One can clearly hear the heartbeat of Ireland's west exude from County Galway (Gaillimh). While Galway City is the region's artistic nucleus, the craggy Aran Islands and boggy Connemara each offers its own window into Gaelic culture, language, tradition, and charm. Galway abounds in hill and trail walking, along with biking opportunities far and wide. Its coastline offers phenomenal postcard beaches; effortlessly travelers can extend themselves into areas unbeknownst and uncommon.