We have the opportunity to borrow a house in Galway city for 2 weeks this summer. We're not too athletic - but we do like hiking. And we like cities. Would we be able to keep busy for 2 weeks?

Fran:...with properly selected day trips, yes, you can fill two weeks. You would need a car or have to depend on local transportation which would significantly limit your mobility. Have made three enjoyable visits to Galway.

One full (or 2) days could include a boat trip to Arran Islands (leave from Galway, or drive to Rossaveal for a shorter boat trip.(see map)

Another would be the very appealing Connemara Peninsula to Clifden (lunch at Destry's which should still be there), drive the Sky Road, see a small community of thatched roof houses, and on to striking idyllically situated Kylemore Abbey (the little chapel is magnifcient)...from there you could go directly to Cong (classic John Wayne pic, The Quiet Man, was filmed there).
And nearby

In town, there's the interesting Royal Tara Porcelain factory...detailed tours available at no charge, at least they were). Good photo ops of the process.

Tea at the grand old Southern Hotel is quite a nice experience. Center of town.

Watch the salmon upstream run on the River Corrib running through Galway.(photo op)

Drive a few miles south for a delicious oyster lunch at Moran's in Kilcoglin.

Take in the vast and unique Burren en route to Cliffs of Moher (day trip)

Little village of Doolin is very near the Cliffs..so you can take in a lunch there and visit the famous Gus O'Connor's Pub..before heading back to Galway.

The Salt Hill residential area on Galway Bay is quite nice. I went running there on a cold late fall day years ago, and as I ran by the pier, I saw someone jump off into the bay. Fearing that someone slipped and fell in, figuring the water water was ice dold, I ran very fast to see what had happened..when I reached the edge of the pier, ready to jump in if need be to heroically save the poor bloke, I stopped in my tracks...and was raucously greeted by about a dozen swimmers...all members of the Galway Polar Bear swim club...they invited me to swim..I politely declined and trudged on my way, rather embarrassed. No hero badge today!

We visited the little village of Tullykyne, near Moycullen, close to Galway on three occasions to visit friends. No one left. Here are some pics you might enjoy, without getting into the long history. We watched the 150-year old homestead go from old rural to fairly modern in a period of 16 years, thanks to government help to pensioners.

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...6PhMe88fG7yQE#

Other than that...yes, with free housing, take the two weeks and enjoy. Just my opinion and I'll stick to it.

stu

p.s....should be plenty of daylight hours in August, so your day trips need not be rushed.
stu

Forgot to mention the beautiful Ashford Castle next door to Cong...I started to mention it but didn't finish. There is a nice little lunch place on the grounds in a separate building.

Stu - thank you so much! These all sound like wonderful day trips! Or even an overnight or 2. I could never have figured all that out.
I loved the pictures - really tell a story of Ireland in the last 20 years, don't they...
I'm sold!

All I can add is.....Go for it!!! What a wonderful thing to have at your convenience. Clifden is a neat little town and the Burren should not be missed. Driving can be a challenge as you must shift with your left hand..UGH!!! If you can afford an automatic you will enjoy your outings more. You won't even scratch the surface in 2 weeks..

Thanks for the encouragement!

Moycullen has Connemara Marble Factory and Connemara Celtic Crystal for shopping and tours.

You can take a Hawk Walk at Ireland's School of Falconry located on the grounds of Ashford Castle (the walk to the School from the main gate is just lovely on its own).

Also think about a long day trip (or overnight) to Achill Island.

Galway City is surprisingly sophisticated and "artsy" for its size. Check at the Tourist Center or city publications for plays, poetry readings, lectures and music in pubs. West of Galway City is the area called Connemara and it is Irish speaking, although everyone also speaks English.The town of Spiddal, about 15 miles west of Galway City, has an excellent crafts center and cafe, right across from Galway Bay. Leenane is a town at the western end of Galway by the Mayo border; it fronts on Ireland's only fjord & I believe there are boat trips along the fjord.The Inagh Valley (?correct spelling), is stunning. Drive along the southern coast west of Galway to Roundstone and adjacent villages. There is plenty of hill climbing in Connemara. Years ago I found either a book or a web site that described many walks.Galway and Connemara are my favorite area of Ireland -- after the Dingle Peninsula.

If you like to hike, you should take a look at these online resources
www.irishtrails.ie
www.coillteoutdoors.ie
You find many hikes with short to moderate lengths.

Info on lots of historic sites, castles, parks & gardens can by found on the website of the state-run Office of Public Works:
www.heritageireland.ie

While coastal Western Ireland will probably keep you busy, there is also lots to discover away from the stunning shores, e.g. Clonmacnoise monestary or the nice town of Ennis.

usafran; I second the suggestion of doing a Connemara area trip. You should definitely stop at the Connemara National Park, since you like to hike you will enjoy their 3 different levels of hiking trails. We did the #2 one which is about 2.5 klm and it was just right for those of us who are not extremely adventurous. The 5+ klm #3 trail is probably only for the under 30 group and those in very good shape. The scenery is BEAUTIFUL on all the trails and in my opinion this is a must stop. Be sure to also visit Kylemore Abbey, JUST MAGNIFICENT.