In lieu of foreign holidays, we can’t think of a better way to spend the summer than rediscovering what’s at our fingertips.While weeks spent travelling the length and breadth of the country certainly sounds appealing, sometimes nothing beats falling into your own bed after a day of exploring.
We know that days away from the routines of home are few and far between and ought to be rightly cherished, so we’ve put together some spots for discovery around rural Galway that’ll make for seriously enjoyable day trips...
SPIDDAL
Just a half hour drive from Galway...
When the sun is shining, there seems to be some sort of gravitational pull towards Spiddal. Spend a little while lounging around Spiddal Beach, dipping your toes in the water and skipping stones before dusting off those sandy feet and getting stuck into Spiddal Craft Village. A utopia of vibrancy, hours can be spent between the many workshops and stores, browsing through the handmade crafts, artwork and mementos that make for perfect gifts. If it’s Aran sweaters, quality knitwear and jewellery you’re after, Standún have all that and then some, if you’re in the mood to spend some money. Round off your visit with a wholesome lunch in Builín Blasta, or a feed from Furbo’s Pádraicíns Seafood Bar and Restaurant on the road home and Bob’s your uncle!
BARNA
A 15 minute spin from Salthill...
Whether you want to plunge into the waters of Silver Strand or immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Barna Woods, your visit is best commenced by working up an appetite. For the more adventurous folk, renting a kayak paddleboard or windsurfing gear from Rusheen Bay Windsurfing should definitely be on the cards. Alternatively, you can always spend the afternoon browsing the rails of Design House Barna, where an array of elegant womenswear, statement jewellery and casual knits can be found. When it comes to food, the seafood fare at Hooked will fill up your senses while The Twelve Hotel’s West Restaurant is a true treat for the tastebuds.
KINVARA
A 40 minute drive from the city centre...
Kinvara is a very special place, where you’ll feel like one of the locals as soon as you arrive. There’s no better way to get acquainted with the area than with a visit to the 500 year old Dunguaire Castle, which just so happens to be one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. For nature lovers, a visit to the flora and fauna of the Burren Nature Sanctuary is a must. If you’re on the lookout for quality clothing and quirky accessories, Be Yourself Boutique always have some gorgeous garments in stock and after all that going, you’ll need a good hearty feed. Keogh’s of Kinvara are experts when it comes to locally produced pub grub, so they’re bound to have something to suit your tastes!
ATHENRY
A 30 minute drive from Galway city...
One of the finest surviving medieval towns around, Athenry is a historian’s heaven. Boasting its fair share of castles, ancient ruins and those famed fields of Athenry, you won’t find the time passing in this East Galway town. Whether you choose to take a roam around the magical Dunsandle Castle and its surrounding 20 acres of woodland, the ruins of a 13th century Dominican priory or the very well-preserved Athenry Castle, there’s so shortage of places of interest here. For food, The Old Barracks bistro and bakery has certainly earned its many awards with its locally inspired menus and incredibly warm welcome.
CONNEMARA
Just over half an hour’s drive from Galway city…
There are plenty of reasons why Connemara is one of the county’s most loved regions, not least of which being the echoes of people ag caint as gaeilge and the ever-enchanting landscapes. It’s hard to resist heading straight for Connemara National Park to explore the expanse of scenic mountains, grasslands and woodlands, though many choose to pay a visit to the idyllic grounds of the 19th century Kylemore Abbey, whose history is nothing if not intriguing. An ideal destination for an action-packed trip, choose from the many activities offered at Real Adventures Connemara to get your blood pumping ahead of a feed at the newly reopened Connemara Greenway Cafe & Restaurant.
TUAM
A 40 minute drive from Galway city…
While it’s known far and wide for its musical exports - which include the Saw Doctors - Tuam is a superb spot for a food-focussed day trip. Stop by Leaf & Bean for some top-quality brekkie swiftly followed by a cup of specialist coffee from the original Galway Roast location. In between meals, we would definitely recommend stopping by the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary to admire its stunning architecture and wandering through the town itself before diving head first into a feast at Gather Restaurant to top it all off.
MOYCULLEN
Just about 17 minutes from Galway city…
Just five minutes from Moycullen village will bring you to the much-loved Brigit’s Garden & Café, which is pretty much a scene straight out of a fairytale. With plenty of woodland paths to wander down and wildflowers to admire, the gardens even feature a fairy fort, a lake, a gift shop and café - so you’ve got everything you should hope for. In Moycullen itself, you’re going to want to pop into Moycullen Bookshop to pick up a new read, which is best enjoyed alongside a locally roasted cuppa from Tree Bark Store, where Irish craft gifts, speciality coffee and photography become one.
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