Ireland is plentiful with culture and history, and many of those travelling there may wish to experience it to the fullest. In Galway, It’s present in everything, from the weather to the architecture, and the greenery it’s so well known for. After all, the country’s said to have over 137,500 farms across it, all of which stretch over hills and border one another with stone fences. A sight some may not find anywhere else!

For those who prefer to go town-crawling and admiring the architecture, there’s no end to Galway’s pub culture. Being a college town, it has quite a few pubs! It’s also packed with churches that vary in their anciency, as well as lots to do and see in the historic city centre. Go shopping in its many tourist-friendly malls and stores, or simply explore the occasional odd statues and memorials. The city’s history is on display everywhere you look – and so too is a fine place to sit down and have a drink.

You might consider going during the Summertime, when the town is in an uproar of exciting festivals to celebrate with friends and family. The International Oyster Festival in Septembers, and the multitude of arts festivals in July can’t go amiss either! Any turn you take in the city will lead to fun times, but the greatness of visiting during a festival season cannot go unspoken!

About 30 minutes out of Galway, in the Galway County, one might feel inclined to give a visit to the Burren Nature Sanctuary. 50 entire acres of woodlands and gorgeous meadows, including a lake to pass by on the unforgettable nature trails. All this for an admission of only €8 ($9 USD), fit for either the full explorer family with an eye for Celtic history, or the lone traveller with an adventurous imagination.

Galway’s nearly untouched nature and historical sights are one of its greatest attractions, and for good reason. It’s green both visually, and symbolically, with its classic Irish colours on proud display. Its legends are also displayed with pride. The worldwide celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating the day the Saint had driven the snakes out of Ireland, is only among the most well-known ones. Why not find something more obscure, such as the legends at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher?

The legend goes that there was once a city, not too distant from the Cliffs, in a bay nearly constantly battered by waves. Buried beneath the waters for committing a terrible crime, the city was said to be lost, but visible only once every seven years. As the legend states, he or she who could fix their vision upon the sight of the underwater city enough to reach it, would be able to restore it to its lost glory, and receive its abundant wealth and riches. Whether or not there’s truth to the legend, why not give the Cliffs of Moher, just outside of Galway County, a visit to see for yourself? You may not find riches, but you’ll certain find a sight worth the trip.

Galway, both its city and its County, are made up of Summertime joy. Few can attest to having a city so beautiful, every corner becomes an adventure. And Galway doesn’t hide its adventurous side in the slightest. Its citizens are proud, and its visitors are enthralled. There are many incredible places to visit in Ireland, some so different they’ll not be forgotten soon. Galway is, and always will be, one such town. One that shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your next trip to the green island.

By Patryk Krych | © The World Daily 2020