• Self-catering cottages in Ireland for fishing holidays

Mount Gable, at 1370 feet is a great place for walking. Mountaineering is also popular in the area.

Golf and horse riding are available on the fertile green lowlands. Perhaps a touch of horse racing is more your scene? Enjoy a day at the races on the outskirts of Galway City.

The mysterious Aran Islands can be found just off the Galway's wild Atlantic coast. The islands are known throughout the world for their distinctive Aran knitwear. Their isolated location has helped the islands to maintain their Gaelic identity and the islands' natural environment is an unspoilt walkers' paradise where rare wildflowers, an abundance of seabirds and a colony of seals find refuge.

Galway city is built around the estuary of the River Corrib. The city has a very strong tradition of maintaining the Gaelic language and culture. To this end, the city hosts a series of Irish cultural festivals including the spring festival Fleadh Imboilg and the Cuirt International Festival of Literature. Set amongst the streets of this contemporary city is perhaps the finest example of a medieval town house in Ireland, Lynch's Castle; the building is still in commercial use.

Nearby is the traditional seaside resort of Salthill. Bring the bucket and spade and enjoy Irish seaside fun and amusements.

The town of Athenry is a medieval walled town established by the Normans in 1238. The defensive castle built here still stands and is now a popular visitor attraction. The ruins of a Dominican Priory lie nearby. The town itself is charming and dotted with historical monuments such as the 15th century market cross. A Heritage Centre in the town tells the story of Athenry through the ages.    

Connemara National Park is a location on the wild side to head for if you adore wild flowers and breataking views. A visitor centre offers guides and talks.

• Self-catering in Connemara

Self-catering holiday cottages, pine lodges and apartments to rent in County Galway: