County Galway is the second largest county after Cork and is a must-see for any visit to Ireland. The scenery is the wildest and most striking due to its West Coast position and although the culture is vastly modern, there are still small areas where you can be transported back in time.
The county extends west from Ballinasloe; a provincial market town on the very eastern border of the county. There isn’t really much to see or do in Ballinasloe but at the beginning of October there is an 8-day horse show and fair which takes over the whole town. I've never been to the show though and haven’t really heard anything positive about it so I don’t know whether it would be worth a visit.
Heading west, the scenery changes dramatically. Gone are the flat, green and fertile farmlands of the midlands and increasingly present are the craggy fields and wilds of the west. I think Galway gets more strikingly beautiful the further west you go. The mountains of Connemara are awe-inspiring and the whole area comes across as being wild and untamed. See Connemara entry.
Galway city is definitely worth visiting too, (see Galway city entry) as are the towns of Gort, Oughterard and Clifden and the Aran Islands off Galway Bay.
County Galway has a great natural and cultural history too. The National Parks in Connemara and the Burren (in neighbouring County Clare) make for interesting days out, as does Coole Park near Gort. (See related entries.)
Galway isn’t all good though; there are a few negatives to living out on the West Coast. Firstly, the weather is much more changeable and unpredictable than the Midlands and the East Coast. There is a saying here: "If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes . . . " and I have to say, it's true!
Secondly, the sheep. I come from Wales originally and have to say that the sheep in Connemara are twice (if not more) as stupid and suicidal as those in Wales. This means that much care should be taken when travelling by road, especially by car, as the sheep tend to try and cross just as you approach them.
Basically, minus the two bad points, there is something for everyone in County Galway. However for me, the most enjoyable aspects are the wild and untamed beauty of Connemara and the hustle and bustle of Galway City.