Explore Galway

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Explore Galway

Come for the city, stay for the sea! If getting out and about and doing fun stuff is your thing, then Galway will be heaven. There’s a whole range of outdoor activities you can do and all against the beautiful backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way and some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see.

For starters, just beyond our bustling city is one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world with beautiful scenic walks and breath-taking views of Galway Bay and beyond made only more beautiful by the stunning sunsets. We are also right beside the rugged beauty of Connemara and the spectacular wonders of the world-famous Wild Atlantic Way. Lined with rugged cliffs and crashing waves, driving along it is an adventure in itself.

From swimming and surfing to golfing, horse-riding and fishing, there is a huge selection of the most fun activities to do, so whatever floats your boat, you’ll find it in Galway, although the water can be cold as it drifts in from the Atlantic.

There are supercool food trails and fascinating walking tours of the city available, as well as guided boat trips around Galway Bay where you can learn about the heritage and diverse natural habitats of the region. You can also avail of the unique opportunity to sail with the famous Galway Hookers or take a cruise out to the enchanting Aran Islands.

The Harbour Hotel’s ideal location will allow you to explore all the magic that Galway and the West of Ireland have to offer. Our friendly – and knowledgeable – team are always available to help you with any queries you have or any arrangements you wish to make this Summer. Just ask at reception. We love talking about all things Galway!

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Walking

From the hotel you can follow the harbour past all the boats and marina then meander through the Spanish Arch and keep going past the city museum and the multi-coloured houses which featured in Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl video.
On a Summer day this may just be the brightest spot in the city. This walk reveals the best views of Galway Bay from the Claddagh. From Spanish arch, walk across the Wolfe Tone bridge, turning left across from the Fisheries Watchtower. At the Middle arch, your journey can take two distinct paths.


Salthill Prom
If you keep walking along the shore past Nimmo’s pier you will begin the walk along Salthill promenade which takes you past many beaches, local amusements and eventually to the famous Blackrock diving tower, where locals kick the wall and return into the city centre or continue to the picturesque Sliver Strand Beach.


City Centre
From the boats in The Claddagh, follow the path through the Westend of town, turn right up Dominick Street until you reach O'Briens bridge which was built in 1506. This is a great spot to watch kids feeding the gulls and swans.The views of the River Corrib, the Claddagh, and Galway Bay beyond are just lovely, and since it’s practically in the city centre there are plenty of dining options not even a stone’s throw away.

Celtic Chauffeurs and Wild Atlantic Way Day Tours

Celtic Chauffeurs is one of Ireland’s leading premier chauffeur companies. Their professional drivers are available to transport you to The Harbour Hotel from any of Ireland's airports. They will provide you with a friendly and professional airport transfer service. They also offer a meet and greet service as standard.

Wild Atlantic Way Day tours provide private day tours from Galway each day to The Aran Islands, The Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, and Connemara. You will discover the wild, rugged coastline shaped and inspired by the Atlantic Ocean off the beaten path. Throughout the tour, you will drive right along the edge of the ocean, experiencing the heart of our nation up close and personal.

For full details & bookings: Contact Fergus on +353 (0) 87 3533460 or fergus@celticlimo.com

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Galway Food Tours

Get a guided overview and introduction into Galway’s growing foodie scene. Eat in locally known treasured gems while you meet the passionate and highly experienced people that create beautiful artisan cuisine using the freshest local ingredients. Pre-booking is essential and each tour takes 2 hours approx.

Phone: (+353) 86332885

Website: www.galwayfoodtours.com

Wildlands

Relaxation, exploration and adventure. Wildlands offers visitors a day of activities and games, based in the waters and the wild, with over 20 acres of mature woodland overlooking Ballyquirke Lough in Moycullen. A myriad of indoor and outdoor entertainment whatever the weather and whatever your desire, as Wildlands is a place for all ages, for thrill-seekers and for those in the pursuit of serenity just a short drive from the hotel.

Address: Moycullen, Co. Galway, H91 WYV2

Website: www.wildlands.ie 

Galway Markets

Galway's famous bustling markets have been at the centre of Galwegian's culture for centuries. Visitors will find hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce and locally produced crafts. There's a great variety of food available, Madras curry, yummy crepes, Japanese Sushi and mouth watering handmade chocolates among many others or ingredients for a delicious gourmet picnic. Along with hand made crafts, art, instuments and clothing.

  • St Nicolas' Church market is open Saturdays and bank holidays from 8.30am-6.00pm and Sundays 2pm-6pm.
  • Tiny Traders Village based in Nuns Island is open Saturday and Sunday 12noon - 6.00pm. 

Loughwell Farm Park

Loughwell Farm Park based just a short 15 min drive to Moycullen is a great day out for kids and adults alike with both indoor play areas and our outdoor playgrounds Even in in rainy weather your children can be sure of an enjoyable, fun and memorable day out. With a variety animals, go karts, a myriad games and much much more this is a great location to relax and blow off some steam.

  • Website: www.loughwellfarmpark.ie
  • Admission fees are €13 per child and €7 per Adult.
  • Times: Open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.00am to 6pm and every day of October midterm. (Approx. please see website for updates on times).
  • Address: Loughwell, Moycullen, Co.Galway. 

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is located approx. 90 mins from our hotel but is well worth the trip. Visitors will enjoy the scenic driving route passing through Connemara. Built in the 1800’s by Mitchell Henry to boast “all the innovations of the modern age”. Henry poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence since 1920. Kylemore has many thing to explore such as the famed Victorian Walled Garden, a brand new visitors centre, both woodland and lakeshore walks. The distinct beauty, history and experience should not be missed.

Website: www.kylemoreabbey.com 

Great Escape Rooms

You enter the locked escape room and for 60 minutes you, and your team will become removed from your current day to day lives and be totally focused on nothing but escape…. Observe your surroundings, solves clues, work as a team and make the connections. Adrenaline kicks in – excitement, tension, focus, laughter and team work – creating an amazing experience. Uncover the mysteries hidden within the room and earn your reward…the Great Escape.

www.greatescaperooms.ie

Galway City Musem

Galway City Museum is a repository for objects of cultural heritage related to the city of Galway and its people, past and present. There are usually over 1000 objects from the collection on show at a time.

PRE BOOKING ESSENTIAL

ADMISSION: Free

TIMES: Tuesday to Saturday: On four daily time slots 10am; 11.30am; 2pm and 3.30pm.

Pálás

Pálás is a state of the art, three screen arthouse cinema complete with a bar and award-winning restaurant in Galway's city centre. This brand new destination presents acclaimed new and classic films, along with the best of Irish and international independent cinema

Website : www.palas.ie

The Burren

Experience the enthralling beauty of The Burren with its limestone pavements and curious rock formations. The distinctive region has a unique ecosystem, with rare native Irish plants and flowers.

Wander through the narrow passages of the underground caves and watch out for waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites. Explore fascinating fairy forts and stone dolmens dotted across the ‘land of the fertile rock’.

Approx 1hr drive away from our hotel.

Aran Islands

The Aran Islands consist of three small islands: Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer.
The best way to get around and experience the island life is by renting a bike – allowing you to take in all the stunning scenery at your own pace. Cycling the narrow country roads, you’ll find flocks of sheep, ancient stone walls, small farmhouses, quaint villages and panoramic ocean views.
Explore Dun Aengus. This clifftop fort is a Heritage Site dating back to 1100 BC. It consists of three large dry-stone walls settled on a 100-meter cliff. It is a good hike to reach the fort, but the structure itself and the impressive views will make it well worth the effort.
On the road between Kilronan and Kilmurvey is a lookout point for the islands seals. If you are lucky you will get to see the resident seal colony bathing in the ocean.

Inishboffin

Inishboffin is an island that is bursting with character and is home to white-sandy beaches and tropical coloured waters. There is plenty of adventure to fill your day trip - from bikes and hikes to kayaking, diving and fishing.

Aran Island Ferries

This family-owned business offers daily sailings to the Aran Islands, all year-round, from October onwards sailings from the pier at Rossaveal. The Aran Islands offer visitors a glimpse into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of the world. Filled with traditional Irish culture, the islands offer breath-taking scenery, ecclesiastical ruins and world-renowned stone forts. These three rocky limestone outcrops are a bastion of traditional language, culture, music and history on the edge of Europe.

Address: 37-39 Forster St, Co. Galway, H91 FXA6

Website: www.aranislandferries.com