Galway Sustainable Travel, Biodiversity & Culture
Galway is the name of one of Ireland’s best cities as well as being the name for the County Galway. This is where I spent my childhood holidays so it is very much embedded on my consciousness …and my soul!! Head over to the Jackie De Burca page if you are curious about that.
I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time around Connemara ponies back in those days. They are known for their excellent temperament amongst other things. More on that coming very soon.
As for sustainable tourism in Galway, we will continue to bring you information on that, but as below:
“Galway County Council recognises the potential of tourism as a key driver of sustainable socio-economic growth across the urban, rural, island and coastal settings of the County. Sustainable development of the tourism industry is of critical importance to the county.” You can read more about that here on the County Council’s own statement about Galway Sustainable Tourism.
Galway is a county steeped in culture from Connemara in the west to Ballinasloe in the east. You will find it hard to find a town in County Galway where no historical event or celebration has taken place. Each has its own interesting story to tell.
My name is Morgan and I love my home city and county of Galway here in Ireland. Join me and discover more about Galway with a special emphasis on some of its history. I am a Tourism College student in Galway & Roscommon ETB.
In 2016, the city of Galway was designated the European Capital of Culture for 2020 along with Rijeka in Croatia. This will mean that during 2020 the biggest and most exciting events will take place in Galway.
Nuala O'Connor's fascinating interview with Jackie De Burca takes you from Dublin to Galway, and then off to Paris and even more places.
This guest's latest novel has received rave reviews in lots of top publications worldwide. The New York Times review said, NORA is entirely convincing in her raw sensuality, her stubborn determination, her powerful sense of grievance and her inability to stop loving a deeply erratic, wildly manipulative yet enormously talented man.’
While Galway city is undoubtedly a gem, filled with colour, gorgeous buildings, culture, friendly people and lots of “craic agus ceol”, the county of the same name has much to offer. It would be a shame to travel to the West of Ireland without exploring some of the beautiful towns and charming villages of County Galway. I spent numerous childhood holidays in the West of Ireland. In fact, we had a little cute Irish cottage overlooking Killary Harbour, in Rosroe.
Here are 18 of my suggestions of charming villages and beautiful towns in County Galway for you to visit.
Galway’s wonderfully wild Connemara coast was the adored location of my childhood family holidays. The contrast with my hometown of Dublin was deliciously different and after a journey into the west, there was nothing I loved more than to hear the sound of the Atlantic waves crashing on the shores of a beautiful, remote white sandy beach.
I can still see myself as a young girl, thrilled at the prospect of a few exciting days filled with adventures and exploration. Running on the sand, spotting whales, meeting horses and lambs, making new friends and playing in the lush purple, yellow and green countryside.
County Galway is a popular destination for people who love the Great Outdoors. Visitors can go mountain biking in the foothills of the Twelve Bens, fish or kayak across Lough Corrib, walk around the Aran Islands, hike and camp in Connemara National Park, and visit the grounds of Kylemore Abbey.
The Twelve Bens is a beautiful mountain range found in Connemara National Park. For centuries, sailors have used it as a landmark when returning to Ireland across the Atlantic. Today it is a Special Area of Conservation.
Part and parcel of a trip to Galway is definitely seeing some live music in a great Galway bar. If you spend time in Galway without checking out at least one of Galway’s best live music pubs, be sure not to tell anybody!! It is almost something to be ashamed of ….
Galway is my favourite city in Ireland, and that says a lot as I’m from Dublin. Galway is an amazing place to experience traditional Irish music, in a fun, friendly atmosphere. The 2020 European Capital of Culture has no shortage of fantastic live music venues. By the way these Galway live music bars have not been listed in any special preference. Also we are also compiling the Galway Gig Guide here for you.
Even the Irish themselves make their way to Galway if they want to have an especially good time!!
Located on the west coast of the Atlantic, Galway city blends the best of Ireland’s traditions and ambience. With its rich culture, history, craic agus ceoil (Irish style fun and music), Galway is the kind of city that could easily seduce you with its charms luring you to stay at least for a few days. And why not with plenty to see and do, and an incredible atmosphere right by the Atlantic sea?
HERE ARE OUR CHOICE OF 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN GALWAY WHEN YOU HIT THIS GREAT IRISH CITY LOOKING FOR A GOOD TIME, BUT HOPING TO LEAVE A BIT MORE ENRICHED AS WELL!!
Connemara is a destination situated on the west coast of Ireland with breathtaking beauty that is steeped in history and is a place where you feel most at home amongst true Irish heritage. Located in County Galway, when you visit Ireland you certainly shouldn’t miss this very special part of the world.
Culture is a very strong part of the people of Connemara’s lives. Traditions that date back many years are kept alive and strong today. Many festivals and workshops are held throughout the year, that celebrates the performance of drama, dance, music and art keeping the culture of Connemara truly alive.
“We want to spotlight the culture, music, food and people as opposed to history and the landscape.”
Galway City is a unique part of Ireland. A Renaissance city at heart which offers a diverse set of experiences for every visitor. Although the city is enriched in history, it is also a vibrant city with nightlife like no other. It’s the perfect city to showcase ancient Ireland with a modern twist. Galway City is said to be one of Europe's fastest-growing cities.
Culture plays a huge role in the description of Galway. Culture is the word to describe the ‘way of life’ and if there is one way of life you should follow that is of a Galwegians.
When you think of Ireland, I imagine you might picture cute green leprechauns, rolling lush fields, fun friendly people who are always having the “craic*,” endless pints of Guinness and of course, a huge range of wonderful whiskeys to complete the story. And naturally enough there are some beautiful Irish girls dancing away in the corner of the pub, to some great live music. They’re such good dancers, they’re probably on a break from Riverdance!!
So when you come to Galway, to be sure, to be sure, you will want to sample one of these staples of Irish life: Ireland’s wonderful whiskey. Rarely has a drink carried with it such fascinating folklore and history, and in Galway you can follow along the route known as the Galway Whiskey Trail.
I’m in love with this city. It’s our go-to city whilst living in Ireland. We tend to stay in the Salthill Hotel when we visit because I’m drawn to the peace of the beach and the buzz of the city which is within walking distance, the best of both worlds. I currently miss Galway, due to the Covid19. Ireland does pubs the best in the world, live music, characters, dancing, a sticky floor and characters.
Salthill Galway With Artist Louise McIntosh
The colours down Shop Street, dance in your eyes. Tigh Neachtain’s is a favourite pub of ours. The tables in the pub are round with glass-covered over and a map underneath. Sitting in a tiny vase will always be a fresh flower. The walls littered with Art, old photographs of Shop Street and people from years past. An area to the left has fresh scones, tea and soup laid out. It's a must-see.
On December 28th, 2019 I took the long 6.5-hour flight over from Toronto, Canada to visit one of the most raved about destinations in Ireland; Galway. I was aware of the historic aspect of County Galway but was more interested in the culture, music, locals, food, etc. Galway has a population of 79,934 people and hosts 13 music festivals, has 475 pubs and hundreds of restaurants I had my work cut out for me to experience all I could.
My journey began when my boyfriend and I decided to make the move back to Ireland and to stay in Galway. Him being a Monaghan native and myself from Canada, it was a new and exciting experience for both of us to get to know Galway and all it has to offer.
