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Galway City 
Cliffs of Moher
Birr Castle
Aran Islands
Times & DistancesExploring western Ireland, the Galway & Surrounds staycation offers awe-inspiring ocean views, truly unique islands bursting with Celtic culture, historical sites, loughs, and city experiences.
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Exploring western Ireland, the Galway & Surrounds staycation offers awe-inspiring ocean views, truly unique islands bursting with Celtic culture, historical sites, loughs, and city experiences.
A picturesque and historic location with Galway Bay, the Spanish Arch and Medieval City Wall, Galway City is a bustling hub of Irish culture, heritage, and beauty. The city's buildings ooze character as you explore the cobbled streets, and the Latin Quarter is bursting with independently owned shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as inviting visitors into this lively spot. For some retail therapy in high streets shops, Eyre Square Shopping Centre is the top location, Vina Mara is a Galway favourite for food, and Taaffes Bar is the top pub for a truly Irish drinking experience! For transport links, Galway train station sits in the heart of the city, while the airport is a short drive just outside the centre. Discover more Galway City attractions at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/galway/city-guide
Standing 214m at their highest point and stretching for 8 km along the Atlantic coast, The Cliffs of Moher offers a magical vista that captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year. On a clear day you can see a range of Ireland's natural attractions from the Aran Islands and Loop Head to the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands. Learn more and plan a trip at: http://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/
A unique and immersive experience, Birr Castle offers natural beauty, science, exhibitions, events and more. Explore the Science centre, wander the 50 hectares of park lands and formal gardens, and discover The Great Telescope. Plan a trip at: http://www.birrcastle.com/
Athlone is a picturesque town on the River Shannon bursting with history and heritage (including its very own castle), sitting just a stone's throw away from Lough Ree. Stretching nearly 30km, Lough Ree, known as the 'Lake of Kings', is a large lake with an ancient history. Surrounded by woodlands, trails, resources for boating, fishing, and watersports, Lough Ree offers plenty to discover, as well as beautiful waterscape views. Read more and plan a visit at: http://loughree.ie/ and http://www.athlone.ie/
Situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,957 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Discover the breath-taking views and immerse in the beauty of unspoilt landscapes. Read more at: http://www.connemaranationalpark.ie/
Situated about half way between Cong, Co. Mayo and Oughterard, Co. Galway (4.5 miles from each), Inchagoill Island is home to a number of ancient monastic ruins, some dating back to the 5th Century. Just 104 acres, this island offers a unique experience of Ireland's heritage. Learn more at: http://www.congtourism.com/inchgll.htm
Discover the Royal Abbey of Cong and explore the ruins of this 12th-century Augustinian abbey established by Turlough O'Connor, High King of Ireland. Learn more at: https://guidetoconnemara.com/
Situated just off Galway in the Atlantic Ocean, The Aran Islands (Islands of Saints and Scholars) are renowned for their cliffs and spectacular coastal views. The three islands are important elements of Celtic culture for their geological formation, historical monuments and their linguistic and cultural heritage. Learn more and plan a trip at:http://www.aranislands.ie/
Kylemore is home to nuns of the Benedictine Order who settled here after their abbey in Ypres was destroyed in WWI. The Benedictine Community opened a world renowned boarding school for girls and restored the Abbey,Gothic Church and Victorian Walled Garden to their former glory. Oozing history, heritage and spirituality, Kylemore Abbey welcomes visitors to discover the magic, beauty and peacefulness of their oasis. Read more and plan a visit at: http://www.kylemoreabbeytourism.ie/
A majestic lake located between the counties of Clare, Tipperary and Galway, Lough Derg offers tranquillity, heritage, culture, and activities, all awaiting your discovery. Read more at: http://www.discoverloughderg.ie/
Our Galway hotel sits central to many of the attractions in the Galway & Surrounds staycation, providing a convenient base to explore all the locations on offer. Start preparing your perfect staycation by browsing the below distances and approximate travel times to each attraction from Galway city centre. We've also included a rough guide on how much time you might expect to spend at each location to make planning your trip that little bit easier!
| Attractions | Aprx Time | Aprx Distance | Attraction Duration (excl travel time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galway City | 0 hrs | 0 miles | 1 day |
| Cliffs of Moher | 1.5hrs | 48.4 miles | 2 hours |
| Athlone Town & Lough Ree | 1 hrs | 52 miles | 1/2 day |
| Birr Castle | 1-1.5 hrs | 63 miles | 2 hours |
| Inchagoill Island | 1-1.5 hrs | 40 miles | 2 hours |
| Connemara National Park | 1-1.5 hrs | 51 miles | 1 day |
| Aran Islands | 2 hrs | N/A | 1 day |
| Kylemore Abbey | 1 -1.5 hrs | 48 miles | 2 hour |
| Cong Abbey | 0.5-1 hrs | 26 miles | 2 hours |
| Lough Derg | 1.5 hrs | 55 miles | 1/2 day |
