Guest Author - Tracey

Galway is both a picturesque and lively city with cosmpolitian dreams and a foot stuck in the past. Don't get me wrong this isnt bad, what I'm saying is while this city is clearly in the new millenium, history pours from the streets, the pubs, the buildings. New architecture sits side by side with ancient buildings steeped in culture.

Galway, the largest county in Connaught, is known throughout the world in song and poetry.

The great Galway outdoors, with a huge range of activities everyone can find something that will appeal to them.
Golfers will find themselves with a choice between links and parkland courses.
Horse riding and trekking is a popular way to spend a day, in this the native county of the Connemara pony.
Walking trails are set to suit all tastes and are found both around the city and in the countryside.


Hungry, why not try some of Galway's many restuarants and pubs. I have a favorite for lunch, a great fish and chip place.
McDonagh's, which I can only describe as a mix of fish and chip shop, fresh fish deli, and display of model ships and other fishing equipment. It has great atmosphere and wonderful food. McDonagh's Seafood House, 22 Quay Street.

Pubs... Where to begin, Galway like all Irish cities and towns have there fare share of pubs, and I havent found a bad one yet... Take for granted this is just one area, and a small representation of the pubs in Galway, but its a good start, Don't you think?

Murphys Bar, 9 High Street.
The King's Head, 15 High Street.
Tomas O'Riada's, High Street.
Tigh Neachtain, 17 Cross St
Taaffe's, 19 Shop Street.
Tig Coili, Mainguard Street.


Festivals
Galway Arts Festival
July 15-27

Galway Races
July 28- August 3

Oyster Festival
September 25-28

Plan at least one day to spend walking the narrow medieval streets of Galway and shopping at landmarks like Kenny's Bookstore and O'Maille's Tweeds. Galway is rich in both tradition and trend-setting innovations.

Galway Attractions

If you go to Galway, for more then the festivals, then do I have good news for you, not only does Galway, the city by the bay have great racing, oysters, and art. They also have wonderful shops, museums, churches, and other noteworthy attractions to keep you busy.

How could you go to Galway and not visit the alluring and mysterious Connemara.

Connemara is a miraculous adventure into a world of beauty with bogs, heaths, grassland, lakes and scenic mountains. The famous Twelve Bens range runs north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches and out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Visit the Connemara Heritage & Visitor Centre, which will tell you more about the area and features a pre-famine farm & Neolithic site.

Bus Trips to Connemara:

O'Neachtains

Lally Tours


One of the other famous attractions would be the Aran Islands, just off shore, the Aran Islands beg for your attention, and await your arrival.

Visit Aran islands

Flights:: Aer Arann

Ferry: :Island Ferries

Ferries: InisMór


Other Sites:

Kylemore Abbey - 18th Century Neo-Gothic Castle & Church, and Kylemore Garden.
Read more about Kylemore Abbey

Galway Cathedral, University Road
A massive and remarkable site.

Nora Barnacle House at Number 8 Bowling Green
The childhood home of James Joyce's wife, the house has been restored as a museum commemorating the lives of the Joyces.
James Joyce

Galway Crystal Heritage Centre
Visit the factory to see how the crystal is made, and to purchase pieces to take home.

Royal Tara China.
The Factory will let you take tours, and has a gift shop, so you can add to your china cabinet a few pieces of Ireland.

Eyre Square
A great place to shop for souvenirs.

The Claddagh Ring Museum
Find more information and details about how, when and why.
For more about The Claddagh

Visit the Galway Tourist Office, The main tourist office is on Foster Street
to get directions to other points of interest, or to find accommodations, and information on the city.


I hope you have the chance to visit Galway face to face, and take in all the sights and sounds this wonderful city has to offer.