Driving Trips in Galway County

Holiday in County Galway

Whether you`re looking for an adrenaline--packed adventure holiday, a romantic getaway or a fun family break, Ireland`s beautiful County Galway has something to suit. One of the largest and arguably the most beautiful, counties in Ireland, County Galway boasts everything from nature trails, fishing, climbing and sailing to major arts events and lively nightlife.

Corrib

Located on Ireland`s west coast and within easy reach of some wonderfully unspoilt islands, Galway County is traversed by the River Corrib and is home to Lough Corrib, Ireland`s largest lake. Walkers, ramblers, mountain climbers and abseilers flock here to scale the Twelve Bens mountain range, whose highest peak, Benbaun, stands at 729 metres. Steeped in history and mystery, County Galway is thought to have been inhabited for some 7,000 years.

Galway City

At the heart of the county is Galway City itself - a cosmopolitan city with a population of around 70,000. The city is the hub for much of Ireland`s artistic activity and the abundant arts venues and festivals mean that culture vultures flock here throughout the year. Luckily, the city has a very well developed tourist infrastructure and there are accommodation options to suit every taste and budget - from cheap and cheerful bed and breakfasts, hostels and campsites to upscale hotels and even castles.

Begin your drive

Galway City makes a good first port of call for visitors planning a driving tour of County Galway and it is easy to arrange car rental from here. With dramatically beautiful natural beauty spots and fun tourist attractions to be found across the county, a hire car is an excellent way to explore this beautiful part of the `Emerald Isle`.

Some of the many attractions

A road trip across County Galway will take in everything from rugged cliffs and crashing waves to tranquil lakes and misty meadows and during the warmer months there may even be opportunity for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Points of historical interest include Ballinasloe, home to Irelands largest annual horse fair and nearby Aughrim- the site of Irelands bloodiest ever battle in 1691. A popular drive is the 140 km Corrib Country Tour, which starts in Galway City and takes in the beautiful coastline around the mighty Lough Corrib. Castles, angling centres, traditional bars and restaurants and rich nature are all to be found en-route to the picture-perfect village of Clonbur, famous for its live traditional music and its warm welcome.

Car hire

A hire car makes it possible to get off the beaten track and explore the best of this beautiful county and holidaymakers planning to linger a while will find plenty of opportunity to enjoy relaxing nature walks, horseback rides and bicycle trips. Nature lovers can take in dramatic flora and fauna and a rental car will make it possible to seek out attractions and accommodation in even the most far-flung locations. There are several car hire companies operating from Galway Airport, the main point of entry for many visitors to Galway and arranging car hire Galway in advance means that you will be able to hop off the plane and start enjoying your road trip straight away.

Associated Photographs
Tuam centre
View of Tuam
Tuam Cathedral
St. Mary's Cathedral
Aughrim
Catholic church, Aughrim
Protestant church, Aughrim
St. John's, Ballinasloe
St. Michael's, Ballinasloe
Ballinasloe
River Suck, Ballinasloe
October Fair
Ballinasloe October Fair
The Social Fair