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Our central location, midway on The Wild Atlantic Way, makes Galway a great base to explore the region. 

Spiddal

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Spiddal is a small seaside village located just 12 miles west of Galway City. An Spidéal (its Irish name) is a vibrant friendly town where the people speak both Irish and English. Spiddal is probably best known for Colaiste Chonnacht to which students come from all over Ireland and the world to learn the Irish language, culture and traditions. The signposts are all in the Irish language and you will hear it spoken in the shops, pubs and restaurants. Most people will be more than happy to teach you a couple of words if you ask.

Oughterard

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Oughterard is a traditional village in the West of Ireland nestled beside Lough Corrib (the largest lake in the Republic), at the start of the Connemara Mountain Range and only 17km from Galway City. There is so much to see and activities to enjoy in Oughterard and it is also the ideal base from which to explore the wider area.

Maam Cross

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Maam Cross is a meeting point of several of the roads that traverse the different parts of Connemara. The route from Oughterard to Maam Cross (10 miles/16 km) lies through countryside that presents an amazing variety of bog, moorland, lake and mountain scenery. There is real Connemara scenery here for the walker, cyclist or climber. Just 22 miles from Galway City it is an ideal base for Hill Walkers, Cyclists and Botanists while Golfing, Horse Riding, Fishing and Water Sports.

Clifden

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Clifden, nestled amidst breathtaking mountain scenery and beautiful rugged coastline is one of Ireland's most loved towns. Located in the West of the county, Clifden is the largest town in Connemara, which of course is an outstanding jewel in Ireland's scenic crown.

Kylemore Abbey

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Visit the restored rooms of the Abbey and learn about it’s history and tales of tragedy and romance. Explore the 6 acre Victorian Walled Garden with it’s magnificent restored buildings. Discover woodland walks, lakeshore walks, nature trails and children’s play trail throughout the 1,000 acre estate.

Croagh Patrick

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Croagh Patrick is 5 miles from the picturesque town of Westport and its conical shape soars majestically above the surrounding countryside. Magnificent views of Clew Bay and the surrounding south Mayo countryside are spectacular from all stages of the ascent of the mountain. It is one of the highest peaks in the West of Ireland. It rises 750 metres (2,500 feet) into the sky above County Mayo.

Ashford Castle

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Ashford Castle offers a huge range of activities, from walks within the 350 acre estate, golfing on Ashford's 9-hole course, to fishing for trout and salmon on Lough Corrib and lake cruises. Ashford Castle also has one of the most advanced Equestrian Centres in the country and has Ireland's first Falconry School offering the rare opportunity to handle birds of prey.

Achill Island

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From hillwalking and outdoor activities to fishing and angling, golf, painting, horseriding to surfing, windsurfing or scuba diving, your visit to Achill can be as active as you like. Or just relax with a coffee or a pint and a view of Achill's spectacular mountains, cliffs and five Blue Flag beaches.

Inis Bofin

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Inishbofin has a selection of official Looped Walks, two Green Coast Awarded beaches, a Dive Centre, an Equestrian Centre, a Bicycle Hire and many more activities and sites to see. The island is a great place for bird watching and the corncrake can be heard there every year.

Aran Islands

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The beautiful Aran Islands, the "Islands of Saints and Scholars" is located just off Galway. A true Irish experience where locals speak Irish as well as English. An outdoor museum scattered with celtic churches of historical importance; The spectacular Dun Aonghasa and Cliffs of Aran, A venue for the Redbull Cliff Diving, Setting of the film 'Man of Aran' , Home of the Aran Sweater, and total release from the hussle and bustle of the mainland.

Aillwee Caves

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Aillwee Caves lies in the heart of the Burren in Co Clare, close to the pretty village of Ballyvaughan and makes for an interesting and unusual family fun day out. Aillwee Cave combines nature’s power and beauty with some education for the kids and a lot of fun while they explore the inner depths of the earth.

Cliffs of Moher

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Standing 214m (702 feet) at their highest point they stretch for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. From the Cliffs of Moher on a clear day one can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara, Loop Head to the south and the Dingle Peninsula and Blasket Islands in Kerry. O’Brien’s Tower stands near the highest point and has served as a viewing point for visitors for hundreds of years.

The Burren

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The Burren is a karst-landscape region in County Clare. It is one of the largest karst landscapes in Europe. The region measures approximately 250 square kilometres and is enclosed roughly within the circle made by the villages Ballyvaughan, Kinvara, Tubber, Corofin, Kilfenora and Lisdoonvarna. It is bounded by the Atlantic and Galway Bay on the west and north, respectively.

Paul O’Donnell Tours

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The Galway Tour Guides Association is a group of professional; Fáilte Ireland approved guides who offer walking and coach tours of Galway City, Connemara, the Aran Islands, the Burren, Cong and East Galway. Galway and its environs has a wealth of history and heritage to offer, the list just goes on and on: The Turoe Stone, Athenry Castle, Kilmacduagh Monastic Site, Dún Aengus, St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher, Coole Park, Thoor Ballylee, Clonfert Cathedral, Portumna Castle, Connemara and Dartfield Horse Museum.

Ireland West Airport Knock

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Ireland West Airport Knock is the main international air access gateway for the West, North West and Midland regions of Ireland. The Airport has also experienced rapid developments and now serves more than 20 scheduled and charter destinations across Ireland, the UK, Europe and beyond. Ireland West Airport Knock is recognised as the preferred airport of choice within its catchment region because of the competitiveness, choice and value the Airport offers.

Shannon Airport

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Shannon Airport is unique both in its location and its place in the history of world aviation. Of all European Airports it is situated at the most western point, making it the ideal stepping stone between the old world and the new. Chosen for its geographical position as the transatlantic gateway between Europe and America, Shannon was designated as Ireland’s Transatlantic Airport at its inception by the Irish Government. The airport has grown a vast infrastructure of enormous importance to Ireland’s Mid-west region which includes an attractive and growing tourism enterprise as well as the world’s first duty free industrial zone.

Celtic Chauffeur Services

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Renting a car in on holiday can sometimes be more hassle than it's worth. Thankfully, you can hire Celtic Chauffeur Services to take you to all the best attractions around the Wild Atlantic Way! All drivers are professional tour guides approved by Failte Ireland. From airport transfers, day tours to Cliffs of Moher, and more when you no longer have to worry about the trip, you can truly enjoy the destination. Visit their website to book your private chauffeur service.