Best Travel Guide Galway & The West

Galway & The WestGuide was updated: 2025-07-08

Dramatic, haunting and utterly wild, Galway entices with its rich history, bohemian atmosphere and sublime landscapes. Here, rugged cliffs and craggy countryside meet lively streets with colourful facades, echoing pubs filled with authentic Irish music, a thriving arts scene, and warm-hearted locals. In Galway, tradition, creativity and hospitality seamlessly intertwine, creating a unique and vibrant destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience its wonders.

Do & See

With a young population and a bohemian spirit, Galway's charms are best enjoyed by strolling the Old City lanes and exploring the rugged landscapes that surround it. Known for its artistic spirit, Galway is oozing with culture — from lively traditional music sessions to a calendar brimming with festivals and events, including the world-famous Galway International Arts Festival, the city never fails to captivate and inspire.

Latin Quarter

For a taste of Galway's unique character and charm, be sure to visit the Latin Quarter. A vibrant and historic neighbourhood located in the heart of the city, known for its colourful buildings, bustling pedestrian streets, and lively atmosphere. The Latin Quarter is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore landmarks such as the Spanish Arch and St Nicholas' Collegiate Church, shop for artisanal crafts and souvenirs, and enjoy traditional Irish music and dance performances in the many pubs and venues.

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Aughnanure Castle

Built in the 16th century as a stronghold of the O'Flaherty clan, Aughnanure Castle — a six-storey tower on the shores of Lough Corrib — crowns the picturesque scenery of Oughterard. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the castle's banqueting hall, a watchtower, an unusual double bawn and bastions, and a dry harbour.

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Brigit’s Garden

Escape into a world of natural beauty and enchantment by visiting Brigit's Garden. Regarded as one of the most picturesque gardens in Ireland, Brigit's Garden is a magical Celtic-themed garden surrounded by 11 acres of wildflower meadows. The nature trail, stone chamber, and nature discovery trail will spirit visitors of all ages into a world of imagination.

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Connemara National Park

Covering about 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, sprawling bogs, heaths, grasslands, and woodlands, the Connemara National Park offers a glimpse of this rich terrain, which has long been a place of discovery and exploration. The Park encompasses a section of the Twelve Bens mountain range, including the county's tallest peak, Benbaun, which stands at 725 metres. Four hiking trails are available to visitors. One of its highlights is reaching the summit of Diamond Hill, which rewards you with a breathtaking panorama of Tully Mountain, Kylemore Abbey, and the Twelve Bens.

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Dún Aonghasa

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dún Aonghasa is the most monumental of the prehistoric stone forts on the Aran Islands. This semi-circular structure, which is over 3,000 years old and enclosed by three massive stone walls, has yielded significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking and various ancient burial sites and settlements through excavations. Visiting Dún Aonghasa requires a short hike over uneven terrain and natural rock formations, so it's recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. Also, be extremely careful when approaching the cliff's edge since there is no fence or barrier at the edge of the 87-metre drop.

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Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden

Home of the Benedictine nuns for the past 100 years, the 1000-acre-wide Kylemore estate is a perfect day trip destination. Take a guided tour and discover an award-winning Victorian Walled Garden, which often hosts musical performances.

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