From breathtaking scenery to buzzing cities, County Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way has it all. I have put together a list of my top 4 top things to do when visiting Galway.

1. Discover the beaches

Think tropical island minus the palm trees (although probably quite a bit colder), the beaches in County Galway are not to be missed. Just an hour outside of the city is some of the most beautiful beaches imaginable, with soft white sand and clear turquoise water.

My personal favourites are Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay which are both located in Roundstone, Connemara. (Check out my other favourites beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way here.)

On a Summers day, the water is clear and warm and you might just be forgiven for thinking you have jumped into a bath instead of the Atlantic Ocean!

I visited both beaches at the height of Summer, and luckily they never once felt crowded, although the parking is limited so be sure to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

2. Visit the National Park

When in County Galway, a visit to the spectacular National Park must be on your ‘To-Do List’. There are many trails and paths to be explored, but my favourite is the Diamond Hill Loop Walk, which takes you up roughly 400 metres to the peak of the hill and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the park.

Although not even half the height of Ireland’s tallest mountain, Diamond Hill is a relatively steep climb towards the end, so come prepared with a snack and water to refuel at the top and take in the panoramic views.

3. Explore the City

I must admit, I have the biggest soft spot reserved for bustling Galway City. From the Old City and festive Quay Street, to the Claddagh and Salthill Beach, Galway has absolutely everything to offer you, even if just for a weekend city break. Whilst in Galway, I spent a lot of time wandering around and getting to know the city, exploring the museum and whiling away a sunny afternoon next to the River Corrib, sampling the wide variety of foods that Galway has to offer (hello Dough Bros for the best wood-fired pizza and craft beers or Tuco’s Taqueria for delicious and authentic Mexican street food.)

One thing that you absolutely cannot skip when in Galway is a wander down buzzing Quay Street to catch the incredible variety of hopeful buskers, playing every type of music imaginable. Why not grab a seat outside one of the numerous bars and restaurants that line the street, go and order a good old pint of Guinness and spend a few hours sitting and watching the world pass you by.

4. Visit Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is one of those places that has been on my bucket list to visit for ages, and so I was excited to finally be able to visit.

The views as you first arrive at the Abbey are spectacular, the surrounding mountains and the reflection of the beautiful building in the lake take your breath away.

The entrance fee is around 12 Euros, which gives you access to the Abbey, the Victorian Walled Garden, the Gothic Church and more, and can be purchased either online or at the ticket office. Last entry is at 4 pm, but the Abbey closes at 5 pm and in my opinion, an hour is not enough time to ensure you see everything so be sure to arrive in plenty of time to fit it all in.

In the quick dive into Galway’s offering we've unveiled a world of experiences that resonate with history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Galway City to the serene landscapes of Connemara, each discovery has given a unique insight into the charm of this enchanting region.

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