Galway’s Most Insta-Friendly Towns


While Galway City has more than its fair share of picture-perfect streets, the surrounding countryside is even more beautiful. So, where to start? We’ve compiled some of the most Instagram-friendly locations across Galway for your delight.
Carraroe
Carraroe is a ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ size town less than an hour west of Galway City, famous for its Galway Hookers, a traditional type of boat long used by locals to transport goods out to the islands and up and down the coast. Head to Caladh Thadhg pier and you’ll still see them being loaded up; you might even get a picture on one, if a friendly fisherman obliges. The landscape around Carraroe is stunning, and a favourite for cyclists; if you fancy joining them, you can hire bikes in the town – spandex is optional.
Insider Tip: Head to Trá an Dóilin, one of only two coral beaches in Ireland.
Distance from The Dean Galway: 43km
Clifden
Located in one of the country’s most picturesque spots at the foot of the Twelve Pins Mountains, and overlooking the sea, it’s hard to overstate just how pretty this place is. Clifden of course, played an integral part in aviation history, being the spot where Alcock and Brown landed their Vickers aircraft after an 1,800km flight from Newfoundland, the first to pilots cross the Atlantic by air non-stop. These days the town has lots to offer, from pitch and putt and pony trekking to sailing, scuba diving and fishing.
Insider Tip: Lowry’s Bar is the place to go if you want to experience a proper Connemara trad music session. Oh, and order the bangers and mash; they’re fab.
Distance from The Dean Galway: 77km


Barna
This picturesque fishing village has – due to Galway’s ever expanding suburbs – been appropriated by the city, but the locals will tell you Barna has its own special magic, thank you very much. So what’s on offer here? Well, there’s lots of boating and shore fishing options as well as a popular swimming spot. Or you could just buy an ice-cream and watch the fishing boats come and go. Bliss.
Insider Tip: Play a round at Bearna Golf Club; the final four holes are as spectacular as anywhere in the world.
Distance from The Dean Galway: 8km


Oughterard
There are few places more idyllic than this small village on the banks of Lough Corrib, nestled beneath the beautiful Hill of Doon. If you are into fishing, this is the place for you, and there are probably more anglers per square mile here than anywhere else in Ireland.
Insider Tip: Who doesn’t love alpacas? Curraghduff Farm offers a hands-on experience with their delightful alpacas; definitely worth the trip from the village.
Distance from The Dean Galway: 27km
Kinvara
Located on the southern shores of Galway Bay and considered the gateway to the Burren, Kinvara is a former port town, from where Connemara’s turf was put on boats and sailed around Ireland. The town was once described as a fishing village with a drinking problem (if you consider drinking a problem) and there’s a host of cozy pubs in which to take refuge in.
Insider Tip: Head to nearby Dungaire Castle, where, during the summer, medieval feasts are held. Just go easy on the mead, yeh?
Distance from The Dean Galway: 33km
Need a Ride? Ask our front desk team for transport options to any of these locations!