkVisitor farm · MoycullenLoughwell Farm Park, located 5km from Moycullen on the Moycullen to Spiddal road, County Galway, is a family friendly haven with pet animals galore and play facilities.
37. The Hooker BreweryMuseum · OranmoreThe Galway Hooker is a locally produced beer.
38. Glengowla Mines & Family Farm ExperienceMuseum · OughterardGlengowla Mines and Family Farm Experience in Oughterard, County Galway, offer fun days out for all the family.
39. The Irish Workhouse CentreMuseum · PortumnaA real story in a real workhouse: known in Irish as Teach na mBocht (the Poorhouse), this centre tells the story of the workhouse system in Ireland, which operated from the 1840s-1920s.
40. Islands ViewBeach · RenvyleOn the north coast of the Renvyle Peninsula, Islands View is so named because it's the ideal spot from which to see Crump and the other islands in the bay.
41. Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh Conamara - Pearse CottageCastle or historic house · RosmuckIonad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, is located in Ros Muc, Connemara County Galway.
42. Calafort Ros an Mhíl (Rossaveel Harbour)Island · RossavealWander down to Rossaveel Harbour (Calafort Ros an Mhíl) in County Galway and watch the colourful boats sail in and out.
43. Gurteen BeachBeach · RoundstoneTwo miles from Roundstone, Co Galway, on the road to Clifden, are two of the finest beaches in Ireland.
44. Galway AtlantaquariaZoo or aquarium · SalthillVisit Galway Atlantaquaria, Ireland’s largest native species aquarium at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way in Salthill, Galway City.
45. Salthill BeachBeach · SalthillSalthill Beach is located approximately 2km from Galway City and is made up of several small beaches which are separated by rocky outcrops.
46. Silver Hill/Aillebrack BeachBeach · SilverhillSilver Hill/Aillebrack Beach, 5km west of Ballyconneely in County Galway, is a peaceful, family friendly beach along the Wild Atlantic Way.
47. Cleggan HarbourAttraction · TreanThis busy working harbour at the head of Cleggan Bay is mostly used by fishing vessels but it is also served by the ferry to Inishbofin.
48. 126 Artist-Run GalleryGallery · Galway126 provides free exhibitions of ground-breaking, boundary testing contemporary art.
49. An Trá Mór, Coill Rua, IndreabhánBeach · GalwayAn Trá Mór, Coill Rua, Indreabhán is a sandy beach located in the Gaeltacht area of Inveran, County Galway.
50. Aran Off Road ExperienceCastle or historic house · GalwayTake the road less travelled in a customised, leather seated, Land Rover Defender Jeep through Inis Mór (Inishmore).
51. Bathing Place at PortumnaBeach · GalwayBathing Place at Portumna is situated at the head of Lough Derg about 1.5km south of Portumna Town.
52. Brigit's Garden (Gairdín Bhríde)Garden · GalwayThe Garden Café specialises in high quality fresh food, using the best local produce with salads and herbs from the gardens.
53. Céibh an Spidéal BeachBeach · GalwayGalway Bay is a west facing bay, open to the Atlantic.
54. Céibh Bhaile na hAbhann (Ballynahown Pier)Landscape · GalwayCheck out the distinctive brick red sails of the traditional Galway Hooker sailing boats from the man-made pier.
55. Celtic TalesLiterary site · GalwayEnjoy a mesmerising evening of Irish and Scottish storytelling with Celtic Tales in Galway City.
56. Cill Mhuirbhigh, Inis MórBeach · GalwayCill Mhuirbhigh, Inis Mór is a sandy beach located on the northern coast of Inishmore Island.
57. Clifden CastleAncient site · GalwayClifden Castle was built by John d'Arcy in a Gothic Revival style between 1812 and 1815.
58. Clonfert CathedralAbbey or church · GalwayClonfert Cathedral stands on the grounds where St Brendan founded a monastery in the 6th century.
59. Derryclare LoughNature and wildlife · GalwayFind Derryclare Lough, 20km east of Clifden in Galway.
60. Dún Dúchathair (The Black Fort)Ancient site · GalwayDún Dúchathair, on the south coast of Inis Mór on the Aran Islands in County Galway, is one of the two cliff forts on the island, the other being Dún Aonghasa.
61. Galway Arts CentreCastle or historic house · GalwayGalway Arts Centre's building at 47 Dominick Street was built in the 1840s as a residence for the Persse Family.
62. Galway City LibraryLiterary site · GalwayGalway City Centre Library is located on St Augustine Street in Galway City centre.
63. Hall of the Red EarlMuseum · Galway13th century archaelogical remains of the Hall of the Red Earl, the oldest building to be excavated within Galway's medieval walls.
64. Inis Meáin (Inishmaan)Beach · GalwayEscape the noise of the modern world and experience Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), a place where beauty, tradition and culture combine in a rugged windswept landscape.
65. Ionad Na FeamainneMuseum · GalwayIonad Na Feamainne, The Seaweed and Heritage Centre, in Lettermullan, County Galway, is situated on the coast of Connemara, an hour's drive from Galway City.
66. Killary Fjord ShellfishVisitor farm · GalwayKillary Fjord Shellfish Food Truck is located on the WAW on Killary Harbour.
67. Killary Sheep FarmVisitor farm · GalwayKillary Sheep Farm is a traditional working farm near Leenane, County Galway.
68. Kilmacduagh Cathedral Churches And Round TowerAbbey or church · GalwayIn the 7th century, St Colman founded the Kilmacduagh Monastery, which is located southwest of Gort in County Galway.
69. Lackagh Museum and Heritage CentreMuseum · GalwayLackagh Museum and Heritage Centre is set in a restored traditional Irish cottage, dating from the mid 1800s, in Lackagh Village 16km northeast of Galway City on the R354.
70. Legend of the Claddagh RingMuseum · GalwayLocated in Galway city, Legend of the Claddagh Ring is a visitor centre that explores the history and lore of the famous ring.
71. Lynch's CastleCastle or historic house · GalwayAt the junction of Shop Street and Upper Abbeygate Street is Lynch's Castle, a 16th century castle which was heavily altered in 1966 when it was converted into a bank.
72. Micil DistilleryMuseum · GalwayMicil Distillery was founded by Pádraic Ó Griallais, a sixth generation poitín distiller from Connemara.
73. Omey IslandBeach · GalwayThis vast beach reveals itself every day at low tide, when it also serves as the access point to Omey Island.
74. Renvyle BeachBeach · GalwayFramed by aquamarine waters and views of the Twelve Bens mountains, it’s perfect for swimming, walking, and relaxing in nature.
75. Rinville ParkPark · GalwayBe sure to keep an eye out for the wildlife that have made Rinville Park their home, such as ravens, grey herons and otters, and stop and smell the park's wildflowers.
76. Ross Errilly AbbeyAbbey or church · GalwayRoss Errilly Abbey is the finest and best preserved medieval Franciscan foundation in the country.
77. Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church, GalwayAbbey or church · GalwayThe Collegiate Church of Saint Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship and is at the heart of Galway’s life.
78. Seanchéibh an SpidéilBeach · Galway
79. Silver Strand BeachBeach · GalwaySilver Strand Beach is located in Barna, County Galway.
80. Teach Synge - John Millington Synge's Cottage & MuseumMuseum · GalwayTeach Synge is a 300-year-old cottage on the beautiful island of Inishmaan (Aran Islands).
81. Trá an Dóilín, An Ceathrú RuaBeach · GalwayTrá an Dóilín, An Ceathrú Rua is situated just outside the village of Carraroe in County Galway.
82. Trá Inis OírrBeach · GalwayTrá Inis Oírr is on the northern coast of Inis Oírr (Inisheer).
83. Trá na gCeann (Silver Strand)Beach · Galway
84. Traught, KinvaraBeach · GalwayOn a sunny day, stroll along the coastline of Traught beach in County Galway and take in far off views of Galway City.
85. Tribe Gin SchoolMuseum · GalwayTribe Gin School in Salthill, County Galway is all about bringing people together and getting creative by distilling their very own bottle of gin.

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