2 days in Galway and the lakes of Connemara, a plunge into authentic Ireland

Our weekend in Ireland begins with a flight from Paris to Shannon. Barely two hours later, we arrived in the west of Ireland. After booking a hire car at the airport, our city and countryside city trip can begin.

The old town of Galway

We dropped our bags off at the Eyre Square hotel in the north of Galway, then headed for the old town to take in the sights. The first stop is Eyre Square: this small central park is home to a number of monuments, including the Browne Doorway and the Quincentennial Fountain, a true symbol of the city and its past. The fountain has 3 metal panels representing the sails of a boat, a nod to Galway's traditional fishing boats.

On Saturdays, the Galway market is centred around St. Nicholas Church, where you'll find local producers and farmers, as well as a few craft stalls. It's a good time to get a takeaway, so you can eat in the street and enjoy the festive atmosphere, because if you're lucky you'll come across a street performance.

The pedestrianised centre is a great place to visit. Stroll along the streets, looking up to admire the colourful facades of the shops, pubs and restaurants. Then, as you turn a corner, a historic monument or religious building catches your eye. These include Lynch Castle, the Spanish Arch and Our Lady of Galway Cathedral on the other side of the Corrib.

At the end of the day, we head to the old fishing village of Claddagh. This small fishing port on the other side of the River Corrib, which has now become a part of Galway, enjoyed a golden age in the 19th century, when many fishermen and their families lived here overlooking Galway Bay. Traditions and customs were the order of the day as the sailing boats sailed past each day to sell the fresh fish in the Galway markets. Although fishing is no longer the main activity in Claddagh, a stroll through the streets will give you a sense of the traditional atmosphere.

To reach Claddagh, we cross the Wolfe Tone Bridge and then head for Claddagh Quay. The walk takes us along the left bank of the Corrib and we see the famous colourful houses that make the area so charming. The walk continues towards Nimmo Pier, then on to South Park, a green spot where you can breathe in the fresh air facing the mouth of the River Corrib. If you feel like it, you can even go for a swim in summer! It's the perfect place to sit and daydream, cycle, run or just fly your kite.

When it comes to tradition, you'll find plenty of authentic souvenirs in the city's shops. This is where the legendary Claddagh ring was created. Famous the world over, this ring depicts a heart held in hands with a crown on top. It's the jewel to give (and the typical gift to take home) to show your love, friendship or loyalty!

An evening in the Latin Quarter

After this long stroll, we head back over the Wolfe Tone Bridge to Quay Street for what promises to be a lively evening. This legendary street is part of the Latin Quarter, and is home to a host of bars, restaurants and pubs. Party-goers can enjoy the Irish atmosphere, while the early birds can just have a drink and a typical dish based on fresh fish, of course!

Where to stay in Galway?

An easy morning walk in Connemara

On our second day, we set off early in the morning by car for Connemara National Park. Galway provides easy access to this region, and in just 1 hour's drive, the first landscapes of hills and lakes unfold along the N59. There are several hiking trails in Connemara, with varying degrees of difficulty.

For a day out, the Lower Diamond Hill trail seems the most suitable. Head for the village of Letterfrack to begin a loop of around 3 km. It's ideal for families who want to walk for around an hour to get a good overview of the area. Once you arrive at the National Park car park, you can first ask for information at the visitor centre. Along the way, at the start of the hike, there are picnic tables where you can have lunch before beginning your exploration.

To begin the walk, blue markers differentiate between the Lower Diamond Hill trail (easier) and the Upper Diamond Hill trail in red (more difficult and longer, approximately 2h30). The hike begins with a climb to the summit, where you can branch off onto the blue trail. For 1 hour, the well-maintained path offers panoramic views of the park, its meadows, hills and streams. If the weather is clear, you may even catch a glimpse of the ocean!

Afternoon at Kylemore Abbey

In the middle of the afternoon, we make our way to the sublime Kylemore Castle. The building is well worth a visit when in Connemara. Situated at the foot of a hill, it is bordered by Lake Pollacappull. Now a Benedictine abbey, it is nevertheless open to visitors. On a sunny day, take a romantic stroll through the castle's Victorian gardens or the historic and grandiose rooms of the buildings, before visiting its neo-Gothic church.

The origins of this abbey date back to the 19th century, and its history is as romantic as it is tragic. The castle was built at the request of a businessman who decided to offer the residence to his wife, who had been captivated by the Connemara region 13 years earlier during a trip as a couple. The couple and their children lived there for 10 years until the wife, Margaret Vaughan, fell ill and died.

The husband, Mitchell Henry, decided to leave. But before he did, he built a memorial to honour his lost love. The architecture of the church bears witness to this love, with feminine curves and stained glass windows depicting women.

After a full and emotional day, it was time to head back to Galway and enjoy the last few moments of this city trip, watching the scenery unfold along the way. We spent one last evening in Galway, before catching our flight to Paris the next morning, with plenty of memories to savour.