The landscape found in Galway's hinterland (particularly as you approach Connemara) is ideal for hiking and cycling. There is also opportunity for bird-watchers and fishing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby in this part of the country. Meanwhile, families with children will find plenty to entertain younger visitors at the national aquarium, the Atlantaquaria.

Atlantaquaria
The national aquarium of Ireland is found right here in Galway. The facility hosts multiple exhibits, the largest of which is the ocean tank that holds more than 200 fish, and sharks. Children especially enjoy the splash pool at the entrance of the aquarium. The sea bass in this tank thrive in the tumult of crashing waves (one splash every 40 seconds), as it simulates their natural environment along the country’s west coast. Phone: +353 91 585 100; www.nationalaquarium.ie  

Bird-watching
Ireland hosts an impressive array of endangered or otherwise rare bird species. Large flocks arrive in Ireland on a seasonal basis to breed, providing avid bird-watchers with a unique opportunity to get an up-close look. The local tourism authority can offer advice on the best local bird-watching sites that are active during your visit.

Cycling
A cycling tour of Galway opens up the surrounding countryside. Road conditions in the backcountry are variable, so its best to ask around before you set off in an unknown direction. Travel agencies organise cycling tours of the entire country, while independent cyclists can hire equipment from local outfitters and some hotels. Most public buses are equipped to carry bicycles.

Hiking
The surrounding countryside is laid out with an impressive network of walking trails that cut through a variety of landscapes. One of the most sought-after ambling areas is the wild and sometimes eerie terrain of Connemara. Still in Galway country, Connemara National Park sits approximately 50 kilometres to the northwest. Many avid hikers use Galway city as a launching point for hiking excursions into the Connemara countryside.

Salmon Weir
Visitors will find Salmon Weir Bridge due east of the Galway Cathedral. The weir itself cascades through the sluices found just upstream from the bridge. The salmon arrive in great numbers during the months of May and June, when they can be seen hovering in the peaceful waters beneath the bridge. Fishing is allowed from February to September, and permits can be obtained from Galway Fisheries. Phone: +353 91 562 388.

Water Sports
The western coastline of Ireland is particularly rugged and remote. Surfers are more common to the south, though windsurfing is a popular pastime in the area surrounding Galway. If you’re planning a summertime beach excursion with the family, look for those marked with a Blue Flag, indicating safe, well-maintained facilities and clean water.

The forerunner of Galway's tourism scene is the cultural treasure trove found on the Aran Islands. The ruins of prehistoric fortresses found here (particularly Dun Aengus) are unlike anything else in the world. Meanwhile, the city boasts several items of interest ranging from historic churches to the eclectic Galway City Museum.

Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra
Ireland's largest medieval church still used as a place of worship was commissioned in the early 14th century. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus attended service here in 1477 as part of an exploratory mission to learn more about St Brendan, a sailor once believed to have successfully sailed to the Americas in the sixth century. The church itself is quite expansive, and the numerous building campaigns over the centuries have added to its historic core without overwhelming the original construction. Phone: +353 91 564 448.

Dartfield Horse Park and Museum
Located outside of Galway City in Kilreekill, this museum is dedicated to the contributions horses have made to Irish society. The exhibits begin with the earliest known instances of horse domestication. Meanwhile, the surrounding parkland stretches to cover 350 acres, all of which can be traversed on foot, horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage. Phone: +353 91 843968; www.dartfieldhorsemuseum.com

Dun Aengus
This important archaeological attraction is found next door to Galway city, perched on a seaside cliff in Inishmore. It is at least 3,000 years old and easily one of the finest prehistoric monuments in Europe. The fort is composed four walls emanating in concentric circles from its centre. Beware of stiff winds and the lack of guardrails when peering over the edge of the cliff-side platform. Phone: +353 91 610 08.

Galway City Museum
Originally established in 1976, this quirky, ramshackle museum hosts a delightful collection of artefacts related to the local fishing industry as well as to the War of Independence. At first inspection, the exhibits may seem a bit disorganised, though it takes little time to realise that this is where the facility draws its charm. Phone: +353 91 567 641.

Nora Barnacle House
James Joyce's wife, Nora Barnacle, once lived in this house. The author himself spent a considerable amount of time here in the early 1900s century. Now a museum dedicated to the relationship between these two people, the building houses a collection of Nora Barnacle's furniture, correspondence between the two and photographs they left behind. Phone: +353 91 564 743.

Galway's repeat visitors will tell you that it's the city's atmosphere rather than its sites and attractions that keep them coming back year after year. The city is most renowned for its pubbing and clubbing scene situated on either side of the river. The pedestrian avenue east of the river is laden with an endless array of touristy bars and restaurants, while you're more likely to find an authentic crowd of locals along the establishments on the western bank. Needless to say, stout beers and whiskey flow freely on both sides of the river.

In the past, Irish cuisine was often overlooked by international travellers; however, the past two decades have seen a resurgence in culinary interests. New Irish cuisine features beef, pork, lamb and to an increasing degree, fresh seafood. Potatoes are a common staple, as are seasoned green onions (champ) or cabbage (colcannon). Irish soda bread (leavened with sodium bicarbonate instead of yeast) owes much of its delicate texture to the buttermilk worked into the dough.

Galway's principle shopping district spans a stretch of town between the Corrib River and Eyre Square. This area is largely set aside exclusively for pedestrians, comprised of High, Mainguard, Williams, Shop and Quay streets. Even those who aren't particularly keen on shopping are likely to enjoy the atmosphere here in the historic centre of town.

You'll also find shopping venues tucked into Eyre Square itself. Most of Galway's boutiques and shopping outlets are geared towards tourists and eclectic shoppers. A silver or gold Claddagh friendship ring is one of Galway's most popular souvenirs, and even those who aren't planning to make a purchase will still want to view the local jewellers’ collections of vintage rings.