Vacation Guide

Ireland golf vacation guide : To do and see

GALWAY

Aran Islands – situated off the Galway Coast in the Atlantic Ocean and comprising the three spectacular islands of Inishmore, Inisheer and Inishmaan. The islands are accessible by air and ferry and represent a throwback to the Ireland of times past. Being a gaeltacht area, Gaelic remains the day-to-day spoken language here.

Battle of Aughrim Interpretative Centre – lying southwest of Ballinasloe Town, the interpretative centre recalls the history of the bloodiest battle ever fought in Ireland, when the forces of Willam of Orange defeated the followers of King James II in 1691.

Church of St. Nicholas - located on Market Street in Galway City and built in 1320, this is the most significant medieval building in Galway. Dedicated to the patron Saint of sailors, it was used as a stable by Oliver Cromwell, while according to legend, Christopher Columbus stopped by here to pray during his voyage of discovery to America.

Clarinbridge Town – a small town on the Galway to Limerick road, famous for its oysters. The Clarinbridge Oyster Festival takes place every September, at which time the pubs are literally overflowing with Guinness.

Clifden Town – referred to as the "capital of Connemara", Clifden enjoys a magnificent setting, perched high above an Atlantic inlet with the striking framework of the Twelve Pins mountain range behind it.

Connemara – the region of county Galway northwest of the city, noted for its beautiful rugged landscape of mountains, beaches, rivers and bogland. Bounded by Lough Corrib to the east and Killary Harbour to the north, it is an area dominated by the Twelve Pins and Maamturk mountain ranges.

Connemara National Park – situated at Letterfrack on the Clifden to Westport road, Connemara ponies and Irish red deer roam through 5,000 acres of mountains, bogs and parkland, while impressive displays familiarise visitors with the variety of birds and animals in the park.

Coole Park – situated north of the town of Gort, Coole Park is the former residence of Lady Gregory, a founding member of Dublin’s famous Abbey Theatre. The stables have been converted into an interpretative centre, while the demense is now a national forest and wildlife park.

Dún Guaire Castle – lying to the north of Kinvarra at the head of the bay, this is a restored 16th century castle, once taken over by Oliver St. John Gogarty. It now specialises in guided tours and medieval banquets, with readings from Irish literature.

Eyre Square – a small park in the centre of Galway City, containing an old-fashioned statue of famed Irish writer, Pádraig O’ Conaire, and a sculpture evoking the sails of the traditional Irish sailing boats, known as hookers.

Galway City – the capital city of western Ireland, Galway is a hotbed of the arts and culture and is noted for its atmosphere and good humour. Whether it’s shopping, music, pub life or restaurants, there is much to enjoy in the city.

Galway Crystal Heritage Centre – situated on the Dublin Road, overlooking Galway Bay, the centre offers an introduction to Galway boat-building methods, a history of Galway families and of course, a demonstration of glassworking skills by experienced craftsmen.

Inishbofin Island – located six miles off the Galway coast, this is an archaeologically rich island, offering some splendid scenery. 7th century monastic remains and a large population of seabirds ensure this makes for an interesting trip.

Kinvarra Village – a delightful fishing village in the southeast corner of Galway Bay. Its small harbour contains a number of Galway Hookers (traditional Galway boats).

Kylemore Abbey – a spectacular 19th century neo-gothic edifice in white granite and grey limestone, situated at the foot of a wooded mountain in the heart of Connemara. Now run as a Benedictine convent, the beautiful grounds and part of the building are open to the public.

Lynch’s Castle – situated southwest of Eyre Square in Galway City, this is considered to be Galway’s first medieval townhouse. Dating from the 15th century and boasting a decorative façade, carved panels, gargoyles and lions, the house now serves as a bank.

Nora Barnacle House Museum – located across the river from Spanish Arch in Galway City, this was home to Nora Barnacle, the wife of renowned Irish writer, James Joyce. An interesting place for literature enthusiasts.

Salthill – a busy seaside resort just outside Galway City with a good natured but honkytonk atmosphere. The promenade here is a favourite place for a stroll, while a vibrant club and disco scene prevails at night.

Spanish Arch – situated near the harbour in Galway City and originally called the "Blind Arch", this is a 16th century structure used to protect ships as they unloaded their cargos of wine and brandy. It is a reminder of the time when Galway rivalled London and Bristol as a port for Continental trade.

St. Brendan’s Cathedral – situated in the town of Loughrea and famous for the way in which its magnificent stained-glass windows illustrate developments in ecclesiastical art around turn of the 20th Century.