Bed & Breakfast at The Swallow :: Salthill

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*Local Attractions in Salthill*
Salthill Beach Salthill Beach is less than a 5 minute walk away from The Swallow. It has been awarded a Blue Flag by An Taisce (for cleanliness and bathing water quality). Also, further along the beach is the diving tower at Blackrock, where crowds of people gather at high tide.
National Aquarium Of Ireland The National Aquarium of Ireland is the jewel in the crown of visitor attractions in the West of Ireland. Located in Salthill, it is Ireland's largest aquarium, and is home to 170 species of marine and freshwater life including Seahorses, Stingrays, and their gentle giant, the Angel Shark. Visitors can hold sleepy starfish and giant Spider Crabs, take part in the daily feeding frenzy, explore 'the deep' in a model submarine, and much more!
Leisureland Enjoy a fun day out for all the family at Leisureland in Salthill. There are three swimming pools open all year round, a 65m Waterslide, the Pirate Ship "Misty Dawn", and interactive water features in the Leisure Pool. An Inflatable Fun Run is operated in the main pool on certain days. Leisureland has an Outdoor Amusement Park (Easter-September), and its newest attraction "Inflatable City" (open during Holiday Periods) which gives hours of Bounce 'n' Fun for 3 to 12 year olds.
Trad on the Prom Trad on the Prom is an electrifying mix of music, song and dance. It showcases the amazing talents of Máirín Fahy and her world-class band. Máirín was the featured soloist with Riverdance since 1996 and is a regular guest with The Chieftains. She is joined by a host of special guests: Gerard Fahy, Marc Roberts, Yvonne McMahon, Sean Costello, and Cian Nolan. Trad on the Prom takes place in Salthill every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday during the period May - September incl.
Galway Golf Club This excellent parkland course is centrally located in Salthill. It has a magnificent new clubhouse (with full catering facilities) which boasts panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Burren from its elevated site.
*Attractions in Galway City*
Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas Galway was one of the most important Atlantic ports of north-western Europe during the Middle Ages, and it was natural that its main church should be dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra who, although better known to us today as Santa Claus, was also the patron saint of mariners. The church was founded in 1320, and remains one of the best-preserved and best-kept of Ireland’s medieval town churches.
The Spanish Arch The Spanish Arch, which is located on the banks of the river Corrib, was built in 1584. It was originally an extension of the famous city walls, designed to protect the quays. The Arch features a wooden sculpture, called Madonna of the Quays, which was sculpted by the well known artist, Claire Sheridan, who lived in the adjacent building during the 50s.
Galway City Museum Situated behind the famous Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum houses exhibitions which explore aspects of the history and heritage of Galway City, focussing on the medieval town, the Claddagh village and Galway, 1800-1950. In addition to these core exhibitions, the Museum mounts temporary exhibitions and hosts a variety of exhibits from other museums, galleries and special interest groups.
The Claddagh At the end of Quay Street, just across the Corrib River you can explore the old fishing village of The Claddagh. Today the Claddagh is a modern residential section of the city scattered with the remains of the past. The traditions of this place remain in Irish heritage today these include the claddagh ring which is a heart being clasped by two hands representing friendship.
Galway Cathedral Dominating the Galway skyline the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas is a sight which has become synonymous with the city and is located to the north of Shop Street (the main shopping area of Galway City). This building has a limestone modern exterior, on entering the visitor experiences the breathtaking Galway marble interior, intersected with mosaics along with vast ceilings and marble floors. The Cathedral was constructed on the site of the old Galway Gaol, which feature in Lady Gregory's writings "Gaol Gate"
Eyre Square Known locally as "the Square", this central plot was officially presented to the city in 1710 by Mayor Edward Eyre, from whom it took its name. Originally surrounded with a wooden fence, it was enclosed with iron railings in the late 1700s. These were removed in the 1960s, and subsequently re-erected around St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. In 1965, the square was officially renamed "Kennedy Memorial Park" in honour of US President John F. Kennedy, who visited here shortly before his assassination in 1963.
Lynch's Castle Lynch's Castle was the historic home of Galway's most powerful family. A magnificent limestone building, it is an excellent example of the Irish Gothic style. Its heavily carved facade bears the arms of Henry VIII. Standing on the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, Lynch's Castle gives us a rare glimpse of old Galway. The 1651 Pictorial Map of the city shows fourteen lavish merchant homes. Lynch's Castle alone survives intact. Today it houses the AIB bank.
*Attractions Further Afield* *(We will be happy to arrange tours & trips)*
The Aran Islands The Aran Islands are richly unique. Landscapes of Limestone rock, a stretch of cliffs facing the moods of the Atlantic, large bolders, rock formations, and unusally clean beaches. It is also a place steeped in cultural heritage and history. Gaelic language is the first language of its residents. It is considered the foothold of Irish culture. The Islands themselves are an outdoor museum of artifacts of religous and cultural importance. The three Aran Islands are situated at the mouth of Galway Bay.
Connemara From the rugged Twelve Bens mountain range in the north through lake-rich Roundstone Bog to the golden beaches reaching out into the Atlantic Ocean, you'll know you're in Connemara by the light that constantly changes the mood and tone of the landscape. This natural terrain and unspoilt environment offers the visitor a wonderland of sights, experiences, adventure and activities.
The Burren The Burren in North County Clare is unique - it is like no other place in Ireland. There are no bogs and very few pastures. Instead there are huge pavements of limestone with a vast network of underground drainage. The Burren is also famous for its flora. Limestone-loving plants such as foxgloves and rock roses grow here and the Burren also unusually nurtures plants found in the Artic, Alpine and Mediterranean regions. Many of the views around The Burren are truly spectacular, with beautifal vistas of Galway Bay and The Aran Islands.
The Cliffs of Moher The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's top Visitor attractions. The Cliffs are 214m high at the highest point and range for 8 kilometres over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O'Brien's Tower stands proudly on a headland of the majestic Cliffs. From the Cliffs one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, as well as The Twelve Pins, the Maum Turk Mountains in Connemara and Loop Head to the South.