Family Vacations Ireland | Galway the Great

Galway City | Customized Tours Ireland
Galway City | Customized Tours Ireland

Following a successful St Patrick’s Day in Ireland, the whole country enjoyed parades throughout. The focus was on the capital city Dublin, however for anyone who has not been fortunate enough to travel to Ireland during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities then we have the perfect solution; an Irish escorted trip to Galway (or Gaillimh in Irish, named after a river meaning stony). Galway must be something on the travel list, it’s in the West of Ireland and is part of the province Connacht in Ireland, the largest county in the province.  Galway is known as Ireland’s Cultural Heart (Croí Cultúrtha na hÉireann) is home to a vibrant and popular city.

galwaydocks|Deluxe Chauffeur Drive Ireland

Galway docks|Deluxe Chauffeur Drive Ireland

When travelling through Galway city with your personal Irish chauffeur the first thing you will notice is the busy Galway harbour or Galway docks established in the 10th Century.  Many boats and ships of all sizes would come here to dock, as one of the fastest ways of travelling then would have been by sea.  The harbour is now due to have a massive redevelopment and expansion over the coming years to cope with the busy porting in the harbour.

Spanish-Arch-Galway | Private Chauffeur Ireland

Spanish-Arch-Galway | Private Chauffeur Ireland

The Spanish Arch in the centre of the city is part of the Latin quarter and can be viewed as part of Galway’s Medieval City walks.  The Arch was build in 1584 and was originally an extension of the city walls, in 1755 the arches were partially destroyed by a tsunami from Lisbon that hit the Irish coast.  It was thought that the immigrants used to pass through the arches as they came off the ships in the docks.

salthill_galway | Luxury Chauffeur Tours Ireland

salthill_galway | Luxury Chauffeur Tours Ireland

One of the most popular seaside resorts in Ireland and just 3 km from Galway city is Salthill (Bóthar na Trá, in Irish, the road by the sea). It has a 2 km long promenade ‘ The prom’ , it’s tradition that when you’ve walked the length of the prom (with the sea on your left hand side)  you kick the wall at the end of it for good luck. These fantastic little traditions in Galway make it a family vacation in Ireland that you will remember for years to come.

Aran-Islands | Private Driver Customised Tours Ireland

Aran-Islands | Private Driver Customised Tours Ireland

The Aran Islands are a group of three charismatic islands of the coast of Galway Bay, Inis Mór (the largest), Inis Meain and Inis Oírr. The natives of the Islands all speak Irish as their first language but most are also fluent in English.  The islands can be accessed by ferry or by plane, your private Irish driver will escort you safely to either. The islands are also famous for the traditional Aran jumper (Geansaí Árann in Irish), it’s made from 100% sheep’s wool and is an off-white colour.  A warm keepsake from the islands!

Sky-Road-Clifden | Private Escorted Tours of Ireland

Sky-Road-Clifden | Private Escorted Tours of Ireland

The Sky Road is in Clifden, Connemara’s biggest town,  and gives panoramic views of Galway Bay and islands.  Overlooking the Atlantic it stretches over 14 km of famous views and is known as Ireland’s greatest drives, taking this route in a luxury Irish vehicle is a must to really experience the best of Irish views.

Connemara National Park |Deluxe Ireland Escorted Tours

Connemara National Park |Deluxe Ireland Escorted Tours

Connemara is home to the well known Connemara National Park.  Much of the park’s land belongs to the Kylemore Abbey estate and it covers just under 3,000 hectares of bogs, woodlands, heaths and of course the infamous 12 Ben (or pins) mountain range.  The park was officially open to the public in 1980 and is an incredible place to hike or cycle.

The alluring Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery and founded in 1920.  It was originally a castle and the architecture is some what of a Gothic nature, it’s stands at the foot of the Barren mountain and is still a nun’s convent but open for tours.  The Abbey also boasts impressive Victorian walled gardens on it’s land, here there are over 20 green houses, vineyards, orchards with 300,00 trees.  There is also a craft shop and a cafe/restaurant on this splendid estate.  Learn about the history and the Benedictine mission from this active convent.

Connemara | Deluxe Small Group Tours Ireland

 Connemara | Deluxe Small Group Tours Ireland

Connemara, the place Oscar Wilde called a ‘savage beauty’ , it’s known for the mountainous wild rugged surroundings and quiet, serene beaches.  There is history and heritage in every corner of Connemara and something completely bewitching about this unique part of Galway.  It is also home of the magnificent Connemara pony, the pony is strong and rugged and able to endure the sometimes harsh weather conditions of Connemara.  The pony’s charm represents the beauty of the land.   Connemara has also become a backdrop to many famous movies, the Quiet man bridge is featured in the movie of the same name ‘The Quiet Man’ starring John Wayne, all set in Connemara.  Also Marley and Me (Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson), Tristan and Isolde (James Franco) and Into the West (Gabriel Byrne) are just a few of the movies that have attracted film crews worldwide.

Claddagh Ring | Family Vacations Ireland

Claddagh Ring | Family Vacations Ireland

The famous Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) comes from co. Galway and the design is thought to have been created by one of the tribes of Galway.  It is a traditional and popular Irish ring with two hands holding a heart with a crown.  The two hands represent friendship, the heart represents love and the crown represents loyalty.  It is an endearing gift to give a loved one.

Luxury Family Tours Ireland

Luxury Family Tours Ireland

That takes us to the end of the incredible tour of Galway and that’s only a taste of what Ireland has to offer. I hope you enjoyed reading about the spectacular places!

If you are interested in a Private Tour of Galway and would like more information, please click on the Enquire button below:

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Alternatively, if you would like to call us directly Toll Free from the US or Canada the number is 1 888 793 0416

All the best,

Mike Ryan

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