Galway City Museum

Galway is the oldest and largest city on Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, a 1,500-mile, fully-defined coastal touring route along the entire west coast of Ireland. Once a small fishing village, Galway grew in strength in the 13th century to become a prosperous, walled town ruled by 14 merchant families, known as the Tribes of Galway, and has now been nominated as the Capital of Culture 2020. Today, the city is one of the most enchanting in Ireland. On this tour, get ready to explore Galway and it’s many historical landmarks, find the city’s charming local spots, and uncover hidden places that you could never discover on your own. On this 2.5–hour walking tour, benefit from the service of an expert, local guide who will shed light on Galway's history. Enjoy over 1,000 years of history brought to life, dramatized in incredible stories. Trace the medieval city that runs from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch, the official old city of Galway that is home to the original 13th-century, Anglo-Norman fortress, as well as the intriguing 15th-century Lynch’s Castle. One the finest medieval laneways in Galway, Kirwan’s Lane, located in what is now referred to as the Latin Quarter, is crammed with landmarks that provide the perfect backdrop for an examination of social history, political intrigue, and even a couple of great ghost stories. Your guide will also share stories of Celtic legends, myth, and folklore. This perfectly-paced walking tour is the best choice for first timers, or for visitors looking to develop a more comprehensive appreciation of the city. Later, stop at the Museum of Galway, packed with incredible artifacts and displays that will further enhance your visit to Galway. The tour will also include a visit to the Village of Claddagh, home of the famous Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish ring which represents love, loyalty, and friendship. The design and customs associated with it originated in this Irish fishing village of the same name.

Meet your guide at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square and start your guided walking tour. Learn about the amazing women who made contributions on a local, national, and international level. Discover the story of Lily McAllister who escaped from the Magdelene Laundry in Galway city as you see the Final Journey Statue. Learn about Una Taaffe's contribution to business life in Galway while standing outside the wool shop she ran. Head to the Galway Electric Light Company to hear about Alice Perry smashing the glass ceiling for women when she became the first woman to graduate with an engineering degree in Ireland and Britain in 1906. Discover how Nora Barnacle, the original Galway girl, became James Joyce's muse at the Nora Barnacle House Museum (own expense). Learn about Peg Broderick Nicholson's experience of fighting for Irish freedom at the Galway City Museum. Finish the tour at Galway harbour and hear about Kathleen Curran who is credited as Ireland's first female harbour master albeit temporarily.

Day 1 You’ll take the fast road from Dublin west through the farmland and peat bogs of counties Kildare and Offally. The destinations today are on Ireland’s dramatic Atlantic Coast and the goal is to get you there as quickly as possible! The first stop is the village of Kinvara, where you’ll have a chance to admire Dunguaire Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop looking out over Galway Bay. From here it’s just a short drive to The Burren, which is one of Ireland’s great natural treasures. The Burren is a land of limestone pavements, barren hillsides, rare flora, early Christian settlements and ancient stone monuments. Spend a few hours exploring this unique area, stopping in one of the pretty local villages for lunch. After The Burren you’ll head to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, which drop nearly 700 feet straight into the crashing Atlantic waves. Walk along the cliff-top trails, watch the many seabirds, or visit the award-winning environmental exhibition. From here the tour follows the coastal road, and you’ll have stunning views across Galway Bay back to Galway City itself, which is your base for the next 2 nights. This lively student town has no shortage of good pubs and restaurants! Day 2 Galway lies at the edge of Connemara, which is the area you’ll explore today. Travel inland through the Maam Valley to the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib. It is here that the classic film, The Quiet Man, was made. Visit the Quiet Man Museum or Cong Abbey. Continue through the heart of Connemara and stop to tour the lovely grounds and house of Kylemore Abbey. Continuing on, you’ll experience the majesty of Connemara National Park. Go to Clifden, where the first trans-Atlantic flight landed, and then drive along the Sky Road and take in the views of the 12 Bens of Connemara. Day 3 After a relaxed start to the day you’ll leave Galway behind and take some of the back roads through central Ireland on the way back to Dublin. The first highlight of the day is the early Christian site of Clonmacnoise, featuring a collection of churches, stone crosses and round towers beautifully situated on the banks of the mighty Shannon River. Following lunch in a local village the tour continues through an area of unique peat bog scenery that is typical of this part of Ireland. Your guide will explain both its environmental and economic importance to the country. The final stop on the tour is Kilbeggan Distillery, reputedly the oldest legal distillery in the world. Sample the local whiskey and discover the true spirit of Ireland! From here you’ll continue east to Dublin, arriving at around 7:00PM.