Sitting in the middle of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Galway has a reputation for art, creativity and a sense of adventure that’s hard to find elsewhere. From music and horseracing to literature and oysters, Galway is bursting with festivals and fun. This year the city has been nominated as European Capital of Culture, and it has also been named as one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 cities in the world to visit.
ARTS, FESTIVALS AND FUN!
Galway loves a good party and throughout 2020, Galway will host over 1,900 events. The city, villages, towns, and islands will celebrate the arts from theatre, music, sport, to poetry, film, visual art and much more. In September don’t miss the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival and taste the unique flavour of the Galway Native oyster. Walk through Galway’s famous Farmers Market for fresh produce and local crafts or wander through Kirwan’s Lane for freshly ground coffee and some of the city’s most decadent treats.
DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE
Dubbed a place of "savage beauty" by Oscar Wilde, Connemara, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, is rural Ireland at its most dramatic. Explore Connemara’s National Park and start with the Diamond Hill Loop Walk. With the Atlantic on one side and the famous peaks of the Twelve Ben Mountains on the other, be prepared to stand in awe. Wing your way from Maam Cross to the harbor town of Clifden; or from the historic Gaeltacht village of Spiddal and the coral beach at Carraroe to a creamy bowl of chowder in Roundstone. Take in the breathtaking Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only true fjord or learn all about Ireland’s most spectacular love letter- Kylemore Abbey.
CULTURE HERITAGE
An hour west from Galway City, discover the three Aran Islands. Known for their prehistoric sites, explore the fort of Dún Aonghasa on Inishmore, the largest island, or lose yourself in the medieval ruins of the Seven Churches. Explore Galway Museum – a spacious modern building overlooking the Spanish Arch and housing exhibitions that explore Galway’s fascinating history and heritage.
Lose yourself in cosy pubs and let your heart beat to the rhythm of Irish music. Pay a visit to Naughtons – or as it’s known locally 'Tigh Neachtain’. This pub has seen the most talented musicians play and has kept a strong connection with Galway’s arts and musical communities since 1864. Hit the Quays in the city’s vibrant Latin Quarter, where music has played, stories have been told, and drinks have been drank for almost 400 years.
Let Ireland capture your heart, fill your heart with Ireland.