Athenry Heritage Centre

Enjoy an immersive medieval experience in the Athenry Heritage Centre. Get into character by borrowing a medieval costume, and try your hand at Archery. The museum is fun for all ages and offers interactive exhibits as well as guided tours.

• Web:

  www.athenryheritagecentre.com

• E-mail:

  athenryheritagecentre@gmail.com

• Address:

  Saint Marys, The Square, Gorteenacra, Athenry, Galway

• Phone:

  +353 91 844 661

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9:30am–4:30pm, Sat 9:30am–1pm, Sun closed

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.

• Web:

  heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/aughnanure-castle/

• E-mail:

  aughnanurecastle@opw.ie

• Address:

  Aughnanure, Oughterard, Galway

• Phone:

  +353 91 552 214

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9:30am–6pm

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.

• Web:

  brigitsgarden.ie

• E-mail:

  info@brigitsgarden.ie

• Address:

  Pollagh, Rosscahill, Galway

• Phone:

  +353 91 550 905

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–5pm

Céide Fields

Céide Fields in County Mayo is home to the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world, dating back nearly 6,000 years. The visitor centre offers an opportunity to learn about the spiritual beliefs and culture of the neolithic society which created this landscape. The fields are also worth visiting for their wild ecology — blanket bog, dramatic cliffs, and coastline are accompanied by rare mosses, sedges, lichens, and flora.

• Web:

  heritageireland.ie/visit/places-to-visit/ceide-fields/

• Address:

  Glenurla, Mayo

• Phone:

  +353 96 43325

• Opening hours:

  Vary by season

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.

• Web:

  www.nationalparks.ie/connemara

• Address:

  Letterfrack, Galway

• Phone:

  +353 76 100 2528

• Opening hours:

  The Park is open 24/7. The visitor centre is open daily 9am–5:30pm

• Tickets:

  Entry to the park is free of charge

Croagh Patrick — Ireland's 'Holy Mountain' or 'The Reek'

Croagh Patrick is a 764-metre-high cone-shaped peak that rises above Clew Bay in County Mayo. Known as Ireland’s ‘Holy Mountain’ or ‘The Reek’ among locals, it’s a site steeped in history, religion, and mythology. The mountain is believed to have been a pilgrimage site for pagans as far back as 3000 BC. It’s thought that pagans gathered here to celebrate the start of the harvest season. Later, it became associated with the worship of the Celtic sun god, Lugh. And then in the 5th century, Saint Patrick is said to have fasted on the mountain for 40 days and nights before banishing the snakes from Ireland. Today, Croagh Patrick remains a popular pilgrimage site, with around 20,000 to 25,000 pilgrims climbing the mountain each year on the last Sunday in July, closest to the pagan festival of Lughnasa. The trek to the summit is a rewarding experience, with panoramic views of the hundreds of tiny, green drumlin islands in Clew Bay, the Wild Atlantic Way, the town of Westport, and surrounding mountain ranges.

• Address:

  Teevenacroaghy, Mayo

Gaelforce West

Held in mid-June, in the Connemara region, Gaelforce West stands as the world's largest one-day adventure race of its kind. This multi-sport event combines cycling, running, hiking, and kayaking, offering competitors a one-of-a-kind test of endurance. Spanning approximately 66km, the course winds its way from the breathtaking Lough Inagh Valley in Connemara all the way to Westport. Participants will encounter notable challenges along the route, including crossing the majestic Killary Fjord and conquering the renowned holy mountain of Croagh Patrick.

• Web:

  gaelforceevents.com/en/gaelforce-west-gaelforce-west

• E-mail:

  Info@gaelforceevents.com

Galway International Arts Festival

Since 1978, the Galway International Arts Festival has been a highlight of Ireland's cultural calendar. For two weeks every July, Galway becomes a hub of artistic expression, as the festival presents a diverse range of programmes across theatre, music, visual arts, opera, street spectacle, dance, discussion, and comedy. So mark your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

• Web:

  www.giaf.ie

• E-mail:

  info@giaf.ie

• Phone:

  +353 91 509 700

Galway International Oyster Festival

Get ready to indulge in a weekend of fun and mouth-watering seafood where the oyster takes centre stage at the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. Held annually on the last weekend of September in the heart of Galway City, this festival features the freshest seafood that your taste buds have ever experienced, live music, oyster opening competitions, as well as cookery demos by both national and local chefs, making sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

• Web:

  www.galwayoysterfestival.com

• E-mail:

  info@galwayoysterfestival.com

• Phone:

  +353 91 394 637

Galway Races

Regarded as Ireland's largest horse racing festival, the Galway Races is an exciting event featuring thrilling horse racing, fashionable outfits, live bands and DJs, and an unforgettable atmosphere that draws crowds from far and wide. Starting on the last Monday of July every year, the festival lasts for over seven days, making it an extended celebration of sport, entertainment, and style.

• Web:

  galwayraces.com

• E-mail:

  information@galwayraces.com

• Address:

  Ballybrit Racecourse, Galway

Discover Roscommon

County Roscommon, located northeast of Galway, is often lauded as ‘The Heart of Undiscovered Ireland.' Its wild and unspoilt landscapes make it the perfect destination for adventure and exploration. Roscommon boasts a rich history, with castles and stately homes scattered throughout the county. The memories of bygone times can still be felt and seen in the spectacular landscapes of Roscommon.

• Address:

  County Roscommon

Experience Music at St Nicholas' Collegiate Church

Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, St Nicholas' Collegiate Church dates from 1320 and is famed for its collection of curiosities. These days, traditional Irish Sessions take place in the church, with the rector playing the flute on summer nights. The church is loved by many, and it’s even said that Christopher Columbus prayed here in 1477 before setting off on his voyage to the New World.

• Web:

  stnicholas.ie

• E-mail:

  info@stnicholas.ie

• Address:

  7 Lombard Street, Galway

• Phone:

  +353 89 489 8084

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 10am–4pm, Mon & Sun closed

Savour Traditional Flavours

From award-winning chips at McDonagh’s to fabulous farmhouse Irish cheeses at Sheridans, Galway's culinary scene is diverse and unmissable.

Take a Day Trip to County Mayo

Located north of Galway, County Mayo is a place of dramatic and rugged charm, characterised by majestic mountains and blissful bays. The main hub for tourism in Mayo is the town of Achill, situated at the northwest edge of Clew Bay. Other notable attractions in the area include the Céide Fields, Croagh Patrick, and scenic coastal trails.

• Address:

  County Mayo

Visit a Traditional Celtic Jewellery

Experience the rich heritage and artistry behind a timeless classic handcrafted in Ireland, with a visit to Thomas Dillons, the original makers of the Claddagh ring. Featuring two hands embracing a crowned heart, the Claddagh ring symbolises love, loyalty, and friendship—often used as an engagement ring. This tradition traces its roots back to the quaint fishing village of Claddagh, where a close-knit community of Irish-speaking families continues to elect their own "King."

• Web:

  claddaghring.ie

• E-mail:

  info@claddaghring.ie

• Address:

  1 Quay Street, Galway

• Phone:

  +353 91 566 365

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–4pm