You’ll know you’re in for something special as you approach Kylemore Abbey and see the iconic baronial castle reflected in a Connemara Lake. Enjoy the perfect family day out at the former monastery, delving into its history of tragedy and romance, before exploring the extensive woodland and lakeshore walks, and the beautiful Victorian walled garden. Stop in for a homemade scone before you leave at Mitchell’s Café or the Garden Tea House.

Spend the day exploring Connemara National Park, which stretches across 2,957 hectares – roughly the size of 2,400 football pitches. It takes in four of the famous Twelve Bens mountains, huge expanses of bogs, grasslands and woodlands, and it’s a birdwatcher’s delight. Three different memorable trails offer something for every level, or during the summer you can take advantage of guided walks.

Discover gorgeous white sandy beaches just 11km off the Galway coast on Inishbofin Island with stunning views back to the Galway coast and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Get your hiking shoes on and make the most of the trail around the island, spot the Iron Age forts dotting the cliffs and catch the island’s own ceilí band before you head back to the mainland.

A 20-minute drive outside the city is Clifden, the beating heart of Connemara. From a treasure trove of beaches, delicious food, well-poured Guinness and lovely locals in the colourful streets, there's plenty of ways to entertain yourself in the town. Nestled between the Twelve Pins Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, check out the nearby high point at Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most impressive scenic drives.

Step back in time and enjoy a glimpse of old Ireland with a trip to the Árainn (Aran Islands). Admire the Bronze Age relics at Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór (Inishmore), keep an eye out for the enormous basking sharks on the water’s surface near all three islands and don’t forget to get your very own Aran jumper.

You’ll get away with speaking English on these Gaeltacht islands, but there’s never been a better time to try out your cúpla focail. Rossaveal is the main ferry port in Galway for the islands, with trips twice daily to each island year-round and more frequent departures in the summer months.

There's so much to do on these beautiful islands, you may end up staying for longer than expected. 

You can’t beat a stroll along Salthill Promenade, ice-cream in hand, on a sunny day. You might only be a five-minute drive away, but you’ll feel a world apart from Galway city. Sheltered among beachy coves along this Blue Flag-designated shoreline, sunbathe, explore amongst the rocks or dive in and join the swimmers lapping up those Atlantic waves.

One of Ireland’s most unique cities, Galway city is as famous for its fantastic food and nightlife as it is for its cutting-edge arts, music, design and theatre scenes. Known as the City of Tribes, there’s rarely a weekend without a festival or cultural celebration in the city. Even if there isn’t, you could spend hours exploring its maze of colourful cobbled streets, and it won’t be long before the sound of a traditional session draws you into one of the city's great pubs. 

Kill two birds with one stone by taking in Galway’s famous Spanish Arch and then duck behind it to find the Galway City Museum. Immerse yourself in the intriguing history of the city, its folklore and the local connection to the sea to learn how the city was shaped over the centuries, all with free admission.  

The Galway Races at Galway Racecourse is a famous annual event in the county, but it’s about far more than just horse-racing. Taking over the city at the end of July each year, it’s a major cultural festival as well. There's no shortage of options for great music, culinary delights and cutting-edge fashion so dig out your best hat and prepare for a weekend of fun.