Bus
Bus Eireann provide services to County Galway from Dublin, Clare, Sligo and other areas. For further information on bus services telephone: 01 8366111 091 562000

Rail
The Dublin / Galway line serves Co.Galway with stations at Ballinasloe, Woodlawn, Attymon, Athenry and Galway City. For further information on rail services, telephone: 01 8266222 091 564222.

Sea
Ireland is linked to Britain and Europe by a number of car-ferry routes. The main ports of entry are Cork, Dublin and Rosslare - all of which are betwen 3 and 4 hours drive from Galway.

Airports

Galway Regional Airport is capable of catering for small commuter aircraft. Aer Lingus operates a 50-seat commuter plane out of Galway to Dublin three times a day. There are also seasonal charter flights to Jersey operated by Aer Arann. 091 755569

Car Rental Agencies

Budget Rent-a-Car	Galway City	091 566376
Hertz Rent-a-Car	Galway Airport	091 752502
Western Hire Drive	Galway City	091 753037
Practical Car and Van Rentals	Galway City	091 751919

Taxi Companies

Aircraft Hire

Hotels

Flat Rental Agencies

Office Rental Agencies

 RURAL

County Galway
The landscape of County Galway is dominated by vast boglands, endless rivers and lakes and the spectacular mountain ranges, The Twelve Bens and the Maam Turk Mountains.


Connemara
Connemara lies on the west coast of Galway County and remains one of the last areas of unspoilt landscape in western Europe. Connemara National Park is a 2000 hectare state owned conservation centre made up of mountains, bogs and grasslands with beautiful wildlife. Four of the mountains belong to the Twelve Bens range, including the highest, Benbaun (730 metres). The other range is the Maam Turks. At the centre of the park is the valley of Glanmore where the Polladirk River flows. Traces of ancient settlements can be seen in the park, including 4,000 year old megalithic tombs and markings of former grazing areas. There is an audio-visual show and a photographic display of the Connemara scenery.


Iar-Chonnacht
A vast tract of boggy moors lies between Maam Cross, Rossaveal and Galway City. The area is known as Iar-Chonnacht and contains trails and small loughs. It is a popular fishing and walking area.


The Western Way
Starting from Oughterard this scenic route traces the shores of Lough Corrib up into the Maamturk Mountains. The trail ends at the coastal town of Leenane.


Coole Forest Park
Containing beautiful wooded walks and a lake, Coole Park once included the house of Lady Gregory. Thoor Ballylee, a tower house once owned by Yeats is closeby. Derryclare Pine Wood is located in Connemara.

 COASTAL

Galway Bay and Coast
The coastline along Galway Bay boasts some spectacular views from the coastal towns of Barna, Spiddal, Inverin and Carraroe. The remaining coast of county Galway is riddled with bays from Bertraghboy Bay, Ballyconneely Bay, Mannin Bay, Ballynakill Bay to Killary Harbour.

Killary Harbour
This harbour is one of the safest anchorages in the world and is suitable for all kinds of water pursuits. The harbour is sheltered from storm by its mountain walls.

The Corrib Lake and River.
The Corrib System extends through Loughs Mask and Carra. Lough Corrib is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland. It is 42,00 acres and is renowned for its salmon and brown trout. The lake contains small islands. Inchagoill is one of the islands on Lough Corrib where there is an early Christain monastic settlement and a Romanesque church. On another, Castlekirk there is a 13th century fortress.

Ballynakill Lough
This lake is situated in Connemara and there are a collection of prehistoric monuments including tombs, standing stones and walls.

The Aran Islands
These three islands are situated at the mouth of Galway Bay. Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr can be reached by Island Ferries or from Connemara Airport. The islands are immortalised on film by Robert Flaherty's "Man of Aran". The rugged landscape on the island is similar to that of the Burren - high cliffs, rocky seashores, ancient forts etc. The largest island, Inis Mór has the most unique piece of antiquity in Ireland - a huge stone fort, Dún Aengus. Other historical sites include the Seven Churches and Monasteries. Kilronan, on Inis Mór, is a village on the north-west side of Killeany Bay and the capital and port of the islands. Ionad Aránn, Aran's Heritage Centre is located in Cill Ronán on Inis Mór.

Inishbofin Island
There are several daily sailings from Cleggan in Connemara to this island - one of the most westerly islands off the Irish coastline. Situated 10 km off the northwest coast of Connemara, the island is renowned for its magnificent scenery, historical and archaeological features, and rare flora and fauna. There is a colony of seals on the island. The island has a natural 'harbour' the entrance to which is dominated by Cromwells Barracks - a 17th century star-shaped stronghold. Other historical sites include a 7th century Monastery, a 13th century Abbey, Forts dating back to the Iron Age, Megalithic Tombs etc. A range of accommadation is available on the island.

Claddaghduff
If the tide is out visitors can walk or drive across the beach to Omey Island which contains some archaeological remains. Some of the other small islands around the coast include the islets off Lettermullen and Mweenish.

Salthill
Galway City's seaside resort is situated beside the city and has a fine promenade and two and a half miles of sandy beaches, the most popular being Grattan Road and Palmer’s Rock.
Silver Strand near Salthill is a lovely sandy beach as is Ballyloughrun, east of the city

Beaches
Some of the more spectacular beaches in the county include:
Trá na mBan, Spiddal,:
Trá Bán in Inverin,:
Trá an Doilín, Carraroe,:
Kilmurvy on the Aran Islands,:
Trácht in Kinvara,:
Lough Rea Lake, Loughrea:
Gorteen Bay and Dog's Bay, near Roundstone:
Clifden Beach and Mannin Beach in Balliconneely:

 HISTORICAL

Kilconnell Friary, Aughrim
The vast ruins of the 14th century Franciscan Kilconnell Friary lie near Aughrim. The site is noted for its elaborate cloister and wall-tombs.


Clontuskert Abbey, Ballinasloe
Located close to the wetlands of the River Suck, Clontuskert Abbey creates a grand atmosphere. Among the remains is a 15th century church.


Lynch’s Castle
This 15th century castle stands at the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street in Galway City.


Lynch Memorial, Galway City
This is situated near the Church of St. Nicholas in the form of a black marble stone over a built-up Gothic doorway.


Aughnanure Castle , Oughterard.
This 16th century castle has been restored and is open to the public.


Kylemore Abbey
Stunningly located on the banks of Kylemore Lough and backed up by the Twelve Bens, this Gothic Revival abbey is now a boarding school for girls


Clonfert Cathedral
One of the best examples of Irish Romanesque architecture, this Cathedral lies on the site of a monastery founded in 563AD by St Brendan the Navigator. It is most noted for its elaborate stone carvings.


Ross Abbey
Ross Abbey is the greatest, preserved Franciscan Abbey in the country. The large 15th century complex contains an impressive array of structures – towers, cloisters and, of course, the church buildings all set within two courtyards.


Blakes Castle
Situated at Kirwins Lane, Galway City


Dunguaire Castle
A 16th century castle situated just outside the village of Kinvara. The castle is open to visitors and hosts mediaeval banquets.


Turoe Stone
Situated 5 km north of Loughrea in an area called Bullaun, the Turoe Stone is a decorated pillar stone with celtic designs. Dating from the 2nd century BC, the stone is 1metre high and lies in the grounds of a wooded park.


St. Nicholas’ Church, Galway City
This parish church was founded in 1320 and its history is linked very closely with the history of the city. Christopher Columbus is believed to have prayed here before crossing the Atlantic. The church was established as a Collegiate Church when Galway was granted a charter in 1484. It has unique features such as the tomb of the famous Major Lynch who is reputed to have hanged his own son for murder.


Spanish Arch, Galway City
The Spanish Arch consists of two arches. At the front of the Arch is the historic Fishmarket area, and adjoining Spanish Parade. Here the Claddagh women folk came to sell the fish caught by the Claddagh fishing fleet. The city museum is beside the Spanish Arch.


Kilmacduagh Monastic Settlement, Gort.
This serene settlement consists of an intact round tower and ruined cathedral. The remains of other churches lie scattered in the surrounding fields.


Dun Aengus, Aran Islands
On the Aran Island of Inis Mor, there are several huge prehistoric forts including Dun Aengus, set on a 250 foot precipice. Dating from the Bronze Age the fort has four concentric walls and is defended by large stone spikes.


Drumacoo Church , Kilcolgan
This grand 13th century stone building is noted for its now abandoned iron Gothic chapel.


Knocknoy Abbey
Containing a fascinating medieval fresco, this Cistercian abbey was founded in 1190.

 INTERIORS

Galway Cathedral
The city's cathedral is on the site of the old Galway Gaol. The cathedral is built in cut limestone in a combination of classical and traditional design, and has Connemara Marble flooring.


The University
NUIG (National University of Ireland Galway) celebrated its 150th birthday in 1995. Today some 6,000 students attend NUIG.

 URBAN

Galway City
Galway City is the capital of the west of Ireland, with a University, Regional Technical College, Hospital, Shipping Port and Airport. At Eyre Square, a recently restored section of the mediaeval wall can be seen. This includes 60 metres of the original city wall with the restored Perrice Tower at the northern end and Shoemakers Tower at the southern end. This city, the fourth largest in the Republic of Ireland, grew up around a castle which was built in the 13th century. Today, with a population of over 50,000, the city is a vibrant cosmopolitan place with a thriving commercial and cultural community. Buildings which are hundreds of years old stand side by side with modern architecture. The city is built on the River Corrib. Notable sites include Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, the Browne Doorway (an example of a mediaeval doorway), the Quincentennial Fountain, Blakes castle, the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven and St. Nicholas, the Tudor-styled University College, the Courthouse the 14th century Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas of Myra which has elaborate tombs, quaint chapels and some of the finest examples of medieval stone carvings.


Ballinasloe
Located by the River Suck, Ballinasloe is the foremost town in eastern Galway. The town is famous for its horse, cattle and sheep fair held each October. The Garbally Mansion , a 19th century home set in a wooded estate, lies near the town.


Tuam
Located on the N17 from Galway to Sligo, Tuam has two cathedrals. The town grew out of a monastery founded in the 6th century by St. Jarlath. There are stone circles west of the town. The Church of Ireland cathedral has an impressive red sandstone chancel arch.


Portumna
This market town is situated on the shores of Lough Derg. Historic sights here include the ruins of Portumna Priory and the 17th century Portumna Castle.


Cleggan
This is a small fishing village which is at the head of Cleggan Bay, on Connemara’s Atlantic Coast. This village is also the departure point for ferry services to the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk.


Clifden
The largest town in Connemara and viewed as the region's capital, Clifden is beautifully enclosed by the Twelve Bens. The neo-Gothic Catholic Curch and the nearby Protestant Church are impressive buildings with their high-reaching spires. The Sky Road scenic trail offers fantastic oceanviews.


Loughrea
This town is built on the shores of Lough Rea, and on the N6 main route to Dublin. St. Brendan's Cathedral is an impressive building here. The preserved remains of a Carmelite monastery lie in the town.


Oughterard
Known as the gateway to Connemara, this traditional village on the shore of Lough Corrib, is a centre for angling and hiking. Closeby is Aughnanure Castle, a restored tower house on a rocky island the River Drimneen.


Athenry
This small town is Anglo-Norman is style and contains an almost undamaged 13th century castle.


Kinvarra
A beautiful fishing village on Galway Bay retaining an ‘old world’ atmosphere.


Bearna
A small village on the coast, with a beautiful pier.


Spiddal
This small fishing village is renowned for its church built in 1904 in the Romanesque style.


Inverin
This is the location of Connemara Airport and daily flights are available to the Aran Islands.


Rossaveal
This village has a large harbour with daily sailings to the Aran Islands.


Carraroe
A large village with many pubs and the famous Coral Strand.


Carna
A town notable for its beautiful sandy beaches.


Clarenbridge
This village holds oyster festivals each September.


Roundstone
A lovely village, at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain, founded in the 19th century. There are also some magnificent beaches in this area, Dog's Bay and Gurteen Bay


Leenaun Village
This Connemara village lies at the head of Killary Harbour and was the location for the film "The Field".

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