Welcome to Galway & Connemara!
Each page opens with an inspirational video. If you have the time, sit back and enjoy. These filmmakers have an incredible passion for travel and we want to share their talent. After watching, we hope to give you a reason to read on….
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About Galway & Connemara
Galway is a city in the West of Ireland, in the province of Connacht. It is the county town of County Galway, which is named after it. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay, and is the sixth most populous cd at about 80,000 residents. It is on the list of many travelers for a host of reasons. The food is some of the best in Ireland, and the local culture is on show with many street performers dancing the Irish jig and the many pubs filled with music and terrific pints of beer! We do agree, the food is at a different level. We still talk about the turnip and carrot soup at John Keogh ‘s Pub.
Ed Sheeran made it even more popular with his catchy tune “Galway Girl”. We actually frequented the pubs where they filmed but of course, editing made it look much different. We still enjoyed the atmostphere and woudl without a doubt put it back on our itinerary, on our next trip to Ireland.
Connemara is a cultural region in County Galway, in the west of Ireland. The area has a strong association with traditional Irish culture and contains a major part of the Connacht Irish -speaking Gaeltacht, which is a key part of the identity of the region and is the largest Gaeltacht in the country. The region is rich in beauty with lakes and the shore everywhere you look. They are known for their oysters and many rely on the sea for income. The lovely Kylemore Abbey is tucked away at the coastline and is worth a visit.
A special thank you to Facundo Vilicich an Argentinian Videographer with a wonderful collection of videos from around the world. Be sure to check out his site by clicking under the video. Also check out the official travel site of Galway below.
Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
The Wildatlanticwayonline.com has some great routes and suggestions for an amazing itinerary. Click on Explore Maps below for more information. here is so much valuable information about planning, including travel through Connemara and the Aran Islands. You can learn about the landmarks to plan your itinerary. Click on Explore Maps to be taken directly to that page.
Eat Play & Stay
For some of our top recommendations and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, check out the slider below. We have vetted these based on past stays or future bucket list goals. There are many other choices that fit each style and taste, so be sure to click the additional links below to narrow down options on things to do, and where to eat & stay.
Feel free to click on the slider or the icon at the top right to stop the slide and the arrow to continue.
This is one of the best restaurants visited in Ireland. All local products at affordable prices. It is so worth a visit when you are in Galway! You will not be disappointed. We still reminisce about the fish and chips and the turnip soup.
For a different twist on pizza you must try Dough Brothers. We stopped when we arrived during our first afternoon in Galway. We decided to try it because it was one of the top rated restautants in the area. It is a great way to grab something light for lunch. The owners started with a food truck and it became so popular they decided to open up a local restaurant. Click on the title to learn about Dough Brothers and Explore More for other options in Galway.
Galwaytourism.ie has some great options for things to do while in Galway and the surrounding area. Check out the Galway Bay Boat Tour. A family owned business with wonderful reviews offers various options for a wonderful time on the bay. Perfect for groups big and small, this is your invitation to tour, taste and enjoy the real Galway. Very affordable too.
Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in County Galway is set within 700 acres of woodland, with the beautiful backdrop of the 12 Bens Mountain range. There are numerous activities organized by the hotel include, hiking, cycling, and walking. This hotel is on our bucket list. Click on the title to see the beautiful photos of the interior and read the outstanding reviews.
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight
Check out the Discover Ireland website for valuable information about Galway and surrounding Connemara. You will have access to many activities, great restaurants, and more.
Experience Galway
There is so much to see in do in the town of Galway. First of all, the shopping is amazing. The shops are quaint and the local culture is on display. IF you are wanting to bring something back, I suggest you check it out here. Also the Claddaugh Ring traditional Irish ring) was invented here so you will find many in the local jewelry shops. This is the best place for great food and local music. You will also find the freshest oysters in Ireland here is Galway.
Off the Beaten Path
Connemara
Connemara is a paradise. It lies just northwest of Galway. If you have some extra time, it is well worth a visit. This video will inspire you to check out the many activities available within a short distance from Galway.
Kylemore Abbey
This Abbey was built in the 1850s by a successful financier as a gift to his wife. They lived there for many years until she passed away abruptly after a visit to Egypt. Her husband built an abbey for her resting place. The living quarters have been preserved and offer tours daily. Be sure to click Explore More to find the story about this castle and get information on tickets.
Stay on a Sheep
Farm Connemara
Join the Pitts as they venture out to this sheep farm in the hills of Connemara. The cottages are location to the John Wayne movie, The Quiet Man, and the more recent film, PS I Love You. This accommodation is off the beaten path but more memorable than a hotel in town. Check out Explore More for more information on the cottages and click HERE to follow the Pitts on their many adventures.
Aran Islands
Check out Aran Island Ferries a great day trip from Galway. Inis Mor is the most popular. There is so much to do on these islands. You can rent bikes or take a horse-drawn carriage ride on Inis Mor. The ferry makes it very easy to visit from Galway.
Virtual Walking Tour ~ Galway
by Pop Travel
