Connemara, Galway County: Days 3 & 4

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Drive west towards to County Galway. Connemara, one of the most scenic areas of Ireland, is a land of mountains and lakes and has the largest Irish-speaking population  in the country. The rugged coastline is dotted with beaches, islands, and harbors.

• Drive about 2 hours to Strokestown House in Country Roscommon

• Visit the restored 18^th century mansion, manicured gardens and interesting Famine Museum documenting the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s.

• Continue onto Connemara, approximately 2 hours’ drive. This is a perfect base from which to discover the county

• Ashford Castle – Live like royalty in this 13^th century postcard -perfect castle situated on the Lough Corrib Lake, only 45 min from Galway City. Relax in the antique-filled guest and social rooms, or partake in one of the many activities such as fishing, golf, horseback riding or falconry

• St. Clerans Manor House – Located on Cashel Bay in Craughwell, 30 minutes southeast of Galway City, this sophisticated Georgian manor has only 12 tastefully-decorated suites. A spa and similar endeavors as offered at Ashford Castle available.

What to Do in County Galway

• Connemara Loop – Drive this 45km loop along the far west coastline observing ancient bogs, sandy beaches, archaeological sites, Connemara National Park and the powerful Atlantic

• Kylemore Abbey – Home of Benedictine nuns, this glorious 19^th century castle set on a lake features a jewel-box Gothic cathedral and stunning walled garden

• Galway City – This spirited town is choc-a-bloc with restaurants and pubs with (to quote my friend Stevie Fitz in Dublin) ‘good pints and more importantly, very tolerant staff’

• St. Nicholas Church – The oldest in Galway (dating to 1320), it is rumored that Christopher Columbus prayed here during a 1477 visit

• Spanish Arch – Built in 1584 and situated on the banks of the River Corrib, this double archway was originally an extension of the city walls designed to protect the quays. There is actually nothing supporting the ‘Spanish’ claim and today it houses a city museum

• The Arts – Known as the unofficial arts and music capital of the country, Galway is home to an arts centre and a dynamic summer arts festival

• Galway Races – Also held each summer these famous horse races are a great time

• Galway Cathedral – Built in the 1960s, the neo-Romanesque church offers beautiful stained glass, mosaics and Connemara marble floors