Corrib Village, Galway

Advantages: A great base for touring and a city full of life and vitality.
Disadvantages: Patchy public transport and some ugly ribbon building.

..., dominated by the imposing Great Southern hotel, with Kennedy Park at its centre, commemorating John F Kennedy's visit to Galway in 1963. It was the quiet things about Galway we liked. We watched the swans that populate the river Corrib, where it enters Galway Bay. Most people go for the jewellery and knitware that the region is famous for but we found other shops selling leather goods that were better value and the second-hand bookshops were far more interesting. We stayed in Galway with our family, relying on public transport to get us around. Transport in the city is reliable enough and not so expensive as to be prohibitive. It's when connections are needed elsewhere that problems begin. We took two organised tours, south to the Burren and north to Connemara. They were worthwhile and not too rushed, but expensive if you are travelling... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: breathtaking coastlines
Disadvantages: mobilhomes spoil the beaches

...target, the "Hodson Bay Resort", was completely full, they couldn´t even accept a reservation for their famous "l´Escale" seafood restaurant. So it was back to the city center where we got a room for a night in the not so Royal Hoey. The next day saw us heading for Ireland´s biggest lake, Lough Corrib. The destination was the little village of Cong, where famous Ashford Castle sits on the northern shore of the lake, surrounded by a magnificent park with a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, equestrian facilities and – believe it or not – a school of falconry! In 1985 we were standing in front of the building for the first time and thinking about how it would be to stay in one of its stately suites, sip tea from Wedgewood in one of the lounges, where peat fire creates a noble atmosphere and dine French Style in Connaught Room with views... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great atmostphere in bars & on the street, relaxed place, loads of pubs,
Disadvantages: Not a great deal to do

...'s but I wouldn't say that Galway is good for shopping. The main entertainment form in this city I would say is the pubs, which is fair enough! What to See & Do>>> As we weren't there long, we didn't get to see much, however we went on the bus trip, which, while being a bit random (i.e. the commentary on house prices & the gypsy estate) was quite pleasant. From up above, Galway isn't the prettiest city, which is why I recommended getting a car so you can get about to the smaller surrounding villages. Overall, a great short break holiday, not a great deal for kids to do however I'd assume, a couple of hours drive from Dublin will get you there, would be good for a group of people / stag / hen do Enjoy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful