Hills and Mountains, Islands and Rivers, Galway

Healy Tours operate a tour from Galway bus station with departures at 10 am and 11.30 am. I would recommend the earlier trip as you will see more for your money. The later starters join the early birds further into the tour. The air conditioned coaches make for a comfortable trip and the guides are full of knowledge and banter.
The trip into Connemara takes in picturesque views of Galway Bay and the Killary Fjord, Ireland's only fjord. The unique landscape of Connemara with its peat bogs and waterfalls is explained in detail by the driver. The highlight of the trip for me was visiting the breathtaking Kylemore Abbey and Gardens-literally we turned a corner, saw the abbey and everyone in the bus went 'aaahhh'! You get a couple of hours here to grab a bite to eat, visit the Abbey and its chapel and see the views over the lake. There is also a minibus which runs you out to the gardens. It's either the bus or a 1.5 km one-way brisk walk! Make sure you leave time to get a bus back to the main entrance before the Healy bus leaves you behind!

One thing making Galway such an attractive place is the river Corrib which practically splits Galway in half. In doing so, it is partly responsible for the traffic problems Galway has yet to solve, but when you are at the river, you won't notice at all. The pedestrian walk along the Corrib is my favorite part of Galway. Wheelchair accessible, with some steep ramps. The walkway actually starts at the Claddagh and ends at the Salmon Weir Bridge close to the Cathedral car park where I would strongly recommend to leave the car.

My favourite part of town is Claddagh, on the right bank of river Corrib. Fishermen have always been living here who sold their catch of the day at fish market (the square next to Wolfe Tone Bridge). The names come from the Gaelic word "An Cladach" which means stoney beach. The Claddagh Ring, a traditional finshermen's ring, has become the symbol of Galway and a popular souvenir. Make sure to ask which way to wear it if you don't want to end up in trouble with your partner!

Another nice thing to do is to watch the salmons and the fishermen at Salmon Weir Bridge from Nuns Island. I just love the quietness at the river at night!

I loved this part of the city! The Corrib meets with Galway Bay just after this point, and this small area is home to scores of huge, beautiful swans. Children come here to feed the swans---some of which tower over the kids!

I was surprised by how turbulent the Corrib is! No guard-rails, either. They did have a lot of flotation devices along the riverside, though, for what it's worth.

Exciting to look at, but dangerous after a couple pints.

Connmara route.
speaking gaelic language and very original
style village ,stone wall road, very old house,
and hill rock area.
some different another ireland village and town, don't remember village name.

A walk by the river is an absolute must in Galway.

If you just head for the Cathedral, you will soon find the River Corrib and the small canal at the side of it. The Corrib itself is a Salmon river and was originally called the Galway river, meaning "short stony river". It is in fact the shortest river in Europe (2 miles), and also (with a little bit of dodgy maths) also the most powerful.

It is a very picturesque place to relax, and many students from the nearby university find it a convivial place to "chill out" and even on occasions do some studying.

You can extend the water theme of the walk by crossing over the Cathedral area and heading back by the Eglinton Canal which brings you back into town.

On the Salmon Weir bridge, try and spot the small wooden sculpture of a leaping Salmon.

P.S. i met a bloke in a pub who swore blind that the following is true : There is an urban myth that the level of the water is kept low after a holiday night by the weir. That way less drunkards will end up drowned.

Take a full day trip to ARAN ISLES ! At the port of INNISHMOORE you could ride by carriage, or rent a bike or mofa to go up to the world-famous ANCIENT FORT. It mostly is the best to walk back, it is all way downhill, and there are lots of old houses and a great landscape to be seen.
It is not possible to take your own car/mofa etc. to the island - but maybe a bike if the ferry is not too crowded. Mofas,Bikes,Carriages could be rent on the Island