County Galway information

County Galway is on the West coast of Ireland, in the province of Connacht. It is noted for its fantastic scenery in the Connemara region and along the shores of Galway Bay and out in the Aran Islands. It is also home to one of the larger freshwater lakes, Lough Corrib which at one time was famous for salmon fishing.

The Irish Language held out longer in the West and as a result it has the largest Gaeltacht in the country.

Image: County Galway

Regions

Connemara - is covered in green mountains. When low-lying cloud rolls in, which is most of the time, the region looks like something right out of a fairy tale.

East Galway - is generally flat and forms part of the river Shannon basin. The landscape is dominated by farming.

Cities and towns

Below you will find a list of cities and towns within County Galway. If a Further information link is available, please click on it to find detailed information including accommodation, restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and more...

Galway City - county capital situated on Galway Bay - Further information

Ahascragh

Castlegar

Claddaghduff

Clifden - Further information

Clonbur

Leenane

Omey Island

Spiddal

Carraroe

Lettermore

Tuam

Carna

Tourist attractions

Galway City - has plenty of tourist attractons - Further infornation

Lakes - County Galway is partly home to a number of Ireland's largest lakes including Lough Corrib (the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland), Lough Derg and Lough Mask. The county is also home to a large number of smaller lakes, many of which are in the Connemara region.

Connemara National Park - Further information

Aran Islands - Further information

Dún Aonghasa - Further information

Kylemore Abbey - the No.1 tourist attraction in the West of Ireland. Perfect for a family day out and easily accessible from Galway or Mayo, It offers visitors scenic photographic opportunities as well as woodland walks, garden tours, fascinating history, beautiful architecture, ample shopping in the craft shop and tempting homemade delights in the restaurant and tea rooms. Definitely one of the highlights of a tour in the area, but be sure to get there early enough to go see the Victorian Walled Garden. There is a mandatory shuttle to the garden and if you miss the last one, too bad. The abbey has a few rooms on display, and you can also walk down the lake to the church and mausoleum. Magnificent views - Further information

Recommended accommodation in County Galway

Ballynahinch Castle, Clifden, Co Galway - 18th century castle, steeped with history and located on the rugged and stunning Ballyconneely Peninsula. Famous for its world-class fly-fishing. Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is one of the finest 4 star luxury castle hotels in Ireland set in a private 450 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara County Galway - Visit website

Connemara Coast Hotel, Furbo - The 4 star Connemara Coast Hotel in Galway is ideally located only minutes from Galway city on the spectacular Connemara coastline directly opposite the headquarters of Udaras Na Gaeltacta and Roinn Na Gaeltacta and in splendid grounds with free car parking and pleasant gardens to explore, all overlooking Galway Bay - Visit website - Book now

The House Hotel, Galway - A beautifully refurbished 4 star boutique hotel in Galway city centre. Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, where Galway comes alive, just around the corner from the ever bustling Quay Street and Shop Street - Visit website - Book now

The Huntsman Inn, Galway - 5 mins drive from Galway city centre, The Huntsman Inn hasa 12 room boutique hotel with a popular bar and restaurant, overlooking the shores of Lough Atalia - Book now

Inis Meáin Suites, Inis Meáin, Aran Islands - Inis Meáin Restaurant & Suites was created by Marie-Thérèse and Ruairí de Blacam with the aim of enabling guests to best experience their unique island location. Every detail is inspired by the island and the unique way of living that is necessary in such a remote location of natural beauty - Visit website

Lough Inagh Lodge, Recess - Set in spectacular scenary, in the heart of Connemara is Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel. To the west of Galway city, the Hotel rests on the shores of Lough Inagh, one of Connemara's most spectacular lakes - Visit website - Book now

Renvyle House, Connemara - Renvyle House is a four star, family owned, historic country house resort, first opened as a hotel in 1883 and is spectacularly located on a 150 acre estate on the shores of the Atlantic. The grounds include a private freshwater lake, par 3 golf course, a beach, woodlands, gardens and numerous activities on site including tennis, croquet, outdoor heated swimming pool (summer months), fly-fishing, canoeing, shore angling and more - Visit website

Angler’s Return, Roundstone - In this house of timeless elegance and comfort, you will find a caring peace, space, beautiful books, turf and log fires, and rooms where you can truly relax and be cared-for in a wonderfully unique atmosphere. The grounds are a perfect blend of native woodland and a lush 3-acre garden, overlooking one of the most picturesque salmon rivers in all of Ireland - Visit website

Dolphin Beach, Clifden - Originally a Connemara homestead dating from the early 19th century, Dolphin Beach has been extensively refurbished. Each of the bedrooms has an exceptional view. All have been finished to exacting standards, with high ceilings, wooden floors, modern bathrooms and under floor heating. Billy Foyle's interest in woodwork is reflected throughout the house - Visit website

The Heron’s Rest, Galway - Idyllic waterside location only 3 mins from the hustle and bustle of the centre of town and the ‘craic’ of Galway’s Latin Quarter. Each cosy chic bedroom has stunning views overlooking the Claddagh Harbour and the famous Galway Bay - Visit website

Kilmurvey House, Inis Mór, Aran Islands - An eighteenth century stone built house situated on the beautiful and historic Aran Island of Inís Mór, off the Galway coast in Ireland. Kilmurvey House, situated halfway along the island of Inís Mór between Kilronan and the western village of Bun Gowla, is ideal for exploring this truly unique island, no place being more than a comfortable one hour’s walk distance - Visit website

The Quay House, Clifden - Built for the Harbour Master nearly 200 years ago, The Quay House has been sensitively restored and now offers guest accommodation in fifteen bedrooms (all different) with full bathrooms – all but three overlook the Harbour. Family portraits, period furniture, cosy fires and a warm Irish welcome make for a unique atmosphere of comfort and fun - Visit website