Must See Sights and Landmarks in Spiddal Area

"Dating back to 1320, this church is Ireland’s largest medieval parish church hosting regular services. It is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers and constructed from Galway’s signature grey limestone. In the middle of the 17th century the largest body of Irish genealogical lore, Leabhar na nGenealach, recording the heritage of families across Ireland, was written at this very place."

"An earnest conversation takes place between Irish writer Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) and Estonian writer Eduard Vilde (1856–1933), sitting on a granite bench, in this bronze-cast statue by Estonian artist Tiiu..."

"Dún Aonghasa on Inis MorInis Mor The easiest way to get to Inis Mor is by taking a ferry from Ros a' Mhíl/Rossaveal, which is located about 50 minutes from Galway. You can either drive yourself to Rossaveal, or take advantage of the shuttle bus that leaves from central Galway about 1.5 hours before sailing in the morning."

"Almost hanging over a 100-metre cliff edge on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa is thought to be at least 2000 years old. It consists of four concentric circles, their walls sometimes as much as 4 metres thick. Yet for all its obvious defensive might, the fort is thought to have been largely ceremonial."

"One of Ireland's most famous prehistoric grave sites, Gleninsheen lies beside the R480 7km south of Ballyvaughan. It's thought to date from 4000 to 5000 years ago. A magnificent gold gorget (a crescent of beaten gold that hung round the neck) found here and dating from the late Bronze Age is now on display at the National Museum in Dublin. Note: the access gate to the tomb is sometimes locked, and signage is poor."

"Galway’s contemporary arts hub, the Galway Arts Centre is another revolving exhibition space that takes in an incredible array of local art and entertainment, including theatre and visual arts. The gallery is equally fluid, with a penchant for cartoony modern art and statement sculpture. There are classes, too, if you feel like getting your hands dirty."

"Dún Aonghasa on Inis MorInis Mor The easiest way to get to Inis Mor is by taking a ferry from Ros a' Mhíl/Rossaveal, which is located about 50 minutes from Galway. You can either drive yourself to Rossaveal, or take advantage of the shuttle bus that leaves from central Galway about 1.5 hours before sailing in the morning."

"Almost hanging over a 100-metre cliff edge on Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands, Dún Aonghasa is thought to be at least 2000 years old. It consists of four concentric circles, their walls sometimes as much as 4 metres thick. Yet for all its obvious defensive might, the fort is thought to have been largely ceremonial."

"One of the newest, and coolest, spots in town, this Italian-inspired eatery specialises in good times and good food; light fluffy crepes, crispy pizza, delicious pastas, great selection of wines and beers, amazing coffee and even better cocktails. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner out on their tranquil terrace just a few steps away from the River Corrib and the peaceful canal, with views of the Cathedral and Salmon Weir. This is al fresco dining at its finest"

"With 4 different locations dotted about the county, Roots Café has quickly become a popular go to spot to sort out those caffeine cravings. Their vast menu of hot and iced coffees includes something for everyone. A cup of their coffee and your choice of homemade pastries on a busy work day can do wonders for an overworked mind."

"Roots is located parallel to the River Corrib giving you spectacular views of the flowing river. If it’s a family-friendly menu you’re looking for, they have a kids menu as well as a wide range of pastas, pizzas and burgers to choose from. Bookings available through their website."

"If you're out and about with your pooch, drop by the dog friendly Kali Coffee Bar to get yourself and your furry companion some badly needed refreshments. It's the perfect spot to get your caffeine fix and discover new blends of specialty coffee. After an energetic walk along The Prom, what could be better than some sweet tartlets and a cup of their Columbia coffee with hints of orange and treacle?"

"Overlooking the canal, An Tobar Nua is an Irish-American coffee shop. They are very active in the community, regularly hosting events such as a children’s summer camp or “the great American road trip” during August (when sample dishes from across America were available to be sampled in the shop). An Tobar Nua employees come from various Christian denominations, making the cafe a great place for biblical discussion."

"These two reserves, through their combination of deciduous woods, limestone reefs, lakes and turloughs, constitute one of the most interesting Irish vegetation and faunal complexes still in existence. The Coole-Garryland reserve contains a variety of floral habitats including well-formed high forest on deep pockets of soil, dwarf woodland on limestone pavement and a turlough complex in the Callows and Coole Lake. A large portion of this reserve was formerly owned by Lady Gregory, co-founder with W.B."

"One hour south of Galway City is a great place to take the kids for a day out in nature. Covering an area of approximately 400 hectares is the wetland and woodland nature reserve of Coole Park. The two reserves constitute woods, limestone reefs, lakes, and turloughs where you can see interesting Irish vegetation and fauna."

"Merlin Park Woods is a large urban woodland located on the eastern edge of Galway City and is a great place to visit with kids. On the former site of the Waithman estate, this haven for wildlife is a great place for a walk away from the city centre. Merlin Castle lies in the North Wood, and there is a playground too that kids will enjoy."

"A post shared by Piotr (@zagadka1986) on Oct 15, 2017 at 6:02am PDT. Known as the oldest and largest urban park in Galway City, Merlin Park and Woods is a playground for nature and woodland lovers. It remains as one of the forefronts of biodiversity conservation practices in the city."