| County Galway
 Galway is a large county divided into two contrasting regions by the expanse of Lough Corrib. To the west, lying between the lake and the Atlantic, is Connemara - a region of superb scenic grandeur dominated by the rocky mountain range known as the Twelve Bens. Connemara has inspired many famous paintings, and a tour of the district is a memorable experience. A great many of the inhabitants are Irish speakers, and much of the ancient Gaelic culture is preserved.
The sturdy, Connemara pony is particularly prevalent in the coastal area west from Spiddal and in the district lying between Oughterad and Clifden; the Connemara Pony Show is a popular annual event. East of Lough Corrib, a fertile limestone plain extends to the Galway-Roscommon border and the River Shannon. Galway City with its seaside suburb of Salthill lies south of the lake. It is an important tourist centre and a gateway to the scenic areas of the county.
Galway celebrated its 500th anniversary as a city in 1986. Originally a Gaelic settlement, it was quickly adopted by the Normans as their primary Western trading city. The Spanish and French sailed their galleons to Galway for hundreds of years trading their wines and brandies for metals and wools from Ireland. Galway still has a very obvious merchant town feel with the city centre a warren of narrow lanes and paved street packed with interesting pubs and shops.
Connemara, Galway's west coast, boasts beautiful Mountain, Bog, Lake and Coastal scenery and if you have seen the classic 50's movie, The Quiet Man starring Maureen O'Hara & John Wayne, then need I say more. Off Galway's coast are the Aran Islands, perhaps the last bastion of living Celtic and Gaelic Ireland, where Irish/Gaelic is still spoken and the old traditions are still practiced. It is a popular day-trip for visitors annually.
Dunguaire Castle
Kinvara, Galway
"An Historic Journey" Dunguaire Castle has, for hundreds of years, stood proudly on the site of the 7th century stronghold of Guaire, the King of Connaugt, its majesty dominating the shore of Galway Bay. The Castle bridges 13 centuries of Irish history, from the skirmishes, battles and sieges that characterise its colourful past, through to the literary revival of the 20th century. In 1924, Oliver St. John Gogarty, surgeon poet, author and wit, a contemporary and friend of W.B Yeats and Lady Gregory, acquired the Castle as a place of quiet retreat. Today, the restored Castle gives an insight into the lifestyle of the people who lived there from 1520 to modern times. The Castle is 27km (17 Miles) from Galway City. Dunguaire By Night: Medieval Castle Banquets with entertainment based on the songs, poems and extracts from great Irish writers, take place twice nightly, subject to demand, May to September. Details from admissions office, any Tourist Information Office of Central Reservations at +353(01) 6625750 Other attractions close by:Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee and the Ailiwee Cave.
Athenry Castle
Athenry, Galway
Richard de Burgo granted a charter to Meiler de Bermingham in 1235 and shortly afterwards de Bermingham started building his castle at Athenry. It was probably completed by 1250 and consists of a three storey tower surrounded by remains of a strong outer wall. Guided tours of the castle are available on request. Access to ground floor of castle for people with disabilities. Protecting the town and castle are some of the finest town walls in Ireland. Originally surrounded by a wide, water filled moat and guarded by a series of cirucular towers, they were first built in about 1310 and enclosed an area bigger thant that contained inside the walls of Galway.
Located in Athenry on the R347 (access from N6 via Craughwell and from N17 via Tuam). Facilities: An audio-visual show and exhibitions in the castle. Public car/coach parking available close to site. Toilets.
Opening Times: Mid June-Mid Sept: Daily 09.30 - 18.30. Average Length of Visit: 1 hour. Prices: Adult IR2.00, Child IR1.00, Students IR1.00, O.A.P. IR1.50, Family IR5.00.
Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre
Merlin Park Dublin Road, Galway, Galway
Galway Irish Crystal. From the earth's core come the rough makings of one of the world's most captivating creations - crystal. Tempered by fire, the shapes, the patterns and the flawless surfaces mirror the elegance of another era - yet complement the achievements of the present.
?} "County Galway
Galway is a large county divided into two contrasting regions by the expanse of Lough Corrib. To the west, lying between the lake and the Atlantic, is Connemara - a region of superb scenic grandeur dominated by the rocky mountain range known as the Twelve Bens. Connemara has inspired many famous paintings, and a tour of the district is a memorable experience. A great many of the inhabitants are Irish speakers, and much of the ancient Gaelic culture is preserved.
The sturdy, Connemara pony is particularly prevalent in the coastal area west from Spiddal and in the district lying between Oughterad and Clifden; the Connemara Pony Show is a popular annual event. East of Lough Corrib, a fertile limestone plain extends to the Galway-Roscommon border and the River Shannon. Galway City with its seaside suburb of Salthill lies south of the lake. It is an important tourist centre and a gateway to the scenic areas of the county.
Galway celebrated its 500th anniversary as a city in 1986. Originally a Gaelic settlement, it was quickly adopted by the Normans as their primary Western trading city. The Spanish and French sailed their galleons to Galway for hundreds of years trading their wines and brandies for metals and wools from Ireland. Galway still has a very obvious merchant town feel with the city centre a warren of narrow lanes and paved street packed with interesting pubs and shops.
Connemara, Galway's west coast, boasts beautiful Mountain, Bog, Lake and Coastal scenery and if you have seen the classic 50's movie, The Quiet Man starring Maureen O'Hara & John Wayne, then need I say more. Off Galway's coast are the Aran Islands, perhaps the last bastion of living Celtic and Gaelic Ireland, where Irish/Gaelic is still spoken and the old traditions are still practiced. It is a popular day-trip for visitors annually.
Galway city
Galway city is Ireland's fourth largest city and is the way most people have always imagined Ireland to be. The houses at the harbour and in the old town date back as far as the 16th century, and many are still in remarkably good condition.
Galway city with its seaside suburb of Salthill lies south of the lake. It is an important tourist centre and a gateway to the scenic areas of the county. The town grew up around the castle built by Richard de Burgo in the early 13th century. in 1396 it became a royal borough, and a stronghold of the English Crown. It became a wealthy trading centre ruled by the fourteen 'tribes' of Galway including the Joyces and the Lynches. The town was burned in 1473, surrendered to the Cromwellians in 1652 and suffered heavily in the Williamite wars. Galway is Europe's fastest growing city with a population of 66,000 people and is the gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands, areas of unique ecological and geographical importance. The majority of its industries are based on modern technology, computers, telephone systems and medical equipment. It is an ancient city and had important trade links with Europe in the sixteenth century - Christopher Columbus was one of its most famous tourists. The 7,000 students at the University College Galway provide a base population of young adults, but others from across Ireland and the rest of Europe are drawn to Galway's pubs, shops, theaters and festivals. Many return each year for the Arts Festival in July.
Lynch's Castle
Abbeygate Street, Galway, Galway
Lynch's Castle, Galway City Lynch's Castle is located between Shop Street and Abbeygate Street. It is a 16th century castle which was heavily renovated in 1966 and converted into a bank. The Gargoyles can still be seen outside the bank and also the coat of arms of King Henry VII, the Lynch family and the Fitzgeralds of Kildare. A sad story reveals when James Lynch Fitzstephen, the Mayor of Galway, in 1493, invited the son of a Spanish trader to stay in Galway. His son who was in love with a Galway woman, became jealous of the Spaniard and the lady's partiality to his father's guest. He stabbed the Spaniard, and confessed to his father. Despite the efforts of the Galway citizens, Fitzstephen arrested and tried the son. No executioner could be found to hang the son, so Fitzstephen hanged his son from an upstairs window in his house. The event is marked by the "Lynch Stone" which commemorates unbending justice.
The Church of St. Nicholas, founded in 1320, is the largest medieval church in Ireland. Other highlights are the Spanish Arch, a remnant of the old city walls, and Lynch's Castle, now a bank
Tuam
Tuam is situated on the N17 just 20 miles north of Galway on the Sligo Road. It is best known as a centre of church affairs, ancient and modern and has two cathedrals. The name Tuam (Tuaim) itself means "burial tumulus." There are several ancient round towers in and around Tuam. The town owes its foundation to a monastery established here in the 6th century by St. Jarlath. The ruins of Temple Jarlath, in the centre of the city, date from around 1360.
The 14' 12 century High Cross of Tuam, a decorated sandstone piece, was once broken in three, with each piece in different ownership. It is now situated in the rebuilt (1878) Church of Ireland cathedral, which has a magnificent red sandstone chancel arch in laboured Romanesque erected between 1128 and 1152. Immediately west of the town is the reputed site of a 1000 bc battle. Sepulchral tumuli and stone circles found in the area may bear this out. There is a ruined church (dated AD 1400) and round tower (dated AD 1000) at Kilbannon, just a few miles west of Tuam, on the site of a monastry which is reputed to have been founded by St Benin, pupil of St Patrick. Continuing on the Kilmaine road will bring you to the ruins of Jensens Castle, where you can enjoy a walk through the old orchard and forest. A few miles on the Dublin Road will show you the remains of an old "sweat house."
If you like hillwalking a walk on the Knockmaa, situated on the Headford Road is recommended. From various places in the west of the City you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, and on clear days see the top of Crough Patrick - at a distance of nearly 40 miles!
Connemara
The route from Oughterard to Maam Cross (10 miles/16 miles) lies through countryside that presents an amazing variety of bog, moorland, lake and mountain scenery, Southward from the cross a road runs through lake-strewn moorland to Screeb Lodge and Gortmore. At Gortmore the road on the left leads to Rosmuc, where the author and 1916 leader Padraic Pearse studied the Irish language ( his cottage is open to the public).
Clonbur
This quiet village, near Cong and the Mayo border, is an ideal centre for the trout angler as it nestles easily between the two great lakes of Corrib and Mast. For the more adventurous, Mount Gable lies just 2 km to the West, and is an easy climb of about one hour's duration. The effort is worthwhile because the views of Lough Corrib stretching away to the south, Lough Mask to the north and the Connemara mountains to the west are simply stupendous.
Kinvara
Kinvara - "The Head of the Sea", and gateway to the Burren in County Clare, is County Galway's only prominent sea village on the southern shores of Galway Bay. Situated at the head of Kinvara Bay, it once was a thriving port to which the necessities of life, such as turf fuel, were brought by the traditional Connemara sailing craft in the 19th century. This trade is recalled each Summer in Cruinniu na mBad, as sea festival organisd by the village, which sees the old boats compete in a host of exciting races and events. Dun Guaire Castle guards this end of the bay, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in County Galway. Medieval-type banquets are held each summer in this old 16th century tower house, and recall the stirring times when the O'Heynes, O'Shaughnessy and Martin clans were lords of this impressively restored castle. Just to the east of the building are the probable remains of the dun or earthen fort of Guaire, the 7th century King of Connacht, who gives his name to the present castle. To the west of the village stands the early 19th century church which contains restored paintings by Count de Basterot, a famous writer and traveller of the time. His residence, Doorus House, now a youth hostel, lies 5 km further west again and it was here that W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, in association with Edward Martyn, planned the foundation of the Irish National Theatre.
The magnificent new Georgian style Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre provides visitors with an excellent introduction to the rich history and culture of the West of Ireland. Here you can learn about the craft process at Galway Irish Crystal and see how Galway's heritage has inspired crafts people. Guided tours of the centre begin every 30 minutes, beginning with a short audio-visual presentation on Galway's rich and vibrant culture. The tour continues with a visit to the workshops where you experience the mystery and magic of the craft of crystal making. Your journey through time and beauty continues as you enter the Celtic Room, where you see how the symbols of Celtic Tribes, you can follow the history of the great Galway merchants and artists who gave the city its magnificent streetscapes and vibrant atmosphere. The Boatbuilders' Workshop highlights the heritage of Galway Bay and the traditional boats that sailed between the mainland and the Islands. Galway's famous Claddagh Village, renowned for its sea fishing and romance, and as the spot which provided the inspiration for the famous Claddagh Ring is also brought to life, with an excellent exhibition showing life as it was lived there traditionally. Then it's time for a visit to the Crystal Showrooms where the complete Irish Crystal range is displayed. Here you can select the perfect piece which will evoke fond memories of your visit to Galway.
Conveniently situated on the N6 Dublin Road, just five minutes drive from Galway City centre Opening Times: May - September: Monday - Friday: 09.00 - 20.00 Saturday: 10.00 - 18.00 October - April: Monday - Friday: 09.00 - 18.00 Saturday: 10.00 - 18.00 Sunday: 12.00 - 18.00 Average Length of Visit: 1-1/2 hours
Connemara Archaeological & Heritage Walks
Connemara, Galway
Much botanical and archaeological research has been carried out here, see rare fly-eating plants and an internationally important pre-historic landscape emerging from under the bogs complete with magalithic tombs, field systems and ancient cooking places. Remote & Rugged Renvyle Visit the spectacular Renvyle Peninsula and explore 5000 years of Irish History, an intriguing Bronze Age solar Calendar, one of the finest in Europe, a cliff edge Celtic Fortress and O'Flaherty Castle. See wreck site of the Spanish Armada and Renvyle House Hotel, once home of the Blakes and famous Irish writer Gogarty and favourite retreat of Yeats. Kylemore Valley Visit the famous Kylemore Abbey former home of Mitchel Henry MP, now owned by Benedictine Nuns in its majestic mountain setting and world renowned Connemara National Park. Climbing Benbaun mountain see red deer, a 5000 year old tomb and holy well en route. This bogland area six miles north of Clifden is surrounded by trout lakes and low lying hills.
Siamsa
Mr Maurice Mc Cafferty, Claddagh Hall Nimmo's Pier, Galway, Galway
Siamsa na Gaillimhe's explosive mix of music, song, dance and folk drama provides a heady introduction to the finest in Irish culture. From fast and furious jigs to madcap reels, our diverse and exhilarating artistic tradition is showcased in a spirited celebration of the rich heritage of the West of Ireland. Seventeen singers, musicians and dancers in traditional dress whirl through an evening packed with rhythm and energy, cutting across all language boundaries, as time is not given to lengthy introductions in any language. Instead, two different dance traditions - skillful set dancing, and the technically intricate step dance - are performed, echoing the strong traditional rhythms played by All Ireland award winning musicians. Tin whistle, fiddle, flute, harp, bodhran, accordion, concertina and mandolin players fuse the oldest tunes and dance music with arrangements by modern Irish composers such as Sean O'Riada and Charlie Lennon, giving a dynamic and powerful demonstration of Irish music today. Finally, specially devised folk dramas depict the old Irish feast days, carefully evoking their unique superstitions and customs through associated song, music and drama. Turf cutters, sickle harvesters and twig dancers recreate the habits of ancient life; Saint Brigid's Crosses are woven, fishing nets cast, and straw clad mummers perform in vivid portrayals of the rich folk traditions of Ireland. Located at the very heart of the city, Galway's oldest and most intimate theatre, an Taibhdhearc, is the home of Siamsa na Gaillimhe. Founded in 1928, this national theatre for the irish language resounds each week night throughout the summer with Siamsa's broadly acclaimed presentations of Irish culture. For an exuberant night's entertainment of Irish music, singing and dancing, Siamsa na Gaillimhe's captivating and lively approach to traditional arts is unparalleled.
Galway city
Galway city is Ireland's fourth largest city and is the way most people have always imagined Ireland to be. The houses at the harbour and in the old town date back as far as the 16th century, and many are still in remarkably good condition. Galway city with its seaside suburb of Salthill lies south of the lake. It is an important tourist centre and a gateway to the scenic areas of the county. The town grew up around the castle built by Richard de Burgo in the early 13th century. in 1396 it became a royal borough, and a stronghold of the English Crown. It became a wealthy trading centre ruled by the fourteen 'tribes' of Galway including the Joyces and the Lynches. The town was burned in 1473, surrendered to the Cromwellians in 1652 and suffered heavily in the Williamite wars. Galway is Europe's fastest growing city with a population of 66,000 people and is the gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands, areas of unique ecological and geographical importance. The majority of its industries are based on modern technology, computers, telephone systems and medical equipment. It is an ancient city and had important trade links with Europe in the sixteenth century - Christopher Columbus was one of its most famous tourists. The 7,000 students at the University College Galway provide a base population of young adults, but others from across Ireland and the rest of Europe are drawn to Galway's pubs, shops, theaters and festivals. Many return each year for the Arts Festival in July.
Lynch's Castle
Abbeygate Street, Galway, Galway
Lynch's Castle, Galway City Lynch's Castle is located between Shop Street and Abbeygate Street. It is a 16th century castle which was heavily renovated in 1966 and converted into a bank. The Gargoyles can still be seen outside the bank and also the coat of arms of King Henry VII, the Lynch family and the Fitzgeralds of Kildare. A sad story reveals when James Lynch Fitzstephen, the Mayor of Galway, in 1493, invited the son of a Spanish trader to stay in Galway. His son who was in love with a Galway woman, became jealous of the Spaniard and the lady's partiality to his father's guest. He stabbed the Spaniard, and confessed to his father. Despite the efforts of the Galway citizens, Fitzstephen arrested and tried the son. No executioner could be found to hang the son, so Fitzstephen hanged his son from an upstairs window in his house. The event is marked by the "Lynch Stone" which commemorates unbending justice.
The Church of St. Nicholas, founded in 1320, is the largest medieval church in Ireland. Other highlights are the Spanish Arch, a remnant of the old city walls, and Lynch's Castle, now a bank
Tuam
Tuam is situated on the N17 just 20 miles north of Galway on the Sligo Road. It is best known as a centre of church affairs, ancient and modern and has two cathedrals. The name Tuam (Tuaim) itself means "burial tumulus." There are several ancient round towers in and around Tuam. The town owes its foundation to a monastery established here in the 6th century by St. Jarlath. The ruins of Temple Jarlath, in the centre of the city, date from around 1360.
The 14' 12 century High Cross of Tuam, a decorated sandstone piece, was once broken in three, with each piece in different ownership. It is now situated in the rebuilt (1878) Church of Ireland cathedral, which has a magnificent red sandstone chancel arch in laboured Romanesque erected between 1128 and 1152. Immediately west of the town is the reputed site of a 1000 bc battle. Sepulchral tumuli and stone circles found in the area may bear this out. There is a ruined church (dated AD 1400) and round tower (dated AD 1000) at Kilbannon, just a few miles west of Tuam, on the site of a monastry which is reputed to have been founded by St Benin, pupil of St Patrick. Continuing on the Kilmaine road will bring you to the ruins of Jensens Castle, where you can enjoy a walk through the old orchard and forest. A few miles on the Dublin Road will show you the remains of an old "sweat house."
If you like hillwalking a walk on the Knockmaa, situated on the Headford Road is recommended. From various places in the west of the City you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, and on clear days see the top of Crough Patrick - at a distance of nearly 40 miles!
Connemara
The route from Oughterard to Maam Cross (10 miles/16 miles) lies through countryside that presents an amazing variety of bog, moorland, lake and mountain scenery, Southward from the cross a road runs through lake-strewn moorland to Screeb Lodge and Gortmore. At Gortmore the road on the left leads to Rosmuc, where the author and 1916 leader Padraic Pearse studied the Irish language ( his cottage is open to the public).
Clonbur
This quiet village, near Cong and the Mayo border, is an ideal centre for the trout angler as it nestles easily between the two great lakes of Corrib and Mast. For the more adventurous, Mount Gable lies just 2 km to the West, and is an easy climb of about one hour's duration. The effort is worthwhile because the views of Lough Corrib stretching away to the south, Lough Mask to the north and the Connemara mountains to the west are simply stupendous.
Kinvara
Kinvara - "The Head of the Sea", and gateway to the Burren in County Clare, is County Galway's only prominent sea village on the southern shores of Galway Bay. Situated at the head of Kinvara Bay, it once was a thriving port to which the necessities of life, such as turf fuel, were brought by the traditional Connemara sailing craft in the 19th century. This trade is recalled each Summer in Cruinniu na mBad, as sea festival organisd by the village, which sees the old boats compete in a host of exciting races and events. Dun Guaire Castle guards this end of the bay, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in County Galway. Medieval-type banquets are held each summer in this old 16th century tower house, and recall the stirring times when the O'Heynes, O'Shaughnessy and Martin clans were lords of this impressively restored castle. Just to the east of the building are the probable remains of the dun or earthen fort of Guaire, the 7th century King of Connacht, who gives his name to the present castle. To the west of the village stands the early 19th century church which contains restored paintings by Count de Basterot, a famous writer and traveller of the time. His residence, Doorus House, now a youth hostel, lies 5 km further west again and it was here that W. B. Yeats and Lady Gregory, in association with Edward Martyn, planned the foundation of the Irish National Theatre. |