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