Visit the James Mitchell Museum to discover a variety of minerals, fossils and rocks collected by the renowned geologist William King. The museum is housed in a room where the exhibits are neatly displayed with their description and information. Their vast collection consists of around 8000 pieces in total with specimens like plesiosaur from Lyme Regis, Kiltorcan Devonian flora from County Kilkenny and many more. The museum is named after the Professor James Mitchell to honor of his contribution to the field of geology.
The Galway Arts Centre is a useful resource for anyone interested in Galway's thriving arts scene. The arts center incorporates a contemporary art gallery and a box office, as well as provides space for educational workshops and classes. The center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including exhibitions, workshops, classes and lectures spanning the full spectrum of the arts, with a special focus on theater and visual arts. It also manages the Nun's Island Theatre nearby and organizes the annual Cuirt Literary Festival. With its varied program or events and educational activities, the Galway Arts Centre is truly a boon for audiences and artists alike.
Considered to be among Ireland's oldest caves, the Aillwee Caves is set within The Burren's limestone landscape and is among the top attractions of the area. This combined with its Birds of Prey Centre, it is a fascinating place for nature lovers. Get enthralled by its stunning underworld that looks straight from a fantasy movie. This show cave though dates back to thousands of years, was only found in 1944 by a farmer. Opened to the public since 1976, you can explore its underground waterfalls, frozen falls, hidden chambers and strange rock formations. Check out their gift shop or enjoy some baked goodies at their tearoom. Sit in the terrace of the mountain and take in the unrivaled vistas. Don't miss their dairy where you can watch how they make their famous cheese. If you want a linked tour with the Birds of Prey, the prices vary.
Galway's only aquarium has been a great success with the public, especially with children. Indigenous fresh and seawater species can be seen in re-created habitats. Through the reinforced glass you can watch a variety of sea life, including conger eels, trout and the amicable thornback ray. The shark enthusiast can view spur dog, bull huss and tope varieties. Afterwards, unwind at the Lighthouse Café and wander through the Mermaid Giftshop. The Atlantaquarium provides an adventurous and enjoyable family day out.
Dunsandle Castle is a 15th century structure which served as a residence to many famous Barons in the area. This magnificent castle shows prominent influence of Gothic architecture and the construction is unique from the normal Irish constructions of that period. The castle has many rooms for diverse purposes like the ice room, groin vault, killing room etc. Some of the main attractions of the mansion is the stone chambers, the great hall and the spiral staircases. A lot of carvings can be seen on the walls of the castle; especially in the stone chambers and the castle has been converted into a house museum.