"The Wild West of Ireland" County Galway by rexvaughan

County Galway Travel Guide: 1,316 reviews and 2,134 photos

County Galway is a very varied place. There is wild and jagged coastline, inland lochs and the mountains of Connemara. The photo on the right was taken just behind our hotel looking out into what I understand is Cashel Bay, although there is another town called Cashel in the southeast of Ireland where the famous Rock of Cashel is in county Tipperary.

The Wild West of Ireland - County Galway

This will come as no surprise to most people, but evidently the warm ocean currents keep Ireland's weather (probably especially the west) from being terribly extreme. At any rate I was not prepared for the tropical experience of finding palm trees on the hotel grounds.

Cross in Inishmore

Another thing I learned on this trip is about the Celtic cross. I understand St. Patrick took the circle from the sun of the pagan worshippers and added it to the Christian cross and sort of melded the two religions together. Don't know if it is true, but the Celtic cross is everywhere. St. Pat was a pretty shrewd evangelist.

Last visit to County Galway: May 2002
Intro Updated Aug 8, 2005
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Reviews (6)

"Connemara is a savage beauty" (Oscar... Things to Do (2)

The mountains in the photo are called the Twelve Bens and in some of the guidebooks I have read liken them to Irish... more travel advice

Elegant Country House Hotels (1)

This charming hotel was built originally in the early 19th C as a Sporting Lodge and takes its name from the Earl of... more travel advice

Take a ferry Transportation (1)

In Galway you can catch at the TIO or across from it. Aran Ferries runs a shuttle bus to the dock; the crossing is about... more travel advice

Dun Aengus Things to Do (2)

This 4000 year old fort is an amazing architectural achievement, not to mention the laborious work that went into moving... more travel advice

Local Customs (1)
Gather the eggs

Favorites (1)
Go to the Aran Islands

Comments (5)

BillNJ Mar 24, 2008 at 6:25 PM Report Abuse

Hi Rex, Great page! I especially like the photos. My fraternal grandparents were from County Galway, so I hope to visit there someday. Best regards from NJ, Bill
deecat May 16, 2007 at 2:05 PM Report Abuse

Another delightful presentation, Rex. The fort and the "Twelve Bens" Mountains both look wonderful. The Country hotel sounds charming, as you indicated. I hope to go to Ireland some day and experience this beauty.
magor65 Jul 11, 2006 at 11:29 AM Report Abuse

I'm going to Ireland in August, including three days in Galway County. Thanks for useful tips.
Hopkid Aug 14, 2005 at 8:39 AM Report Abuse

Yes, we did see Lance when we went to the Tour. Awesome! Nice Hilo page as well. I love Hawaii! Can't wait to check out your other pages. ~ Andy
hundwalder Aug 8, 2005 at 6:06 PM Report Abuse

Great new tip. When I first noticed you created a new transportation tip on County Galway I was expecting a picture of a donkey cart.