Galway

As you journey and explore the hidden secrets of Ireland on your next vacation, don't miss Galway, formerly a small fishing village, now Ireland's third largest and fastest growing city.  Galway, known for its "Irishness," hosts several celebrations throughout the year to honor the rich culture and arts in television and radio productions, theatre and music.

Galway

• Located on both banks of the River Corrib, sits on the Atlantic coast of Galway Bay.

• With its mild, balmy climate provides its visitors with consistent temperatures and little differences between the highs and lows throughout the year.

• Is a destination perfect to bring out the partygoer in all of us - as it hosts some of Ireland's most impressive festivals including the Galway Comedy Festival, Galway Arts Festival, and Oyster Festival. What's more, with the high number of people these festivals attract, many of Galway's traditional Irish pubs and restaurants stay open 24-hours during the summer months!

• Centrally positioned, it offers its visitors the opportunity to tour the Aran Islands, rich in Irish culture and tradition where Gaelic is the first language and the views of the countryside are unparalleled. Or take the Tour of Connemara, the Ireland you dream of with rolling emerald hills, sparkling lakes and remote cottages.

• Famous for Lynch's Castle, the finest medieval townhouse in Ireland, and the Church of Ireland St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, the largest remaining medieval church in Ireland, keeps history alive with these ancient times sights.

• Claims the symbol of the city to be the famous Claddagh Ring, originating in the old fishing village just outside Galway City and is now worn as a symbol of friendship, engagement or marriage.

With so much to do and see in Galway, it's no wonder why MSN Travel included Galway in the Top 10 Sexiest Cities in the World.  Galway appeals to the independent traveler and group travelers alike by offering a wide variety of culture, entertainment, tours and sights for everyone to enjoy.

Attractions

Countrywide Pub Crawl (Countrywide)

We've planned an event that will surely challenge even the most loyal pub patrons!  Visit our hand-picked selection of 20+ of the best pubs across Ireland!  Don't worry...you have seven full days to do this, so pace yourself and remember it's a marathon, not a race.  Visit all 20 and you'll be rewarded!

*AVAILABLE IN 2009!

Tour of Connemara

Connemara is an area of rugged landscape, bogs, and mountains, which is well known and loved by artists for its clear light and unspoiled beauty. This is the Ireland of your dreams and imagination with its rolling hills and mountains, sparkling lakes, and remote cottages.

Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are richly unique, offering landscapes of limestone, a stretch of cliffs facing the moods of the Atlantic, large boulders, rock formations, and beautiful beaches. It is also a place of immense cultural heritage and history where Gaelic is the first language of its residents.

Hotels

Galway Harbour Hotel

Only a three minute walk from Eyre Square, the Galway Harbour Hotel is conveniently located near all shops, pubs, restaurants, theatres and the business districts. This centrally based Galway Hotel boasts 96- rooms on three individually styled levels. The Harbour Hotel houses a fantastic health and leisure suite, which includes a state of the art gym, steam room, Jacuzzi and two deluxe treatment rooms.  Its unique style is distinctively reflected in Krusoes Restaurant and The K Bar.

Park House Hotel

At the Park House Hotel, Galway you are guaranteed a warm welcome, exceptional service, luxury accommodation and an experience that will bring you back for more.  With its superb and convenient location in the heart of Galway, the Park House Hotel also offers a private secure car-park on hotel grounds. This Galway Hotel blends the warmth and personality of a boutique hotel with the style and luxury of a contemporary, international 4-star property.

The Western

Standing proudly on Prospect Hill right in the heart of Galway, the Western Hotel boasts a truly enviable location, just a stroll away from Eyre Square.  The Western Hotel has forty rooms available offering single, twin and double beds.   Each room has a private bathroom, multi-channel TV, telephone and Internet access, tea and coffee-making facilities, hair dryer and toiletries.