| Galway, the largest county in the province of | | | | Castle on the banks of the Shannon and Coole |
| Connacht, lies in the centre of the western | | | | Park and Thoor Ballylee associated with |
| seaboard of Ireland. It covers nearly 6,000 | | | | literary legends W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory |
| sq. kms, (with over 2000km of highly indented | | | | founder of Ireland's National Theatre. |
| coastline) and is divided by Lough Corrib, | | | | |
| Ireland's second largest lake. It has two | | | | There are four main inhabited Islands off the |
| distinct landscapes - the vast mountainy land | | | | coast of Galway including the world renowed |
| of Connemara to the west of Lough Corrib and | | | | Irish speaking Aran Islands and Inisboffin. |
| the rich farming plains of Galway East. The | | | | In total there are 18 inhabited islands in |
| population of the County (all the areas | | | | County Galway. It is worth a visit across to |
| outside of Galway City) is estimated at just | | | | the islands to enjoy such activities as |
| over 143,000. The County is predominantly | | | | walking, cycling, swimming, horse-riding, |
| rural with just over 15% living in towns of | | | | diving, basket-making and learning a little |
| more than 1,500 people. | | | | of the Irish language and culture. Inis Mor, |
| | | | the largest of the Aran Islands, is home to |
| Galway City is one of the fastest growing | | | | the world famous Dun Aonghasa monument and |
| cities in Europe, often referred to as the | | | | the islands heritage centre is wonderfully |
| bi-lingual capital of Ireland, Galway city is | | | | informative of the lives of previous |
| the perfect mix of old and new. A bustling | | | | inhabitants. An overnight stay is highly |
| shopping centre with wonderful little | | | | recommended in order to sample the |
| boutique cafes along the pedestrianised | | | | traditional night life. |
| streets and plenty of craic at night with a | | | | |
| host of live music venues to choose from. | | | | The Summer Festival Race Meeting at Galway |
| | | | Racecourse is renowned worldwide. Veteran |
| For a taste of the "real" Ireland Connemara | | | | race goers, and indeed those who simply love |
| is a must. Gaeilge is the predominant | | | | the atmosphere, travel from around the world |
| language of choice here and the people are | | | | for this unique experience. |
| warm and friendly with a typical Cead Mile | | | | |
| Failte Irish welcome. The beautiful rugged | | | | The Festival runs for seven consecutive days |
| landscape is as yet unspoilt by progress. | | | | starting from the last Monday in July each |
| | | | year. There are special race days, such as, |
| Take in the majestic splendour of the Twelve | | | | Ladies Day, The Big Bash and Mad Hatter's Day |
| Bens mountain range in the north as you make | | | | which add fun and excitement to the event. A |
| your way further south to the well knows | | | | record number of people, 220,000, attended |
| seaside resort of Salthill. Something for | | | | the Summer Festival Meeting in 2006. |
| everyone here from the landmark Leisureland | | | | |
| complex with its indoor and outdoor childrens | | | | In addition to good road access, Galway is |
| activities to the quieter restaurants and | | | | increasingly well serviced by over 100 direct |
| bars further back from the sandy seafront and | | | | flights a week to Galway Airport, Shannon and |
| promenade. | | | | Ireland West Airport (Knock) as well as daily |
| | | | train services from Dublin through Galway |
| Galway County Council recently lead a | | | | East to Galway City provided by Iarnród |
| project to create a Galway East | | | | Eireann. Bus Eireann services the area with |
| Ecclesiastical Trail. The Trail features over | | | | regular coaches to and from the rest of the |
| 40 sites of interest to 'culture and heritage | | | | country. |
| seekers'. This area also features Portumna | | | | |