Galway, City of the Tribes!
The ancient medieval city of Galway, first founded over eight hundred years ago, has many attractions
for the tourist or visitor. Boasting some of the best preserved medieval architecture in the country, if not in Europe as
a whole, Galway's roots go back into the distant past and stretch throughout Ireland and the world.
Among the many more modern attractions in Galway are the festivals, arts and music, a wide variety of superb restaurants,
shopping for all the family, bars, nightclubs, and street music and performers which makes even a simple walk down the middle
of the town a unique and pleasant experience.
"The City
of the tribes", named after the fourteen tribes of Galway who originally brought much prosperity to the city,
is a fascinating experience. Blending the archaic and the modern, it's vibrant life can be accounted for
by the fact that it has a large population of young people which is supplemented by
an influx of students during the academic year and an influx of backpackers and tourists
during holiday periods. There are many events held throughout the year , including the
Arts festival, the famous Galway Horse Racing event in July and the Oyster Festival are
a couple... Listed below are a few activities to enjoy...
- Fresh water and Deep sea fishing.
- Visit the Cliff Of Moher.
- Cycling - Rent a Bike.
- Golf Courses, and Pitch and Putt nearby.
- So many restaurants, so much temptation , Galway has gastronomic
treasures.
- Many sea sports.
- Beautiful West Of Ireland Beaches close by - you are on the gateway to
Connemara.
- Archaeological site visits.
- Traditional pubs with music and restaurants...
- Walking & bus tours of the city.
- Boat Trips on the river Corrib on the famous Corrib princess which we can book for you.
Quiet Man Film Locations
County Galway has several locations which were used in the making of the file. The Quiet Man. Visit the main film locations in an organised tour or join the
Quiet Man Fan Club.
Athenry – Mediaval Town with Arts and Heritage Centre
Athenry, a medieval town situated 23km from Galway City is steeped in history. Founded in the 13th century by Meiler de Birmingham, who surrounded the town with a curtain wall with towers and a moat. It is the only walled town in Ireland whose still-intact walls are clearly visible to the approaching visitor
Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre
Aughrim, Ballinasloe - on the main Galway – Dublin Road.
Relive the bloodiest battle in Irish history fought in a small Connaught village. Move back in time and place to that fateful day in 1691 through an audio-visual show based on the moving account of Captain Walter Dalton who fought at the Battle of Aughrim.
St. Jarlaths Wheel - Tuam
Located beside the Catholic Cathedral in the North Galway town of Tuam.
Tuam is also home to a 13th century parish church ruins and graveyard, located at Teampall Jarlath, High St. Tuam.
Galway Bay
Drive along the coast road from Galway to Spiddal and view the splendour of Galway Bay. Later in the day one can experience the famed in song ‘Sun go down on Galway Bay’
Continuing West takes one into the Twelve Pins of Connemara mountain range.
Tropical Butterfly Centre
Carraroe, Connemara, Galway. 2 miles from Rassaveal Harbour on R343. Located in the heart of Connemara, Seawinds Nurseries and Tropical Butterfly Centre offers a unique experience in family entertainment, regardless of weather. Set amid the lush splendour of a tropical enclosure, you can see hundreds of free flying exotic Butterflies in their natural environment.
The Aran Islands – located in Galway Bay
Situated at the mouth of Galway bay. Day trips available from Galway and Clare coasts. Organised tours available on the Islands. Visit the cottage where J.M. Synge, the well-known Anglo-Irish author and playwright stayed and took the theme of The Playboy of the Western World.
Eyre Square – Galway City
Eyre Square (renamed John F Kennedy Park) ; an open green park where on can relax or view the many attractions, including the Statue of Paraic O’Connaire ; erected in 1935 in memory of the writer who travelled the roads with his horse and cart. Best remembered for M’asal Beag Dubh. Died 1928
Kirwan's Lane - Galway City
Kirwan's Lane (off Quay Street) is one of Galway's last remaining late Mediaeval Lanes and has been recently redeveloped as a residential area. It was here that the Galway MP Richard Martin built a 100-seater theatre for his actress wife in 1783. Among those who acted there was the republican patriot, Wolfe Tone.
Clifden in West Galway
The location of the landing of the first Trans-Atlantic air crossing by Alcock and Brown. A very scenic part of Ireland.
Kinvara – Galway Hooker Boats
Kinvara hosts an annual festival to celebrate those unique sea boats each year. Always a selection of the old style Hooker boats on view. Those boats were used to transport turf in bygone days.
Portumna Castle
The great semi-fortifed house at Portumna was built before 1618 by Richard Burke or de Burgo, 4th Earl of Clanricarde. There are exhibitions in the castle and Gate House.
Coole Park
Located close to Gort, on the Galway Road, the former home of Lady Gregory, a founder of the Abbey Theatre and friend of William Butler Yeats. The house no longer stands, but the estate is now a national nature reserve. The garden of the house, with its yew walk and autograph tree is preserved. Carved on the autograph tree, among others are the signatures of John Masefield, George Bernard Shaw and Sean O'Casey. Attractions include nature trails, walks, a lake and turlough.
Thoor Ballylee
Once the former summer home of W.B. Yeats this restored Norman tower house was purchased by Yeats in 1916. In 1965 the tower was opened to the public. An audio visual presentation and push button audio narratives in the rooms are available in the tower, which is open to the public from Easter to October.
Turoe Pet Farm
Located close to Loughrea, in a beautiful rural setting, Turoe Pet Farm provides great attractions for young and old, native and tourist! Excellent facilities are provided catering for individual, family and group needs
Dunguaire Castle
Located in Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle was built by the O'Hynes in 1520. The clans association with the castle dates back as far as 662AD when their ancestor Guaire, King of Connnacht, ruled his kingdom from an earthwork rath close to the present castle site. Richhad Martyn, Mayor of Galway, acquired the castle in the seventeenth century and it was subsequently purchased by Oliver Saint John Gogarty. During his tenure the castle was the venue for meetings of the literary revivalists, led by W.B Yeats. The bardic tradition which Yeats believed in, is reflected in the Medieval Banquet held every night.
Mill Museum - Tuam
Located in Tuam, this is the last surviving corn mill in the Tuam area. It closed as a working mill in 1964 - its machinery is still in place, however, so visitors can view the old milling process.
This mill played a vital part in the life of the local community and a voluntary committee opened it as a museum in 1974. It also serves as a seasonal tourist information office.
Heritage Sites
Athenry Castle
Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham who built his Castle there c.1250. The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls, is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio visual room and exhibition.
Aughnanure Castle Galway - Oughterard
Built by the O’Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the Castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour.
Dun Aonghasa - Inishmore, Aran Islands
Perched spectacularly on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, this is the largest of the prehistoric stone forts of the Aran Islands. It is enclosed by three massive dry-stone walls and a "chevaux-de-frise" consisting of tall blocks of limestone set vertically into the ground to deter attackers. The fort is about 900m from the Visitor Centre and is approached over rising ground.
Teach an Phiarsaigh (Patrick Pearse's Cottage) Rosmuc
A small restored cottage used by Patrick Pearse (1879 – 1916) leader of the 1916 Rising, as a summer residence. The interior, although burned during the War of Independence, has been reconstructed and contains an exhibition and a number of momentoes of Pearse.
Interesting Tourist Shops
Tus Craft Design
Tus Craft Design is a retail outlet in The Bridge Mills which displays a range of top quality art and crafts made locally in and around Galway. Website : www.tus-craftshop.com
Peacockes Craft Shop Located at Maam Cross, the Crossroads of Connemara ; sells a comprehensive range of Irish craft products, such as knitwear, crystal, jewellery, and CDs much of which is available by mail order.
The Galway Crystal Factory Shop
Located at Dublin Road, Galway City ; sells locally manufactured crystal products.
Recognised as a world leader in crystal glass products.
In 1997, The Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre was awarded the prestigious
Irish American Cultural Institute Heritage Award.
Royal Tara China Shop,
Located at Mervue, Galway City ; sells locally manufactured china products.
Royal Tara has been producing Fine Bone China of the highest quality since it was established in 1953. Today the wisdom of this policy is reflected in the company's thriving export market. It has earned Royal Tara China a reputation for excellent design, craftmanship and quality that is renowned worldwide.
Galway Bay Gifts (aka - Assets Gifts)
Located at 21A High St, in the heart of Galway City.
Offer a wide range of Irish Novelty items, Fun Gifts, Jewelry. While ostensibly a tourist
shop you will find lots to suit your home grown shopper also. They like shoppers to
leave with a smile and have lots of fun and funky stuff on the shelves.
Standún,
Coast Road, An Spidéal (Spiddal),Co. Galway.
Established over 50 years ago, this family-run store is a one-stop source for quality Irish
products — Aran sweaters, woollens, tweeds, crystal, pottery, china, linens,
and jewelry including the famous Claddagh ring.
O'Maille - Quality Knitwear
O'Máille's is a name that has long been synonymous with quality knitwear and tailored clothes for men and women. Established in 1938, our family-owned business is located in Galway City, in the heart of the West of Ireland, home of the world-famous Aran Sweater.
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