Sightseeing Tours, Galway, June 17th – June 21st
The organizers of PET 09 are very pleased to offer the following sightseeing tours to delegates and accompanying guests. We have teamed up with an expert local tour company, Galway Tour Company (www.galwaytourcompany.com), to offer these tours. Please note that the walking tour on June 17th is included in your registration fee. Other tours are not. Also please note that for logistical reasons we would greatly appreciate your co-operation in informing us beforehand which of the walking tours you are interested in. The tours have been chosen to give you some experience of the natural beauty and traditional culture of Galway and its surrounding areas. Obviously the tours don't cover all the attractions in the Galway area. We would be glad to advise you about other interesting things to do in the Galway area. Please contact the main tourist office in Galway (irelandwestinfo@failteireland.ie) for more information about places to visit before or after the conference. Tourist information and booking facilities are also available at http://www.discoverireland.ie/west.aspx.
June 17th- Wednesday
Walking Tours – Explore the medieval City of Galway on foot with a qualified guide. Duration of tour: 90 minutes approximately.
What to bring: Raincoat- just in case!
Start Point: Eyre Square, Galway City Centre - outside the Tourist Information Kiosk.
Other information: Please inform Brendan Kennelly (brendan.kennelly@nuigalway.ie) or the tour company (info@galwaytourcompany.com) which of these tours you and/or your accompanying guest(s) plan to avail of so that a sufficient number of guides will be available at each time.
1-2 pm: Shuttle Bus Transfer available for delegates staying at Marriott Hotel, Corrib Village, Westwood Hotel and Galway Bay Hotel. Please note that you MUST email Brendan Kennelly or the tour company (info@galwaytourcompany.com) if you wish to be picked up at your hotel. Those staying in central Galway hotels will be able to walk to Eyre Square.
2 pm: Walking tour begins at Eyre Square, ends at Galway Cathedral.
4 pm: Return Shuttle Bus Transfer for delegates staying at Marriott Hotel, Corrib Village, Westwood Hotel and Galway Bay Hotel. Delegates can also choose to walk from the Cathedral to the University to collect their conference packs.
4 pm: Walking tour begins at Eyre Square, Ends at Galway Cathedral. Please note that a shuttle bus service will not be available before this tour.
6 pm: Return Shuttle Bus Transfer for delegates staying at Marriott Hotel, Corrib Village, Westwood Hotel and Galway Bay Hotel. Delegates can also choose to walk from the Cathedral to the University to collect their conference packs and to go to the welcome reception and BBQ at the College Bar.
June 21st – Sunday
On Sunday, June 21st, delegates will be offered an opportunity to sign up for one of two sightseeing tours organized by the Galway Tour Company. The cost of these tours is not included in the registration fee. The tours will be to the Burren & Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara & Cong.
The Galway Tour Company is offering these coach tours at a student rate to all delegates and their accompanying guests - ID will not be required!! Delegates can sign up for these tours beforehand by going to the following web site: www.galwaytourcompany.com, or at the registration desk at the conference.
Tour Details are as follows:
Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour
A full day, fully guided coach tour departing Galway City at 10am, allowing you to see the beautiful Burren region - home to 75% of Ireland's native flora and location of numerous ancient monuments, including the 5,800 year old Poulnabrone Dolmen before stopping for 2 hours at the spectacular 200-meter high, 8 kms long Cliffs of Moher before returning to Galway at approximately 5:30pm.
Cost: 20 euros (Does not include lunch although a lunch stop will be made at a local Pub)
* Galway Tour Company provides a complimentary pick-up/drop-off service from/to all delegate hotels. Details available from hotel receptions or at registration or call 091-566566
Connemara & Cong Tour
A full day, fully guided coach tour departing Galway City at 10 am takes you west into the romantic Connemara region including a 1 hour stop at Cong village, location of the Quiet Man movie. Expect mountains, lakes, rivers & fjords before arriving at the beautiful Kylemore Abbey for sightseeing and/or lunch. The tour takes you through some of the most spectacular scenic areas in the West of Ireland including Lough Nafooey, Killary Fjord and the Inagh Valley.
Tour returns to Galway at approximately 5:30 pm.
Cost: 20 euros (Does not include 8 euro optional Entrance Fee to Kylemore Abbey & Gardens although lunch will be available at Kylemore Abbey)
* Galway Tour Company provides a complimentary pick-up/drop-off service from/to all delegate hotels. Details available from hotel receptions or at registration or call 091-566566
Note: a minimum number of 25 people are needed for each tour to go ahead. If the minimum number is not attained people will be redirected to another similar tour organized by the Galway Tour Company.
Other Information
The Galway Tour Company organizes many tours not included in the information above and will be happy to assist you and/or your family in exploring other areas of interest around Galway. Our own list of ‘must do's' in the Galway area would include some or all of the following:
A walk on the promenade: There is a long 2.5 mile walk along the promenade that starts in the city and takes you along Galway Bay to the resort area of Salthill. Weather permitting you might go for a relaxing swim in Salthill beach.
The Galway Market: There is a vibrant street market in Galway every Saturday where you will find many items of interest.
The Aran Islands: Many local tour companies organize day trips to the Aran Islands.
Cnoc Suain: This is a unique eco/cultural hill village of thatched stone cottages, dating to 1691, where a memorable experience awaits you where you will learn about Traditional Music, Irish/Gaelic language, song & story, the Natural History & Archaeology of the Connemara bogland, Traditional Customs and Practices, and the intriguing art of Poitin-making (moonshine)
More details available at www.galwaytourcompany.com or www.cnocsuain.com
Brigit's Garden: Brigit's Garden takes you on a magical journey through the sacred spiral of the seasons into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, making it one of the truly outstanding attractions in Galway. Themed on the Celtic seasonal festivals, Brigit's Garden is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular gardens in Ireland set within 11 acres of native woodland & wildflower meadows. Its features include: a nature trail , ogham trees, children's discovery trail, living willow play area, an ancient ring fort (fairy fort), Roundhouse and calendar sundial , the largest in Ireland.
More details available at www.galwaygarden.com
