Galway Bay & Burren Edge
Galway • Clare
About This Route
Follow the southern shore of Galway Bay from the vibrant city to the lunar landscape of the Burren. This route offers the best of the West - traditional music, oyster beds, and one of Europe's most unusual landscapes.
Why This Route?
Galway Bay delivers quintessential Ireland:
- Galway City - Bohemian atmosphere, traditional music nightly
- Coastal villages - Kinvara, Ballyvaughan, traditional harbours
- The Burren - Unique limestone landscape
- Oyster beds - Galway's famous shellfish
- Wild Atlantic Way - Official signature point
The Route
Galway City
Begin in Ireland's most atmospheric city:
The Latin Quarter
Cobbled streets packed with:
- Traditional pubs (Tigh Neachtain, Tigh Coili, The Crane)
- Buskers and street performers
- Craft shops and bookshops
- Restaurants serving local seafood
The Spanish Arch
Medieval harbour gateway, now a gathering place.
The Long Walk
Colourful houses along the harbour - Galway's most photographed spot.
Salthill
The seaside suburb:
- Promenade walk (kick the wall for luck)
- Diving boards
- Blackrock for sea swimming
Oranmore
Castle at the harbour mouth, gateway to south Galway.
Clarinbridge
Oyster capital of Ireland:
- Paddy Burke's - Famous oyster bar
- Annual Oyster Festival (September)
- Tasting direct from the beds
Kinvara
Perhaps the West's most picturesque village:
- Dunguaire Castle on the water
- Medieval banquets in season
- Traditional boats in the harbour
- Excellent pubs and restaurants
Ballyvaughan
Gateway to the Burren:
- Scenic harbour
- Craft shops
- Starting point for Burren exploration
The Burren (Northern Edge)
The lunar landscape of limestone pavement:
- Poulnabrone Dolmen - 5,000-year-old portal tomb
- Caherconnell - Stone fort with sheepdog demonstrations
- Burren Perfumery - Local products and tearoom
- Botanical walks - Mediterranean and Arctic plants together
Black Head
The dramatic headland where the Burren meets the sea. Wild Atlantic Way Signature Point.
Return via Ballyvaughan
Or continue to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher (see Clare route).
Music Sessions
Galway is Ireland's traditional music capital:
Galway City
- Tigh Coili - Sessions most nights
- The Crane Bar - Serious music venue
- Monroe's - Large venue, regular sessions
- Taaffes - Historic pub
Kinvara
- Tully's - Regular sessions
- Connolly's - Traditional atmosphere
Food & Drink
Oysters
Galway Bay oysters have EU protected status. Best at:
- Paddy Burke's (Clarinbridge)
- Moran's on the Weir (Kilcolgan)
- Kai (Galway city)
Seafood Generally
The bay provides:
- Crab and lobster
- Wild salmon (seasonal)
- Mussels
- Brown crab claws
Galway Hookers
Not what you think - traditional sailing boats, and the name of a local craft beer.
Walking
Burren Way (Sections)
Long-distance trail - day walks possible.
Flaggy Shore
Easy coastal walk near New Quay.
Black Head Loop
Moderate coastal and limestone walk.
Practical Tips
- Galway parking - Use designated car parks; city centre is difficult
- Music sessions - Usually start 9:30pm
- Oyster Festival - Late September; book accommodation early
- Burren - Easy to get lost; download maps
- Dunguaire banquets - Book in advance (seasonal)
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
