Go east to get west this summer in Ireland
Galway, in the west of Ireland, is gearing up for one of the biggest parties in its history, when the Volvo Ocean Race stops over from May 23 to June 6. Famous for festivals such as the Galway Oyster Festival and the Galway Arts Festival, it has a packed schedule of events planned for this special event which will welcome over 500 boats to its harbour, including Ireland’s own ‘Green Dragon’. Enjoy this list of top 10 reasons why you should come and join in on the craic (Irish for ‘fun’) at the Galway Volvo Ocean Race stopover:
1. For the sailors
Get to see the magnificent Volvo Ocean Race fleet up close and mingle with some of the world’s leading yachtsmen. You can take on the PUMA mast challenge, get on the water and view the traditional and beautiful Galway Hookers racing in Galway Bay.
2. Galway City
Galway is a bustling vibrant city known for its culture, lively atmosphere and warm and welcoming people. With so much to offer, enjoy award winning restaurants, luxurious hotels, cosmopolitan cafes, bars and areas of historical significance. There are colorful shops and the sound of Irish music rings through the air. The Irish spas know how to put the bliss back into pampering, with a vast arrange of choice for the discerning visitor in Galway.
3. Entertainment for all
Choose from street theatre performances in the Race Village, entertainment along the Green Dragon route, model boat racing and the Volvo Ocean Race experience including the simulator and the grinder challenge. Catch an air display by the famous Red Arrows who will also undertake two record attempts during the stopover. There truly is something for all the family.
4. In Port racing – 29th May – 1st June
Everyone will enjoy the spectacle of the In Port Racing! Where you can watch the teams’ maneuver these formula 1 racing machines around the short inshore race course, all racing will be shown live on big screens with expert commentary.
5. For music lovers
There will be numerous FREE concerts on the main stage in the Race Village over the fortnight including Hothouse Flowers, Sharon Shannon, The Coronas and The Stunning.
6. Tranquil Beaches
Of the 76 Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, 19 of them are located in Western Ireland. The beaches range from hidden pocket beaches to wide swaths of sand filled with local activities and amenities. Traught Beach in County Galway is a great spot for observing the local bird population. Whatever your taste in beaches, Galway has the perfect spot to throw down your towel!
7. Support the home team
Green Dragon is the Irish entry into the Volvo Ocean race and boasts a wealth of Irish sailing talent including Ireland’s own Yachtsman of the Year; Damian Foxall. Come and support the local team.
8. Galway Atlantiquarium
The Galway Atlantiquarium has 58 exhibits containing 170 species ranging from Seahorses to Octopus to Pike. You can see a real 60ft Fin Whale skeleton, the largest skeleton in Ireland and feed the trout and finger nibbling mullet. There are opportunities to touch starfish, Irish Shark and a giant Spider crab and meet Valentine, the world’s only captive white Skate.
9. Walking Tours
Galway, “The City of Tribes” walking tour provides a fun blast of the Ireland many first time visitors expect. The compact city centre, with its winding streets, packed pubs and air of celebration, is easily walked. The west coast city of almost 70,000 is home to merry bands of students, artists, musicians, writers and craftspeople, and is merriest during summer’s Galway’s Arts Festival. Don’t miss shopping for Claddagh rings, the Druid Theatre or having a pint ‘o’ the black stuff at one of the many traditional bards.
10. Fancy a spot of Golf?
There are numerous superbly designed golf courses with the stunning backdrop of Galway Bay and the rugged curves of the Atlantic coastline with mature trees, water hazards, concealed bunkers and highly acclaimed putting surfaces. With variable wind speed and directions these courses play differently each day posing a considerable challenge to even the lowest handicap golfers, yet it is a true and fair test of golf!
May 25, 2009
Posted in: Ireland