Galway Arty, bohemian city and cultural centre with a high student population with a contemporary vibe.

Lively Galway is an arty, bohemian city and cultural centre with a high student population and a contemporary vibe. Originally formed from a small fishing village, in 1232 it became a walled medieval town after being captured by the Anglo Normans. Some sections of this wall can still be seen today near the Spanish Arch – the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the River Corrib. A popular seaside destination, Galway is also blessed with beautiful beaches, a long winding promenade and is home to numerous festivals every year such as the Galway Arts Festival.

Visit the Galway County Museum to discover the history of this charming city. It even includes a life-size Galway hooker (traditional sailing boat) hanging from the roof. Stroll along the promenade at sunset for beautiful views of the light shimmering on Galway Bay; stand on Salmon Weir Bridge and watch the salmon fishermen fishing in the River Corrib; explore Atlantaquaria – the National Aquarium of Ireland with a display of 170 marine and freshwater species; on a nice day enjoy the sunshine on Salthill Beach. Discover the history of the Claddagh Ring, the traditional Irish ring that originated in the small fishing village of Claddagh, just outside of Galway’s city walls.

Galway has vibrant nightlife where you can simply soak up the atmosphere, watch buskers on the energetic city streets, dance the night away in a nightclub or listen to some traditional music in one of the city’s many brightly painted pubs. It’s also one of the few Irish cities where you will hear Irish spoken on the streets.

Just outside of Galway are some other highlights of Ireland. Explore the impressive mountains, scenic lakes and expansive grasslands, woodlands, heaths and bogs of the Connemara National Park. Visit Ireland’s most romantic castle, the magnificent Kylemore Abbey and learn about its fascinating history. Backed by a steep forest-covered mountain and overlooking a peaceful lake, its setting is picture perfect. Wander around the castle’s stunning grounds and pretty gardens, admire the Gothic Church and prepare to be impressed the carefully restored interior of the Abbey.

See the unique Burren National Park, a rocky, barren and windswept area made up of 350 square kilometres of limestone plateau. It features evidence of life 5,000 years ago with many megalithic tombs. In spring, wildflowers burst out of cracks in the stone and winters rains create little streams and lakes, making for an idyllic setting. Time permitting, the Aran Islands are worth a visit and accessible by ferry. Made from the same stretch of limestone that created the Burren, the islands are like a long undulating reef with some spectacular cliffs, battered daily by the unforgiving waters of the Atlantic.

The dramatic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction. Stretching for 8 kilometres along the Atlantic Coast, at their highest point they stand 214 metres tall. Breathtaking at anytime of year, there are three viewing platforms and on a clear day, the Aran Islands and Maum Turk mountains in Connemara can be seen. Visit the nearby village of Doolin, a charming little place where you can enjoy a pint of Guinness and some traditional Irish music in a trio of pubs.