Galway scenic towns to visit

Towns & Villages

County Galway is truly one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland. It makes a fantastic holiday destination, as it has so much to offer. It has a spectacular rugged coastline dotted with islands and villages, a vast wilderness of bog, mountains and rivers, blankets of green fields with hidden historical treasures and a lively city which oozes with atmosphere, culture, heritage and friendly people.

County Galway can be found in the west of Ireland in the province of Connaught. It’s located directly across the country from Dublin, so if you’re driving from here it should only take you about 2.5 hours.

Below are some of the main towns and villages to explore in County Galway for visitors.

Popular for...

seaside holidays
traditional pubs
irish language
fishing villages
scenic towns
hidden history
farming communities
local produce
crafts people
gift shops
folklore
transport
bus services
Athenry Heritage Centre

Athenry

North-west 12 miles (19 km) from Loughrea is the historic town of Athenry. Though Athenry may be small, its charm lies in its history, architecture, and community spirit. It's a...
Read more
Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe is situated 60km east of Galway city and is the largest town in Galway other than Galway City. Famous for the The Ballinasloe Horse Fair held in October which...
Read more
Barna Village

Barna

Barna is tranquil seaside village, located just 8km from Galway along the R336 coast road west. Once a satellite of Galway city, Barna village is now rapidly becoming one of...
Read more
Carna & Kilkieran

Carna & Kilkieran

Cill Chiaráin (Kilkieran in English) and Carna lie in the very heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht region, a much treasured area where Irish is still in daily use. Kilkieran lies...
Read more
Carraroe

Carraroe

Galway Hookers are a distinctive form of native Irish boat, and beautiful Carraroe is the epicentre of their preservation and revival. Here the small number of Galway Hookers which are...
Read more
Claregalway

Claregalway

Twelve miles (19 km) south-west of Tuam on the Galway road is the village of Claregalway. This historic village has many interesting places of interest to explore. Claregalway Castle stands...
Read more
Clarinbridge

Clarinbridge

Clarinbridge is all about oysters! And lots of them! Oysters beautifully presented with garlic butter and a zesty lemon dressing! And generations of visitors have been stopping off in Clarinbridge...
Read more
Clifden

Clifden

Clifden (Irish: An Clochán, meaning "stepping stones") is a town on the coast of County Galway. Being Connemara's largest town, it is often referred to as "the Capital of Connemara"....
Read more
gort

Gort

Gort, 15 miles (24 km) south-east of Loughrea, in the southern part of county Galway, is a medium sized market town on the Galway to Ennis Road, situated in a...
Read more
Kinvara

Kinvara

Kinvara - "The Head of the Sea", and gateway to the Burren in County Clare, is County Galway's only prominent sea village on the southern shores of Galway Bay. Situated...
Read more

Lettermore

The landscape of Lettermore is sparse and wild. This is the land of the Connemara Pony, a harsh austere landscape of rock and water with scant patches of good ground....
Read more
Lough Rea Lake Galway

Loughrea

Loughrea stands on the ridge that rises above the shores of the lake, the grey lake that gives the place its name. It lies on the ancient route between the...
Read more

Best Rate Hotels

Powered by Booking.com
We Price Match
No Booking Fees
FREE cancellation on most rooms!

loading