Culture & Heritage

From the euphoric energy and creative dance improvisation of world champions, Cathal Keaney and Colm Conneely to the haunting pipe-playing of Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games’ composer and musical director Gerard Fahy. And from a fun and funky dance-off between Tik-Tok sensation Cairde members Dara kelly and Ronan O’ Connell, performed within the audience, to the adrenalin-pumping trad rock mastery of Yvonne Fahy on the bodhrán – Trad on the Prom is two hours of pure excitement. Framed by the breath-taking beauty and passionate power of legendary fiddler and vocalist Máirín Fahy, this iconic show is an Irish music, song and dance experience like no other, and a holiday highlight we promise you’ll never forget.

Situated in the centre of Connemara, on Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, Kylemore Abbey is a refuge of history, grandeur, and tranquillity. Home to a Benedictine order of Nuns for the past 100 years, who welcome visitors from all over the world each year to discover the abbey and its Victorian Walled Garden .

Galway City Museum is a designated repository for objects of cultural heritage related to the city of Galway and its people. The collection comprises of thousands of objects from the prehistoric era, medieval era, World War 1, 1916 Rising, and early 20th Century Ireland, most of which have been kindly donated by the people of Galway over the past 40 years. The museum is in Spanish Parade, directly behind the Spanish Arch. Admission to the museum is free but tickets must be booked in advance.

Take time and experience one of Galway’s most popular heritage attractions. Katie’s Cottage Museum and Arts Centre is a restored authentic Claddagh traditional dwelling in the heart of one of the oldest fishing villages in Ireland. Owner Cathriona Walsh lovingly restored the cottage with the help of her father, a designer and builder on the project.

Galway Cathedral is a remarkable and striking building which looks as if it has been a part of the Galway landscape for generations. Visitors are often surprised to learn the green-domed, renaissance style cathedral is one of Europe’s youngest cathedrals and opened in 1965 built on the site of what was once the old city prison.

Dating back to 1520, Dunguaire Castle was founded by Rory Mor O’Shaughnessy. The castle has witnessed sieges and warring clans and has hosted renowned literary figures over the centuries. Located less than an hour from the hotel, the castle sits on a rocky outcrop on the shores of Galway Bay, its architecture is simple yet magnificent.

Standing on the corner where Shop Street meets Abbeygate Street since the 16th century, you’ll find Lynch’s Castle which is currently home to an AIB Bank, making it the oldest building still in commercial use in Ireland. Built by the Lynch Family, one of the fourteen ruling Tribes of Galway, as a means of protection from attack. The Lynch family coat of arms and the arms of King Henry VII are located right above the doorway of the castle. You’ll also find embellished windows and ornamental mouldings on this beautiful piece of architecture.