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Located west of Galway City, in large tracts of Connemara, is Ireland's
largest Gaeltacht region. Here, the Irish language (Gaeilge) is the
everyday spoken language of a people who live and work in Galway's
cultural heartland. People here switch from Irish to English and vice-
versa with ease and their English is peppered with Gaeilge phrases.
Here is a treasure house of all that is best in rich Irish heritage, culture
and folklore where people still sing and dance in the old traditional
manner.
Driving westwards along Galway's coast, the variation in landscape
will strike you. On the left is the powerful Atlantic and to your right
is Connemara, a scenic vista of bogs, valleys and lakes whose
spectacular intricate coastline encloses the dramatic Twelve Pins (Na
Beanna Beola) and Maamturk Mountains. Quiet little roads wind
through the majestic landscape and lead you from village to village.
Still unspoiled and relatively unexplored, you will find clean
beaches, scenic walks, peace and quiet and regardless of where you
turn you are never far from the sea.
Just off the coast, in the mouth of Galway Bay, lie the three Aran Islands
of Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr. These islands are renowned for their
unique way of life, where age-old traditions co-exist comfortably with
modern living. The islands have a rich history that can be seen from
their ancient monuments, from both prehistoric and Christian times.
d i s c o v e r t h e g a l wa y g a e l t a c h t
heritage, culture and folklore...