County Galway

County Galway is situated on the west coast, and it's second largest county in Ireland. It is divided into two contrasting regions separated from each other by Lough Corrib (the largest lake in Republic of Ireland). To the east of the lake extends the fertile limestone plain, which is mostly agricultural area. The west of County Galway has much more varied landscape, which is formed by jagged coastline, moors, hills and bogs. The north west part of county, called Connemara, is the one of most popular tourist places in Ireland. It's unspoilt, picturesque region dominated by the rocky mountain range known as the Twelve Bens (or Twelve Pins) and Maamturk mountains. This is also homeland of the sturdy Connemara Pony. Ireland’s most famous islands, The Aran Islands are located just off the coast of Galway. The three islands, Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer are probably most traditional nook Ireland where the time stopped. You will find there old cottages, stone fences, unique woolen products, traditional Irish music at its best and first of all, the Irish language which is still in everyday use. In addition to this, there are many interesting pre-christian and early christian monuments. Visting County Galway you can't miss Galway City itself, which stands deep in Galway Bay on the southern tip of Lough Corrib. The city is known for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous important festivals including the summer’s Galway Arts Festival and a September Oyster Festival. Galway is often referred to as the “Cultural Capital of Ireland” as it is most associated with the Irish language, music, song and dance traditions. Is also home to Ireland's only Irish-language theatre “Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe”.