Surroundings, Galway

Northeast of Galway on the N17, Claregalway has the ruins of a Franciscan friary (National Monument) founded in 1290 and enlarged in the 15th C. On a tombstone in the church is a representation of a primitive plough.

6mi/9km east of the town of Galway, at Carnmore, lies Galway's airfield, from which there are regular flights by Aer Arann to the Aran Islands and Dublin.

Going south from Carnmore, Galway's airfield, to Oranmore, on the N18, we come to Clarinbridge, a pretty little village where the excellent local oysters and shellfish can be sampled. An Oyster Festival is held here in September.

1.25mi/2km beyond Clarinbridge, at Kilcolgan, the N67 branches off on the right. 0.75mi/1km west of the main road can be seen the ruined Drumacoo Church (National Monument), with finely carved windows and doorway. Here, too, is St Surney's Well, a notable holy well.

Immediately west of Galway and now joined onto it is Salthill, a leading seaside resort on the north side of Galway Bay. Its Irish name is Bothar na Tra ("Shore Road"). From the beautiful seafront promenade above a broad sandy beach there are extensive views of the hills of Clare, the Burren and the Aran Islands.

West of Galway the R336 follows the coast from Salthill to Barna and Spiddal, a pretty little resort with good fishing. This coastal area is a great favorite with artists and photographers.

From Spiddal, west of Galway, a narrow but very scenic road leads through the Iar Connacht hills to Oughterard on Lough Corrib.

Dunguaire Castle is a small 17th C. castle on a rocky promontory, situated on the shores of Galway Bay. The restored castle gives an insight into the lifestyle of the people who lived from 1520 to modern times. Medieval banquets are held twice nightly subject to demand.

Royal Tara China is housed in a Queen Anne/ Georgian style mansion that was formerly the seat of the Joyces'. Visitors can tour the factory to see the craftspeople create the hand made pieces.

This was the summer house for Patrick Pearse, the educationalist and nationalist. The interior was burned during the War of Independence and has been restored. It now contains a number of mementos of Pearse.