Question:

A holiday in Galway...?

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Hi there, I'd like to spend a week in Galway with my husband and our child who is 7.

Are there any interesting one day trips that we could take from Galway, besides the Cliffs of Moher that we have already planned to visit?

What would you reccomend to see?

Thanx from Italy

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  1. You can get a ferry to the Aran Islands, check out this link http://www.visitaranislands.com/index.ht... I've been and you can do it for a day trip , I rented a bike a cycle around it, very nice scenary


  2. Hi there.

    When you are visiting the Cliffs, you should take a drive through the Burren area which is lovely and scenic. Also, there are the Ailwee Caves in that area that are really interesting, and have a great little gift shop.

    Closer to Galway, you should start in Salthill and take a gorgeous drive out to the Gaeltacht, which is the Irish speaking area, and out to Conemara. Great sights and great beaches too. Also in Salthill, they have a Water Park and an Aquarium.

    You could take a day trip out to the Aran Islands, or head upwards to Achill Island, although I prefer the Aran ones.

    Galway city itself is great to just walk around and relax in. Take time out on Shop Street to listen to the buskers, shop and take time out.

    If you are a little braver, you can explore further. Invest in a good map and dont be shy about asking locals. Also speak to someone working where you are staying, they will be happy to help.

  3. Touring the Connemara is a very popular day trip from Galway city. You can cover most of the highlights in about eight hours. Take the N59 and head north to Moycullen and on to Oughterard. Aughnanure Castle (tours are available) and Glengowla Mines are must sees. Keep heading to Maam Cross (famous for the replica of the cottage used in 'The Quiet Man'). You can either head on on the N59 and go through Clifden and on to Kylemore Abbey ( http://www.kylemoreabbey.com/ ) -quite lovely, or you can break off at Lissoughter and take the R344 up through the Inagh Valley (GORGEOUS). If you take N59 to Kylemore, you can come down R344 and hit N59 where you left off, head toward Garroman and hit R340. That'll take you on a scenic round of Galway Bay, at Screebe, take the R336. You are now coming down through the heart of the Gaeltacht (and toward the lovely village where I grew up (An Spidéal or Spiddal)). On your way you will pass Rossaveal, which is where you can catch the ferry to the Aran Islands.

    I would highly recommend at least  Inis Mór on one of your days there. There are bus and bike tours (fun for the family if your little one is able). Or you can just walk the island.

    If you are going to hire a car, when you head for the Cliffs of Moher, head out on the N18. You pass through Clarenbridge (you should check out any festivals they might be having). Jump over to the N67 toward Kinvara (see Dún Guaire castle here) and on to Ballyvaughan. Keep an eye out for signs to Ailwee Cave and Poulnabrone Dolmen.

    In Ballyvaughan you want to grab the R479 along the coast. You'll be travelling through the Burren, looking out across the bay at the Connemara.

    You can catch back to the N67 and head down to Ennistymon. If you head there, head through to Lanich (through the beautiful countryside of Co. Clare). Leave Lahinch on R478 and that will bring you to the Cliffs.

    You can take the R478 all the way round and back up to Lisdoonvarna (where you can grab the N67 to the N18 back into Galway).

    Its very easy maneurvering. Sign posts will point the right way. Locals will gladly help you if you stumble off the beaten path.

    If you prefer to not hire a car, there are some great tour companies that will take you out to these places. A local favorite (and one I've personally been on) is Lally - http://www.lallytours.com/index.html

    You could also take a river tour: http://www.corribprincess.ie/

    Also on the Corrib, in Galway (where the river hits the sea) is the Spanish Arch. Nice benches there for a break and a snack.

    The Galway Atlantaquaria ( http://www.nationalaquarium.ie/ ) would probably be a good time for your little one. On the R336 in Salthill - just a pop down from Galway proper.

    In Galway, you will want to check out Lynch's Castle, Kirwan's Lane, the Cathedral, you can visit National University (just to say you've seen it, eh), the Salmon Weir Bridge.

    Have fun!!

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