My girlfriend and I took a tour with Galway Walking Tours recently even though they were out of season. Aside from the usual historical info we were delighted to get plenty of funny stories about Galway events and characters.

galwaytours.ie
091 561386
Fountain in Eyre Square

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On our latest visit to the west of Ireland my son and I decided we would try accommodation at a couple of Irish tourist hostels.

Our main motives were to save a little bit on money and the notion that we might increase our chances of meeting interesting fellow travellers.

Unfortunately after staying at two "hostels" in Galway and Ennis respectively, we have come to the conclusion that Irish hostels are neither cheap or particularly friendly places to stay on holiday.

One of the hostels we stayed at was not even properly cleaned and at both facilities were variously nonexistent, broken, unserviceable or at an extra charge and not as advertised.

We had an infinitely better experience in every way with standard B&Bs, and my tip would be to use these in preference to hostels and, unless money is no object, many provincial Irish hotels.

Irish Hostels National site. And www.hostelworld.com

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Throughout Ireland people of all ages and occupations prepare for the Galway races with a fervour that is almost religious in its intensity.

Budgets are planned, holidays are arranged, and business is scheduled to conform with the sacrosanct dates of the annual week-long festival.

Ballybrit, about 5km from Galway. Shuttle bus services are provided during race week.
www.galwayraces.com/
www.carrentalzone.com/galway-race.html

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A comprehensive guide to the pubs and clubs of Galway city, featuring reviews, photos and video.

www.galwaycitypubguide.com

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We sat in the sun eating open crab sandwiches and watching a seal fishing in the inlet off Galway Bay. The perfect end to a day spent walking the Cliffs of Mohr and the moonscape of Burren.

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A pretty little village on the shore of Lough Corrib that has managed to retain its identity in the face of the roaring commercialism of the Celtic Tiger. It's famous for its fine trout fishing, so come in May, when the place is abuzz and local kids sell live Mayflies to the fishermen for dapping. Lots of good pubs and places to eat, and only 20 minutes from Galway City. It's a good base for exploring the area: wild walking around the 12 Pins of Connemara National Park, access to the Western Way, one of Ireland's great long-distance walks, Leenane (the setting for the film The Field), and some stunning coastline near the village of Roundstone, including Gurteen Beach and Dog’s Bay (prettier than it sounds).

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Ah, Rabbitte's pub on Forster Street, what can I say?

Having previously stood as a bar that looked like a cross between a badly designed Irish kitchen and a garish homage to a Mafioso meeting joint, Rabbitte's has had a facelift in the past few years, but little has changed.

This is a fabulous bar, where you are guaranteed a seat, utter silence, a good pint and a polite - if barely noticeable - nod from the owner. Music might sometimes play quietly from the stereo system and if Pearl Jam's 'Ten' or a selection of Savage Garden hits are your thing then you are in luck! Keep in mind that it is impossible to be barred from this pub and it is a ten second lurch from Eyre Square, so drink on my friends and we shall meet on Paddy's Day.

Galway City, on Forster Street

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Head to Galway City and visit one of the most Irish pubs you'll find - O' Connell's. Delicious pint of G and an out-house for a toilet. Boasts a 'beer garden' too, although how accurate you believe that term to be when applied to this area is up to yourself.

The pub sits right beside the newly redeveloped Eyre Square and feel free to wander outside with your drink - no-one will care. Mingle with a delightful mix of drunks, students, hobos and yuppies. Wonderful.

Eyre Square, Galway

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Every Saturday in the centre of the town is this really sweet little market. Great food, very friendly.
Great way to start a weekend in Galway.There's usually a really friendly crowd around.

Shop Street, Galway, every Saturday

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It's a castle. Get that? A castle. One huge, genuine, 13th Century castle. And you can stay there. What better reasons to recommend Ashford could there be?

Of course there are castles where, once you get over the battlements and Disney style restoration, you feel a little let down by the experience (Walworth, we're looking at you). Ashford castle, thankfully, is as rich an experience as the guests who loiter in the beautifully appointed lounges.

Ashford doesn't need much praising. Its awards and reputation speak volumes but it is worth pointing out that the castle comes into its own during off-peak seasons. There, amidst the quiet corridors and hallways, hundreds of years worth of history hangs like a tapestry, quiet dignity pervading the areas that would normally be taken for granted by obnoxious guests unable to converse without recourse to proclamation.

Everything one could possibly want for complete indulgence lies within easy reach. Golfing tees off (ahem) an itinerary that includes horse riding, falconry and boat trips. It is enough, however, to take a walk through the grounds and discover the walled gardens or venture towards Cong (where The Quiet Man was filmed) or even out to one of the small number of stone circles in the area. Just take a look at the photographs on the website and you'll soon find yourself ordering George to ready the carriage.

Fly to Galway airport and take a taxi or book a helicopter. www.ashford.ie

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This is a fabulous secondhand bookshop.

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop can be found in the Cornstore Mall, on Middle Street in Galway, near Shop Street and the Augustinian Church.
www.charliebyrne.com

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The biggest summer horseracing festival in Ireland has a magical atmosphere. There are loads of horses, music, candyfloss and excitement. And entry to the near side of the racecourse is free.

Galway Racecourse, Ballybrit, Galway.
Tel : +353 91 753 870.
www.galwayraces.com

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The Galway City Museum is a newly opened building behind the Spanish Arch overlooking Galway Bay and the Claddagh. The view of the Claddagh, the oldest part of Galway, and the River Corrib flowing into the Bay is excellent.

The original folk museum that was opened in 1976 has been replaced by a light airy glass, concrete and stone building that provides a place to relax and view artefacts, paintings and sculpture. And it's only five minutes stroll to Tigh Neachtain and The Quays, two excellent local bars.

Spanish Arch
Galway City

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This seafood restaurant is about fifteen miles from Galway. It's in a wonderful location and is a superb place on summer evenings for a pint and some smoked salmon.

Moran's Oyster Cottage, The Weir, Kilcogan, Co. Galway.
Tel : +353 91 796 113.
www.moransoystercottage.com/

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