Galway city and its surrounds has been rated one of the top 10 places to visit in Ireland, according to the 10th edition of the Lonely Planet’s Ireland guide was was published recently.
According to the guide, which was written by coordinating author Fionn Davenport and a team of writers who personally visited thousands of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, galleries, museums and many more interesting places, “Ireland’s economic crisis has not dampened the spirits of its resilient population.” However, I’m sure there are plenty of residents of this island who would disagree with that observation. They could also want to argue with the Lonely Planet’s view that the “pub is the greatest experience in Ireland”, but is there any real point? After all, as the guide suggests the pub is where “away from the pressures of work, the love of a good drink ‘remains the country’s most popular social pastime, with no sign of letting up’”.
The guide also notes that Ireland has many more strings to its bow with its fantastic scenery, musical traditions, and festivals making it a great place to visit. Making it into the top 10 things to see and do were Galway city and Connemara. Galway city is described as a “swirl of enticing old pubs that hum with trad music sessions throughout the year. More importantly, is has an overlaying vibe of fun and frolic that is addictive”. The guide continues to praise the beautiful landscape outside the city stating: “The eroded, sheer swaths of land known as the Aran Islands have a desolate, windswept aura that entrances. Tiny villages cling to the rocks while soft-hearted locals welcome their modern lifeblood: visitors”. Also receiving much praise is the Connemara peninsula which “matches the beauty of the other Atlantic outcrops like Dingle. Tiny roads wander along the coastline studded with islands, surprisingly white beaches and intriguing old villages.”
Also getting a mention are areas south of Galway city such as Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, and Kinvara. Areas east of Galway city in the guide include Athenry, Loughrea, Gort, Ballinasloe, and Portumna.
