Inishbofin, County Galway, Ireland

Your Quick Guide for a Complete Trip to County Galway

Located on the stunning west coast of Ireland, County Galway is an amazing destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

From the vibrant Galway City to the stunning landscapes of Connemara and the rugged shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, County Galway has something to offer to all travellers. If you want to make the most of your visit, follow this quick guide for a complete trip to County Galway.

Explore Galway City

Begin your adventure in the lively city of Galway. Wander through the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter, filled with vibrant storefronts, traditional pubs, and live street performances. Visit the iconic Galway Cathedral and the historic Eyre Square and check out the vibrant music scene with traditional Irish sessions in the city’s pubs.

Discover Connemara

To the west of Galway City are the mesmerizing landscapes of Connemara. Witness the region’s serene lakes, rolling hills, and breathtaking mountains. Take a scenic drive along Sky Road, visit the picturesque village of Cong, and explore the Connemara National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. Just off the coast of Connemara are Aran Islands that offer a glimpse into traditional Irish island life.

Clifden and the Sky Road

Visit the charming town of Clifden, known as the gateway to Connemara. Check out the town’s shops, galleries, and restaurants before taking the scenic Sky Road drive. This mesmerizing route gives panoramic views of the coast, islands, and mountains, providing an unforgettable experience.

The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher

While technically in County Clare, your trip to County Galway will be incomplete without a visit to the nearby Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Check out the unique limestone landscape of the Burren, full of scattered ancient ruins and rare flora. Also, prepare to be spellbound by the dramatic Cliffs of Moher that rise majestically from the Atlantic Ocean.

Wild Atlantic Way

County Galway is part of the renowned Wild Atlantic Way, a coastal driving route covering Ireland’s entire western coastline. Take this opportunity to drive along stretches of this spectacular route, regularly stopping at viewpoints, hidden beaches, and picturesque villages along the way.

Salthill, County Galway, Ireland

Galway’s Gastronomy

Indulge in Galway’s rich food scene, which boasts numerous award-winning restaurants and traditional pubs. Sample fresh seafood, traditional Irish dishes, and locally sourced produce. Also, try the famous Galway Bay oysters and savour a pint of Guinness while enjoying live Irish music.

Plan Your Trip to County Galway With Us

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in County Galway. At My Ireland Family Heritage, we have certified tour guides who will take you through a complete historical and cultural tour of the county.

We also have qualified researchers who can trace your Irish roots and plan personalized Irish genealogy tours for you. Contact us now to learn more.

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Customised Genealogy & Historical Tour

Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser Oct 2024 By • Family TomBarron2013 New York City, NY2

Once in a lifetime experience

Oct 2024 • Family

We highly recommend My Ireland Heritage for anyone who wants to learn and be guided to their Irish “roots” and much, much more. Sean Quinn and Ian Darragh of My Ireland Family Heritage have deep knowledge or the areas we wanted to visit in Meath, Sligo and Kilkenny. While we knew about one side of the family history back to 1690, there was nothing known about the other that arrived in the US in the 1870s.

Ian, Sean, and Nicola did thorough research on our localities and locations from which our ancestors left for America in 1849 and later. In addition, Ian and Sean did separate day-long “recons” in advance of our time with them, seeking out local people and the specific properties with maps and whatever records still available. Their results were absolutely outstanding! In both our cases, they found and took us to our still-existing cottages and shops from the early 1820s.

It was so enjoyable to be with Ian for three days and for a special day with Sean. Whether it was the Newgrange World Heritage sites 5,500 years old , the Battle of the Boyne 1690 , or the local cemeteries and churches of our ancestors. Ian was especially attentive to my wife throughout the travels after she twisted her ankle in a rain-soaked old cemetery.

Throughout the process of trip preparation over months to giving us the final, wonderful books of Meath and Sligo, Aisling was highly professional and responsive with all the many details. The bound books she prepared are treasures! Thanks to all for truly exceptional experiences.

Newgrange World Unesco Site 5500 years old
Battle of the Boyne 1690 AD
Customised Historical Tours Trim Castle
Entrance stone at Newgrange

Self Drive Product

Review of My Ireland Heritage Tours Presented on Trip adviser by Shelley L @ sjlively

Exceptional in every way!

Over the last few months of preparing for our trip, every single detail was meticulously attended, not only professionally, but helpfully, and in such a friendly manner, that I felt as if I knew Sean, Aisling and Ian before I even stepped off the plane.

The amount of work these wonderful people put into our personal history is mindboggling. My mother was an avid amateur genealogist, and had worked for decades to bring to light the trail our family took, but our resources are limited.

Sean knows exactly where to look, and was able to fill in so many gaps that had eluded us for generations. Some of the information he found, unbeknownst even to him, actually solidified the findings we had amassed over the years. Ours was a family in coal mining – I only found on our tour that they had originated from a mining area, and their arrival on the  border coincided exactly with the decline in the mining industry in County Wicklow.

I would have been overjoyed simply with the knowledge of why they left when they did, about 12 years before the famine. Breaking through our brick wall of great grandparents even farther back on the family tree was a dream come true, but to be able to set foot on not only the area they lived, and find that the house is still there was overwhelming. Seeing the family church and cemetery where our ancestors and extended family still rest is a truly moving experience.

The care taken by this company in each and every aspect of the journey cannot be overstated. Only about 2 weeks prior to my trip, Sean contacted me to let me know that he had also stumbled across some of my husband’s family name in the process and included them as well in his research. How often can anyone say that they not only got what they paid for, but more than they ever imagined? I can say that. They were even kind enough to answer a few follow-up questions after my return home, as I was so stunned on my tour with Ian that I didn’t think ask at the time.If you have the opportunity to make the trip to Ireland, contact My Ireland Family Heritage before you go.

If your family was there, Sean will go above and beyond to find them. Even without family, contact them anyway. Ian is a walking encyclopedia of history, and so fun to talk to. Aisling will make sure every “I” is dotted, and every “T” is crossed.  Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime, and the opportunity to pass on everything we have discovered to future generations

The Consultation at Hotel / Office or by Phone opens all doors
Genealogy gets you off the Beaten Track to see the Real Ireland

Unique to Every Address with My Ireland Family Research