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More Places to VisitGalway South East being so central in Ireland is an ideal base for visitors who wish to visit other popular sites in a day. Below we have a number of sample tours for you to select from. Please select a tour from the list below
Tour A - Galway CityGalway city situated on Galway Bay is one of the most vibrant and cultural cities in Ireland. There are lots to do and see in Galway city. Located one mile from the city is the seaside resort of Salthill. Its numerous facilities bring thousands of tourists here every year. What to See Eyre Square, National University of Ireland, Galway, Cathedral, Wolfe tone bridge, Spanish Arch, Town hall theatre, Galway Museum, Salthill. One of the best ways to see the city is to take a sightseeing tour. There are tour operators such as City Sightseeing Tours and ONeachtain Tours which depart from Eyre Square and which provide a tour of the city. What to do There are a multitude of things to do in Galway. Galway city is renowned for its nightlife and has numerous pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs to choose from. Entertainment There is no shortage of entertainment in Galway City. The city has an Omiplex cinema, 10-pin bowling, leisure centers and theatres. Located in Salthill is Leisureland one of Irelands largest leisure centers, which consists of three pools a giant waterslide. Also in Lesiureland is an amusement park, where there is a large selection of amusement rides, suitable for young and old. Galway city is an excellent place for shopping with a wide variety of high street shops to choose from. How to get there By Car: Galway city is a 50 minute drive. Bus Eireann: Depart Portumna for Galway city at 09.30 Monday to Saturday except Thursday. Depart Galway city for Portumna at 17.30 Monday to Saturday except Thursday. Kerans Bus service: Depart Portumna for Galway city Friday and Saturday at 9.35 am, Sunday at 20.15, Monday at 7.30
Tour B - Birr Heritage Town, Co OffalyBirr, County Offaly is situated on the banks of the River Camcor. Birr, located in south Offaly, is quite a large beautifully preserved Victorian market town of approximately four thousand people. What to See and do ClonmacnoiseLocated close to Birr is the famous ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise founded by St. Ciaran in the 6th century which includes a cathedral, churches, round tower, high crosses, and grave slabs. Guided tours are available on request situated in Co. Offaly. The visitor center houses the original high crosses, and grave slabs. There is also an audiovisual show as well as a number of exhibitions. Bog Train TourClonmacnoise and West Offaly railway provide a guided 51/2-mile circular tour in a comfortable train coach. On the journey learn about the past, present and future uses of Blackwater Bog. Stop off along the Birr Castle DemesneThe castle itself is a family home to Lord and Lady Rosse and their family and as such, it is not open to the public. The castle is famous for its telescope, which was the largest in the world for over 70 years. However, the 50 hectares of gardens are open all year round. These gardens are rated with five stars in the official list of Gardens of Outstanding Historic Interest in the Republic of Ireland. It includes a park with a lake, rivers and waterfalls. More Info on Birr Castle Demesne Slieve Bloom Mountains Environmental ParkA modest 615m high mountain range. Blanket bog, green forest with picnic and amenity areas, waterfalls, deep glens make the areas 155,400 hectares a delightful touring destination. How to get there By car: Birr is Sixteen miles from Portumna and is approximately 20 minute drive. By Bus: Kearns bus service: Depart Portumna at 08.25 Monday Sunday Depart Portumna at 14.45 Monday and Saturday Only Depart Birr: 20.30 7 days. Bus Eireann: Monday- Saturday: Depart Portumna: 06.45 Depart Birr: 18.14 Sundays: Depart Portumna: 17.15 Depart Birr: 15.00 More Info on the area
Tour C - Aran Islands GalwayWhat to do and See The Aran Islands, Inis Mor, Inis Oir and Inis Meain are three small islands situated at the head of Galway Bay where old traditions and modern ways co-exist. They have safe sandy beaches for swimming, sail boarding and boating as well as facilities for angling. There are also pubs on the islands, where you can hear the best of music, instrumental and vocal. How to get there Island ferries in Galway operate a ferry service to the Aran Islands. You can travel by boat from Rossaveal (in Connemara); this includes a bus service from Galway. The boat journey takes about 20 minutes from Rossaveal to Inis Mor (the biggest island). There are several trips daily. Phone Island Ferries: 091 568903. Aer Arann operates four flights daily from Inverin in Connemara; this includes a bus service from Galway, to the three Aran Islands. Flights last about 10 minutes. Phone Aer Arann: 091593034. See website: http://www.aerarann.ie/
Tour D - County ClareCounty Clare known as the Banner County. What to See and do Cliffs of MoherThe Cliffs of Moher are one of Europes most spectacular coastal features, rising to a height of over 200m.The cliffs are formed of layers of siltstone, shale and sandstone, and represent a slice through geological time, with the oldest rocks at the bottom of the cliff. Opening hours Visitor Centre all year round 9.00am to 19.00pm. Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center- open all year round 9.30am to 17.30pm. June to August 29th 9.00am to 20.00pm Bunratty Castle and Folk ParkBunratty Castle and Folk Park is a very popular tourist destination. The magnificent castle overlooks the river Shannon. The castle is in excellent condition and well worth a visit. The castle was once the strong hold of the O Briens, kings and later earls of Thomond. The Castle is now splendidly restored; it reflects the lavish style and power of the great Earl. Today, the castles great hall holds a very fine collection of 14th century furniture, paintings and wall hangings. In the delightful grounds of the castle is the Folk Park, recreating a living experience of rural Ireland dating from 1900.
Bunratty Medieval Castle BanquetEnjoy the sumptuous mediaeval feast as guest of the Earl of Thomond. The great hall in the castle hosts medieval banquets complete with maids playing the harp, court jesters, food a la middle ages, and mead (a honey flavoured wine flavoured by the Irish in the middle ages).
The BurrenThis landscape, which covers over 100 square miles, is situated in North Clare. This is a remarkable bare limestone area with its combination of many unusual factors, its mixture of flora and archaeological sites have attracted visitors for years. The fame of the Burren is in its rock garden and its shoreline, limestone fissures, grasslands and hazel woods also yield an abundant and unique set of flora. Botanists explore the Burren finding Artic, Alpine and Mediterranean plants growing together in Irelands mild climate.
How to get there: By car: The Cliffs of Moher are less than 2 hours drive from Galway South East. By Bus: O Neachtain Tours operate tours to the cliffs of Moher and the Burren from Galway City. Departing at 10.00 a.m. from Galway City.
Tour E - ConnemaraConnemara is one of the most scenic, unspoilt areas in Ireland. It has a wealth of lovely beaches, little islands and harbors. What to See and do Ballinahinch CastleThe sixteenth century Ballynahinch Castle overlooks the Ballynahinch River. This has been the house of the O Flahery Chieftains, Grace O Malley, Humanity Dick Martin and the Maharajah Ranjitsinji. Its surroundings are beautiful and there are spectacular views for visitors as they roam around the estate.
Kylemore AbbeyKylemore Abbey is an 18th century castle that is now an excellent boarding school. Michael Henry built the gothic castle in 1865. He was a successful English financier and his young wife fell in love with area while on their honeymoon. After the tragic death of his wife about a decade later the Benedictine nuns bought the castle. The grounds and part of the abbey are open to the public.
RoundstoneRoundstone is a picturesque fishing village situated in the heart of Connemara. It is the oldest resort in Connemara. It is an area of unnatural beauty. Dogs bay and Gurteen beach are situated here. These are spectacular beaches with the clearest of Atlantic water.
Letterfrack National ParkHere is one of Ireland's finest national parks. The park is open from May to the end of September; it has a wide variety of walks, talks, audiovisual show, Connemara ponies and a new display depicting the development of the Connemara landscape over 100,000 years. ClifdenClifden is known as the capital of Connemara. It is a popular destination with tourists. It has spectacular scenery and beaches. It has a wide range shops including souvenir, sweater and antique shops.
'Quiet Man' HouseLocated in Maam cross is a replica of the cottage from the 1952 John Ford film The Quite Man which starred John Wayne and Maureen O Hara which was filmed locally.
How to get there: By Bus: O Neachtain Tours: Operate a luxury coach tours with professional guides 7 days a week from Galway City to Connemara. Departures: Salthill Tourist Office: 09.45 Galway Tourist Office: 10.00 Return: 5.15pm
Tour F - Dublin CityDublin is Ireland's capital city. What to See and do Irelands capital city has an abundance of visitor attractions to discover and explore. There is something for everyone in Dublin from museums to art galleries to Temple bar. Dublin's attractions are many whether your interest is sport, history, shopping, art or literature whether you want to visit a zoo, castles or theatres. How to get there Drive: Dublin is a 2- hour drive approximately from Portumna. Bus Eireann: Monday-Saturday Depart Dublin at 16.00 Depart Portumna at 06.45 Sundays: Depart Dublin at: 12.30 Depart Portumna at: 17.15
Kearns bus coaches: From Portumna to Dublin: Monday and Saturday: 8.25am, 2.45pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8.25am Sunday: 10.50am, 2.15pm, 6.15pm.
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