County Galway Holidays

Rugged coastline, colourful culture, and craic by the bucketload – County Galway is your gateway to the wild west of Ireland.

Highlights

• 🌊 The Wild Atlantic Way: Iconic road trip territory with jaw-dropping ocean views and craggy cliffs galore.

• 🎻 Traditional Irish music in Galway City: Pull up a stool, order a Guinness, and tap along to toe-tapping tunes in the pub where it was probably invented.

• 🏞️ Connemara National Park: Hike it, bike it, or just admire it – this unspoilt haven is pure postcard material.

• 🐴 Galway Races: Bet on the horses or just enjoy the atmosphere – it’s a summer calendar highlight.

Getting around – County Galway

County Galway is big on charm and even bigger on landscapes – so having wheels can be a game-changer. Whether you’re flying in via Shannon or Ireland West Airport Knock, you’ll find regular bus services heading into Galway City, and from there, you can hop on local buses or day tours to reach the likes of Clifden, Connemara, and the Aran Islands ferry ports. Trains from Dublin also land you in Galway City centre in around 2.5 hours, making it a fab add-on to a city break. Fancy a road trip? Hire a car and get ready to cruise along the Wild Atlantic Way – this is the kind of place where every pit stop is a photo op.

Things to do for families in County Galway

From beach days to castle plays, County Galway is a playground for all ages. Little adventurers will love exploring the sands at Salthill, where there’s even a diving platform for bold jumpers and a seafront promenade made for ice cream strolls. A short drive away, Brigit’s Garden offers a whimsical mix of Celtic mythology, fairy trails and forest fun – perfect for sparking imaginations. Fancy meeting the animals? Joyce Country Sheepdogs puts on a show that'll delight any dog-lover. Or if you're up for a boat ride, take the ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands – expect puffins, ponies, and prehistoric forts. Bonus: all that sea air is practically a sleep potion for little ones.

Things to do for couples in County Galway

Romance is alive and well on the wild west coast. Start your day with a sunrise walk through the misty hills of Connemara – you’ll feel like you’re in a movie (or at least a music video). Pop into Kylemore Abbey, a storybook castle with mirrored lakes and Victorian walled gardens, ideal for hand-in-hand meandering. In the evening, Galway City’s cobbled lanes light up with street performers and candlelit wine bars. If you’re celebrating something special, book a table at Ard Bia at Nimmos – it’s got that effortlessly rustic-chic vibe that screams “date night”. And don’t miss a sunset drive along the Sky Road in Clifden. With those views, you won’t even care if it’s raining a little. Actually, scratch that – rain adds to the romance.

Things to do for groups in County Galway

Whether you’re rounding up the squad for a celebration or just chasing a getaway with good craic, County Galway’s got you sorted. Start with a pub crawl in Galway City – think pints in Tigh Neachtain, live tunes in The Crane Bar, and late-night moves in the Roisin Dubh. Fancy some adventure? Book a group kayaking tour in Killary Fjord or test your team spirit with a hike up Diamond Hill. For a beachy day trip, Silver Strand’s got sandy stretches and space to sprawl – bring snacks, games and good vibes. Want something a bit quirky? Book a private trad music session or Gaelic games experience where you can learn hurling, try Irish dancing, or just laugh a lot at your attempts. Who needs Ibiza?

Things to do for foodies in County Galway

County Galway is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to culinary creds – but trust us, it serves. Start in Galway City with a morning visit to the Galway Market – think freshly shucked oysters, handmade cheeses, and flaky pastries that melt in your mouth. For brunch, head to Dela (hello, eggs Benedict with a twist), or grab loaded toasties at Meltd. Seafood fans, you’re in the right spot – McDonagh’s fish and chips is iconic, but you can also go upmarket at Oscar’s or The Seafood Bar at Kirwan’s Lane. Looking for local flair? The Burren Food Trail and Connemara’s farm-to-fork experiences will take you deep into foodie territory, where smoked salmon, soda bread, and wild herbs are just part of the story. And yes, Galway has multiple food festivals – from the International Oyster Festival to the Galway Food Festival – so pack those stretchy trousers.