Taibhdhearc Theatre was first leased from the Augustinian Fathers by Hilton Edwards. After being refurbished it opened its doors to audiences in August 1928 with a production of "Diarmuid and Gráinne" by Micheál MacLiammóir. Since this date Galway has had a theater which presents plays in the Irish language. The theater also regularly features regular musicals and opera. Many luminaries have appeared at the Taibhdhearc, including playwright and novelist Walter Macken, poet Máirtin Ó Direáin, distinguished actress Siobhán McKenna and actor Seán McClory.
Situated about twenty minutes' drive from Galway city and close to the village of Oranmore, Renville Park surrounds a magnificent 16th century estate. The grounds include a network of trails and walks through woodlands, providing spectacular views of the sea and of counties Clare and Galway.The variety of flora includes several tree varieties, wild flowers, shrubs and old creeping ivy. Local fauna incorporates otter, heron, curlew and raven. The park has picnic areas with barbeque facilities (bring your own charcoal) and a children's play area. Open all year round, this park makes for a great family day out.
Ask around the neighborhood for the place that serves top quality beer, and you are sure to be pointed towards The Oslo. Whether you're a fan of beer or not, this bar will leave you impressed with its fabulous collection of brews and light meals. Claimed to the first microbrewery in the city, this bar offers a wide range of brews infused with the spirit of Galway. Boasting a selection of 20 beers on tap, along with a sizable collection of international beers, its unlikely that this bar fails to produce one that suits your taste.
Highlighting the Celtic culture and its heritage, Brigit's Garden is an award-winning themed park that is a local favorite, as well as a quite popular spot with tourists. Located in Galway, the popular garden features structures that are characteristic of Celtic architecture like the fairy fort, roundhouse and the stone chamber, to name a few. Apart from the cute, fairy tale locations within the site, the programs and games organized to benefit the children also attracts many visitors. Big on magical grandeur and old world charm, you'd definitely love it here, no matter what your age is.
The Town Hall Theatre stands across from the Galway courthouse. Once the old Town Hall cinema, Town Hall Theatre is now an elegant but welcoming building with a plush, comfortable interior. The theatre hosts an extensive range of events, including amateur and professional theatrical productions, film screenings, concerts and opera. In the summertime, the venue houses the Galway Film Fleadh and the Galway Arts Festival.
The Roisin Dubh is internationally renowned as a live music venue. The Frames, and The Handsome Family have all played acoustic sets here, as have various emerging singer/songwriters. Also known as Galway's top comedy venue, the Roisin Dubh has featured top acts like Stewart Lee and Rich Hall. The Galway Comedy Festival draws both local and tourist crowds to the city, and is hosted here. The venue is intimate and atmospheric with good acoustics, and people crowd cozily into the wooden tables and booths. The outer bar is cozy and warm, ideal on a wet winter night. A fire usually blazes just inside the door, and the bar staff are quirky but usually friendly.
The Claddagh Ring Museum functions both as a museum and as jeweler, who sells traditional Claddagh rings. The ring's design comes from a group of finger-rings called faith rings. The "Claddagh Ring" is distinctive because it has two hands holding a heart which is in turn surmounted by a crown. In the Claddagh, the rings were used to indicate marriage, worn with the crown towards the knuckle when unwed and worn with the crown toward the finger tip on marriage. The rings were handed down from mother to daughter over the years. The museum showcases an exclusive collection of historic photographs as well as a collection of rings and the making process, for viewing.
This Franciscan Friary, colloquially known as "The Abbey", was originally founded in 1296 on St. Stephen's Island. In 1438, Pope Eugenius IV was so impressed with the Friary that he decreed a school for advanced theological study to be established at the Friary in Galway. The old church became a courthouse in the 1600's and in 1820 the present friary was built, although it was not consecrated until 1849. The "Abbey" was extensively refurbished in 1997-98 and today five Friars serve the community as well as providing church services. The Friars also act as Chaplains to the local schools.
Kiltartan was originally a school, built by the Gregory family of Coole Park, of which Lady Gregory the literary revivalist was one of the best-known members. The museum contains first editions of books by literary luminaries such as W.B. Yeats. Rare manuscripts, estate maps and memorabilia associated with the Irish Literary Revival are also on display. Step back in time in the early twentieth-century schoolroom, which is reminiscent of the classrooms which appear in the movie "Angela's Ashes". Guide books, car park and picnic facilities are available.
This castle is located about 23km (14 miles) east of Galway city. After the Norman conquest in 1234, Richard de Burgo granted a charter to Meiler de Bermingham, his comrade in arms. De Bermingham built his castle by the ford on the River Clareen with this charter. The medieval town of Athenry then sprung up around the castle. The castle itself consists of a three-storey tower surrounded by the remains of a fortified outer wall. Guided tours are available and include audio/visual presentations.
Based around the River Corrib, this club caters for rowers of all ages and abilities, with boats to suit all varieties of rowing. A very experienced coaching staff provide help and advice, and the club is also equipped with gym facilities. The Galway Regatta is hosted by the Tribesman Rowing Club, and held here annually. It includes participating crews from all over Ireland, Britain and mainland Europe. Phone the number provided for bookings and dates of forthcoming events.
Knockma is situated 8km west of Tuam and is home to the Hill of Maeve. It is believed that the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht is buried at the top of this hill. Queen Maeve fought against many legendary warriors such as Cuchulainn before she was eventually laid to rest. Tradition also has it that Knockma is the home of Finvarra, King of the Connaught fairies. Some might find the Knockma legends far fetched; if so, simply visit for the view from the summit. The wooded area on the hill also contains a variety of interesting flora and fauna.