Straddling the rugged coastline of Ireland’s western heartland, County Galway offers a magnificent fusion of distinct urban and rural experiences that powerfully captivate visitors. Galway City itself is a cultural powerhouse; its winding medieval streets host a vibrant, bohemian mix of buskers, artists, and students, creating an electrifying atmosphere that is unparalleled on the island. In 2020 the city was voted Europe’s friendliest city, a testament to the warmth of its people.
Beyond the city, the county reveals its wild spirit in Connemara, a striking landscape of quartzite mountains, vast bogs, and intricate coastline. This is a region deeply rooted in history, where the Gaelic language thrives and the offshore Aran Islands stand as living museums of ancient forts, labyrinthine stone walls, and traditional lifeways. From toe‑tapping traditional music to innovative Irish cuisine, Galway embraces its past and future with characteristic, unforgettable warmth.
Galway City is widely celebrated as the beating cultural heart of Ireland. Its mediaeval origins are still tangible in the winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, standing in vibrant contrast to the city’s modern, bohemian energy. Visitors can wander from the bustling centre of Eyre Square to the striking neo-Gothic Galway Cathedral, or explore the rich maritime history at the Galway City Museum. The city’s atmosphere is famously electric, fuelled by nightly traditional music sessions in legendary pubs like The Crane Bar and a world-class calendar of events, including the internationally renowned Galway International Arts Festival.
Leaving the vibrant city behind, the landscape transforms into the untamed, dramatic beauty of Connemara. Here, the quartzite peaks of the Diamond Hill loop offer breathtaking panoramic views across vast blanket bogs and the spectacular coastline of the Sky Road. Just off the coast, the legendary Aran Islands—Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr—provide a stunning step back in time. With their ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghasa and deep-rooted Irish language traditions, the islands offer a profoundly authentic connection to Ireland’s ancient past, making County Galway a truly unforgettable destination.
galway
The Abbert rises in Killaclogher Bog and runs about 41 km west to meet the River Clare at Anbally, a shallow, peat-fed brown-trout water with little engineering on it. Its banks pass the Cistercian ruin of Knockmoy Abbey, founded in 1189 and holding one of only four surviving sets of medieval wall paintings in Ireland.
Abbeyknockmoy, galway
Knockmoy Abbey was founded in 1189/90 by Cathal Crobhdearg Ua Conchobair, King of Connacht, after a vow before battle, and he was buried here in 1224. The north chancel wall holds 15th-century tempera wall-paintings, one of only four such survivals in Ireland, including the 'Three Living and Three Dead'. Reaching it means a stile and steps over a fence.
Derrigimlagh Bog, galway
In Derrigimlagh Bog, four kilometres south of Clifden, a modest stone cairn marks where Alcock and Brown landed their Vickers Vimy after the world’s first nonstop trans-Atlantic flight. A 14-ft tail-fin sculpture on nearby Errislannan Hill offers sweeping vistas of the bog, the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic, while a short loop walk reveals the ruins of Guglielmo Marconi’s early wireless station.
Inisheer (Inis Oírr), galway
An Loch Mór is the only freshwater lake on Inis Oírr, sitting in a hollow of limestone on the road out to the Plassey shipwreck. It’s a 20-minute walk or 10-minute cycle from the pier, fringed with heather and reeds that draw swallows, waders and the odd otter. A quiet stop rather than a headline sight — best paired with the wreck it shares a road with.
An Spidéal, galway
An Spidéal is one of Ireland’s largest Irish-speaking villages, 12 miles west of Galway city on the R336. It has a craft village of ten working studios, two south-facing beaches (one a Blue Flag strand), and the TG4 soap Ros na Rún filmed on a purpose-built set in the village.
Inverin, galway
An Trá Mór is a long, sheltered sandy beach in the Gaeltacht village of Inverin. Known for its clear waters and gradual slope, it’s a favourite for swimming and family picnics, with distinctive limestone views across Galway Bay.
Annaghdown, galway
Set on the sheltered waters of Lough Corrib, Annaghdown combines quiet lakeside charm with a remarkably preserved medieval monastic landscape. Walk among the ruins of the Augustinian Abbey of St Mary, view the restored O’Flaherty tower house, and learn about the tragic 1828 boat disaster that inspired a famous Irish lament.
galway
Three limestone islands at the mouth of Galway Bay, reached by ferry from Rossaveal or Doolin, where about 1,300 people still speak Irish day to day. The draw is Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort on the lip of a 100 m cliff on Inis Mór, with the Plassey wreck from Father Ted and miles of stone-walled boreens to cycle.
Ardfry, galway
Ardfry House is the roofless shell of a Georgian-Gothic manor on a peninsula near Oranmore, built around 1770 for the Blake family and given its castle-like pinnacles in an 1826 remodel. Stripped of its roof lead to cover gambling debts, then re-roofed and deliberately burnt for the 1973 film The Mackintosh Man, it is now a fenced-off ruin at high risk of collapse. You view it from the public road or the seafront walk.
Cong, galway
Ashford Castle, on the Galway–Mayo border by Cong, turns a 13th-century Anglo-Norman stronghold into a lakeside five-star hotel set in 350 acres. The draws are Ireland's oldest falconry school, fly-fishing on Lough Corrib, and grounds that day visitors can walk for a fee.
Near Oughterard, galway
Aughnanure Castle stands as a dramatic limestone fortress on the shores of Lough Corrib, offering a rare glimpse into the power of the O'Flaherty clan. Visitors can climb the six-storey tower for sweeping views, explore the unique double bawn, and discover legends of Grace O'Malley and medieval traps within this restored 16th-century stronghold near Oughterard.
galway
TG4, the national Irish-language television channel, broadcasts from this small Connemara Gaeltacht village 31 km west of Galway. There are no studio tours, so the visit is the man-made pier, where Galway Hookers with brick-red sails work the bay and the view runs to the Aran Islands and the Burren, and a coffee as Gaeilge at the thatched POTA café.
Ballinasloe, galway
Each October the Fair Green hosts what's reckoned the oldest horse fair in Europe, drawing tens of thousands to a town of a few thousand. The rest of the year Ballinasloe is a quieter east Galway market town on the River Suck, with a planned Georgian grid, a Friday country market and Ireland's first zero-emission distillery a short drive away.
Ballygar, galway
Denis Henry Kelly developed Ballygar into a planned market town in the 1820s, giving it a wide main street, a market square and a diamond junction. The 93-foot round tower in Killeroran graveyard dates from the building boom after the Famine; today the village is a quiet base for walkers on the Hymany and Suck Valley Ways and anglers on the River Suck.
Ballymoe, galway
Two men of outsized reach came from this small River Suck village. Éamonn Ceannt, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation, was born in its police barracks, and Fr Edward J. Flanagan, founder of Boys Town in Nebraska, is remembered at a free visitor centre in the old presbytery. The Suck Valley Way and brown-trout fishing fill out a quiet day.
Lawrencetown, galway
Ballymore Castle, a striking four-storey limestone tower house built in 1585, dominates the rolling farmland outside Lawrencetown. A Georgian two-storey front added in 1815 creates a rare blend of medieval defence and 19th-century elegance, all set against a historic garden and mill pond.
Recess, galway
Overlooking Ballynahinch Lake with the Twelve Bens rising behind it, this historic estate blends 18th-century architecture with modern luxury. Explore miles of woodland trails, cast a line for salmon, or dine with locally foraged ingredients in a landscape steeped in Irish history.
Connemara, galway
Ballynahinch Lake is a catch-and-release salmon and sea-trout fishery, about 4 km long, set below the Twelve Bens with Benlettery filling the view from the water. Ballynahinch Castle owns the fishing and most of the walking ground on the southern shore.
Letterfrack, galway
Framed by Diamond Hill and the Twelve Bens, Ballynakill Bay is a deep, sheltered inlet on the Connemara coast. It serves as a gateway to Letterfrack and the national park, offering sailing, glass-bottom boat tours, and coastal walks.
Barna, galway
Barna is an Irish-speaking coastal village about seven kilometres west of Galway city, once known as Freeport. It has a pocket of native woodland holding some of the oldest oaks in the west of Ireland and the early-medieval St Enda's Well, the Blue Flag beach at Silverstrand, and a reputation for seafood that outruns its size.
Aughrim, galway
On 12 July 1691, over 45,000 soldiers clashed on this Galway ridge, ending the Jacobite cause and reshaping Irish history. Today, the interpretive centre uses artefacts, a 3D audio-visual show, and a signposted battlefield trail to help visitors walk in the footsteps of Williamite and Jacobite troops. Set in the quiet village of Aughrim, it’s a compelling stop for those drawn to military history and for walkers on the Hymany Way.
Maam, galway
The Bealnabrack River cuts through the dramatic Maam Valley, offering free wild trout fishing and a unique high-speed boat safari. Journey up the spate waters to visit ancient islands, pass Hen’s Castle, and stop at the legendary Keane’s Bar for a proper Irish welcome.
Connemara National Park, galway
Benbaun is the highest point in County Galway at 729 m, its pale quartzite cap giving the 'white mountain' its name. It is a remote summit with no easy path to the top: the ways up are long ridge horseshoes through the Twelve Bens, and the views run across the range to the Atlantic.
Letterfrack, galway
Benbrack is a 582 m quartzite summit on its own small massif just north of the core Twelve Bens, inside Connemara National Park. Too low to be a Vandeleur-Lynam but prominent enough to rank as a Marilyn, it is climbed from the Kylemore Abbey car park on loops of 5 to 14 km, and rewards the effort with views over Kylemore Lough, the Garraun massif and, on a clear day, the Aran Islands.
Connemara National Park, galway
Bencorr rises to 711 m, second only to Benbaun in the Twelve Bens, a quartzite mountain of glaciated valleys and a double summit. It is best known for Carrot Ridge, a long mountaineering climb, and for anchoring the Glencoaghan Horseshoe, widely rated one of Ireland's finest ridge walks.
Connemara National Park, galway
Cool breezes sweep over the glen of water as Benglenisky’s modest summit rises above Ballynahinch Lake’s horizon. A well-marked ridge offers a half-day climb from Ben Lettery, rewarding walkers with panoramic views of the Twelve Bens.
Connemara National Park, galway
Rising to 577m, Benlettery forms a dramatic backdrop to Ballynahinch Castle and Lake. This accessible Connemara mountain provides a rewarding standalone climb or a key link in the famous Glencoaghan Horseshoe, complete with 360° views and unmarked ridge walking.
Maam Cross, galway
Binn Chaonaigh is a 633 m quartzite peak in the Maumturks, the fourth-highest in the range, climbed by a steep pull up from the Máméan pass or as part of the brutal Maamturks Challenge ridge-walk. The pass below holds a pilgrimage site to Saint Patrick, revived in 1979 and still walked three times a year.
Maam Cross, galway
At 702m, Binn idir an Dá Log is the highest point in the Maumturks. The pass of Maumahoge gives the easiest route up at 6km and about three hours; the central loop and the annual Maamturks Challenge are for fitter, surefooted hill walkers.
Connemara, galway
Tucked into a remote Connemara basin, Black Lake (Lough Dubh) offers a stark, reflective landscape framed by craggy peaks and blanket bog. The lake is best known for a 1962 local sighting of a cow-sized, horned creature, a tale that continues to draw curious walkers and photographers to its quiet shores.
Carraroe, galway
Carraroe is one of the strongest Irish-speaking villages in the country, and the spiritual home of the Galway hooker. Its beach, Trá an Dóilín, is built not of sand but of maerl – a coral-like gravel of coralline algae, one of only two such beaches in western Ireland.
Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), galway
Carrownlisheen is one of the best-preserved wedge tombs in Ireland, sitting on the bare limestone of Inishmaan and built more than 4,000 years ago. A 1934 excavation turned up Neolithic pottery and human bone, and in island folklore the chamber is Leaba Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne, the bed where Diarmuid and Gráinne hid from Fionn mac Cumhaill.
Casla, galway
Tucked between the Twelve Bens and the Atlantic, Casla is the cultural and linguistic heartbeat of Connemara. Explore Ireland’s premier Irish-language radio headquarters, wander through Gertrude Jekyll’s historic gardens, and cycle the expansive blanket bog trails.
Renvyle, galway
Standing at the western tip of Connemara’s Renvyle peninsula, the roofless Church of the Seven Daughters preserves a pointed-arch doorway and a striking single-light window. Legend says a king built it to thank the sea for curing seven daughters who later became itinerant preachers along the coast.
Inis Mór, galway
Step back to Ireland’s earliest monastic age at Cill Éinne, where St Enda’s sand-half-buried church and ancient graveyard sit quietly on the eastern end of Inis Mór. Wander past an 11th-century high cross, a surviving round-tower stump, and a holy well, all within a free, unguided National Monument.
Galway City, galway
The Claddagh is the old Irish-speaking fishing community at the mouth of the River Corrib in Galway, the place that named the Claddagh ring. The original thatched village was demolished in the 1930s, but the quay remains, a free waterside walk for swans, Galway Hooker boats and the bay, with the ring's documented birthplace, Thomas Dillon's, a short stroll away.
Claddaghduff, galway
Claddaghduff is a quiet coastal village best known as the mainland gateway to Omey Island. When the tide recedes, a wide sandbar opens a path to a 7th-century stone church and holy well, while the village itself carries the legacy of Connemara’s literary past and Famine history.
Claregalway, galway
Ransacked in 1538 and later used as a barracks, Claregalway Abbey stands as a poignant reminder of Galway's turbulent past. Today, its towering bell tower and riverside setting offer a peaceful stop for history lovers and walkers alike.
Cleggan, galway
Cleggan is a working fishing village on the Connemara coast whose stone pier is the mainland departure point for ferries to Inishbofin and Inishturk. Around it are sheltered strands, a Neolithic court tomb near Sellerna, and the memory of the 1927 Cleggan Bay Disaster.
Cleggan, galway
Cleggan Hill crowns the Cleggan-Claddaghduff peninsula with a short, accessible climb to spectacular sea and mountain vistas. At the summit lie the evocative ruins of an 1816 signal tower, while nearby megalithic tombs and tidal causeways add layers of history to the walk.
Clifden, galway
Clifden is the biggest town in Connemara and the natural base for the region, with the Sky Road loop on its doorstep and the Marconi wireless ruins and Alcock and Brown landing site in the bog to the south. The town itself is light on sights – the draw is everything within a short drive.
Clifden, galway
Clifden Castle is the roofless Gothic Revival manor that John D'Arcy, founder of Clifden, built for himself around 1818. A 1 km gravel track off the Sky Road leads past five standing stones to the ruin, which overlooks Clifden Bay. Free to visit, year-round, with no facilities.
Inishmore, galway
Clochan na Carraige is the only beehive hut left intact on Inishmore, a mortar-less dry-stone clochán with a corbelled roof and two opposing doorways, in a field signposted off the Kilmurvy–Sruthán road. The corbelling technique was used for thousands of years, so it can't be firmly dated, though it's usually called early Christian and tied to the island's pilgrim past. It's free, unguided and a quiet ten-minute stop on the way to Dún Aonghasa.
Clonbur, galway
Situated on a slender isthmus between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, Clonbur is a tranquil base for exploring Connemara's waterways and woodlands. Walk the ancient trails of Mount Gable, explore the ruins of Ballykine Castle, or enjoy family-friendly trails through Clonbur Wood.
Clonfert, galway
Perched above the Shannon floodplains, Clonfert Cathedral stands as a quiet monument to Ireland’s early Christian past. Visitors can admire its celebrated medieval west doorway, trace the legacy of Saint Brendan, and wander through a landscape steeped in monastic history.
Inisheer (Inis Oírr), galway
A storm in 1885 stripped the sand from Cnoc Raithní, uncovering a Bronze Age burial mound that had lain hidden on Inisheer for centuries. Excavation found a bronze pin, cremated bone and around 27 slab-lined graves, dating it to roughly 1500 BC and making it the island's earliest known site. It's a short, free walk from the ferry pier.
Kinvara, galway
Coill Ua bhFiachrach is the old name for the district around Kinvara, the 'wood of the Uí Fiachrach' and the territory the Ó hEidhin (Hynes) clan held from about the 10th century to the 1600s. Its great monument is Dunguaire Castle, the clan's tower house on Galway Bay, restored in the 1920s by Oliver St John Gogarty as a haunt of the Celtic Revival. The castle has been closed to visitors since 2023.
Connemara, galway
Misty sea spray meets rugged granite peaks in Connemara, where the living Irish language and centuries of history shape a landscape of blanket bogs, clear lakes and dramatic Atlantic coves.
Galway, galway
The Connemara Greenway is a planned 76 km off-road route along the old Galway–Clifden railway line. It isn't continuous yet: three sections are open, near Galway city, at Ballynahinch and at Clifden, each a free, car-free day out through woodland, lake and bog country in the west of Ireland.
Connemara, galway
Hearty mountain air brushes past quartzite ridges as you enter Connemara National Park, where the Twelve Bens loom over heather-clad slopes. From the Diamond Hill loop you can glimpse Kylemore Abbey, Lough Derryclare and the ever-changing Atlantic light that inspired Oscar Wilde’s description of the area’s ‘savage beauty’.
Letterfrack, galway
Imagine walking among 4,000-year-old megalithic court tombs that sit hidden beside the visitor centre’s former school infirmary. Set against the backdrop of the Twelve Bens, the park’s free trails weave through blanket bog, native woodland and the iconic Diamond Hill, offering sweeping vistas and a glimpse of Connemara’s wild heart.
Gort, galway
First sight of Coole Park’s sweeping turlough awakens the same awe that inspired Yeats’s famous swan verses. The 1,000-acre reserve, once home to Lady Augusta Gregory, offers six kilometres of woodland trails that meander past the Autograph Tree bearing the initials of literary giants. Free admission invites families and bird-watchers to explore the wetland, deer enclosure and historic walled garden.
Coolfin, galway
Coolfin Castle is a ruined 16th-century tower house in the townland of Coolfin, in the civil parish of Ballinakill about 2¾ miles north-east of Woodford. It first appears in the record in 1608, when Ulick, 3rd Earl of Clanrickard, was found seized of it. The surrounding fields carry their own history, from 'Bloody Hill' to 'Canada Road'.
Cornamona, galway
Perched on the northern shore of Lough Corrib, Corr na Móna (Cornamona) is a lively Irish-speaking village in the heart of Joyce Country. Visitors come for the lake’s famous wild brown trout fishing, the well-preserved 19th-century lime kiln, and direct access to scenic hillwalks across the Maumturk Mountains.
Corrandulla, galway
Set on the eastern shores of Lough Corrib, Corrandulla blends quiet rural charm with a vibrant community calendar. The village is best known for its 18th-century watermills and the annual agricultural show that draws thousands each June.
Creeragh, galway
Clifden architect Leo Mansfield's 1968 church sits alone on a bog plateau on the N59 between Letterfrack and Leenane – Brian de Breffny called it "like a pegged-down tent on the windswept Connemara plain". Inside are a soaring pine roof and Phyllis Burke's window of Our Lady in a red Connemara shawl.
Cregg, galway
Tucked into the woodlands north-west of Galway city, Cregg offers a quiet journey through Irish history. Visitors can explore the atmospheric shell of Cregg Castle, trace the waterwheel of the old famine-era mill, and visit a 4,000-year-old wedge tomb.
Inisheer, galway
Creggankeel Fort is two monuments in one, on the east side of Inisheer above An Loch Mór, the island's only freshwater lake. An Iron Age drystone cashel encloses the Grave of the Seven Daughters, an early Christian burial ground whose walls hold catacomb-like sleeping niches. It is a free, unstaffed National Monument, open whenever there is daylight.
Creggs, galway
Creggs is a village of about a hundred people on the River Suck, straddling the Galway–Roscommon border. Charles Stewart Parnell made his last public speech here in 1891, marked by a monument de Valera erected in 1946; today the village is best known for Creggs RFC, twice running named Connacht's club of the year.
Inishbofin Island, galway
Cromwell's Barracks is a five-pointed star fort built around 1656 on Port Island, a tidal islet at the mouth of Inishbofin's harbour. The Cromwellians held captured Catholic priests here before shipping them to the West Indies, and Jacobite troops later held it until after the Battle of Aughrim in 1691. It's free, but you can only reach it on foot across a causeway that's exposed for about two hours around low tide.
Clifden, galway
Creaking turf fires flicker within the restored 19th-century cottage at Dan O’Hara Homestead, filling the air with earthy peat smoke. The immersive audio-visual trail then carries visitors back through Neolithic crannógs and ring-forts that dot the Connemara landscape.
Upper Newcastle, galway
Set opposite the ruins of Menlo Castle, Dangan House blends 17th-century heritage with a thriving horticultural enterprise. Wander through a traditional walled garden, browse imported glasshouses, and enjoy a quiet coffee in the atmospheric tea rooms.
Delphi Valley, galway
Named after Delphi in Greece by a 19th-century Marquis of Sligo, this Connemara valley holds three lakes under Mweelrea, the highest mountain in Connacht. An adventure resort runs kayaking on Killary fjord, a 220m zip line and guided hill walks, with a hotel, spa and restaurants on site.
Derrigimlagh, galway
Two firsts in long-distance communication happened on this one stretch of Connemara bog: Marconi's trans-Atlantic radio station and the crash-landing that ended Alcock and Brown's 1919 flight. A free 5 km loop links both across a blanket bog south of Clifden.
Connemara, galway
Derryclare pairs a 19-hectare native oak woodland with a lough famous for the pine-covered island at its centre. It's a statutory nature reserve with reintroduced red squirrels, a fly-fishing lough, and the start of classic Twelve Bens horseshoe walks.
Derryclare Lough, galway
Framed by the Twelve Bens and the Maumturk range, Derryclare Lake mirrors rugged peaks and a lone pine-crowned island. Anglers, walkers and photographers find a perfect blend of sport, wildlife and dramatic scenery in the heart of Connemara.
Inagh Valley, galway
A 19-hectare statutory nature reserve where sessile oaks shelter a reintroduced red-squirrel population. Walk a gentle lakeside loop beneath a mossy canopy, with the Twelve Bens rising above the still waters of Derryclare Lough.
Connemara, galway
Devilsmother is a 645 m mountain on the Galway-Mayo border, the second-highest in the Partry range, looking down on the head of Killary Harbour. There's no marked path and the going is rough and boggy, but the English name hides a blunter Irish original worth knowing before you go.
Connemara National Park, galway
Diamond Hill is a 442m quartzite peak in Connemara National Park, climbed on a looped trail of gravel and boardwalk that makes one of Connemara's best summit views unusually easy to reach. The full upper loop is about 7km and 2.5 hours; from the top you see Kylemore Abbey, the Twelve Bens and the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk. It is free, dog-friendly and busy – the car park fills early.
Roundstone, galway
Dog’s Bay offers a striking stretch of white sand formed from microscopic sea shells, backed by fragile machair dunes and a protective boardwalk. Sheltered by a southern headland, the bay provides calm waters ideal for swimming, walking, and spotting coastal wildlife just outside Roundstone.
Doorus Peninsula, galway
One of Ireland's best-preserved wedge tombs sits on the Doorus Peninsula, about 3 km northwest of Kinvara. The roof stone still rests where its builders hauled it, the side stones haven't shifted, and a cairn of field stones still covers the chamber. Free, year-round, and usually empty.
Dublin, dublin
The Dublin-Galway Greenway is a planned 276 km coast-to-coast route, but only the eastern part is built: over 100 km along the Royal Canal towpath and the Old Rail Trail from Mullingar to Athlone, all flat and traffic-free. The long gap from Athlone to Galway is still mostly unbuilt, so for now this is a midlands canal-and-rail ride, best taken in sections off the train line.
Inis Mór, galway
Perched 100 metres above the Atlantic, Dún Aonghasa dominates the western edge of Inis Mór with its massive drystone ramparts and a striking forest of limestone spikes. Visitors can walk the ancient pathways, explore a modern exhibition, and take in uninterrupted views across Galway Bay to the Connemara mountains.
Inis Meáin, galway
Dún Chonchúir is an oval drystone fort on the highest point of Inis Meáin, built sometime between the 1st and 7th centuries AD. Its inner wall still rises up to seven metres and was once more than eight metres thick at the base, enclosing a terraced interior. It is free, open daily and unguided, with 360-degree views across the Aran Islands, and it anchors the 5.2 km Lúb Dún Chonchúr looped walk from the pier.
Inis Mór, galway
Perched on a windswept promontory on Inis Mór, Dún Dúchathair offers a quieter, equally dramatic alternative to Dún Aonghasa. Its 70-metre stepped dry-stone walls and surviving beehive huts speak to centuries of island life, all set against the endless sweep of the Atlantic.
Inis Oírr (Inisheer), galway
Perched on a windswept ridge, Dún Formna layers 2,500 years of Irish history from a Bronze-Age chieftain’s ringfort to a 15th-century O’Brien tower house. Free to visit and just a short walk from the pier, it delivers unbroken Atlantic panoramas and a quiet spot to step back through the centuries.
Kinvara, galway
Upon arriving at Dunguaire Castle, the 75-foot tower house rises dramatically from the rocky outcrop, its limestone walls glowing against Galway Bay’s blue horizon. Inside, restored medieval rooms reveal original oak paneling while the rooftop terrace offers sweeping sea views that complement the summer medieval banquet served below.
Kilronan, galway
Standing 31 metres high on a rugged limestone outcrop, Eeragh Lighthouse has guided vessels through Galway Bay’s North Sound since 1857. Viewed exclusively from the water, this active beacon offers dramatic coastal photography and a direct link to Ireland’s maritime engineering past.
Roundstone, galway
Errisbeg is a 300 m hill rising straight behind Roundstone in Connemara, and the reward at the top is the view: Dog's Bay and Gurteen below, the Twelve Bens east, the Aran Islands out to sea on a clear day. There's no marked path, so it's a navigate-your-own-way hill walk over open bog.
Errislannan, galway
Discover Ireland’s premier Connemara pony breeding centre, where historic manor gardens meet working stud farms. Visitors can join guided treks across coastal moors, watch elite performance stallions, and explore a free heritage centre dedicated to the breed’s rugged legacy.
Clifden, galway
Errislannan juts south-west of Clifden into the Atlantic, a patchwork of sheer cliffs, moorland and a quiet harbour with no shops or cafés of its own. Anglers fish the 'White Lady' rocks, swimmers use a sheltered pool by the harbour, and Errislannan Manor breeds Connemara ponies from bloodlines kept since the 1950s.
Eyrecourt, galway
Eyrecourt sits midway along the Beara-Breifne Way, where the ruins of Eyrecourt Castle overlook a quiet Main Street. Visitors explore historic mill buildings, walk the Shannon Callows, and join local festivals celebrating vintage machinery and rural heritage.
Eyrecourt, galway
Once the grand home of the Eyre family, this 17th-century country house stands as a roofless shell in east Galway. Wander through the restored demesne gates and trace the story of a staircase carved by Dutch craftsmen, now half a world away in America.
Ballymoe, galway
Housed in a restored presbytery on the Roscommon-Galway border, this free centre traces Father Flanagan’s journey from a Ballymoe farm boy to a pioneering social reformer. Interactive galleries and a peaceful memorial garden make it a meaningful stop for families and pilgrims alike.
Galway City, galway
Built in 1124 by High King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, the Fort of Galway (Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe) marks the exact spot where Ireland’s west coast capital first appeared on the map. Today, low earthworks and stone fragments on the River Corrib bank hint at a once-formidable stronghold that later gave way to the walled merchant city of the Tribes of Galway and the iconic Spanish Arch.
West coast of Ireland, galway
Galway Bay stretches 50 km along the west coast, flanked by County Galway’s granite shores and County Clare’s limestone Burren. Its waters have shaped centuries of Irish maritime history, supported rich marine ecosystems, and inspired countless songs, while today it offers world-class beaches, sailing, and gateway access to the Aran Islands.
Galway, galway
Galway is the only city on the Wild Atlantic Way, a compact medieval port at the mouth of the River Corrib. Its old core – Shop Street, Kirwan's Lane, the Spanish Arch and the Latin Quarter – is small enough to cross on foot in twenty minutes, with the Claddagh and the Salthill promenade just beyond. It is also a UNESCO City of Film with a busy festival calendar.
Galway City, galway
Galway City Museum is a free, three-floor museum behind the Spanish Arch on the banks of the River Corrib, telling the city's story from prehistory to the present. Among its objects are a full-size Galway hooker, the city's 1610 Civic Sword and 1710 Great Mace, and a stone axe-head dated to around 3500 BC. It's one of the best free things to do in Galway and a reliable wet-weather stop.
galway
Galway Docks form the historic and commercial heart of the city, sheltered by a gated wet-dock that has welcomed traders since the 14th century. Today it serves as the tender point for cruise visitors and a lively waterfront hub adjacent to the Latin Quarter and Claddagh.
Galway City, galway
Set in the cobbled lane beside St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway Market is a lively Saturday gathering of local traders, street food vendors and musicians. With roots stretching back centuries, it remains one of Ireland’s most authentic and welcoming open-air markets.
galway
Garraun crowns the northern tip of the Twelve Bens, offering sweeping panoramas of Killary Harbour, Kylemore Abbey and the Atlantic. Its sharp eastern ridge, historic statue and vibrant wildlife make it a rewarding destination for walkers and nature lovers.
Lettermullen, galway
Housed in a restored 1898 schoolhouse on Lettermullen Island, the Garumna Heritage Centre offers a vivid look into Gaeltacht history. From John Bhaba Jeaic Ó Confhaola’s personal archive of tools and photographs to interactive language sessions and seaweed baths, it captures the enduring spirit of island life.
Glenamaddy, galway
Glenamaddy's turlough is a lake only half the year: it fills to around 170 ha each winter, then drains through swallow-holes to leave a dark peat plain by summer. The town also had a 1960s showband moment at the Esker Ballroom, and gets a name-check in Big Tom's 'Four Country Roads'. A 3 km loop and a roadside car park make the turlough an easy free stop.
Glinsk, galway
Glinsk sits on the limestone plains of County Galway, where the roofless tower house of Glinsk Castle crowns the landscape and offers sweeping views across Connacht. A short stroll leads to a quiet sandy beach, while the early-19th-century Ussey Lime Kiln and the terminus of a major walking route provide history and outdoor adventure in one tranquil setting.
Leitir Mealláin, galway
Turquoise Atlantic waters break over a shallow reef at Golam Head, while a sturdy 1804 signal tower stands guard above. Reach the headland via a well-marked coastal walk from Leitir Mealláin, with views of the Aran Islands and Connemara’s rocky shoreline.
Gort, galway
Gort sits where the limestone karst of the Burren meets the green valleys of County Galway. Explore the Georgian market square, walk the riverside trail, and trace the footsteps of W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory at nearby literary landmarks.
Gorteen Bay, galway
Step onto Gorteen Bay’s powder-white sands, formed from ancient foraminifera shells rather than limestone. Walk the fragile tombolo to Dog’s Bay, paddle in sheltered turquoise waters, or pitch a tent in the adjacent caravan park for a classic Connemara coastal escape.
South Connemara, galway
Gorumna sits at the core of the South Connemara Gaeltacht, reached by causeways and bridges rather than a boat. A free heritage centre fills an 1898 schoolhouse and 1905 post office, the 8 km Gorumna Loop runs past Trawbaun's medieval church ruins, and three-quarters of residents speak Irish daily.
Galway, galway
High Island, three kilometres off the Connemara coast, was a monastic retreat from the 7th century: St Féichin's community left a chapel, beehive cells and the earliest surviving monastic watermill in Europe. There is no pier and the cliffs make landing rare, so most people see it only from a boat. The monastery is a State-owned national monument, even though the island itself is in private hands.
galway
The Hymany Way traces the historic 1603 march of Donal Cam O’Sullivan Beare across East Galway. This 80km waymarked trail winds along the River Shannon, past Clonfert Cathedral and the Battle of Aughrim site, offering a rich blend of history, wildlife and wild landscapes.
Recess, galway
The Inagh Valley is a glacial trough running through the heart of Connemara, walled by the Twelve Bens to the west and the Maumturks to the east. The R344 follows the valley floor past Lough Inagh and Derryclare Lough, with a pine-crowned islet on Derryclare and the Maumeen pass, an old mass-rock pilgrimage site, on the eastern hills. It is free, open year-round and good for driving, fishing and serious hill walking.
Inchagoill Island, galway
Step off the boat onto Inchagoill and walk through a living archive of early Irish Christianity. From the 6th-century Luguaedon Stone to the ornate 12th-century Romanesque doorway of Teampall na Naoimh, this wooded island on Lough Corrib offers quiet reflection, striking ruins and panoramic mountain views.
Inishark, galway
Off the Connemara coast lies Inishark, a silent island of slate cliffs, ancient stone circles and the ruined 19th-century St Leo’s chapel. Once home to nearly 300 residents, it was evacuated in 1960, leaving a poignant landscape that now draws history-hunters, photographers and walkers.
Inishbofin, galway
Inishbofin, the ‘Island of the White Cow’, offers a car-free escape just off Connemara. Cycle along flat coastal loops, explore Cromwell’s star-shaped barracks, swim in Green Coast waters and soak up the Atlantic atmosphere.
Inisheer, galway
Step off the ferry onto Inisheer, the easternmost Aran Island, and you'll find a compact world of limestone pavements, a historic pier, and an 1857 lighthouse guarding dramatic Atlantic cliffs.
Inishmaan, galway
Inishmaan, the quiet heart of the Aran Islands, dazzles with stark limestone pavements, ancient ring-forts and a rare mix of arctic and Mediterranean flora. It is also the literary sanctuary of John Millington Synge, whose restored cottage and cliff-side chair offer a glimpse into the playwright’s creative world.
Inishmore, galway
Inishmore combines dramatic karst landscapes, Iron Age forts and a vibrant Irish-speaking culture. From the clifftop ruins of Dún Aonghasa to the island’s highest lighthouse, visitors find endless trails, Blue Flag beaches and untamed coastal scenery.
Roundstone, galway
Step off the mainland and onto Inishnee Island, a quiet Gaeltacht retreat where hares outnumber people and the Atlantic breeze carries the sound of gulls. A short stroll across the historic bridge leads to a circular coastal path, a working lighthouse, and panoramic views of Roundstone Bay.
Cong, galway
Straddling the wild lakes and limestone karsts of western Galway and Mayo, Joyce Country Geopark reveals 700 million years of geological history alongside living Irish-language traditions. Hike rugged mountain passes, cycle traffic-free greenways, and explore heritage villages that have inspired poets, filmmakers and anglers for generations.
Ballygar, galway
Denis Henry Kelly commissioned this limestone mausoleum in 1813 to honour his O’Kelly lineage. Paired with a distinctive replica round tower, the site offers a quiet look into the Romantic-era fascination with Ireland’s ancient past.
Kilconnell, galway
Rising 21 metres above the rural landscape, the four-storey crenellated tower at Kilconnell Friary anchors a well-preserved 15th-century Franciscan complex. Visitors can wander through the expansive nave, examine intricate O’Kelly family tombs, and discover one of Ireland’s oldest wooden Marian statues, all within a free-to-enter national monument.
Monivea, galway
Monivea’s peat-cutting community etched a network of tracks across this protected raised bog, their labour still visible among the moss-laden ridges. Today the site supports the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly and preserves centuries of Galway’s peatland heritage in a quiet, walkable landscape.
Inis Mór, galway
Kilmurvey Beach on Inis Mór offers a sheltered crescent of white sand and calm, clear Atlantic water. Backed by the colourful Kilmurvey village and a short walk from Bronze Age forts and traditional beehive huts, it is an ideal base for swimming, heritage walks and island exploration.
Inis Mór, galway
Bright thatched cottages shelter a working artisan hub at Kilmurvey Craft Village, where centuries-old building techniques meet contemporary Celtic design. Visitors can watch knitters at looms while the nearby blue-flag beach and the imposing Dún Aonghasa fort provide a dramatic natural backdrop.
Kilronan, galway
Kilronan serves as the main ferry port for Inishmore, blending a working harbour atmosphere with a strong Gaeltacht identity. Visitors can explore a rare white-sand beach, sample fresh Atlantic seafood, and use the village as a base for hiking to ancient stone forts and dramatic cliff edges.
Kiltartan, galway
Kiltartan is a quiet barony and civil parish where the Irish Literary Revival took root. Visitors can trace the footsteps of Lady Gregory and W.B. Yeats, wander the ancient ruins of Castletown Castle, and step inside the award-winning Kiltartan Gregory Museum.
Kinvara, galway
Kinvara sits at the head of Galway Bay, where a 16th-century tower house overlooks a bustling harbour and colourful harbourside streets. The village blends maritime heritage, literary history, and easy access to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher.
Cleggan, galway
Perched above Sellerna Bay, Knockbrack Court Tomb is a beautifully preserved Neolithic burial site that commands sweeping views of the Atlantic and Inisbofin. This accessible, free-to-enter monument invites visitors to step inside its ancient chambers and explore the legends of Ireland's early farming communities.
Kylemore, galway
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Duchruach Mountain, Kylemore Abbey blends 19th-century romance with Benedictine serenity. Wander the meticulously restored walled garden, explore the “cathedral in miniature” church, and follow peaceful lakeside paths through ancient woodland.
Letterfrack, galway
One of Ireland’s deepest lakes, Kylemore Lough is renowned for its glass-like surface and rich fishing grounds. Set against the backdrop of the Twelve Bens, it offers easy access for walkers, cyclists, and photographers seeking one of Connemara’s most iconic reflections.
Galway City, galway
Tucked behind Galway’s old city walls, the Latin Quarter is a compact network of cobbled lanes where merchant history blends with contemporary culture. Stroll past the 16th-century Spanish Arch, browse independent pottery and jewellery studios, or catch a traditional music session in one of the quarter’s bustling pubs. Free to explore and packed with character, it’s the essential starting point for any visit to the City of Tribes.
East Galway, galway
Walter Lawrence commissioned the grand Volunteer Arch in 1782 to celebrate Irish legislative independence, leaving a lasting mark on this East Galway village. Today, Lawrencetown blends 16th-century heritage with modern community projects, including an illuminated walking track, a native pollinator garden, and traditional stone pubs.
Leenane, galway
Perched at the head of Killary Fjord, Leenane is a compact Connemara village where dramatic mountain scenery meets maritime history. Known as the filming location for *The Field*, it serves as a gateway for fjord cruises, sheep farming experiences, and long-distance hiking along the Western Way.
Connemara, galway
Letterbreckaun rises 667 m above the Maumturk Mountains with a distinctive pyramidal quartzite peak. Hikers tackle its unmarked ridges for panoramic views across Connemara, Ireland’s only fjord, and the remote Glenloosh Valley.
Streamstown Bay, galway
Rising from a windswept salt marsh beside the Atlantic, the Letterdeen Standing Stone is a solitary granite monolith that has weathered millennia of coastal storms. Visitors can explore this quiet prehistoric waypoint while enjoying sweeping views of Inishturk and Turbot islands, and spotting seals and seabirds along the tidal estuary.
Letterfrack, galway
Letterfrack sits at the foot of Diamond Hill, offering instant access to Connemara National Park and stunning coastal scenery. The village blends natural beauty with a rich Quaker-era heritage, lively traditional music and a thriving food scene.
Lettermore, galway
Lettermore (Leitir Móir) is a living Gaeltacht village on a chain of islands linked to the mainland by the R374 causeway. Known for its wild, unspoilt landscape, traditional music sessions and the heritage of the Connemara pony, it offers a quiet, authentic escape on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Lettermullen, galway
Salt-laden breezes sweep over the causeway as the island’s rugged Atlantic coastline unfolds, punctuated by the lone 1804 signal tower at Golam Head. Irish rolls off tongues in the surrounding Gaeltacht villages, while fields of pasture and low-lying bogs add a patchwork of green to the horizon.
Inis Mór, galway
Long Hole, or Poll na bPéist, is a natural rectangular pool carved into the western cliffs of Inis Mór. At high tide the Atlantic surges through hidden channels, creating a vivid turquoise splash that has drawn photographers, geologists and world-class cliff divers alike.
Galway, galway
Stretching from Galway City to the foothills of Connemara, Lough Corrib shelters over a thousand islands, ancient Viking wrecks, and thriving salmon populations. Explore its waters by boat, kayak, or on foot along its scenic shoreline.
Clare, clare
Lough Derg, the sparkling heart of the Shannon, offers dramatic mountain backdrops, ancient monastic ruins and vibrant villages. Walk the 68.9 km Lough Derg Way or paddle its blueways for an unforgettable Irish adventure.
Inagh Valley, galway
A lone pine-covered island breaks the mirror-like surface of this Connemara lake, framed by the dramatic Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountains. The shoreline protects a rare sessile oak nature reserve, while anglers and walkers enjoy free access to one of the region’s most scenic and ecologically rich landscapes.
Inagh Valley, galway
Set deep in the Inagh Valley, Lough Inagh reflects the dramatic peaks of the Twelve Bens in its calm waters. Renowned for its salmon and sea trout fishing, the lake also serves as a tranquil base for walkers and photographers exploring the rugged Connemara landscape.
mayo
Stretching across 22,000 acres of limestone-rich water, Lough Mask is a vast and varied lake where deep western channels meet shallow, island-dotted eastern bays. It remains a premier destination for fly fishing, watersports and quiet exploration, framed by karst hills and local folklore.
Leenane, galway
Set between the Maumturk and Partry mountain ranges, Lough Nafooey is a striking rectangular glacial lake in north Connemara. Its clear waters, freshwater beach, and ancient volcanic history make it a top spot for walking, cycling, and angling.
Loughrea, galway
When Anglo-Norman knight Richard de Burgo founded Loughrea in 1236, he laid out a town that still clings to Ireland’s only fully-functioning medieval moat. The skyline is dominated by St Brendan’s Cathedral, while the Blue Flag Lough Rea provides waterside recreation for anglers and swimmers.
Galway City, galway
Built by the powerful Lynch family in the late 14th century, this limestone tower house survived sieges, wars, and centuries of urban change. Today it stands as Galway’s sole non-religious medieval townhouse, offering free access to its historic ground-floor panels and a fascinating glimpse into the city’s mercantile past.
Maam Cross, galway
Ireland’s only railway line still awaiting revival finds a home at Maam Cross, where volunteers have relaid track and restored the 1896 station. This bustling Connemara crossroads hosts a weekly mart, the famous October Fair, and serves as a perfect base for exploring the Maumturks and Maam Valley.
galway
Drive through Connemara’s dramatic glacial landscape where the Joyce River carves a path between ancient woodlands and the rugged Maumturk mountains. From the iconic filming locations of The Quiet Man to soaring mountain passes and thriving trout rivers, Maam Valley offers a perfect blend of cinematic heritage, geological wonder, and outdoor adventure.
Derrigimlagh, galway
The skeletal remains of Guglielmo Marconi’s pioneering 1907 wireless station stand on the windswept Derrigimlagh Bog. Follow the self-guided interpretive trail past concrete mast bases and historic foundations, with panoramic views of Ballinakill Bay and the Twelve Bens.
University of Galway, galway
Built around 1840 by the prominent Martin family, this decorative tea house stands as a romantic stone ruin overlooking the River Corrib. Once a social hub for afternoon tea and river views, it now welcomes walkers and photographers to explore its turrets, read its interpretative plaque, and enjoy the peaceful university grounds.
Maum, galway
Set at the southern tip of the Maam Valley, Maum is a quiet Gaeltacht village where traditional Irish-language culture meets wild Connemara landscapes. Visitors can fish the Bealnabrack River, follow ancient pilgrimage trails to Mám Éan, or use the village as a base for tackling the Maumturk Mountains.
Teernakill South, galway
Mám Éan, or the Pass of the Birds, cuts through the Maumturk Mountains as a historic pilgrimage route linking the Maam and Inagh valleys. The short but steep hike rewards visitors with a 5th-century holy well, a Penal-era mass rock, a striking bronze statue of St Patrick, and sweeping views across Connemara’s rugged landscape.
galway
Maumina Pass cuts through the heart of Connemara National Park, providing the most direct ascent to Benbaun, the highest of the Twelve Bens. The narrow, stone-lined track delivers uninterrupted views of the mountain range, Lough Inagh and the Atlantic horizon, making it a favourite for both seasoned hill-walkers and first-time visitors.
Connemara, galway
A dramatic north-south spine of limestone peaks defines the wild heart of Connemara. Rising to 703 metres at Binn idir an Daingin, the range shelters the glacial waters of Maumahoge and forms a rugged, rewarding section of the Western Way long-distance trail.
Meelick, galway
Visit Meelick’s rich heritage along the River Shannon, where a 15th-century Franciscan friary still holds weekly Mass. Walk the restored 300m weir bridge, watch boats cycle through Victoria Lock, and see a quiet Galway village where history and river life meet.
Meelick, galway
Founded in 1414 and quietly surviving centuries of conflict, Meelick Church remains an active parish and a tranquil riverside landmark. Its 17th-century memorial tablets, ancient graveyard and strategic Shannon crossing make it a compelling stop for history lovers and walkers alike.
Menlo, galway
In 2014 a modern two-storey school opened, marking the latest chapter in a village whose 19th-century rundale layout once earned Thomas Campbell Foster’s description as “the most crooked, narrow and dirty lane”. The ruins of 16th-century Menlo Castle loom over the River Corrib, linking the Gaeltacht’s past to the American town of Menlo Park, named by emigrants from this very clachan.
Menlo, galway
Menlo Castle crowns the north bank of the River Corrib with its ivy-draped walls and solitary turret. Once the estate of Galway’s wealthy Blake family, the ruin survived a devastating 1910 fire and now stands as a free-to-access riverside landmark, perfectly positioned for cyclists, walkers, and photographers.
Clonbur, galway
Rising above the isthmus between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, Mount Gable offers an accessible hike through peat bogs, stone ruins and ancient folklore. The 8.5 km route passes the home of ‘Maidhc Ned’, a famine-era village and the legendary Seanbhóthar, rewarding walkers with sweeping views across Connemara’s lakes and mountains.
Sruthán, galway
A papal indulgence once drew pilgrims from across Europe to this remote Aran Island complex. Today, two surviving stone churches and scattered high-cross fragments stand as quiet witnesses to centuries of devotion, offering a peaceful stop on the island’s heritage trail.
Leenane, galway
Board the Connemara Lady at Nancy’s Point for a 90-minute cruise along the 14 km Killary Fjord. The sheltered waters offer calm sailing past the Twelve Bens and Mweelrea, with onboard commentary covering local folklore, aquaculture and frequent dolphin sightings near Fox Rock.
Galway, galway
Step across the pedestrian bridge onto Galway’s tranquil Nun’s Island, where the River Corrib flows past the remnants of a 17th-century Poor Clares convent and the once-prolific Persse distillery. This compact urban escape blends Victorian architecture, university grounds, and quiet riverside lanes into a serene city-centre sanctuary.
Inisheer (Inis Oírr), galway
Perched atop Inis Oírr, O'Brien’s Castle offers a dramatic glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past and sweeping vistas of Galway Bay. Wander its ruined chambers, spot a rare human-faced bartizan, and pause at the ancient Cnoc Raithní burial mound before the sunset paints the cliffs of Moher.
Claddaghduff, galway
A one-square-mile tidal isle linked to the mainland by a sweeping sand causeway, Omey Island holds 6th-century monastic ruins, feral cattle and Atlantic seabirds. Time your visit with the low tide to walk the golden flats, explore the medieval church and join the annual horse races.
Oranmore, galway
Oranmore combines the charm of a traditional Irish village with modern amenities just six miles from Galway City. Explore the historic tower house, wander through the sprawling Renville Park, or enjoy the town’s lively pub scene.
Oranmore, galway
Standing guard over the waters of Galway Bay, Oranmore Castle is a remarkably preserved 15th-century tower house that served as a key stronghold for the Clanricarde family. Restored from ruin in the 20th century, the castle now offers guided tours, hosts seasonal art exhibitions and concerts, and provides a rare glimpse into Ireland’s medieval and Confederate War history.
Oughterard, galway
Set between the medieval stone of Aughnanure Castle and the sweeping waters of Lough Corrib, Oughterard balances historic intrigue with easy access to Connemara’s wilder landscapes. The town’s compact centre, regular bus links, and welcoming pubs make it a practical and atmospheric base for walkers, anglers and history lovers.
Clifden, galway
The Owenglin River carves a scenic route through Clifden before meeting the Atlantic, offering expert kayakers a formidable 15-foot waterfall and walkers a tranquil promenade with views of the Twelve Bens.
Maumahoge, galway
Perched high in the Maumturks, the Pass of Maumahoge rewards hikers with a remote corrie lake and sweeping views across Connemara’s wildest ridges. A key waypoint on the Western Way trail, it offers a rugged, off-the-beaten-track experience steeped in ancient pilgrimage history.
Inis Oírr (Inisheer), galway
The rusted skeleton of the MV Plassey dominates the southeastern shore of Inis Oírr, a stark reminder of a 1960 Atlantic storm that drove the cargo vessel onto Finnis Rock. Rescued by a daring local rocket crew, the wreck now frames endless ocean views and stands as a beloved landmark for photographers, history buffs, and Father Ted fans.
Portumna, galway
Beneath a sweeping river bend where the Shannon meets Lough Derg, Portumna greets you with the silhouette of a ruined Jacobean castle perched above formal gardens. The air carries hints of water and history, inviting exploration of the restored ground-floor museum, the 1911 swing bridge and the expansive forest park that frames the town.
Portumna, galway
Step back into 17th-century Ireland at Portumna Castle, a rare Jacobean manor overlooking the River Shannon. After surviving an 1826 fire and decades of state restoration, the castle now opens its restored ground floor and meticulously landscaped walled gardens to visitors. Explore a living willow maze, historic rose beds, and sweeping lakeside views in one of County Galway’s most atmospheric heritage settings.
Portumna, galway
Spanning the River Shannon where County Galway meets Tipperary, Portumna Swing Bridge is a striking early-20th-century engineering feat. Completed in 1911, its central pivoting span still rotates for river traffic, offering free 24/7 access for walkers, cyclists, and drivers.
Portumna, galway
Step back in time at the Irish Workhouse Centre, where seven original 1850s buildings have been carefully restored to reveal the stark reality of the Great Famine. Guided tours lead visitors through authentic dormitories, a working kitchen, and exhibition spaces filled with personal stories and historical artefacts.
Leam Bridge, galway
Echoes of Hollywood glamour meet the silent stone arches of Quiet Man Bridge, where John Wayne’s 1952 film moment sits beside a remote Connemara landscape. The 19th-century double-arch crossing, still framed by mist-shrouded hills, offers both a pilgrimage for cinephiles and a tranquil spot for walkers seeking solitude.
Renvyle Peninsula, galway
Renvyle Castle stands as a weathered four-storey tower house on the rugged tip of the Renvyle Peninsula. Once a stronghold for Grace O’Malley and the O’Flaherty clan, the ruin offers dramatic roadside views over the Atlantic and the Twelve Bens.
North-west Connemara, galway
A rugged Atlantic fringe that has inspired poets and artists for generations, the Renvyle Peninsula offers sheltered bays, ancient standing stones, and coastal walks with few crowds. Discover quiet harbours, seal-watching spots and a landscape where history meets the wild Atlantic.
Oranmore, galway
Rinville Park offers a peaceful escape just north of Oranmore, where 80 hectares of mixed woodland and coastal trails frame the dramatic stone ruins of a Georgian manor and a 16th-century tower house. Visitors can follow a gentle 2.3km loop to panoramic viewpoints overlooking Galway Bay, spot herons and otters in the ditches, and enjoy refreshments at the on-site coffee cabin. Free entry and ample parking make it an ideal half-day stop for families and walkers.
galway
The River Corrib surges from Lough Corrib to Galway Bay in just six kilometres, carrying one of the largest water volumes in Ireland. This powerful current shapes Galway City's landscape, driving everything from the standing waves at O'Brien's Bridge to the historic Salmon Weir and the city's vibrant riverside walks.
Roscommon, roscommon
The River Suck runs 133 km from above Lough O'Flynn to the Shannon, holding brown trout, bream, rudd, tench and pike along the way. The waymarked Suck Valley Way follows it through nine villages and past the Castlestrange scribed stone, one of only four known Iron Age decorated stones in Ireland.
Headford, galway
On the Black River near Headford, Ross Errilly is the most complete Franciscan friary ruin in Ireland. Founded around 1460, it kept its church, 1498 bell tower, two cloisters and domestic quarters through repeated confiscation, and entry to the OPW site is free.
Rossaveal, galway
Rossaveal sits on Connemara’s rugged coastline as a living Gaeltacht community where Irish is spoken daily. The bustling harbour serves as the primary gateway to the Aran Islands, with colourful trawlers, coastal walking trails, and easy access to nearby beaches and villages.
Roundstone, galway
Roundstone is a colourful fishing village framed by the Twelve Bens and a sheltered bay of white-sand coves. From bustling harbours and craft studios to dog-friendly beaches and rugged hikes, it offers a vivid slice of Connemara’s coastal charm.
Salthill, galway
Salthill stretches along Galway Bay with a 2 km promenade offering panoramic views of the Burren, the Aran Islands and the open Atlantic. Its Blue Flag beach, iconic diving tower and bustling Golden Half-Mile of restaurants and pubs make it a favourite for both locals and visitors.
Sellerna, galway
Just outside Cleggan on the Aughrus Peninsula, Sellerna Beach is a broad, gently sloping stretch of sand ideal for families and walkers. The calm waters at low tide, combined with views of ancient megalithic tombs and distant islands, make it a peaceful escape on the Wild Atlantic Way.
River Shannon and Lough Derg, clare
The Shannon-Lough Derg waterway stretches 238 km through the heart of Ireland, linking three large lakes, eleven locks and dozens of historic villages. Boaters, anglers and walkers follow the route past ancient monastic ruins, engineering landmarks and Blue Flag beaches, making it one of the country’s most accessible inland escapes.
Letterbrickaun, galway
Unchanged since the early 1900s, the centre’s hand-carders and turn-of-the-century looms have been operating exactly as they did when the O’Toole family opened the museum in 1992. Guided tours let visitors spin, card and weave on the original equipment, while a café serves homemade chowder and cakes.
Inisheer (Inis Oírr), galway
Perched on Inisheer's highest point, the stone ruin of An Túr Faire once relayed Napoleonic warnings across the Atlantic. Today, this free-to-enter site welcomes walkers and photographers with sweeping views of the Aran Islands and the Galway mainland.
Clifden, galway
The Sky Road winds along the Kingston Peninsula just west of Clifden, rising to clifftop heights where the Atlantic horizon stretches to Inishturk and the Twelve Bens. A free, year-round loop on the Wild Atlantic Way, it combines sweeping coastal panoramas with stops at Clifden Castle ruins, the Marconi station foundations and the historic Alcock & Brown crash site.
Kylebrack, galway
Set against the rolling foothills of the Slieve Aughty range, this family-run eco-resort blends equestrian adventures with woodland walks and certified organic dining. Families and riders of all levels can explore traffic-free forest trails, discover a magical fairy grove, and unwind in sustainable lodges just minutes from Loughrea.
Galway, galway
Two weathered stone arches frame the River Corrib where it meets the Atlantic, anchoring Galway’s vibrant Long Walk promenade. Built in 1584 as a defensive extension to the medieval city walls, the site survived a 1755 tsunami and now hosts street musicians, weekend markets and easy access to the free Galway City Museum.
Inis Oírr, galway
Rising from the dunes of Inis Oírr, the Sunken Church of St Caomhán is a haunting 10th-century ruin half-swallowed by sand. Visitors can step down into the ancient chancel, view the saint’s roofed grave, and enjoy the quiet coastal setting just steps from the village.
Galway, galway
Two quiet springs bear the name of St Enda, the fifth-century founder of Aran monastic life. From the wooded edge of Galway Bay to the limestone fringes of Inis Oírr, these historic wells invite visitors to follow ancient pilgrimage routes, drink from clear waters, and step into a landscape shaped by centuries of devotion.
Inis Oírr (Inisheer), galway
St Gobnait's Church is a small medieval ruin in the north of Inis Oírr, a National Monument on a site used since the 6th century. The saint sheltered here fleeing a feud before moving on to Ballyvourney; a beehive hut said to be hers still stands beside the church.
Off the coast of Carna, galway
A small granite island off the Connemara coast, St MacDara’s Island is home to one of Ireland’s finest early Christian oratories. Each 16 July, the quiet sanctuary transforms into a lively pilgrimage site for local fishermen and families, complete with mass, boat blessings, and Galway Hooker regattas.
Galway City, galway
Columbus lore suggests the explorer whispered a prayer within Galway’s medieval walls before setting sail. St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, completed in 1320, still showcases its soaring bell tower and richly carved façade, echoing seven centuries of civic and religious life.
Streamstown Bay, galway
Streamstown Bay offers a dramatic tidal estuary framed by granite mountains and the Atlantic. Discover the ancient Letterdeen Standing Stone, walk the mudflats at low tide, and take in sweeping views from the Sky Road loop.
Sylaun, galway
Sylaun Mass Rock stands as a quiet monument to Ireland’s Penal Laws era. This stone altar and carved cross mark where Fr Ulick Nally celebrated secret Masses, preserving a tangible link to centuries of hidden worship in rural Galway.
Carraroe, galway
Perched on a windswept headland outside Carraroe, the stone ruins of Teampall Bharr an Doire offer a quiet escape into Connemara’s past. Local tradition holds that St Smucán built the chapel in a single night, and today visitors can wander the overgrown nave, browse the historic graveyard, and take in sweeping Atlantic views.
Sruthán, galway
Perched on the Atlantic cliffs of Inishmore, Teampall Brecan anchors the Seven Churches complex with its striking stone arch and centuries of monastic history. Visitors can explore a living graveyard, touch ancient cross-slabs, and reflect at two holy wells, all within a site that once drew pilgrims from across the British Isles.
Inis Oírr, galway
Standing as the sole holy well on Inis Oírr directly linked to Saint Enda, Tobar Éinne offers a rare glimpse of early monastic devotion. Its clear spring bubbles from a stone basin amid the island’s stark limestone, its whispering waters echoing the saint’s legendary prayer for a life-giving spring.
Toombeola, galway
Founded in 1427 and later ravaged by English soldiers, Toombeola Abbey stands as a quiet testament to Connemara’s turbulent past. Wander among the weathered stone walls, explore the adjoining historic cemetery, and enjoy the rugged Atlantic landscape just outside Ballynahinch.
Tuam, galway
A spacious market square framed by two cathedrals sets the stage for Tuam, a historic hub in north Galway. From a still-operating 19th-century corn mill to Bronze Age burial mounds and a vibrant café scene, the town blends medieval heritage with everyday Irish charm.
Galway, galway
Tully sits on the Renvyle Peninsula with the Twelve Bens behind it and Mweelrea across the water in Mayo. Trá na mBean, the small Ladies Beach, is a few minutes' walk, and the community music house runs traditional sessions, usually on Friday evenings. The village stays quiet even in summer.
Galway, galway
Tully Mountain rises abruptly from the Connemara lowlands, rewarding hikers with a 360° panorama that stretches from the Twelve Bens to Croagh Patrick. This dog-friendly, free-access trail winds through heather-clad slopes and ancient blanket bog, making it a perfect half-day escape on the Renvyle Peninsula.
Bullaun, galway
The Turoe Stone is a 1.68m granite masterpiece adorned with swirling spirals, triskeles, and trumpet motifs. Currently undergoing conservation, this Iron Age treasure offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Celtic artistry when on display.
Connemara, galway
Rising dramatically from the Connemara lowlands, the Twelve Bens are a rugged mountain range of sharp quartzite peaks and deep glacial valleys. Home to the famous Glencoaghan Horseshoe and the Twelve Bens Challenge, this Special Area of Conservation is a premier destination for hill walkers, climbers, and nature lovers.
University Road, galway
The 1849 Quadrangle, modelled on Christ Church in Oxford, is the reason most visitors come, and it costs nothing to walk into. Two small museums – geology and zoology – hide in the upper floors, and the River Corrib greenway runs along the campus edge.
Renvyle Peninsula, galway
Seven circular openings puncture the stone slab covering the Well of the Seven Daughters, echoing the legend of blind, deaf and mute sisters cured by its waters. Situated on the Renvyle Peninsula just metres from a medieval church, the spring offers a quiet pilgrimage experience framed by dramatic Atlantic scenery.
galway
The Western Way traces a rugged, atmospheric route across the Irish west, linking Lough Corrib to the Atlantic coast. Walkers cross quartzite peaks, traverse ancient pilgrimage passes and follow quiet forest tracks through some of Connemara and Mayo’s most remote landscapes.
Mayo, mayo
Stretching from Donegal to Cork, the Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s premier coastal touring brand. Mayo’s 543 km section delivers sheer sea cliffs, sheltered bays and world-heritage archaeology along a flexible, self-paced route.
