I'll be in Galway at the end of a two-week trip. I'll have spent a few days there and toured the Connemara, including Ashford Castle/hawk tour, Kylemore Abbey, Wild Atlantic Coast, seen a sheep dog trial, day tripped to Inis More, and a full day tour to Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. At the end of this, I have one more day left. Any suggestions of something off the beaten path or unique to do?
To note: I'll be relying on public transit.
You noted off-the-beaten path. One of the best things I did in five trips to Ireland is climb Croagh Patrick: https://www.destinationwestport.com/explore-westport/a-bluffers-guide-to-climbing-croagh-patrick. It's the so-called Holy Mountain of Ireland. It's only about 2,500 ft. high. In 1997, I climbed it in 2.5 hours. The mountain is outside of Westport, Co. Mayo, which is about 65 miles north of Galway. And the mountain is a couple miles west of Westport near a town called Louisburgh. Maybe that's a bit of a stretch from Galway, but you won't regret climbing Croagh Patrick. If you do climb it, the trail is not paved.
I have no suggestions, but want to add that the most impressive busking I've ever heard was on the streets of Galway. Beautiful music to enjoy as you stroll through the city center.
If you are interested in social history then think about the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, Castlebar. It's about 75-90 minute drive from Galway. It is a fascinating place not only with lots of artefacts of life in rural Ireland but also videos recorded in the 1950s and 60s about the way of life and customs.
If time allows continue to Céide Fields - it's about another 75 minutes drive - and the site of one of the largest known neolithic settlements with an extensive field system. It might not look much at first site, as nearly all of it is covered with peat. It has a fascinating history and especially the way it was discovered and just how large it is.. It is definitley worth joining one of their guided tours. Lots more information here. It's definitley different!
I'll second the Ceide Fields, a remarkable neolithic site in Mayo. Another reason to go are the cliff views. They're better than those at the Cliffs of Moher. Those are great, too, but they're better at the Ceide Fields.
Thanks for the suggestions. The National Museum is a possibility but I'd have to rearrange my stay a bit, some logistics to think about. Ceide Fields is definitely, er, a wee bit too far afield this trip I fear.
but they're better at the Ceide Fields.
AND even better - you don't get the crowds!!!
