Page 28 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

The Driver's Guide
Galway City
Photo by: Conor Luddy
the arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. In 1270, the Normans began to surround the new town of Galway with a large stone wall to protect against the Irish.
The fortification of the town was completed circa 1583, with the erection of a citadel that would later become known as the Spanish Arch. The Spanish Arch was built to access The Long Walk and the harbour outside the city walls at that time. This is where Spanish traders unloaded & loaded their ships for many centuries.
SHOP STREET
GALWAY CITY CENTRE
The main shopping, and nightlife artery of the city, take a walk down Shop Street to hear great music, browse the finest traditional Irish crafts and eat and drink in some of the city’s most vibrant and welcoming pubs and restaurants.
KINVARA – DUNGUAIRE CASTLE
N67 TOWARDS KINVARA 30 min from exit
Situated on the Southeastern Shore of Galway Bay near Kinvara, Dunguaire Castle is a striking 16th century townhouse with a 75-foot tower and
Spanish Arch
Photo by: Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ (Flickr)
defensive wall, all restored to excellent condition. During the summer the grounds are open to visit to tourists. The castle was built by the Hynes clan in approximately 1520, the family itself was closely associated with the area as far back as 662. The name ‘Kinvara’ originates from King Guaire, an ancient and legendary King of Connaught, who rose from the dead to help the most needy in his kingdom.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
THE ARAN ISLANDS
INISHMORE
Stretching to the west of the route through the Wild Atlantic Way as you make your way from Clare through Galway are the rugged Aran Islands, made up if Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer. Inishmore is by far the largest and westernmost of the Aran Islands and is also the most accessible by sea and air. It’s an exceptionally popular destination for tourists.
There is plenty to see on the island and a range of minibuses, horse trails and bike rentals to facilitate sightseeing. Some of the most impressive sites on the island include Dun Aenghus, a towering prehistoric fort on some of Ireland’s highest cliffs. It’s the most
iconic site on the island, and recognised as a world heritage site. Other attractions include St Benan’s church, St Enda’s house and the numerous Dun’s, dolmens and medieval antiquities that dot the island, with over 50 monuments of Celtic mythology, pre-Christian and Christian heritage to be discovered. There is plenty to see and the island is accessible all year round by Ferry from Rossaveal. www.aranislands.info
Inishmore Island
28 WILD ATLANTIC