My husband and I are spending two weeks in Ireland in September. I've been there four times but this will be my husband's first trip.
We are spending two nights in Galway after staying in Dingle for a few days beforehand. We're going to see the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren on our way up to Galway, but I'm now trying to figure out a plan for the full day we have there. Suggestions welcome! We have rented a car for the trip so we aren't limited to public transit or walking.
I was on the 14 Day Ireland tour last summer and Galway was my least favorite spot. In June it seemed crowded (mostly with students as there are 2 universities there, I think), noisy and dirty. However, we did take the ferry to Innishmore (the Aran Islands) for most of the day and I loved that. I would really recommend you take a ferry and then take one of the van tours of the Island. The ferry was fun and the island was beautiful
We enjoyed a little area centered around Key Street.....nice little places to eat, cute shops and street musicians (we were there several years ago right at the end of August). I think we were in Galway for a total of maybe 2.5 hours (mostly a lunch stop), so I cannot give much more advice.
But, if you do not get more recommendations for your time in Galway, consider driving up thru the Connemera region. Sky Road is listed in "National Georgraphic's 500 Journeys of a Lifetime" book, and it really is a pretty rural drive. While you could do the loop (over to Cong) in a day, it would be a really, really long day.
If you haven't been to Kylemore Abbey, that could be an interesting stop, if you break up the trip by staying overnight at least one night north of Galway..........or you could drive from Galway to Kylemore Abbey and back easily in one day.
But, potentially you have already planned something like that upon departing Galway.
How very lucky you are to have been to Ireland so many times, and I hope your husband finds it enjoyable, too.
EDIT: Just read the post ahead of mine. While I have not been to the Aran Islands, all my friends who have loved the Aran Islands....so that may be your best choice :)
Thank you! I think the Aran Islands sounds like a great idea. My poor seasick husband, haha.
Be sure he takes anti-seasick wrist bands along. I find them very helpful ,but also take non-drowsy Dramamine in case it is really choppy. Also he can go out on the back area of the boat, breathe deeply and look at the horizon. Have a wonderful trip.
A trip to Inishmore would be a wonderful use of your time in Galway. Unless the seas are exceptionally rough or your husband's susceptibility to sea-sickness is particularly strong, he should be OK. We did find the ferry ride to be a bit choppy on the way over--we sat upstairs to take in the views--but no one seemed to be suffering any ill effects. We were advised that sitting downstairs offered a much smoother ride so we tried it on the way back and it was definitely the case.
Hello,
Agree with the suggestion to go to the Aran Islands or to visit Connemara. My daughter and I visited Galway for a few days in July. We used it as a base to visit some of the other areas nearby, such as the Cliffs and the Aran Islands. We also enjoyed just walking the Galway area. I don't remember it being especially crowded, but we had come from Dublin. In Galway, there was some live outdoor music at one of the parks, as well as lots of charming restaurants. One thing we loved was how friendly everyone was. I found that to be true throughout Ireland, but especially in Galway.
One area that looked really neat that we didn't have time to visit was Salthill Beach, which is not too far from Galway. I don't know what the weather will be like in September, but if you enjoy walking a beach and/or promenade, this might be an option. We were visiting during a heatwave and the beach was packed.
The Galway Civic Trust medieval/archeological walking tour was very interesting. The suggested donation goes to the charitable organization that promotes restoration. The tour is 90min-2 hrs. Meets at the Hall of the Red Earl daily, at least in the summer. Walking along the beach promenade in nearby Salthill (about 1.5 miles from Galway Center) is very pleasant. As others mentioned, I recommend a day trip to the Connemara region.
I enjoyed The Aran Islands.
However, a non-ferry day trip would be to go to Ashford Castle and the Ireland School of Falconry. Enjoy a visit to the nearby village. Since you have a car this would be easily done.
They pour a great pint of a Guinness at Tigh Neachtain’s at 17 Cross Street, in the old section. Good Irish music, too. Look for the bright blue building with the yellow trim. I also enjoyed some of the history of Galway. I picked up a walking tour outside The Skeffington on Eyre Square and visited the museum near the Spanish Arch.
We had a really rough ferry ride to Inishmore, but it was well worth the trip. We did a van tour with Mr, Flaherty who owns the Ard Mhuiris B&B. He drops you off at the sites and picks you up.
If you like seafood, check out 'Morans oyster cottage' in Kilcolgan, about 20 minutes outside Galway heading south on the wild Atlantic way.
Also nearby is Dunguaire (pronounced Dunn - Gurra) castle where a benevolent old king of Connacht used to call home.
Take a drive out to the Gaelteacht area of Cliften along Galway bay. Totally unspoiled.
Éamonn
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