Ireland County Galway boasts an otherworldly landscape. It’s one of Ireland’s westernmost counties, and while the east side is flat and filled with lakes and streams, the west side is mountainous and awe-inspiring.
Galway history holds strife and difficulty. The rocky soil made farming unproductive, but the proximity to water made shipping a booming industry.
Galway was hard hit by Oliver Cromwell. That monarch forced a great number of people to settle west of the River Shannon. The English reserved Ireland’s best farmland for themselves, and times were hard in Galway. Though Galway history seems bleak, the county today is bright and prosperous. Visitors find many things to do, including fishing and hunting, and several fine restaurants and pubs.
When it comes to things to do, County Galway excels. It has the charm of an oceanside destination with gorgeous beaches. It’s also a recognized cultural center, so visitors may attend any number of live performances of dance, music and drama. A fascinating perspective on the region’s long history is discovered at Galway City Museum, and the National Aquarium is a fun destination for the curious.
Ashford Castle provides visitors with another glimpse of Galway’s past, while Connemara National Park helps visitors develop an appreciation of the area’s natural beauty. Several festivals highlight the calendar. A jazz festival happens each October and an angling fair brightens November. Summer is the high season for festivals. The Galway Sessions celebrates traditional Irish music, while a garden festival brings visitors to the grounds of Claregalway Castle.
Galway is also famous for its horse culture. Race events are held throughout the year at Ballybrit. The main Galway horse races begin at the end of July with the Summer Festival. Recognized throughout the world as one of the main events in the sport, the Galway horse races during this festival are a must do event for summer visitors.
Ireland County Galway boasts a lovely collection of guesthouses, hotels and bed and breakfast inns. Guesthouses offer small inn experiences with plenty of personalized touches. Diverse hotels provide guests with the choice of modern décor and state-of-the-art business facilities or traditional grand estates that allow guests to feel as if they have stepped back in time.
Bed and breakfast inns are found in every corner of the county. Many are located close to traditional pubs where visitors can get a bite to eat or a pint of their favorite brew.
County Galway Ireland
Ireland County Galway City Centre
Is This Your County
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