Spiddal is a Gaeltacht village on the shore of Galway Bay in County Galway, Ireland. It is 19 km (12 miles) west of Galway city, on the R336 road. Spiddal is on the eastern side of the county's Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking district) and of the Connemara region. It is a tourist centre with a scenic beach, harbour, and shore fishing.
The small seaside village of Spiddal, on the Irish Coast, overlooks Galway Bay and the Aran Islands, and is a very popular destination for visitors. There are numerous restaurants and pubs, two beaches and a lovely coastal golf course it has something to suit all tastes. Located close to Shannagarraun Wood, a Special Area of Conservation, Spiddal provides lovely places to walk and explore. Try sea fishing off the pier, take a walk down Tra na mBan Blue Flag sandy beach or indulge in a round of golf at Rosshill Golf Course. Only 12 miles to the east lies Galway City, where you can discover some of Ireland’s long and varied history; visit Lynch’s Castle, or trace the origin of the famous Claddagh Ring, which originated in a village near the shore of Galway Bay.
Spiddal has the best of both worlds as it close to both Connemara and Galway City (19km) so it is the ideal location if you want to tour the rugged landscape of Connemara but want to be close to Galway City for shopping and its nightlife. Taxis cost €25 one way from Spiddal to Galway with Galway Taxis (091-561111). Bus Eireann has 2 bus routes that run throughout the day between Galway City & Spiddal
Things to do in Spiddal:
Standun Spiddal: Standún is a unique family run store with a huge variety of Aran Sweaters, Irish products, Menswear, Ladies fashion, children’s clothing, Irish and International gifts and home ware and a cafe with home baking.
Spiddal Craft & Design studios: is a small complex of craft workshops with stunning views of Co Clare; where traditional craft demonstrations take place. Crafts include Hand weaving, Jewellery and Stained Glass making, Screen printing, and various forms of art, Traditional Basket Weaving and a Photographic Studio. It also has an onsite cafe, An Builin Blasta.
Beaches: Spiddal has 2 beaches. One is a blue flag beach called Tra na mBan and the other is situated behind the pier and is suitable for fishing
Galway Bay Fishing: Boat Hire and Deep Sea Fishing excursions of the coast of Spiddal. Fish for shark, cod, ling, pollock or ray, as well as other species, on the Maighdean Mara. Call Kevin McGabhann on 086-8547890
O’Neachtain Tours: Based in Spiddal, O’Neachtain Tours are a touring company which will show you some of the most scenic views in the West of Ireland. For more information please call 091-553188
Island Hopping: Why not take a day trip to the Aran Islands? Rossaveel is only a 20 minute drive (19kms) from Spiddal. There are various trips between Rossaveel harbour and the islands throughout the day. Click on the following link for more details on ferry times an prices: http://www.aranislandferries.com/index.
