Things to see and do

I hope you have plenty of time because there is a lot to see and do in this area. You will probably be better off using a car for some of it but you also have the option of taking public transport and bus tours if you prefer not to drive on our narrow twisty roads. If you are lucky enough to get some good weather use it for some of the linger day trips but remember Ireland would not be so green if it didn't rain a lot.

The Village itself - Take a walk around the village itself. Try out the different bars during the day and maybe have a relaxing lunch in one of the restaurants. At night the bars come alive with the busiest time from 22:00 to 00:30 which is closing time. Don't confine yourself to just one bar. Try them all as they are each different.

The Prom Beach - This beach is just East of the village on the Galway road. You can't miss it. If the weather is hot it can get very busy particularly at weekends so get there early. This beach consitantly get the European Blue flag for good water quality. There are 2 small streams running down the beach which they advise against drinking the water. It's safe for swimming provided the sea is not rough as there are no dangerous currents and there is a lifeguard on duty during the summer months. Whether the weather is good or not take a walk along the beach and shore line. The chilldren love this walk with all of the unusual stones and interesting rock pools. You can walk West along the shore as far as the old pier or the new pier if you are willing to wade across the river.

Connemara – Famous for its raw beauty the region of Connemara stretches West of Spiddal village. As you drive West you will notice the scenery change dramatically as you travel past Rossaveal Harbour onto the Screeb or Maam Cross area. Get yourself a good map and just wander around. Be sure to include the Maam valley.

The Burren – Located across Galway Bay in County Clare it will take about 2 hours to drive there. If you visit the West of Ireland do not miss the opportunity to visit this unique limestone moonscape like area. This is where the Cliffs of Moher are to be found and the many small beautiful villages such as Kinvara and Lisdoonvarna. There are also the Ailwee Caves with some of the biggest stalag tights in Europe.

Aran Islands – Another on not to be missed if you come to the West of Ireland. The Aran Islands is a group of 3 limestone islands of the Galway coast. If you have a few euro to spend the quickest way of getting there is by plane from a small airport 6 miles west (10 minute flight). Go to WWW.AerArannExpress.COM for further details. The cheaper option is to go by boat from Rossaveal harbour 8 miles West. Go to WWW.AranIslandFerries.COM for further details on this service. The islands are called Inis Oirr, Inis Méan and Inis Mór.
Inis Mór stands for the big island. It's the closest on to the Galway coast and as it's the biggest one it's also the most popular. The best way around the island itself is to rent a bicycle when you get there and head off for the ancient christian fort of Dun Aengus. You can also take a bus tour of the island or go by horse and trap.
Inis Meán is the middle island which is what it's name means in Irish. It's also the middle one in size. I have to admit never having been there so I can't go into any more detail on it.
Inis Oirr - This one is my favourite. The name means the West Island and it's the smallest of the three. It's also the quitest and purist of them all. This is the place to really unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.