Top Things to do in County Galway
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in County Galway, Western Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in County Galway, Ireland including Inishbofin, Lough Corrib, Dog's Bay Beach, Glassilaun Beach, Mannin Bay Blueway, Knockma Forest Walk, Diamond Hill, Curraghduff Farm, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden, Salthill Beaches.
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. Lough Corrib
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By michaelmE5451AW - York, United Kingdom
In the past we have done the tour near the near the shores of Lough Corrib on bicycles but this time we used a friend’s boat. There are also boats for hire at several locations around the lough, and boatmen are also available. We headed out for a cruise into the Lough and had great views of the many islands and the multiformed Connemara Mountains. The lake (lough” in Irish/Gaelic) is famous for its salmon fishing and wild brown trout, with the added avantage that angling is free on Lough Corrib, which is 33 miles long from Maum Bridge to near Galway City, making it the second largest lake in Ireland with over 365 islands. After tea in the majestic Ashford Castle we later visited the adjacent Lough Carra and Lough Mask in county Mayo – stunning in fine weather and a most enjoyable area to visit.
3. 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.
4. Glassilaun Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By AoifeD979 - Trim, Ireland
Loved this beach. It’s hard not to. We had sun for a few hours and then had light rain and we still stayed on the beach playing ball. It was just gorgeous
5. Mannin Bay Blueway
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Curraghduff Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 125 reviews
Curraghduff Farm: Alpaca Experience and Glamping Farm. (Walks, Meet & Greets and Group Bookings). Book a place to take an alpaca for a relaxing walk around the farm, you can take plenty of pictures and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lough Corrib, Connemara and surrounding mountains. Light refreshments are also available. We now offer glamping accommodation.
Reviewed By Maireadlynch45
There was six of us four adults and two children, we did the alpaca meet and greet. Ruth and Stuart were so friendly and welcoming. The farm is beautiful, the alpacas are adorable especially Reuben. The children really enjoyed the day out having the opportunity to feed the alpacas was a great experience for them. After our lovely tour on the farm we got treated to some beverages and alpaca biscuits. Most certainly will be visiting again.
9. Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,429 reviews
Set in a dramatic landscape, Kylemore is an ideal destination for a day out. From its beginnings as a romantic gift in the 1860s to becoming home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920, Kylemore is steeped in history and tales of tragedy, romance, engineering initiatives, model farms, royal visits, spirituality, and education. Experience the Victorian atmosphere of the restored rooms of the Abbey and neo-Gothic church. Explore the magical Victorian Walled Garden, nature trails and woodland walks. History talks and Garden tours throughout the summer. Dine-in Mitchells Cafe or the Garden Tea House or treat yourself to crepes and ice cream at our Express Cafe. Explore our magical Fairy Village and say hello to our Connemara Ponies and pet rare breed pigs. Shop for unique handcrafted gifts including chocolate, pottery, and beauty products handmade on site. So much to see, do, and discover!
Reviewed By DERtravels - Upland, United States
We had only two hours to enjoy this vast 15,000 acre property. It was not enough. Please take your time to enjoy all there is to be seen. Once a hunting lodge, Mitchell Henry created an iconic castle for his wife Margaret. The property was so vast it included the home for tenants who provided services for the property. Over 300 people. This estate was home to the Duke and Duchess of Manchester for a time and then a speculator purchased it in 1914. Eventually it became those to a group of Benedictine nuns who fled Europe. In 1923 it became a boarding school until 2010, There is the Abbey (home) to tour, the walled Victorian Garden to stroll, two churches to visit and hiking routes. The Visitor center has a very nice self-service restaurant. We enjoyed a ham sandwich, salmon quiche, beet salad and apple pie. There is also an extremely nice Craft Shop and Pottery studio. Items can be shipped home. The grounds are accessible from the Galway City bus station. Call the Kylemore visitor centre for details.
10. Salthill Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By annajenkins63 - Troy, United States
Who know I would tan in Ireland!! Fun, quiet, clean beaches. Perfect for families. No lifeguards, so be aware. For Americans, know that the water is lovely, but very cold!
