Galway Bed and Breakfasts

COUNTY GALWAY

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Galway City (Gaillimh) is known as the City of Tribes after 14 merchant families who controlled and managed the city in medieval times. It is situated along the River Corrib at the mouth of Galway Bay. It became a thriving Anglo-Norman city relying on heavy trade to Europe. Today, the city is a growing and thriving university city that is further complemented by high tech industries. The city offers the arts in theatre, museums, and churches. There is a vibrant nightlife and music can be found everywhere. During the summer, Galway offers many festivals.

Eyre Square is in the center of Galway City. Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre is a short five-minute drive from the city. In the Hall of Tribes you learn of the merchants, seafarers, and artists who made up the original 14 tribes. You can discover the history of the Claddagh Village and the famous claddagh ring, learn the story of the glass craft, and watch craftspeople at work. The facility has a restaurant and showroom.

What better way to relax after a day exploring Galway City, than in a Town and Country Homes bed and breakfast. Our bed and breakfasts are all quality approved accommodations and your host will offer you a warm Irish welcome!

Spanish Arch is a relic of the Spanish influence that dominated the tribes of Galway. The Arch was built in 1584. Connemara is located north of Galway City, at the western tip of the county. Connemara is known for its wild beauty. There are gorgeous islands, beaches and harbours. It is one of the most unspoiled regions of Ireland. Connemara is a vibrant Gaelic speaking area. One is never too far from the mountain view of the Twelve Bens. There are regattas at some of the coastal villages along with other water sports. Galway's traditional fishing vessel is known as a hooker. The curragh is a long, narrow canoe like boat, sometimes made of oiled animal skins over a wooden frame. Connemara National Park covers 2000 hectares of mountains, bogs, heaths, and grasslands.

Glanmore (meaning large glen), forms the center of the park. The Visitor Center has 3-D models and displays. Many remains of human presence can be seen in the park. The oldest are megalithic court tombs, some 4,000 years old. Ruined houses and old walls are all that remains of the past.

Kylemore Abbey completed in 1868, is now home to the Benedictine Nuns and their international girls' boarding school. There is a restored Gothic church, lake walk, and craft shop with pottery made by the nuns and restaurant.

Clifden known as the capital of Connemara offers beautiful beaches, unique shops and antiques. John Darcy founded the town in 1812.

Roundstone is a fishing village situated in the heart of Connemara. There are great beaches here as well. It is the home of the "Roundstone Musical Instruments", which are handmade by Malachy Kearn. The movie "The Matchmaker" was filmed in this quaint village.

Aran Islands are located 30 miles off the Irish coast. It is a barren landscape comprised of exposed limestone terraces that ends in a shear 300-foot drop to the Atlantic Ocean. The Celtic cliff edge fortress of Dun Aengus is of world importance. The cliffs and seas are home to gannets, choughs, otters, dolphins, and whales. The rocky craggy provide a rich habitat for over 400 wild plants and flowers. The Aran Islands consist of three islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer.

Inishmore (Inis Moir), meaning Big Island, is eight miles long and two miles wide, and has a population of 900. The fort of Dun Aengus is built on the edge of a sheer southern cliff with a defense forest of sharp stone spikes. There are two smaller forts, Dun Eochla and Dun Duchathair.

Inishmaan. (Inis Meain), means Middle Island. It is three miles wide and two miles long, with fields bordered by high dry stonewalls, and marked by vast sheets of limestone rock. The island peaks at 300 feet and a series of giant terraces slope down to Galway Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The island has a Gaelic speaking population. The inhabitants make their living from farming and fishing. On the island's highest point is Dun Chunchuir are the ruins of an ancient fort The fort was built with intricate stone patterns and was done without the use of mortar. It is believed to have been built between the 1st and 6th centuries. An Aran sweater factory, museum, guesthouse and a pub are on the island.

Inisheer (Inis Oirr) is also known as the Little Island. It is 27 miles from Galway and covers 1,400 acres. It has a population of about 300. This island is an outcrop of the Burren landscape, consisting of bare limestone that is used for the many cottages, stonewalls, roads, and pathways around the island. The Gaelic speaking island is a haven for birdwatchers and those interested in flora and fauna. The main attractions are An Loch Mor, a lake covering 16 acres with wildfowl, a fort, Dun Formna, and O'Brien's Castle, dating back to the 14th century.

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