Galway is situated in the west of Ireland and is the 5th largest city in Ireland. It is known as ‘the city of tribes’ due to being led by 14 merchant families in Norman times. It is a bustling university city and has lots of nightlife and is well known for hosting many festivals including the Galway Arts Festival.
Galway Airport Mini Guide
About Galway Airport
Galway Airport is situated in the village of Carnmore, 7 km from the city of Galway. The airport was previously served by Aer Arann flights to the rest of Ireland and the UK. Unfortunately, at the present time there are no scheduled flights available from Galway Airport. The Galway Flying Club and Executive Helicopters still use the airport and it is open to private aircraft.
The airport remains open to visitors, who can eat local specialities such as Irish stew and seafood chowder at the AV-8 Bar and Restaurant and view activity on the runways. The Gift Shop has locally made items such as Galway Crystal and Celtic jewellery, if you wish to buy a souvenir of your stay. There is free Wi-Fi access and internet kiosks can be used for a small charge. An information desk is available for all enquiries.
About Galway City
Probably the best way to see the city is with a guided walking tour, where you will see the eclectic Galway Cathedral and Lynch’s Castle, a fine medieval townhouse. The Spanish Arch is the remains of the city’s ancient defences and you can find ruins of the De Burgh family Banquet Hall, right in the city centre. To find out more about the history of the city, visit the Galway City Museum. The heart of the city is Eyre Square, where you can shop or just people watch and you can take time out at John F Kennedy Park. From the harbour, you can join a 90 minute guided cruise with the Corrib Princess and explore Lough Corrib.
Just a half hour walk from the centre you will find the Promenade at Salthill, where you can take a walk or rollerblade and if you are feeling brave, dive into the icy sea! Just outside the city you will find the remains of Menlo Castle, which is worth exploring. Galway is also popular for the activities of golf, fishing and even sailing. Galway is a good base for exploring the west of Ireland, you can see the stark landscape of The Burren and the UNESCO site of the Cliffs of Moher. Explore the vast and wild countryside of Connemara with its 12 Bens Mountain Range or take a ferry to the Aran Islands and discover their history and mythology.