Galway is home to a host of fascinating and often bizarre attractions. Visitors to the city can take part in traditional Irish dancing at Morrissey’s Pub, marvel at the imposing Claddagh Cross or wander through Quay Street Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries in Europe. Popular stops also include Kirwan’s Lane, home to Galway’s oldest pub and other 16th century buildings, O’Flaherty Castle dating from the 1400s and Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century Gothic wonderland. Whatever strange and unique destination you choose for your visit to Galway, it is sure to leave you with lasting memories.
Discover the world’s tallest round tower in Galway
The places to visit in Galway would not be complete without a stop at St. Colman’s Monastery and its famous round tower. Colman’s and its famous round tower. The tower, at 45 metres high, is the largest round tower in the world, second only to the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy. Rising up to three storeys, this ancient structure was used to store precious religious objects, such as manuscripts, jewelled crocks and chalices. Round towers were often included in monasteries, as they served as fortresses in case of attack and allowed the monks to stay safe. A visit to Kilmacduagh Round Tower provides a glimpse of this bygone era, making it a must-see on a trip to Galway.
The watery treasure of the Wormhole natural pond
The places to visit in Galway are not just on land, their watery treasures are also hard to ignore! Poll na bPéist, or the vortex, is a natural rectangular pool at the base of a cliff south of Dún Aonghasa which takes its name from the Gaelic folklore ‘péist’, the reptilian sea monster. This remarkable rock formation, which has underground channels connecting it to the ocean, was made popular after it became the site of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in 2012. Anyone looking for an unusual way to explore Galway’s captivating coastal geography should not miss the spectacular Wormhole.
Walk to the fairytale fortress of Knockma Hill
Knockma Hill, located just outside Tuam, County Galway, is a must-see destination for visitors to the area. This historic hill is said to be the burial place of the legendary Queen Maeve of Connacht and the home of Finvarra (Finnbheara), the Fairy King of Connacht. Together with his queen Oona, Finvarra is said to have built his famous fortress on top of Knockma Hill. According to Gaelic folklore, he ensures good crops, strong horses and great wealth for those who help him. However, legend has it that the famine of 1846-47 was caused by Finvarra, as people did not help him enough and instead contributed to the negative energy by moving stones on his hill. Be sure to stop by this majestic site on your Galway sightseeing trip!
