With summer on the horizon, Galway is entering its busiest season of the year and because there is just so much to do we are sharing our favourite ways to spend summer in Galway.
Galway is a vibrant festival city with a countryside that is equally gorgeous and famous in its own right. From wild and beautiful Connemara landscapes, picturesque skylines and dramatic sea views, to a robust music and arts scene and ever-evolving cultural events calendar, Galway is the place to be this summer.
above: photo by Declan Colohan, via Ireland's Content Pool
1. Attend Galway’s Summer Festivals
Throughout the year, Galway hosts a colourful variety of festivals however in the summer months the city and county truly comes alive with exciting festival programmes, buzzing events, workshops and so much more. This summer is no exception and the diverse festival lineup includes loads of unique acts and performances that you certainly don’t want to miss. Be a part of all the action and save these dates;
31st of May -3rd of June: Kinvara Plein Air - A festival of outdoor painting in the picturesque village of Kinvara and surrounding areas of the Burren and South County Galway.
31st of May -3rd of June: Éalú Le Grá, is a camping music and arts festival experience in the west of Ireland celebrating art, music, food, and creativity.
1st+2nd of June: Salthill Fives - The iconic and historic soccer tournament returns for their biggest event yet. As usual alongside the phenomenal sports, there will be loads for food and drink trucks lining the area to keep families and spectators fueled.
14-16th of June: Clifden Summer Music Festival - A 3 day music festival featuring a wealth of fantastic musical acts, including The Tumbling Paddies, All Folk’d Up Mike Denver and more!
23rd of June: Corrandulla Agricultural Show - A family fun day out with animal showing competitions, home produce and baking competitions, food and market stalls, top show jumping, fun fair, artist stalls and more.
9-14th of July: Galway Film Fleadh, is bringing a combination of premieres, Irish shorts, documentaries and more to the screen, this festival is perfect for all film enthusiasts and novices alike.
15-28th of July: Galway International Arts Festival - The highlight of the summer season, from big names to big spectacles this festival celebrates the arts in all its many forms.
26-28th of July: South Galway Bay Music Festival - A 3-night festival for all ages, celebrating music and dance.
29th of July - 4th of August: Galway Races - An unmissable week of horse-racing, entertainment, fashion and hospitality in the heart of Galway.
12-18th of August: Galway Pride Week -The annual festival that invites people to openly and safely share their identities, share their stories and celebrate who they are.
20th-23rd of August: Connemara Pony Show- A four day festival filled with captivating events, showcasing the Connemara Pony breed’s exceptional talent, and paying homage to its remarkable history.
above: photo by Chaosheng Zhang via Ireland's Content Pool
2. Make a Bucket List of East Galway Towns and Villages
When visiting Galway it can often be easy to overlook the incredible towns and villages that reside in East Galway County - we are here to change that! East Galway has an abundance of hidden gems, historic landmarks and friendly locals who together make this area of Galway an unmissable summer holiday destination. Just to give you a taste of all the things to do here we have put together a list of some of the key places you should check out for yourself this summer.
Athenry / Things to-do in Athenry / Trip highlights; The Old Barracks (food+stay), Athenry Heritage Centre (discover), The Earl Inn (drink), Dunsandle Castle & Woods (visit).
Kinvara / Things to-do in Kinvara/ Trip highlights; SIAR (food), Dunguaire Castle (discover), Connollys Kinvara (drink), Farmers Market (shop), Burren Nature Sanctuary (visit).
Gort / Things to-do in Gort / Trip highlights; Coole Park (visit), Gallery Café (food), Nine and Fifty Swans (shop), Thoor Ballylee (discover), The Field Gastropub (drink).
Oranmore / Things to-do in Oranmore / Trip highlights; Armorica (food), Porterhouse (party), SWING Golf (activities), Glynn’s Bar (drink), Maldron Hotel Oranmore (stay), Renville Park (visit), Basilico (family-dining).
Loughrea / Things to-do in Loughrea / Trip highlights; Lough Rea Hotel & Spa (stay + spa), The Village Inn (food+drink), Slieve Aughty Centre (visit), Woodville Walled Gardens (discover), Turoe Pet Farm (family activity).
Portumna / Things to-do in Portumna / Trip highlights; Portumna Castle & Gardens (visit), Farmers Market (shop), Irish Workhouse Centre (discover).
Ahascragh / Trip highlights; Ahascragh Distillery (visit+drink), The Old Mill Shop & Café (food+shop).
Ballinasloe / Trip highlights; An Táin Bar (drink), Shearwater Hotel (stay + spa), Woodlawn House (discover).
above: photo by Sonder Visuals via Ireland's Content Pool
3. Reach Galway’s highest Summit
This summer in Galway we want you to feel like you’re on top of the world and one way you can definitely reach the same euphoric heights is by climbing to Galway’s highest point at the top of Benbaun. The tallest mountain in the Twelve Bens range, its hiking trail is rated difficult so it's certainly not for everyone but the views from the top are incredibly rewarding. The path can be hard to follow so it’s best to bring a map and a hiking buddy if you are considering giving it a go. We recommend building your fitness up to take on this peak by trying out the various other trails of Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill first. This National Park is magnificent and exploring its various walking trails will give you the chance to see some of its beautiful flora and fauna up close. With trails suitable for all levels of fitness, Connemara National Park and visitor centre is a fabulous place to spend a day in West Galway. For more information on Connemara National Park, hit the link here.
4. Tour each of the Aran Islands
A summer of island-hopping anyone? Located off the Galway coastline, the Aran Islands can help you fulfil your summer island holiday dreams. Each isle is home to a fantastic array of historic landmarks and are all beautiful in their own right, so let’s talk about them.
above: photo courtesy of Aran Island Ferries
Inis Oírr: The smallest of the Aran Islands and the one that is closest to the mainland. Inis Oírr is characterised by its distinctive charm, white sandy beaches and home to the eye-catching Plassey Wreck. There’s plenty for you to discover on this little island off the West Coast and some highlights include; Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne, Tigh Ned, O’Brien’s Castle and The Lighthouse.
Inis Meáin: As the name as Gaeilge implies is the middle island of the three. A maze of winding roads, rocky hillside and bountiful native wildflowers, it’s little wonder to all that visit that Inis Meáin is considered one of the ultimate getaway destinations. Some of the island’s highlights include; Inis Meáin Knitting Company, Synge’s Chair and Synge’s Cottage.
Inis Mór: Regarded as one of the major Irish tourist destinations, Inis Mór is the largest of the 3 Aran Islands and is home to a number of fascinating landmarks and must see attractions. Some of the highlights include; Thomas Fahy Pony Tours, Dún Aonghasa, The Wormhole, Tí Joe Wattys Bar & Restaurant and Aran Island Camping & Glamping.
Thankfully, getting to the Aran Islands is easy thanks to the award-winning ferry experience of Aran Island Ferries. Providing year-round travel from Rossaveel to all three of the islands. However, from April-September, they provide daily access to Inis Mór, departing from Galway City Docks. You can either choose the day trip option or opt to spend the night on the island at one of their accommodation providers. Once your island explorations have come to an end your return journey with Aran Island Ferries will introduce you to the Cliffs of Moher from another level. From aboard the ferry, take in the scale of the cliff’s magnificent beauty and keep your eyes peeled and camera ready to snap shots as you might also catch a glimpse of dolphins, seals and basking sharks along the route.
5. Admire the Sea Views along the Wild Atlantic Way
A road trip out along Galway’s coastline is a treat for all senses! Starting in South Galway in the picturesque Kinvara we recommend heading from here, towards the city and Salthill before continuing your trip out to Spiddal, Furbo and Barna. (Don’t forget to stop and get your picture taken by the Wild Atlantic Way signs as you go!) From here, head further west to Inverin and Rossaveel, before entering into the gorgeous surroundings of Clifden, Letterfrack and Renvyle, as a bonus we recommend visiting the stunning and often overlooked Inishbofin island as a way to wrap up your Wild Atlantic experience. Must-see spots en route: Dunguaire Castle, Blackrock Diving Tower, Padraicins and Furbo beach, Spiddal Craft Village, POTA, Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey and Killary Fjord. And, because you have all summer long, be sure to stop and stay in different locations along the route in order to get the full Wild Atlantic Way experience in Galway. If you would like to find guides to each of these areas individual be sure to tap HERE to discover everything these towns and villages have to offer.
For more on all that Galway has to offer and to stay up-to-date on what’s going on in Galway, hit the link HERE and don’t miss out on any of the magic.
above: photo by Christian McLeod via Ireland's Content Pool
Feature image by Fionnan Nestor via Ireland's Content Pool.
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