Medieval Ashford Castle and gardens in Co. Mayo
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TOURISM IN CONNACHT
The western most province of Connacht
promises wild and rugged beauty, but also a lot
more. Galway City, with its bohemian charm and
friendly atmosphere, is an essential destination
when in this corner of the world. The Arts and
culture are well supported here, with many of
the country’s artisans and craft makers calling
it home. With a backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean,
and a bustling nightlife, this is one city you
cannot afford to miss.
Just off the coast of Co. Galway lie the Aran
Islands, in Galway Bay. Accessible by ferry or
plane, these islands are one of the few remaining
bastions of Irish language and culture, although
other Gaeltachts certainly exist. The ancient fort
of Dún Aonghasa (Dún Aengus) lies on Inishmór.
Killary Harbour, in Co. Mayo, is a natural fjord
and one of the most spectacular of its type in the
country. Bordering this is Connemara, in western
Galway. Wild and remote, Connemara is home to
some of the country’s Gaeltacht regions, as well
as being the headquarters of the country’s Irish
language TV station, TG4. It also happens to be
the setting for the film The Guard, starring Don
Cheadle and Brendan Gleeson.
Sligo, with some of the finest beaches in Ireland,
also offers many of the country’s best surfing
opportunities. Strandhill is a world famous surfing
destination (and has a very entertaining links
as well). Co. Sligo was also the source of much
inspiration for the poet William Butler Yeats.
Connacht plays host to some of the most
spectacular links golf courses in Ireland, but they
are not for the faint hearted. Co. Sligo, Enniscrone,
Carne and Galway Bay are all stern tests of golf,
while Westport, Connemara, Galway and Strandhill
give golfers the opportunity to see the splendour
of Ireland’s west coast.