Galway's major landmark is the majestic 16th century old Lynch's Castle in Shop Street, which was heavily altered in 1966 when it was converted into a bank. The ornate stonework on the windows can still be seen. Located in the heart of the city, is the St. Nicholas Church and Cathedral of our Lady Assumed in to Heaven that are still in use. Not very far from the cathedral stands the original building of National University of Ireland, Galway, which was erected in 1849 as one of the three colleges of the Queen's University of Ireland along with Queen's University Belfast and University College Cork. Worthy of mention is the famous Galway City Museum that houses the statue of the well known poet Pádraic Ó Conaire, and a huge collection of the most important Irish artists from the second half of the 20th century. Energize your adventurous spirit by indulging in some thrilling water sports in the warm waters of the pristine Salthill Beach or hone your golfing skills at one of the many excellent golf courses that dot the city. Hiking, cycling, golf and horse-riding are available in the local countryside or go to the magnificent Connemara Mountains. While staying at holiday homes Galway, you can also explore the surrounding cities of Kinvara and Carna . Galway is renowned for its numerous fairs and festivals, which attract thousands of visitors from all parts of the country and the world. Some of the most awaited events include the Galway Racing Festival and Galway Arts Festival, which is reputed for its popular Macnas Parade.
Your trip to Galway is truly incomplete without shopping in its swanky malls filled with a wide array of shops, brand outlets, boutiques, galleries, and weekly open air markets. Scattered around holiday rentals Galway West Ireland are a plethora of award wining quality restaurants, which offer a variety of sumptuous cuisines from authentic Irish, Indian, Italian, to French, Greek and much more. These restaurants also serve succulent seafood, and great vegetarian and local Irish food at economical prices. For those who want to enjoy the exhilarating nightlife of Galway, can spend wonderful time at its traditional pubs and bars which serve world famous alcoholic drinks and organize amazing folk music and dance performances for visitors.