Galway in july

Ireland’s Highest Peak
© mozzercork (Flickr)

A visit to the Galway horse racing festival at the end of July should not just be viewed as a standard day at the races.

True, the horse racing is of a very high quality, with the top Irish and English trainers participating, and the feature Galway plate, itself, draws huge crowds.

However, night life in Galway City during festival week has to be experienced. Most of the lively bars provide entertainment, and Monroes Tavern in particular, is home to a unique blend of raw Irish music.

There is also County Galway itself to be explored.

Just over an hour’s drive to the
North West of the city is the unspoiled landscape of Connemara. Here, Ireland’s holy mountain Croagh Patrick has drawn thousands of walkers dating back to St Patrick’s time. It is quite a vigorous hike to the top, but it does offer stunning views of Connemara and County Mayo.

In fact, such is the friendliness of the city and its surrounding area that people return year after year, treating the festival as a holiday.