Kylemore Abbey
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Galway: A Quick Guide

A Quick Travel Guide to Galway, Ireland

Known colloquially as the City of Tribes, Galway sits on Ireland’s west coast and, as a major city, is a key destination for tourists. While the city itself is a hub of activity, it’s the beauty of the surrounding area that attracts thousands each year, and Galway is the perfect gateway to explore it. With plenty of hotels in Galway to base yourself in, you can easily enjoy the city and the rural delights the area has to offer.

Shop Street in Galway

Shop Street in Galway

Hop on a ferry and head to the Aran Islands, a small archipelago with real, authentic charm. Ferries operate daily and offer reasonably priced transport to these unspoiled specks in Galway Bay.

Eyre Square
Eyre Square is at the center of the city (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

To the west of the city lies Connemara National Park, an absolute must for lovers of adventure in the great outdoors. With miles upon miles of unspoiled landscapes, this breathtaking park is ideal if you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or taking a stroll and breathing in the freshness of unblemished terrain.

Galway Cathedral (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)
Galway Cathedral (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

The Twelve Bens mountain range is well worth a stop, and the golden beaches where the park meets the ocean are perfect for families who fancy an afternoon of crabbing in the rock pools and watching the waves crash on the shore. Pop by the village of Letterfrack, which has a useful visitor’s center, plus a range of cafes and restaurants for lunch.

Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey

If you have time to visit Galway before the end of the summer season, September is an ideal time to enjoy the Salthill area, which has some fabulous beaches. There’s also a funfair, with amusements open during the warmer summer months, while the indoor Leisureland complex is perfect for families who have packed their cozzies.

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden in Ireland
Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden in Ireland

Spend time exploring the city and all it has to offer, or head further afield to appreciate what Galway County has to offer. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed with an autumnal trip to Ireland’s west coast.

Check out our complete list of affordable hotels and resorts on Agoda, or look for available Airbnb properties in the city.

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Also read: Dublin Bucket List: Top 15 Best Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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