Galway, the largest county in Connaught, is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes centre stage on Ireland’s western seaboard. A spectacularly beautiful county, it is a medley of contrasts - the wildest and the most remote of countryside teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities. Drawn as if by a magnet, visitors come again and again, captivated by this most special of Irish counties.
Galway City at the mouth of Galway Bay is both a picturesque and lively city with a wonderful avant-garde culture and a fascinating mixture of locally owned speciality shops, featuring locally made crafts. Indeed local handcrafts are a feature of the entire region including hand knits, pottery, glass, jewellery and woodwork. The centre of the city is suitably compact enough to ramble around comfortably.
Anyone who knows the song ‘Galway Bay’ will be familiar with the Claddagh, previously a fishing village of thatched cottages, now an area just outside the city centre. Here is the birthplace of the world famous Claddagh ring, a souvenir many bring home, just to keep a little piece of Galway with them always.
Below are some of the main attractions in County Galway.
Galway Races - definitely Ireland's most popular racing festival! Soak up the atmosphere of the races that take place each year in Ballybrit, which is located just outside Galway city. Adrenalin-pumping action, heart-stopping finishes and breathtaking fashion, the Galway Race Festivals are world renowned.Veteran race goers, and indeed those who simply love the atmosphere, travel from around the world for the unique experience that is, the Galway Races.
The Galway Races is certainly a festival for everyone. The Festival runs for seven consecutive days starting from the last Monday in July each year.
Athenry - Medieval 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.
The Aran Islands - located of the coast Galway coast Bay 
near the mouth of Galway bay. Day trips are a must available from Galway and Clare coasts. Organised tours available on the Islands. Visit the cottage where J.M. Synge, the well-known Irish author and playwright stayed and took the theme of The Playboy of the Western World.
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 audiovisual 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.
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 which was erected in 1935 in memory of the writer who travelled the roads with his horse and cart.
Interesting Shopping
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, craftsmanship and quality that is renowned worldwide.
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