Our journey through historic Galway begins in the heart of the city, at the famous Eyre Square. This bustling square, officially known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, is not only a popular gathering place for locals and tourists, but also a witness to the city's centuries-old history. Founded in 1710, Eyre Square has undergone many transformations while retaining its unique character. Today, strolling through its alleys, we can admire interesting sculptures and monuments that tell the story of Galway and Ireland. Of particular note is a fragment of the original medieval city wall from the 14th century, reminding us of the site's rich past. Eyre Square is an ideal place to start exploring the city - from here we can easily reach other attractions in the center.

Just a few minutes' walk from Eyre Square is Galway's true gem - the famous Latin Quarter. This picturesque district, with its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful building facades, takes us straight into the medieval atmosphere. The Latin Quarter is the cultural and entertainment heart of Galway, full of traditional Irish pubs, restaurants serving local delicacies, craft boutiques and art galleries. It is here that you can feel the true spirit of Ireland, listening to live music coming from the pubs or enjoying performances by street performers.

As you stroll through the Latin Quarter, look out for historic buildings such as the 14th-century St. Nicholas Church - the oldest working church in Ireland - and the remains of the medieval city walls. The quarter is also home to Spanish Arch, a 16th-century gate that was part of the city's defense system and is a reminder of the days when Galway was an important trading port.

When comparing Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter, we can see that while both places are full of history, they offer slightly different experiences. Eyre Square is a spacious, modern square, ideal for relaxing and observing city life, while the Latin Quarter impresses with its medieval charm and intimate atmosphere. Eyre Square is more accessible and open, making it a great place for families with children. The Latin Quarter, on the other hand, offers more diverse attractions and is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the city's culture and history.

Both locations are free to visit, making them attractive options for travelers on a tight budget. However, it's worth keeping in mind that the Latin Quarter can be more crowded, especially during evening hours and on weekends. Eyre Square offers more open space and may be a better choice for those looking for a quieter environment.

Leaving Galway's bustling city center, we head toward the impressive historic sites that bear witness to the region's turbulent history. The first stop on our tour is the fascinating Aughnanure Castle, located just 26 km from the city center. This 15th-century castle, built by the O'Flaherty clan, is a fine example of Irish defensive architecture. Aughnanure Castle impresses not only with its austere stone structure, but also with its picturesque location on the banks of the river. As you tour the castle, you can admire the well-preserved residential tower, the remains of the defensive walls and unique architectural details, such as the banqueting hall and the defensive machicoulis. The castle is open to the public from March to November, and admission tickets cost about 5 euros for adults, with concessions for children and senior citizens.

Our next destination is the Cathedral of the Assumption and St. Nicholas in Galway, located in the heart of the city. This impressive church, although relatively young (built in 1958-1965), is one of Galway's most important landmarks. The cathedral impresses with its monumental architecture, combining modern and traditional elements. Inside you can admire the beautiful stained glass windows, mosaics and impressive organ. The cathedral is open to the public daily and admission is free, making it an accessible attraction for all tourists.

Leaving Galway, it's worth heading to the picturesque Kylemore Abbey, located about 77 km from the city. This remarkable place, which combines the romantic history of a 19th-century castle with the spirituality of a Benedictine monastery, is a true gem of the Connemara region. Kylemore Abbey impresses not only with its architecture, but also with its surrounding beautiful Victorian gardens and wild landscape. Visitors can explore the abbey's interior, stroll through the gardens and savor the tranquility of this unique place. The abbey is open to tourists year-round, and admission tickets cost about 14 euros for adults, with discounts available for children and groups.

The last point on our tour is Thoor Ballylee, also known as Yeats Tower. This medieval tower, located about 40 kilometers from Galway, became famous thanks to Irish poet W.B. Yeats, who purchased and restored it in the 20th century. Today, Thoor Ballylee is not only a monument, but also a cultural center dedicated to Yeats' work. The tower offers a unique opportunity to combine history and literature, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere that inspired one of Ireland's greatest poets.

When comparing these monuments, it is worth noting their diversity. Aughnanure Castle offers the most authentic medieval experience, ideal for lovers of history and defensive architecture. Galway Cathedral, though younger, impresses with its grandeur and is easily accessible to all visitors to the city. Kylemore Abbey stands out for its romantic location and beautiful gardens, making it ideal for families and nature lovers. Thoor Ballylee, the smallest of these attractions, offers the most intimate and literary experience. Admission prices to these sites range from the free cathedral to the more expensive Kylemore Abbey, allowing you to tailor your sightseeing itinerary to suit a variety of budgets.

Our tour of Galway's historic route has come to an end, but the city and its surroundings still hide many fascinating places to discover. For those who wish to dive deeper into the region's history and culture, we suggest some additional attractions that will complete the picture of this remarkable Irish city.

One such place is the Galway City Museum, located in the heart of the city near Spanish Arch. This modern museum offers a fascinating journey through Galway's history, from prehistoric times to the present. Exhibits include archaeological artifacts, works of art and artifacts related to the daily lives of residents over the centuries. Admission to the museum is free, making it an excellent option for families and those traveling on a budget.

For nature and history lovers, a visit to Connemara National Park, located about 80 km from Galway, is recommended. This vast national park offers not only breathtaking scenery, but also traces of ancient settlements and ancient megalithic tombs. Walking along the park's trails, you can enjoy the wildlife of Ireland while discovering the remains of the ancient inhabitants of the land.

Also worth a visit is the picturesque town of Clifden, known as the 'capital of Connemara', about 77 kilometers from Galway. This charming place, founded in the early 19th century, impresses with its Georgian architecture and rich history. In Clifden you can see the ruins of D'Arcy Castle, visit the Marconi Museum telling the story of the first transatlantic radio transmission, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Irish town.

For those interested in prehistory, a fascinating site will be Dún Aonghasa on the island of Inis Mór (one of the Aran Islands). This impressive prehistoric cliff fort, dating to the Iron Age, offers not only a history lesson, but also breathtaking views of the Atlantic. A trip to the Aran Islands is also an opportunity to experience traditional Irish culture and see the famous Aran sweaters.

When comparing these additional attractions to the previously described sights, it's worth noting that they offer a more diverse experience. Galway City Museum is a great option for those who prefer an educational and interactive tour, while Connemara National Park and Dún Aonghasa are ideal for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Clifden, on the other hand, offers a more intimate small Irish town experience, in contrast to bustling Galway.

In terms of accessibility and cost, Galway City Museum and Connemara National Park are the most affordable, offering free admission. An excursion to the Aran Islands and a visit to Dún Aonghasa involves additional ferry costs, but offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the area.

All in all, Galway and its surroundings offer an extremely rich and varied program for lovers of history, culture and nature. From medieval castles and cathedrals to picturesque towns to prehistoric forts and wild national parks, there is something for everyone. Whether you have one day or a whole week to spare, Galway is sure to impress you with its charm and rich history, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your trip around the green island.