Galway Bay
The Aran Islands are situated to the west and there are numerous small islands within the bay.
Popular Activities on Galway Bay
- Sailing: Galway Bay sailing club is located at Renville Oranmore.
- Visit the Islands: The Aran Islands can be visited from Rossaveal, while Inisbofin can be visited from Cleggan.
- Cruising the Bay: Cruises are avialable during the summer holiday period.
- Deep Sea Fishing available from Cleggan.
- Swimming in one of the many beaches that dot the Connemara coast.
The Galway Hooker
Galway Bay is famous for its unique traditional sailing craft, the Galway Hooker. The Hookers were probably at their greatest presence in the Bay in the years preceding the Great Famine, when the Claddagh was at its height. Indeed, several reports from the period verify that the Claddagh fleet itself numbered at least 100 vessels; a number which clearly distinguishes Galway as the West's centre for boat building. Sadly, famine, depleted fishing stocks, and the advent of modern technology would eventually seal the Hooker’s fate as a working vessel.
Coast Tours (Connemara or Burren)
Drive along the coast road from Galway to Spiddal and view the splendour of Galway Bay. Later in the day one can experience the famed in song ‘Sun go down on Galway Bay’ Continuing West takes one into the Twelve Bens of Connemara. Driving south from Galway City takes one through Kinvara to the Burren area of County Clare. The Aillwee cave is one of the many attractions on this route.
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are located about 48km (30 miles) from the mouth of Galway Bay. Inishmore (or Inis Mór) is the largest of the three islands which measures just 14km (9 miles) in length and 4.8km (3 miles) at its widest point. The islands are famous for their prehistoric and Christian monuments including the spectacular Dún Aengus fort which is one of the best examples of this type of fort in all of Europe. Other ancient stone forts worth visiting include Dún Eoghanachta and the crumbling Dún Dúcathair. The unique landscape of the islands exhibit a crosshatch of thousands of miles of stone walls and visitors flock to the islands to enjoy the cliff-top walks and spectacular coastal scenery. The islands are also home to more than 430 different varieties of wild flowers and plants making them popular with botanists. Inishmaan (or Inis Meáin) and the smallest, Inisheer (Inis Thiar, or Inis Oírr) are less busy in Summer but are well worth visiting as they offer visitors a more authentic experience.
Cliffs Of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher are is one of Ireland's most visited tourist attractions. Situated in North-West Clare between the villages of Liscannor and Doolin, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most spectacular natural wonders. Over 700 feet tall at their highest point, the shale and sandstone cliffs drop almost vertically to the Atlantic ocean far below. From the top there are views, on a clear day, to the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Maum Turk and Twelve Bens mountains in Connemara to the north and Loop Head in Co Clare to the south. The grass roofed Visitor Centre is set into the hillside and offers an all weather experience. The Atlantic Edge Exhibition Area brings to life the story of the Cliffs of Moher. The themed zones of Ocean, Rock, Nature and Man present the setting, geology, wildlife and human stories associated with the cliffs.
The Burren
The Burren, in County Clare is a barren place, famous for its unique rock formations and exceptional diversity of flora and fauna. There are also large number of historic sites contained within The Burren, making it a popular visitor attraction for the region. Covering an area of approx 300 km2, its boundaries are clearly defined to the north and west by Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, with the villages of Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Tubber, Corofin, Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna situated at it's edge. Among the archaeological sites of importance are tombs, burial chambers and the celtic high cross in Kilfenora. The well-preserved Corcomroe Abbey is one of the most popular sights in the area. Many visitors also come for the walking, sea-angling, photography and caving that make this corner of Ireland such an attraction.
Connemara
The distinct region of Connemara is located in the north west corner of County Galway. Connemara's breathtaking landscape is a mixture of unspoilt rivers, lakes, woodlands, rich meadowlands, rugged hills, dramatic mountains and stunning coastline of sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Connemara is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) area, rich in Irish culture, heritage and traditions. The main town in the Connemara region is Clifden. It has lots of quirky shops, restaurants and traditional Irish pubs to explore. Throughout the region there are many very interesting attractions like Kylemore Abbey, Connemara History & Heritage Centre in Clifden, Glengowla Mines in Oughterard, the 40,000 acre Connemara National Park and the set of the film 'The Field' in Leenane, which was directed by Jim Sheridan in the 1990's. Connemara is the ideal place to visit if you want to experience all things Irish.
