Top Things to do in County Galway
Countries
What to do and see in County Galway, Western Ireland: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in County Galway, Ireland including Inishbofin, Glengowla Mines, The Irish Workhouse Centre, Killary Sheep Farm, Dog's Bay Beach, Wild Atlantic Way, Knockma Forest Walk, Diamond Hill, Galway Cathedral, Aughnanure Castle.
Restaurants in County Galway
1. Inishbofin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
This tiny rustic island has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years.
Reviewed By rebeccaruva - New York City, United States
Inishbofin is a beautiful island just off the coast of County Galway. There is a lovely hike around the island and the people there are simply wonderful. With picturesque beaches, views of both County Galway and the Atlantic Ocean, and stunning cliffs on the west side of the island - Inishbofin is great for a day trip or a few days stay. I stayed at the Hostel on the island with a friend, and the women who ran the place was very nice and accommodating. The hike around the island has stunning views. On the North-West side of the island there is a blowhole that is a treat to see. On the East side of the island there is a lovely walk around the beaches and fields. There are also some small tide pools on East End Beach and cool places to explore. Inishbofin is easy to get to from Galway on public transportation. If you need to get to Galway from any other major city in Ireland, you can use Bus Eireann or other bus companies for an easy trip. From Galway, you should take a CityLink bus to Cleggan, which is where you will pick up the ferry to the island. For a day trip, it would be easiest to get to the island on the morning ferry and take the last ferry out in the late afternoon. You should double check the Inishbofin ferry site for the latest schedule depending on the time of year you are going to Inishbofin. (BE WARNED, if you take the last ferry out and catch the CityLink bus into Galway, and expect to catch the last buses out of Galway (ex. Bus Eireann to Limerick or Shannon Airport) you will most likely NOT make these buses. Expect to spend the night in Galway or catch the midday ferry so you do not have any chance of missing your bus.)
2. Glengowla Mines
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 426 reviews
Buried beneath the Connemara Mountain lies a way of life long abandoned and almost forgotten just waiting for you to explore! Let the team at Glengowla Mines lead you on a journey of discovery of how lead and silver were mined from the roots of the Connemara Mountains in the 1800’s. The constant dripping of water, the ‘miners breath’ and if you are brave enough - a moment of darkness will set the scene! Delve into the depths of Glengowla mines where you can explore the caverns of marble studded with lead and silver. Follow the veins of copper pyrite which will lead you to the ‘miners gold’ - Galena. Marvel at the rare and beautiful crystals of quartz and fluorite. Learn of the working conditions the miners worked under before the mines closed in 1865. A firm favourite with adults and children alike is to pan for gold and gems at our gold panning station and keep any gems you find! Not only will you enjoy guided tours of the mines,
Reviewed By sarahoR5721WQ
One of the best afternoons spent in Connemara. Great for kids and adults. The staff were all friendly and very patient with my son (and his millions of questions). The Sheepdog display is a must, we loved meeting Jess the sheepdog and watching her herding the sheep to us so we could pet and feed them. The mine tour was great, limited group numbers so not rushed and really interesting with a very knowledgeable and funny guide. We were taught how to pan for gold and even given a little bag to bring our treasure home. A relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings to wander around. Great attention to Covid measures, everything we touched was cleaned. I Highly Recommend a visit here!
3. The Irish Workhouse Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By Harrogate2008 - New Romney, United Kingdom
We had a truly interesting visit and our guide was so informative. We would thoroughly recommend a visit.
4. Killary Sheep Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 375 reviews
contains some of Ireland's most awe-inspiring and dramatic scenery including Killary Fjord. Sheepdog Demonstrations with highly skilled working dogs, feeding the lambs with bottles, Sheep shearing using the hand shears, turf cutting using the traditional method which visitors can try out this ancient method for themselves, walking trails, Great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By peteald - Downers Grove, United States
The drive up to Leenane is absolutely stunning. Once you enter the town of Leenane and see the Fjord you will be blown away, the mountains with the water and the amazing flowers are an unbeatable scene. We took a day trip up to the area on one of our last days in Ireland and wish we would have gone earlier so we could have spent more time there! Killary Sheep Farm is spectacular. We went in May, when it was a little warmer than usual for the time, and had a wonderful experience. There was a tour group of about 30 individuals there, and my girlfriend and I were the only ones there not a part of the tour. Tom took time to answer everyone questions and explain how a sheep farm operates. The best part was toward the end, we got to hold baby sheep and feed them. We feed a sheep that was just born the day before, they are so cute! You get a little bottle that you feed them with and you have one of the most adorable experiences ever. The farm is amazing, the family that runs it are so nice and helpful, and the views are impeccable. This day trip was the highlight of a week long trip all over Ireland. If you are on the west coast, or staying in Galway, make the trip up and have a day you'll always remember.
5. Dog's Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By victoriafoody - Victoria, Canada
We discovered this beach at the end of our day driving the Wild Atlantic way. In hindsight, we should have driven straight here and just hanged out at the beach. We arrived here without any beach gear (swim suits, towels etc), but it didn't matter. We were just happy to walk or sit on the gorgeous white sandy beach, play in the crystal clear water and admire the beauty of the landscape. We had only allowed ourselves an hour here, next time we'll make sure that we can spend most of the day to relax at the beach.
6. Wild Atlantic Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,705 reviews
Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom
After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.
7. Knockma Forest Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Athenry72 - Athenry, Ireland
We had a sunny afternoon out with the kids at Knockma. We got parking in the grounds of the park but it was busy. There was a nice avenue and gentle gradient introduction to the trail. The paths were moderately steep but no problem for anybody with average fitness and mobility. Paths would be a challenge for buggies. The path verges off the forest trail to the summit and the views were fantastic overlooking Connemara mountains, Lough Corrib and all the way to Sliath Aughty. There were nice seated areas along the way for a rest at your leisure. In completion of them loop, I guess about 60+ mins there was a coffee vendor serving drinks and snacks. After completing the loop, we passed by the deserted Castle Hacket and the went across the road to the replacement 18th Castlehacket House, just follow the signs to see the lovely period house. Overall it was well worth the day trip, definitely recommend it.
8. Diamond Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By DubTourist123
Great hike! Very well maintained trail with nice and clean toilet facilities at the entrance to the National Park. Amazing views from the top of the surrounding area. Worth keeping in mind that proper footwear is needed as it does get a bit rocky near the top.
9. Galway Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,951 reviews
Reviewed By CarolinaNurse323 - Kernersville, United States
My husband & I were travelling with a tour group with Gate 1 Travel and Galway Cathedral was on our list of MUST SEE when we arrived in Galway. This spectacular Cathedral was built with local limestone and Connemara marble and is truly amazing. The awe inspiring sanctuary with its wooden pews, flags, marble floors, stained glass windows, altars, cupola and THAT large pipe organ are exquisite! The plaque with JFK made a lasting impression. THIS CATHEDRAL IS A MUST SEE! TRULY ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!
10. Aughnanure Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
Built by the O'Flahertys c. 1500, Aughnanure Castle lies in picturesque surroundings close to the shores of Lough Corrib. In 1546 the O'Flaherty's motto "Fortune favours the strong" and the powerful Mayo O'Malleys Motto "Powerful by land and by sea", were joined in the marriage of Donal an Chogaidh O'Flaherty and Grainuaile/Grace O'Malley. Standing on what is virtually a rocky island, the castle is a particularly well-preserved example of an Irish tower house. In addition, visitors will find the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn and bastions and a dry harbour.
Reviewed By bumu17
Getting there is quite an experience if you are driving in Ireland for the first time :-) . Once off the main road the road becomes rather narrow with small areas to pullover on both sides to let oncoming vehicles by. It is well worth the trip though. The walkway up from the parking lot is next to a waterway and shaded by trees. As we approached the castle gate we were welcomed(?) by the guard, a cat sleeping on duty nearby. My wife and I toured the grounds and buildings. We had an enjoyable time. Some restoration is going on to restore interior areas, but was not a problem.
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