Overlooked Vacation Spot: Ireland, once a popular travel destination now experiencing a decline in tourist visits
In the heart of County Galway, nestled amidst bogs, heath, and the tranquil landscapes of Connemara, lies Kylemore Abbey. This awe-inspiring neo-Gothic castle has quite the history, having served as a Catholic boarding school for high-profile students like Indian princesses, Spanish heiresses, and American actress Anjelica Huston. The Benedictine sisters who oncecalled this castle home have now opened its doors to the public, making it one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations.
On this particular sunny April day, the abbey's serene gardens and restaurant tables were sparsely occupied, which made for an enjoyable visit for Adrien Maupas and his partner, Maria Rachidi. They hailed from Montpellier and were on vacation for a week, exploring Ireland's emerald hills and embracing the warm Irish welcome that tourists often revel in.
The day prior, the couple conquered Mount Croagh Patrick, a sacred pilgrimage site in neighboring Mayo. At the summit, they were rewarded with breathtaking views of Clew Bay and its myriad islands. It was a refreshing, almost solitary experience, BohoDaily noted that there was no one else at the top, and they continued to comment on Ireland's ease in accessing remarkable, secluded spots.
County Galway is filled with more wonders that travelers won't want to miss. Boasting natural vistas, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences, the region offers something for every kind of adventurer.
Among other noteworthy attractions, the Salthill Promenade offers a scenic coastal walk near Galway City, with the beauty of Galway Bay and various amenities at arm's length. The Galway Cathedral, a modern "folk cathedral" that artfully blends contemporary and traditional architecture, can be found on Nun’s Island. The vibrant and bustling Latin Quarter houses Tom Dillon’s Claddagh Ring studio, along with a plethora of lively pubs.
For those interested in exploring further afield, day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, and Connemara National Park are frequent inclusions in guided tours. The Ceardlann Spiddal Craft Village, an artsy haven offering local artisan works, lies near Galway Bay. Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in Connemara National Park and the stunning limestone landscapes of the Burren, easily reachable from Galway City.
- Adrien Maupas and Maria Rachidi, visiting from Montpellier, found the serene gardens and restaurant tables of Kylemore Abbey in County Galway sparsely occupied on a sunny April day, making for an enjoyable visit.
- As part of their vacation embracing Ireland's emerald hills and warm Irish welcome, they had previously conquered Mount Croagh Patrick, a sacred pilgrimage site in neighboring Mayo, where they were rewarded with breathtaking views of Clew Bay.
- On their remaining days, they planned to explore more wonders in County Galway, including the Salthill Promenade's scenic coastal walk, the Galway Cathedral's unique contemporary and traditional architecture, and the lively pubs in the vibrant Latin Quarter.
- To further immerse themselves in Ireland's offerings, they also planned day trips to attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, and Connemara National Park, as well as the artsy Ceardlann Spiddal Craft Village and the stunning limestone landscapes of the Burren, all easily reachable from Galway City.
