The Bay of Galway

Image courtesy of Alan Morrison, wikimedia commons

Galway Bay is Ireland's second largest bay at thirty one miles wide by nineteen miles long.

situated on the Republic of ireland's west coast, the bay is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean which encompasses the two counties of County Connaught and County Clare. It's nautical limits are from Slyne Head in County Connaught to the north though to The Burren in County Clare to the south.

There are coastal several towns and fishing villages situated along the bay's coastline including Ballyvaughan, Barna, Clarinbridge, Clifden, Inveran, Kinvarra, Murroogh, Oranmore, Roundstone, shown above, and Galway City with it's fifteenth century castle, Roman Catholic cathedral and picturesque harbour.

Galway was built on the banks of the three mile long, Corrib River, which links the city with the Republic of Ireland's largest lake, the one hundred and ten square mile, Loch Corrib. Despite the river's length it is a popular destination for white water kayaking and the site of an impressive salmon weir.

Galway Bay is the site of three inhabited islands, Inish Mor (Inishmore), Inish Meain (Inishmaan) and Inish Oirr (Inisheer), collectively known as the Aran Islands. These small islands, with their medieval ruins, unique flora and fauna, stunning views and traditional Gaelic way of life can be reached by ferry from the port at Ros a'Mhil (Rossaveal), located fourteen four miles west of Galway City.

The bay is a popular tourist destination due to its fine beaches and unspoilt coastal towns and harbours. Other points of interest along the bay include the Aillwee Cliffs, the nine square mile Burren National Park a vast karst landscape of sinkholes, caves and underground caverns known as The Burren, the three hundred and ninety feet high, Cliffs of Moher and the traditional sailing crafts of the area known as Galway Hookers.

The bay is served by five lighthouses, the Inisheer Island Lighthouse, the Blackhead Clare Lighthouse on The Burren, the Leverets Lighthouse situated at Galway Harbour, Slyne Head Lighthouse and another island based lighthouse situated on Mutton Island.

SOME GALWAY BAY WEBSITES

Travel - www.galwaytourism.ie

Visit - www.galway-ireland.ie

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