Galway & Connemara Guidebook
Sightseeing
Nestled in the heart of Connemara, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kylemore Abbey is a haven of history, beauty and serenity. Home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, Kylemore Abbey welcomes visitors from all over the world each year to embrace the magic of the magnificent 1,000-acre estate.
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Kylemore Abbey
Nestled in the heart of Connemara, on the Wild Atlantic Way, Kylemore Abbey is a haven of history, beauty and serenity. Home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, Kylemore Abbey welcomes visitors from all over the world each year to embrace the magic of the magnificent 1,000-acre estate.
Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range.
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Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range.
Trá an Dóilín (Coral Strand) is a beautiful Blue Flag beach famous for its coral beach and crystal clear waters which make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding. The coral is actually a misnomer as its not genuine coral but a coraline algae called ‘maёrl’. Similarly, the sand is not ordinary sand, but rather ‘biogenic gravel.’
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Coral Strand
Trá an Dóilín (Coral Strand) is a beautiful Blue Flag beach famous for its coral beach and crystal clear waters which make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding. The coral is actually a misnomer as its not genuine coral but a coraline algae called ‘maёrl’. Similarly, the sand is not ordinary sand, but rather ‘biogenic gravel.’
Inisheer is the smallest and most easterly of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay, Ireland.
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Inisheer
Inisheer is the smallest and most easterly of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay, Ireland.
Inishmore is one of western Ireland's Aran Islands. It sits at the mouth of Galway Bay and is known for ancient sites, like the prehistoric, clifftop fort Dún Aonghasa. Nearby is the Worm Hole, a rectangular natural pool. The medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches are in the northwest. Clochán na Carraige is a stone structure with a beehive roof. Kilmurvey Beach is known for birdlife and a nearby seal colony.
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Inishmore
Inishmore is one of western Ireland's Aran Islands. It sits at the mouth of Galway Bay and is known for ancient sites, like the prehistoric, clifftop fort Dún Aonghasa. Nearby is the Worm Hole, a rectangular natural pool. The medieval Christian ruins of the Seven Churches are in the northwest. Clochán na Carraige is a stone structure with a beehive roof. Kilmurvey Beach is known for birdlife and a nearby seal colony.
Horseshoe-shaped white-sand beach with calm water for swimming & windsurfing, plus coastal views.
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Hundenes Bugt
Horseshoe-shaped white-sand beach with calm water for swimming & windsurfing, plus coastal views.
The Sky Road in Clifden is one of the most picturesque areas in the Connemara region. The circular route is 16km long and takes you out west from Clifden, onto the Kingstown peninsula, and back into Clifden via the N59. The peninsula is also a part of the Wild Atlantic Way driving route. Simply put, the scenery along the Sky Road is stunning.
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Sky Road
Sky RoadThe Sky Road in Clifden is one of the most picturesque areas in the Connemara region. The circular route is 16km long and takes you out west from Clifden, onto the Kingstown peninsula, and back into Clifden via the N59. The peninsula is also a part of the Wild Atlantic Way driving route. Simply put, the scenery along the Sky Road is stunning.
An Trá Mhór is a sandy beach located in the Gaeltacht area of Inverin, County Galway. It is a long, sheltered beach perfect for swimming and walking.
An Tra Mhor
An Trá Mhór is a sandy beach located in the Gaeltacht area of Inverin, County Galway. It is a long, sheltered beach perfect for swimming and walking.
The Martello Tower (or the Battery as it is more commonly known as in Rossaveal) is one of many watch towers built along the west coast. This one appears to be more recent and was probably built to guard the entrance to Cuan Chasla (Cashla Bay), which has one of the safest anchorages on this part of the coast.
Martello Tower
The Martello Tower (or the Battery as it is more commonly known as in Rossaveal) is one of many watch towers built along the west coast. This one appears to be more recent and was probably built to guard the entrance to Cuan Chasla (Cashla Bay), which has one of the safest anchorages on this part of the coast.
Food scene
For that exquisite dining experience, book your table in the award-winning West Restaurant, a foodie paradise that offers guests contemporary dishes with a nod to tradition. West pays tribute to its strong West of Ireland roots with a menu influenced by rural practices of foraging, fishing and fermentation techniques and heavily driven by seasonality. The wine list alone has won numerous awards and again most recently “The Best Wine List in Ireland.”
West Restaurant
For that exquisite dining experience, book your table in the award-winning West Restaurant, a foodie paradise that offers guests contemporary dishes with a nod to tradition. West pays tribute to its strong West of Ireland roots with a menu influenced by rural practices of foraging, fishing and fermentation techniques and heavily driven by seasonality. The wine list alone has won numerous awards and again most recently “The Best Wine List in Ireland.”
The bar offers a worldly assortment of artisanal cocktails, craft beers, rare spirits and a wine list of biblical proportions; and the food menu features a seasonally inspired mix of plates and bar bites.
The Pins GastroBar featuring Pizza Dozzina
The bar offers a worldly assortment of artisanal cocktails, craft beers, rare spirits and a wine list of biblical proportions; and the food menu features a seasonally inspired mix of plates and bar bites.
Donnelly’s of Barna is an old established licensed landmark, and now one of Galway’s finest seafood restaurants. Located just a short journey from Galway City on the picturesque coastal route to Connemara, this charming bar & restaurant is synonymous with catering, tradition and the true spirit of Ireland.
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Donnelly's of Barna Bar & Seafood Restaurant
Donnelly’s of Barna is an old established licensed landmark, and now one of Galway’s finest seafood restaurants. Located just a short journey from Galway City on the picturesque coastal route to Connemara, this charming bar & restaurant is synonymous with catering, tradition and the true spirit of Ireland.
Seafood restaurant in Barna County Galway specialising in oysters, mussels, fresh fish, crabs, scallops and lobster.
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O'Gradys on the Pier
Seafood restaurant in Barna County Galway specialising in oysters, mussels, fresh fish, crabs, scallops and lobster.
Pádraicíns Seafood Bar serves excellent fresh food every day. Relax at the water’s edge overlooking Furbo Beach & Galway Bay.
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Pádraicíns Seafood Bar & Restaurant
Pádraicíns Seafood Bar serves excellent fresh food every day. Relax at the water’s edge overlooking Furbo Beach & Galway Bay.
An Cruiscin Lan Hotel
Restaurant and bar located in Spiddal, Co. Galway.
Bia Blasta
Café located in Carraroe, Co. Galway
The Dutch hut
Restaurant in Carraroe, Co. Galway.
Royal Garden Chinese Carraroe
Main StreetChinese restaurant in Carraroe, Co. Galway
The Courthouse Cafe
Furnace RoadCafé in Casla, Co. Galway
An Chéibh Bar
Restaurant in Rossaveal, Co. Galway.
The Misunderstood Heron Food Truck is located in Connemara serving up fresh, local and tasty seafood, meat, vegetarian and vegan meals with spectacular views of Killary Fjord.
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Misunderstood Heron
The Misunderstood Heron Food Truck is located in Connemara serving up fresh, local and tasty seafood, meat, vegetarian and vegan meals with spectacular views of Killary Fjord.
Peckish at Peacockes is a food truck in Maam Cross in Connemara along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Serving all of your food truck favourites along with a few Connemara innovations of their own.
Peckish at Peacockes
Peckish at Peacockes is a food truck in Maam Cross in Connemara along Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Serving all of your food truck favourites along with a few Connemara innovations of their own.
Builín Blasta is an Irish language Café in the heart of Galway's Gaeltacht serving the highest quality breads, pastries, hot lunches & barista coffee fresh, in house every day.
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Builín Blasta Cafe & Bakery
Builín Blasta is an Irish language Café in the heart of Galway's Gaeltacht serving the highest quality breads, pastries, hot lunches & barista coffee fresh, in house every day.
Traditional Irish Thatched Bar situated in the heart of Oughterard village. Offers a friendly cosy atmosphere and live music, serving wholesome Irish food.
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Powers Thatched Pub
Main StreetTraditional Irish Thatched Bar situated in the heart of Oughterard village. Offers a friendly cosy atmosphere and live music, serving wholesome Irish food.
The Pink Wagon on the Wild Atlantic Way Derrigimlagh signature point is a fantastic food and drinks site which perfectly caters for the walker visitor and passer by.
The Pink Wagon
The Pink Wagon on the Wild Atlantic Way Derrigimlagh signature point is a fantastic food and drinks site which perfectly caters for the walker visitor and passer by.
There are two restaurants in the hotel, the Gallery Restaurant and the Atlantic Restaurant, both overlook Galway Bay & feature International cuisine coupled with the best of local seafood & fresh produce with an emphasis on high standards in an informal setting.
Connemara Coast Hotel
There are two restaurants in the hotel, the Gallery Restaurant and the Atlantic Restaurant, both overlook Galway Bay & feature International cuisine coupled with the best of local seafood & fresh produce with an emphasis on high standards in an informal setting.
Pizza Max Carraroe - Galway, Ireland
Takeaway restaurant in Carraroe
POTA is an award winning café in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht.
The café focuses on local, seasonal ingredients to provide a fresh and interesting menu. With fresh seafood from the Aran Islands and Ros an Mhíl Harbour, locally grown organic veg from An Garraí Glas and Beechlawn Organic Farm and a host of other local suppliers chef and owner Diarmuid Ó Mathúna’s menu has something for everyone. Don’t let the thatch roof fool you, this place is no tourist trap and is a great place to hear and speak the native language in a modern setting.
Best Café, Connacht, RAI Restaurant Awards, 2023, The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants 2023
Food and Wine Café of the Year 2022, Irish Times Café of the Year 2022
Irish Times 100 Great Value Places to Eat, Nine Places to Eat Sustainably
Irish Times 100 Great Places to Eat, Summer 2022
Lucinda O’Sullivan’s 100 Best Restaurants, April 2022
POTA
POTA is an award winning café in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht.
The café focuses on local, seasonal ingredients to provide a fresh and interesting menu. With fresh seafood from the Aran Islands and Ros an Mhíl Harbour, locally grown organic veg from An Garraí Glas and Beechlawn Organic Farm and a host of other local suppliers chef and owner Diarmuid Ó Mathúna’s menu has something for everyone. Don’t let the thatch roof fool you, this place is no tourist trap and is a great place to hear and speak the native language in a modern setting.
Best Café, Connacht, RAI Restaurant Awards, 2023, The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants 2023
Food and Wine Café of the Year 2022, Irish Times Café of the Year 2022
Irish Times 100 Great Value Places to Eat, Nine Places to Eat Sustainably
Irish Times 100 Great Places to Eat, Summer 2022
Lucinda O’Sullivan’s 100 Best Restaurants, April 2022
Things to do
Eilemental Activity Park is located on the outskirts of Galway City.
With over 50 acres of forest and heath, stunning views of Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, they boast a range of exciting activities including Laser Tag, Paintball, Archery, Orienteering and Disc Golf guaranteeing you a day to remember.
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Eile Mental Activity Park
Eilemental Activity Park is located on the outskirts of Galway City.
With over 50 acres of forest and heath, stunning views of Galway Bay and Lough Corrib, they boast a range of exciting activities including Laser Tag, Paintball, Archery, Orienteering and Disc Golf guaranteeing you a day to remember.
Killary Adventure Centre is nestled in the Connemara Mountains, on the Wild Atlantic Way, overlooking the Blueway of Killary Harbour. Morning and afternoon adventure sessions cater for all ages with over 20 adventure activities offered. The sea based activities include; kayaking, gorge walking, water skiing, knee boarding, mini water park, and cliff jumps. The land based activities include; rock climbing, archery, high ropes course, bungee jumps, giant swing and laser combat.
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Killary Adventure Company
Killary Adventure Centre is nestled in the Connemara Mountains, on the Wild Atlantic Way, overlooking the Blueway of Killary Harbour. Morning and afternoon adventure sessions cater for all ages with over 20 adventure activities offered. The sea based activities include; kayaking, gorge walking, water skiing, knee boarding, mini water park, and cliff jumps. The land based activities include; rock climbing, archery, high ropes course, bungee jumps, giant swing and laser combat.
Ceardlann Spiddal Craft Village and Café is located at the entrance to Spiddal Village, just beside the beach, overlooking the beautiful Galway Bay, Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. Here you will find 10 craft workers designing, creating, making and selling their work. This unique and very accessible craft village, is a “must stop” for visitors interested in culture, heritage and craft.
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Spiddal Craft and Design Studios
Ceardlann Spiddal Craft Village and Café is located at the entrance to Spiddal Village, just beside the beach, overlooking the beautiful Galway Bay, Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. Here you will find 10 craft workers designing, creating, making and selling their work. This unique and very accessible craft village, is a “must stop” for visitors interested in culture, heritage and craft.
They offer one and two hour horse treks for individuals, couples, families and larger groups. Horse treks go back a bog road and across mountains with beautiful Connemara scenery and over looks Lough Corrib.
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Moycullen Riding Centre
They offer one and two hour horse treks for individuals, couples, families and larger groups. Horse treks go back a bog road and across mountains with beautiful Connemara scenery and over looks Lough Corrib.
Rusheen Bay Windsurfing offer windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding lessons and rental.
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Rusheen Bay Windsurfing
Rusheen Bay Windsurfing offer windsurfing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding lessons and rental.
Experts in shark fishing & reef/ground/specimen fishing along the coast of Galway in the West of Ireland. Blue Shark Angling also offer sight-seeing boat trips; sail under the Cliffs of Moher or across to the Aran Islands - the choice of destination is yours and the spectacular scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way is legendary.
Blue Shark Sea Angling Galway
Experts in shark fishing & reef/ground/specimen fishing along the coast of Galway in the West of Ireland. Blue Shark Angling also offer sight-seeing boat trips; sail under the Cliffs of Moher or across to the Aran Islands - the choice of destination is yours and the spectacular scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way is legendary.
The Connemara Isles Golf Club is a 9 hole links golf course set in the stunning location of South Connemara bounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
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Connemara Isles Golf Club
The Connemara Isles Golf Club is a 9 hole links golf course set in the stunning location of South Connemara bounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
With a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities, we have entertainment whatever the weather and whatever your desire, as Wildlands is a place for all ages, for thrill seekers and for those in the pursuit of serenity.
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Wildlands
With a myriad of indoor and outdoor activities, we have entertainment whatever the weather and whatever your desire, as Wildlands is a place for all ages, for thrill seekers and for those in the pursuit of serenity.
Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre has since 1988 developed many exciting outdoor adventure sports activities and challenging expeditions for all age groups.
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Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre
Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre has since 1988 developed many exciting outdoor adventure sports activities and challenging expeditions for all age groups.
Atlantic Scuba Adventures, in County Galway, is a Scuba Schools International (SSI) accredited dive centre offering snorkel, scuba, ecology and first aid programmes. Dive into the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht along the Wild Atlantic Way for your next adventure.
Atlantic Scuba Adventures
Atlantic Scuba Adventures, in County Galway, is a Scuba Schools International (SSI) accredited dive centre offering snorkel, scuba, ecology and first aid programmes. Dive into the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht along the Wild Atlantic Way for your next adventure.
Learn to Scuba or Snorkel with Seals on remote island Inis Mór! A place of natural beauty surrounded by Atlantic Ocean. The Aran Islands with its crystal clear turquoise calm water and vibrant underwater life has amassed a reputation for being one of the best places to dive in Europe. Here in Ireland the great current Gulf Stream, as well as warming the ocean, brings nutrients to our water, which results in unique and rich marine life. Besides the pretty sea anemones and corals, sea citizens range from dolphins and seals to basking sharks and many more.
Dive Academy - Scuba Diving School
Learn to Scuba or Snorkel with Seals on remote island Inis Mór! A place of natural beauty surrounded by Atlantic Ocean. The Aran Islands with its crystal clear turquoise calm water and vibrant underwater life has amassed a reputation for being one of the best places to dive in Europe. Here in Ireland the great current Gulf Stream, as well as warming the ocean, brings nutrients to our water, which results in unique and rich marine life. Besides the pretty sea anemones and corals, sea citizens range from dolphins and seals to basking sharks and many more.
Explore the Wild Atlantic Way with activities such as coastal kayaking, surfing, coasteering, paddle boarding, rock climbing and hiking.
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Kayaking Real Adventures
Explore the Wild Atlantic Way with activities such as coastal kayaking, surfing, coasteering, paddle boarding, rock climbing and hiking.
Ireland West Angling provides anglers with the opportunity to fish for salmon and sea trout on the Costello & Fermoyle system and for wild brown trout on Lough Corrib. A guiding service is provided as well as tackle.
Ireland West Angling
Ireland West Angling provides anglers with the opportunity to fish for salmon and sea trout on the Costello & Fermoyle system and for wild brown trout on Lough Corrib. A guiding service is provided as well as tackle.
Departing from the port of Rossaveal in Connemara, home of the iconic Galway Hooker, breathe the fresh sea air and feel the wind in your face. As you leave the coast, you will see the islands come into view – Inis Oírr, Inis Meáin and Inis Mór – and hear local stories from the Irish speaking crew. The Connolly brothers come from generations of boat builders and fishermen; they have deep knowledge of the waters and a passion for the history of the area.
After a 50-minute cruise, you will disembark on Inis Mór, the largest and most vibrant of the Aran Islands. This rugged island has over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. Between the ancient churches and cottages, the beautiful beaches, an award-winning gastro pub and cafes with home-baked treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Inis Mór.
Once onboard, immerse yourself in the live traditional music provided by the multi-talented maritime brothers and crew. You might even learn “cúpla focail” (a couple of words).
Galway Girl Cruises
Departing from the port of Rossaveal in Connemara, home of the iconic Galway Hooker, breathe the fresh sea air and feel the wind in your face. As you leave the coast, you will see the islands come into view – Inis Oírr, Inis Meáin and Inis Mór – and hear local stories from the Irish speaking crew. The Connolly brothers come from generations of boat builders and fishermen; they have deep knowledge of the waters and a passion for the history of the area.
After a 50-minute cruise, you will disembark on Inis Mór, the largest and most vibrant of the Aran Islands. This rugged island has over 50 different monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. Between the ancient churches and cottages, the beautiful beaches, an award-winning gastro pub and cafes with home-baked treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Inis Mór.
Once onboard, immerse yourself in the live traditional music provided by the multi-talented maritime brothers and crew. You might even learn “cúpla focail” (a couple of words).
Pubs & Restaurants in Galway City
1520 Bar
14 Quay StThe Dail Bar
42-44 Middle StBuskers Brownes
5 Cross Street UpperSeven Bridgestreet
5-7 Bridge StFat Freddy's Restaurant
15 Quay StBoojum
1 Spanish ParadeBóTOWN
57 Dominick St LowerHandsome Burger
49 Dominick St LowerJohn Keogh's Gastropub
22-24 Dominick St UpperMilano
Middle StreetThe Skeff Bar
27 Eyre SquareMcSwiggans Restaurant & Café Bar
3 Eyre StAsian Lounge Asian Tea House Restaurant
15 Mary StMcGinn's Hop House
19 WoodquayAn Pucan
11 Forster StTigh Neachtain
17 Cross Street UpperTig Coili
Mainguard Street
Hyde Bar Galway
Forster StreetI highly recommend Tigín for an exceptional pub experience. The inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and extensive drink menu make it a must-visit establishment. From their impressive selection of beverages, including standout cocktails, to the live music, Tigín offers something for everyone. The sense of community and warm environment make it a place where friendships are formed and memories are made. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Tigín guarantees a remarkable pub experience that will leave you wanting to return.
Tigín
I highly recommend Tigín for an exceptional pub experience. The inviting atmosphere, friendly staff, and extensive drink menu make it a must-visit establishment. From their impressive selection of beverages, including standout cocktails, to the live music, Tigín offers something for everyone. The sense of community and warm environment make it a place where friendships are formed and memories are made. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Tigín guarantees a remarkable pub experience that will leave you wanting to return.