There’s no doubting the fact that Galway is a very big hit with tourists. In 2023 no less than 969,000 people visited from overseas and contributed a staggering €585 million into the local economy.
The stats for domestic visitors are almost as impressive with 1.2 million visitors spending €236 million. But there’s so much to see and do in the region that it’s not surprising that it continues to be such a popular destination.
Of course, Ed Sheeran’s 2017 song used in the Irish Tourist Board’s ad campaign put the place on the map for many people who possibly may never have even heard of it before.
So if you feel like joining any of them to discover the best of the city and the county here are six great places to go.
Galway City Centre
Once you’ve spent a little time walking around the city centre, absorbing its atmosphere and discovering its hidden corners head along the banks of the River Corrib to the Long Walk. You’ll pass a row of brilliantly colourful houses which are reflected in the water to create a picture-perfect scene.
For city centre nightlife you’ll find countless pubs many with live music playing and a warm welcome awaiting. Though if you’re looking for big city entertainments like casinos and nightclubs you may be disappointed – but there’s always sites like Bally Bet where you’ll find plenty of online casino slots and many like Rainbow Riches with a distinctly Irish theme
Aran Islands
If you’re on for a day trip adventure then just catch a ferry that departs daily from Galway harbour for the spectacular Aran Islands. The trip takes about 90 minutes and you’ll be rewarded with the sight of vertiginous cliffs and dramatic scenery when you arrive. The star of the main island, Inis Mor, is the ancient clifftop fort of Dun Aonghasa. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see a seal colony relaxing on the rocks. Hiring a bike for the day is a great way to get around the island. And make sure you give yourself enough time to sample the delicious food at the Teach Nan Phaidi restaurant for some traditional local fare.
The Cliffs of Moher
On your way to and from the Aran Islands you can’t but help to notice the imposing Cliffs of Moher. So it’s well worth taking a closer look when you’re back on dry land. If you’ve never stood at the top of a 700 foot cliff you’ve quite an experience waiting for you. Peer over the edge and you’ll see gulls and other sea birds nesting – but don’t get too close to the cliff’s edge as the many signs are there to warn you. If you’re fancying a walk then the picturesque village of Doolin is around four miles away, enough to build up a hearty appetite that you can satisfy at the famous Gus O’Connor’s pub.
Cong Village and Wood
There’s more good walking to be enjoyed along the lovely nature trails of Cong Wood that passes by a spectacular collection of trees where you can almost imagine the country’s mythical leprechauns live. There are guided tours if you like but it’s easy enough to make your own way round the three mile Pigeonhole Loop Trail. Landmarks along the way include the Cong River Bridge, the Guinness Tower and the Pigeonhole Cave. Nearby Cong Village has a fair selection of places to eat and drink as well as the ruins of the 12th century abbey that are free to visit and provide a great backdrop for photos.
The Glebe Stone Circle
It’s easy to miss the Glebe Stone Circle that’s only about a five-minute drive from Cong Village but it’s well worth making the effort to find it. It’s uncertain how long the stones have been standing there but estimates suggest it may have been from as long ago as 2500 BCE. Nor it is certain what the circle was for whether as a gathering round or a place of worship. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, try to find the other two stone circles located nearby.
Augnanure Castle
There’s a fascinating history that surrounds Augnanure Castle, the six-story tower house that was built back in the 15th century for the notorious O’Flaherty family whose motto was “Fortune Favours The Strong”.
It once stood amongst a forest of Yew Trees now long gone and is notable for being the only intact castle of its type in County Galway still open to the public. For the full experience take one of the regular organised tours where you’ll hear stories of the castle’s turbulent past including the role it played in the Cromwellian siege of 1652.
Of course, there are plenty more sights to see and places to enjoy in and around Galway. But these are ones for the top of anyone’s bucket list.
