Top Rated Attractions in Galway

A trip to Connemara is not complete without a cruise around Lough Corrib. This lovely lake is one of Ireland's largest bodies of water. Stop at Inchagoil Island and visit the restored 12th century church there. Sir Benjamin Guinness restored this building in the 19th century, and created pathways through the woods all over the island. The island itself was once part of the Guinness estate, which also included Ashford Castle, now a famous hotel. Boats depart for the lough from the Galway side of Oughterard.

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.

Home to the world-renowned Doolin Cave and Doonagore Castle, Doolin is a prominent tourist destination in Ireland. Stretching along the Atlantic Coast, this charming village is dubbed as the abode of traditional Irish music. With its bounty of pubs, the town hosts an array of annual musical sessions. Owing to its idyllic location amidst the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, the town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Greeting tourists with mesmerizing sights at every corner, here are the numerous scenic walking trails and mystical caves. Unsurprisingly, the town is a magnet for adventure seekers. A hotspot for thrilling sports such as surfing and rock climbing, the town is a true gem offering eclectic experiences for all.

Renowned globally as the home of the longest Stalactite, the Doolin Cave is a prominent attraction of Ireland. Located in the eponymous town, this wonder of nature attracts droves of discerning tourists. The enormous underground cave takes visitors on a mystical journey, going back nearly hundreds of millions of years. Followed by your passage through a labyrinth, you enter the confines of a chamber, which houses the Great Stalactite. Adoring the roof of the cave like a chandelier, this captivating free-hanging stalactite is among the longest in the entire expanse of the northern hemisphere. Take a guided tour of the Doolin Cave to appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime experience at its best.

Visit the cold waters of the Salthill Beach in the sun-soaked summers of Galway. Comprised of small mini-beaches that are separated by outcrops, Salthill has both soft-sanded as well as pebbly beaches. Moderately crowded throughout the year, especially during the Irish summers, this beach is ideal for fun-filled family outings, picnicking and other water-sports such as diving and snorkeling. The Salthill Promenade makes a lovely path for an evening stroll, while offering enviable views of the beach. Come here for the famous Volvo Ocean Race in early July and stay through the summer for more adventures in and around town.

Started in 1993, Turoe Pet Farm is an outdoor activity center for kids. The place includes a pet farm and a jungle-themed indoor play area. This place is not only for kids to visit and play, but a fun way to educate them as well. Summer camps, a day out, birthday parties and picnics are activities that are organized by Turoe Pet Farm. An ideal way for kids to play and dance around and be a part of nature with lots of open spaces to run around. The indoor play area has a jungle themed room called the ‘Jungle-Town’, that has a slide, tunnel, ball pond, zip line and bishbash. There also exists a room called the ‘Inflatable City’, which is spread across 743 square meters (8000 square feet) and is considered to be the largest in Europe. It includes a bouncing castle with many inflatable slides. The place is completely safe for children and under complete supervision at all times.