The third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Galway is the fastest growing city in the country. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it’s the province of Connacht’s only city. Galway has become a popular weekend destination for Irish natives as well as a favorite vacation destination for tourists. The city has a lot to offer travelers from both near and far including a rich Gaelic culture, numerous festivals, lively pubs and restaurants, an engaging art scene, historical sights, shopping, theater and magnificent vistas. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Corrib, it enjoys a mild, breezy climate that is welcoming to visitors.

Though a small city, Galway is not short on things to do. The center of town is great for walkers to tour and explore. A number of tourism kiosks offer advice on what to see and do as well as maps on where to go. Shop Street, the city’s main street, has a quaint medieval feel and is lined with pubs, restaurants and shops. Pubs are open quite late on the weekends and the nightlife can get rowdy with students and weekend travelers enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Located between Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, Lynch’s Castle is also a popular tourist destination. A limestone home built in the Irish gothic style circa 15th or 16th century, it is the only complete secular medieval structure left in Galway. Visitors can tour the ground floor (now operating as Allied Irish Bank) and view the history of the building. Other tourist spots include the Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum, Lynch Memorial Window, Salmon Weir Bridge, Eyre Square and Nora Barnacle House.

Just outside the walls of town is an old Irish-speaking fishing village known as the Gladdagh district. This was the birthplace of the famously Irish Gladdagh motif (also known as Claddagh), which features two hands holding a heart wearing a crown. This motif is most commonly seen on Claddagh rings, which have remained popular for several hundred years. According to tradition, women wear a Claddagh ring with the heart facing in if the are married and out if they are unmarried.

Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd

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Ireland is not widely known as one of the whale watching capitals of the world, but maybe it should be. The waters of the Irish coast have hosted 24 different species of whales and dolphins as a summer feeding ground. These massive marine creatures migrate to Ireland every year to feed on a variety of small shoaling fish. In the 1990s, the coastal waters were declared a whale and dolphin sanctuary by the Irish government. Today, whale watching in Ireland is a popular activity for tourists and natives alike.

The most commonly seen whales in the coastal waters of Ireland are Fin Whales, Minke Whales and Humpback Whales. These whales are typically seen off the southern coast. West Cork, an area located in south west Ireland, is a popular destination for whale watching in Ireland. The waters off West Cork are clear and unpolluted, which both attracts whales and makes it easy for them easily spotted.

Whales can be seen just a few kilometers off the coast. Whale watching boats take tourists and visitors on tours through the southern waters to encounter the whales up close. The whale watching season runs from May through January. The first whales to arrive are the Minke Whales, who arrive in May and stay through December. These whales are among the smallest of the Baleen Whales and weigh on average about 4-5 tonnes. The Fin Whales are the next to arrive in early summer, and they stay through January. These whales are much bigger than the Minke Whales and are known for the long, slender build. The second largest whales in the water, the estimated weight of an adult Fin Whale is over 65 tonnes.

Humpback Whales sightings are the real prize for most whale watchers. These whales are the last to arrive in August, and they stay through January. Known for their acrobatics in the water, Humpback Whales usually weigh around 35-40 tonnes. Sightings of Humpback whales are not as predictable as sightings of Minke and Fin Whales. Occasionally a Killer Whale or Long-finned Pilot Whale can also be seen in Irish waters.

Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd

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The Irish countryside is one of diverse landscapes and scenic vistas. One of the best ways to experience this gorgeous natural beauty is on foot. There are hundreds of miles of unspoiled marked trails you can choose from to navigate this breathtaking terrain. The most popular trail, however, is the Wicklow Way. It is also Ireland’s first long distance trail.

Located just south of Dublin, the county of Wicklow boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland. The Wicklow Way is an 82 mile long path that starts in at Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, and stretches through the uplands and hill country of Wicklow. The trail ends in the village of Clonegal in County Carlow. While a good part of the root is at over 1,600 feet, the trail avoids actual climbing summits. The higher elevation allows even more majestic views.

To walk the entire trail, a hiker of average fitness will usually take between 8 to 10 days. If you don’t want to walk the entire Wicklow Way, you can also walk segments of the trail. The trail can be walked in either direction, but it is usually walked from north to south. The most challenging part of the trail is at the northern end, which includes some hill country and mountain vistas. The southern side of the trail is mostly rolling countryside and easy walking.

On the trail you will encounter a wide range of natural sights including waterfalls, mountain lakes, valleys and wildlife. There are also some old ruins and historic memorials scatter along the way. Professional and amateur photographers alike will not be disappointed by the amazing photo opportunities.

The trail winds within a few kilometers of a number of villages where a wide range of accommodations can be found including hostels, hotels, B&Bs and guest houses. When planning your trip, it is wise to make arrangements for where you will stay the night ahead of time, particularly in peak seasons. The most popular times to walk the Wicklow Way are in the spring and early fall when the days are long and the temperature is fair.

Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd

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