Self-catering holiday homes: County Galway

Make a holiday rental cottage or self catering accommodation in County Galway, Ireland your home away from home

Glorious Galway, the gateway to the west of Ireland, is the epitome of the Ireland many of us think of; wild, windswept landscapes, delightful villages and colourful festivals. Staying in County Galway accommodation means that you have a superb base to relax and soak up the atmosphere, with many of Ireland’s most famous locations within easy striking distance.

Things to do on holiday in County Galway, Ireland

There is so much to see here that taking self catering County Galway accommodation is the only way to really experience the stunning scenery and enjoy the way of life in absolute freedom. You never know what might happen during day or what sights will suddenly temp you into changing your plans, so having the freedom of staying in a self catering property is a real luxury. Internationally renowned sites of Ireland like the Connemara, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher are all perfectly accessible as a day trip from any of the accommodation in County Galway.

As well as natural attractions, there is a rich historical heritage here too. The Medieval town of Athenry, the Iron Age Turoe stone near Loughrea and the battlefield of the Aughrim are all fascinating places to visit, which has helped turn County Galway into a tourism hotspot.

If you would like to enjoy the great outdoors, there are endless chances for horse riding and walking through a staggering amount of unique scenery, and if you need a break, you can always stop off in one of the glorious country pubs or restaurants which appear in every rural village. Some of the best marked trails leave from Portumna Forest Park and Coole Park.

County Galway has some excellent golf courses too, and it has been the destination for golfing holidays for many years. There are a huge range of challenging 18 hole courses dotted around County Galway, from the undulating park courses to the scenic, windswept links courses of the coast. Wherever you decide to take a cottage in County Galway, there is almost certainly a golf course within few minutes drive.

Along the coast of County Galway, entertainment is plentiful. The sea provides chances for sailing, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing and swimming, as well as mouth watering seafood. The Clarenbridge Oyster Festival which marks the beginning of the oyster season marks a magnificent time to rent a self catering County Galway property.

In fact, there area many fine festivals to enjoy. The traditional boat festival or ‘Crinniu na Bad’ in Kinvara, and the traditional music festivals throughout the region are great fun, and if you have an interest in horses, the Ballinasloe Horse Fair will interest you, as will a day racing at the Galway Races.

Places to holiday in County Galway, Ireland

Galway city is known as the arts capital of Ireland, hosting many colourful festivals which bring the old, narrow shopping streets in the centre of town to life at various times throughout the year. If it is your first time visiting County Galway, taking accommodation in Galway city is a great base for exploring the whole county.

The Connemara region in the far west of County Galway is one of the most beautiful parts of the country. A combination of wild mountains, a rugged coastline and unforgiving marsh land mean that there is an untamed beauty which strips you of any stress which might still be lingering. A holiday rental cottage in County Galway is the perfect base for exploring this stunning region for a few days, whether you are walking or riding.

The Aran Islands lie just off the coast of County Galway, and offer a taste of traditional Irish culture like nowhere else in Ireland. Comprising of three separate islands, visiting the Aran Islands from County Galway accommodation is like taking a step back in time.

Flights to County Galway, Ireland

You can either fly to Shannon (SNN) or Galway Airport (GWY), or get a ferry from Swansea to Cork and drive into County Galway. It is advised that you take a car or car rental whilst staying in County Galway accommodation in order to get the most out of your holiday, because unless you stay in Galway City, this is a rural area.

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