Irish Citylink Extends Its Partnership As The Official Transport Partner To Galway GAA!

Irish Citylink, one of Ireland’s leading providers of inter-city coach services has announced that it is set to continue its partnership as the “Official Transport Partner to Galway GAA” for a further three years. The extension of the transportation company’s contract with Galway GAA is testament that community is at the heart of everything for the team at Irish Citylink as it continues to explore how to positively impact the communities it serves. The announcement comes as the GAA season is set to begin this weekend. 

(Pictured left to right: Sean Kenny (Senior Football), Conor Whelan (Senior Hurling), Robert Finnerty (Senior Football). 

Irish Citylink, which will celebrate 20 years in operation in April, has remained at the top of its league thanks to their commitment to improving the communities it serves which provides its passengers consisting of students, regular work commuters, sports fans, holiday makers and more with reliability of service and comfort, at an affordabl

“Irish Citylink are delighted to be extending our partnership with Galway GAA as the Official Transport Partner. Our top of the range luxury coaches and frequent direct services are a perfect match for these top class hurling and football teams. We were extremely proud to have driven these teams to success in 2022 and look forward to continued success in this partnership over the next three years”. 

Ciara Rosney Head of Marketing and Public Relations at Irish Citylink.

Irish Citylink is a leading provider of inter-city coach travel since 2003. The company’s distinctive blue and yellow coaches have come to be associated with luxurious, reliable and affordable coach travel. Over the years, the transportation company has grown its network of routes, and with the recent acquisition of GoBus in 2022, it can now provide more flexibility to its customers with a combined 44 daily services connecting Galway with Dublin City and Dublin Airport as well as their routes serving Limerick, Cork, Clifden and Ballina, 364 days a year. 

“Galway GAA are delighted to extend our Official Transport Partnership with Citylink for a further three years. Citylink have provided an excellent service to our teams in 2022 and we look forward to working with them into the future. Citylink have shown a strong commitment to the promotion of GAA in the county and are an outstanding fit as our Official Transport Partner “. 

Mark Gottsche, Operations & Finance Manager, Galway GAA.

Festive Activities in Galway this Christmas

Image of Galway at the market. Big white feris wheel.

The countdown is on until the holidays are here, and we are looking forward to when we get time to spend with those we hold dear. Days out with our loved ones can bring so much cheer this time of year, so we have found some fun-filled festive activities in Galway for you to try!

The Famous Galway Christmas Market

As we all know, the Galway Christmas market is one of the best things in Galway this time of year to feel that holiday spirit. Containing various stalls with an array of crafts and gift ideas, along with mountains of good food and drink options to choose from.

Enjoy a magical walk through the enchanted light gardens with friends and family, which can make for the perfect insta photo!

Festiva Afternoon Tea at the G Hotel

Next up is the G-Hotel’s Festive Afternoon Tea. With the weather being so cold, inside is where you want to be! Treat yourself in the run-up to the holidays with the delicious, savoury, and sweet treats they have to offer. Indulge in a selection of delicate sandwiches, including the festive-inspired sausage stuffing, walnut & sage croquette with a cranberry gel and turkey coronation & cranberry sandwich. Ooo, that sounds good!

The g’s pastry team have also curated a host of treats for the occasion, such as the traditional Christmas pudding, baileys and a salted caramel yule log. Why not go wild and absolutely spoil yourself with a refreshing glass of Taittinger Champagne? It’s exactly what you deserve.

Elftown

If you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, look no further than Elftown for a truly magical experience. A 2-hour Christmas experience set over 3 different buildings, with the mystical journey set over 4 floors.

And, at the end of your journey, you and your family get a private visit with Santa! Who is the most realistic and authentic Santa you will find in all the land. Children will be amazed when he knows a little secret about each child.

Every child will receive an Elf Town branded gift pack with an official invite from Santa to Elf Town this year. They have a unique Golden ticket and map of Elf Town addressed to the children and delivered by reindeer post before your booking date. All are included with your ticket purchase.

Last-minute stocking fillers from the Sock Society

If you’re looking to do some last-minute shopping to fill your stockings, we recommend hunting down a pair of the Sock Societies socks. Designed right here in Galway, these are the coolest, most colourful and funny socks you could find! These guys know exactly how to bring your feet to life and would make the perfect gift.

Don’t miss out on the festive fun! Book your journey NOW at Irish Citylink or Gobus to enjoy any of these festive activities with your loved ones over the holiday season!

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The Best Winter Escapes in Ireland

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Best Christmas Markets to visit in Ireland 2022

It’s almost that time of year when everyone’s favourite question is creeping into the conversation again.. so what is Santy bringing ye for Christmas?

Christmas music is playing in the shops, the decorations are being installed, and most importantly, the Christmas markets are coming to towns across Ireland. We love the hustle and bustle these markets bring at Christmas time, with the beautifully crafted gift options and festive appetisers to keep us all jolly. We have compiled a list of the best markets to visit during the holiday season to get you right in the Christmas spirit!

  1. Galway Christmas Market
Image of a girl in a yellow coat looking at the lights at the Galway Christmas Market.

Coming in at number 1 is the Galway Christmas market! Close to our hearts and in the City of Tribes, the Galway Christmas market is back to bring its beautiful sparkle from 6pm on Friday, 11th November, until Thursday, 22nd December 2022.

This will be the thirteenth year of the market in Galway. Visitors can enjoy various stalls in Eyre Square along with amusement rides, including a 32-metre-high Ferris Wheel and Santa’s Express Train! Enjoy a magical walk through the enchanted light gardens with friends and family, which can make for the perfect insta photo!

The 2022 Market will also feature Christmas gift ideas from local and European traders.

Looking to get to the Galway Markets this year? We have daily services up to every 30 minutes from Dublin Airport and Dublin City to Galway!

2. Glow Cork

Image of Glow Cork signs with Christmas tree in the background,

Every year,  Glow Cork transforms Bishop Lucey Park into an enchanting Christmas festival in the centre of Cork city. This year Glow runs from November 25th – January 8th. Here you will find Santa’s magical workshop deep within a winter wonderland. Here, Santa’s elves prepare him for his busiest night of the year, delivering presents to the world! But, before you go, get the kids to write their Santa letter before going so they can post it in Glow’s letterbox when you get there. 

If you plan on making the family trip to Glow Cork from Galway or Dublin, you can travel with Irish Citylink or Gobus!

3. Dublin Castle Christmas Market

At number 3, we have the Dublin Castle Christmas Market! Making its return to the courtyard of the castle for the fourth time, the market will be filled with more than 30 traditional market stalls. A little bit different to other markets, this is a tickets market that only lasts the 13 days before Christmas! Each stall features an array of crafts and gift ideas for treating your loved ones with some unique gifts. Not to mention the food and drinks stalls that will have some delicious festive goodies on offer! So let your inner child roam free and enjoy the light displays and fun fair with a vintage carousel.

Don’t miss out on the festive fun! Book your journey NOW at Irish Citylink or Gobus to any of these amazing destinations over the Christmas holiday season!

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The Best Winter Escapes in Ireland

What is there to do in Ireland this Spooky Season?

Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble!

The air is getting crisper, the leaves are getting crunchier, and pumpkin-spiced lattes are back in town. All of this means one important thing… Spooky Season is upon us! As the land of myths and legends, Halloween is a tradition that has been celebrated in Ireland for well over a thousand years.

Which got us wondering… what exactly are the origins of Halloween? Although wildly popular in America (as one of the best nights of the year), Halloween is filled with street decorations, on people’s houses and costumed kids running around. Some might think it came from Mexico’s Day of the Dead. However, the festival of Halloween actually originated in Ireland as a pagan festival called Samhain (pronounced saw-when). This was when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts before welcoming the darker months of the year.

In modern times though, Ireland is very similar to America in the tradition of good old trick or treating, not to mention the barmbrack tradition, bopping for apples and fireworks! Since this Halloween is the first without social distancing in two years, we imagine everyone will only be itching to get out and have some spooky-filled fun.

We’ve done you the favour of finding some of the best Halloween-themed events happening in Ireland over the next few weeks!

  1. THE NIGHTMARE REALM – DUBLIN
Image of scary clown creature. Text that says The Nightmare Realm. Be Afraid.

At Number One is The Nightmare Realm, known for being the ‘Most Entertaining Horror Experience’ and even awarded ‘No.1 Haunt in the world!’ 

From humble beginnings in Tralee, Kerry, back in 2009, to now having its 7th year in the Big Smoke (Dublin City), The Nightmare Realm set out to terrorise the people of Ireland. Each year is different to the last as they redesign haunt themes and mazes, switch up characters and update their most infamous rooms! Nothing is ever the same as it once was. It’s innovative, entertaining and, most importantly.. absolutely terrifying!

Sounds like a bit of you? Check them out here for more information: The Nightmare Realm 

Irish Citylink and Gobus have services from Galway – Dublin City up to every 30 minutes! As well as services from Cork City – Dublin City via Gobus!

2.CON MÓR, – MACNAS GALWAY  

Image of a child looking at a giants face that is made from straw like coppery maerial.

Known for their infamous Halloween Parades, Macnas are up to something very different this year. Instead of roaming the streets of Galway, you can find them at Macnas HQ at Fisheries Field, Galway, where apparently an ancient giant named Con Mór lives! Professor Marjorie Morrigan, an expert in Giants & Where They Come From, has said – “This giant seems to have been here for centuries. There is a very large iron nose, so big and rusty, you could park a car in one of the nostrils.” 

The word on the street is this big fella belongs to the legendary Tuatha De Danann tribe and comes from an ancient Island of Giants off the coast of Connaught. Con Mór was so famous across Ireland for his love of birds and nature that his friends called him The Bird King!

Perfect for the family and kids, or even those really big kids who just never knew how to grow up. You can see CON MÓR, The Giant, situated on the banks of the River Corrib from 12 noon on Saturday, 29th & Sunday, 30th October 2022. Keep an eye out and see if you catch the pop-up performances from the Macnas Drummers, Macnas Brass, Macnas Stilters and Macnas Youth Theatre across Galway city! 

For more information on this magnificent giant, click here: CON MÓR, – MACNAS GALWAY

Travel from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Kinnegad and more! Check out our website for more details at citylink.ie

3. LIMERICK CIVID TRUST HAUNTED HALLOWEEN WALKING TOUR  

Image of person dressed up for halloween in a graveyard.
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This year, the Limerick Civic Trust offers the opportunity to take a walking tour of Limerick’s haunted medieval quarter in St. Munchin’s Graveyard and Bishop’s Palace, Church Street, Kings Island. Hear about all the tales of Limerick’s ghastly past with tales of ghosts that are said to haunt The Bishop’s Palace and the area of King’s Island to this very day!

You’ll get to hear first-hand about the haunting experiences that the Limerick Civic Trust staff and volunteers have experienced in the building. The tour takes you all around these areas where terrible murders took place. Where ghosts that warn of impending death live, such as the Delmedge ghost that is said to haunt the area.

Due to the scary nature of the tour, apparently, participants are even asked to sign a waiver before partaking in the tour! Saying all those who manage to complete the tour will receive a certificate of completion will show just how brave you are.

Tours run every day from Wednesday, 25th October to Tuesday, 31st October, inclusive at 5 pm & 6 pm.

Reckon you are brave enough? Click the link here to find out more: Limerick Civic Trust Haunted Halloween Walking Tour 

Travel from Galway – Limerick on our Express services or Cork – Limerick!

4. DRAGON OF THE SHANDON – CORK

Image of the dragon of shandon in the streets of Cork.

This year marks the awakening of a giant and beautiful beast. Coming out of her slumber and calling out to her legion of otherworldly night creatures to celebrate Samhain. The moment when our human world and the other world, the unseen world of shadows, coexist freely. 

Welcoming its 17th year, the Dragon of Shandon Parade is the highlight of CCAL’s annual arts calendar. Working with local artists to create a cultural hub and provide a friendly and carnival atmosphere within the entire city on Halloween night. 

Some of the groups already involved in this year’s parade so far are the Cope FoundationNational Learning NetworkYMCAAisling CapJoan Denise School of DanceCork City SambaCircus FactoryThe Tribe Dance AcademyUCC Film and Screen MediaAatma Indian Dance Troupe and many more. 

It looks and sounds like it is NOT to be missed! For more information, click here: DRAGON OF THE SHANDON

Get from Galway and Limerick to Cork via Irish Citylink services OR from Dublin to Cork via gobus!

Have any queries about our services? All information about our services can be found on citylink.ie or gobus.ie

Do you need a City Break this Autumn?

Nothing beats the post Summer blues like a cheeky Autumn getaway to look forward to. There are many amazing destinations at our doorstep in Europe, waiting to be explored. Keep reading to find out about our Top 5 picks for an Autumn City Break in Europe.

  1. Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, is well known for its sovereign heritage, cobbled streets lined with historic facades, and is the 2nd most bicycle-friendly city in the world. The beautiful city’s historical and cultural attractions have made it the second-most visited destination in the UK!

Recognised as the capital of Scotland since at least the 15th century, Edinburgh is the seat of the Scottish Government, the Scottish Parliament and the highest courts in Scotland. The city’s Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland, making it rich in history and artefacts.

You can fly to Edinburgh from all major airports in Ireland, including Cork Airport and Dublin Airport, served by Citylink Routes 251 and 761/763.

Some of the main attractions in Edinburgh include:

  • The Palace of Holyroodhouse: The official royal palace of Scotland
  •  Edinburgh Castle: A historic royal castle and medieval museum
  •  Arthurs Seat: An ancient volcano site in Edinburgh
  •  Calton Hill: An exceptional viewpoint and site of many historical monuments
  •  The Royal Mile: The walk from Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle
  •  Illusion Museum: A really cool spectral museum near Edinburgh Castle

Travel time from Dublin Airport is 1 hr 10 mins

Travel time from Cork Airport is 1hr 20 mins

2. Brussels

The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is home to the seat of the European Parliament and the Belgian Royal Family is a wonderland to visit. Walking through the streets, you’re met with incredible buildings and sites.

Brussels is known for its exquisite cuisine and beverages, including its local waffles, chocolate, french fries and its numerous types of beers.

As well as its historical and architectural landmarks; some of them registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To top it all off, Brussels is a hub for rail, road and air traffic. Sometimes considered, together with Belgium, as the geographic, economic and cultural crossroads of Europe. Brussels will be beautiful in Autumn, with the evenings turning a bit colder and the leaves changing colour. 

You can travel to Brussels from Dublin Airport daily, and it is well worth a weekend getaway.

Some things to see in Brussels:

  • The Royal Palace of Brussels – Seat of the Royal Family
  •  European Commission/Parliament Buildings – Government buildings of the EU
  •  Grand Place – Historic Square in Central Brussels
  •  Mannekin Pis – Famous Bronze Statue in Brussels
  •  Atomium – Museum, an art centre and a cultural place.

Travel time from Dublin Airport is 1hr 30 mins

Image of the streets and buildings in Brussels.

3. Madrid

The capital of Spain, Madrid, lies on the River Manzanares in the central part of the Iberian Peninsula. Madrid is a hub of business and tourism in Spain, housing the headquarters of the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), the Organization of Ibero-American States (OEI), and the Public Interest Oversight Board (PIOB).

As well as Spain’s political capital, Madrid is Spain’s royal capital, with the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) situated in the centre of the city. Madrid is bursting with activities and sites, including the Buen Retiro Park, the Reina Sofia and Prado Museum. Enjoy amazing art museums, the Gran Via shopping district, and a thriving nightlife.

The autonomous region of Madrid also hosts cities like Toledo and Segovia, both sites oozing with history.

You can fly directly to Madrid from Dublin Airport, making it a very convenient city to travel to!

Some sites to see include:

  • Retiro Park – Huge park in the City Centre with 2 leisurely lakes
  •  Gran Via – Shopping district in Madrid with many famous brand stores
  •  Segovia – Medieval town in Madrid with a massive viaduct at the entrance of the town
  •  Museums – The Reina Sofia and Prado are famous museums hosting artists like Picasso and Goya
  •  Teatro Real – The Spanish Opera, hosting magnificent operatic art performances
  •  Palacio Real – The Royal Palace of Spain and the city residence of the Spanish royal family

Travel time from Dublin Airport is 2hrs 30 mins

Image of ancient structure in Madrid.

4. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is a world of culture, politics, media and science. It is Germany’s capital and largest city, bursting with a fascinating history. Not only that, but it is one of the most populous cities in Europe!

The city’s main features are the many lakes in the western and southeastern boroughs formed by the Spree, Havel, and Dahme rivers. Due to its location in the European Plain, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. As a result, about one-third of the city’s area comprises forests, parks, gardens, rivers, canals and lakes.

The city has numerous orchestras, museums, and entertainment venues and hosts many sporting events. Its Zoological Garden is the most visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular worldwide. The city is also well known for its festivals, diverse architecture, nightlife, contemporary arts and very high quality of living.

Things to do:

  • Brandenburg Gate – Grand classical archway and city divide
  •  Reichstag Building – Historic, glass-domed home of Parliament
  •  East Side Gallery – Section of Berlin Wall for street art
  •  Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe – Columns commemorating the Holocaust
  •  Checkpoint Charlie– Cold War and East/West border landmark
  •  Museum Island – Art museum and Cathedral

Travel Time from Dublin Airport is 2hrs 20 Mins

Image of boat underneath a bridge in Berlin

5. Venice, Italy

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy and the capital of the Veneto region. It is situated on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. Venice was once a financial and maritime power during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. And a staging area for the Crusades and the Battle of Lepanto. During this period, it was also an important centre of commerce – especially for silk, grain, spices, and art from the 13th century to the end of the 17th.

The lagoon and a part of the city are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Parts of Venice are renowned for the beauty of their settings, architecture, and artwork. In addition, Venice is known for several important artistic movements – especially during the Renaissance period.

Although the city is facing some challenges (including an excessive number of tourists and problems caused by pollution), Venice remains a top-rated tourist destination. It has been ranked the most beautiful city in the world numerous times. It has been described by the Times Online as one of Europe’s most romantic cities and by The New York Times as “undoubtedly the most beautiful city built by man”.

Things to do:

  • Grand Canal – Canal, basilica and palace
  •  Rialto Bridge – Ornate footbridge over the Grand Canal
  •  St. Mark’s Square – Landmark basilica-dominated square
  •  St. Mark’s Basilica – Landmark cathedral with gilded domes
  •  Burano – Island of lace-making and colourful fishermen’s homes
  •  Murano – Museo del Vetro and glass souvenirs
  •  Bridge of Sighs – Iconic white-stone enclosed bridge

Flight time from Dublin Airport is 2 hrs 40 mins

Image of boats in Venice

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No matter where you decide to travel, you are guaranteed to find some delicious cuisine, historic landmarks, fantastic nightlife, beautiful scenery and much more!

Travelling to Dublin Airport? Travel in luxury with Citylink. Our coaches offer onboard toilets, Free WiFi, charging points, generous luggage allowances, comfortable seats and friendly and helpful drivers.

Have any queries about our services? All information about our services can be found on http://www.citylink.ie

What will it cost to travel to Dublin Airport?

Discover one of Ireland’s Hidden Gems: Connemara

What time is it? It’s back to school time!

It’s that time of year again – School’s back, and I’m sure all the students are super excited to get back to class and study for another year!

We’re living in a weird time – students are having a major struggle to get accommodation, and even transport is getting challenging to organize. School is either starting this week or in the coming days/weeks, and it’s a real stress point. Citylink proudly serves many towns and cities around the country, including major third-level institutes – for example, NUIG, University of Limerick, MTU, TUS, and ATU.

Citylink prides itself on the volume of services it provides to communities across Ireland. These volumes of services can make it easier for students who are going to commute to/from school this year.

We give students the option of regular services and offer a “10 Journey Ticket” on our Galway-Dublin Multi-Stop service (763). We are also delighted to announce that from Sunday, September 4th, 2022, we will be offering our BEST EVER DISCOUNTED FARES with discounts of up to 85% across ALL routes for Young Adult/Student Leap Card Holders.

Not to toot our own horn, but that’s pretty amazing!

To find out more about how YOU can avail of these amazing discounts, click here .

We want to ensure that young people have an affordable and reliable way to get to and from college, work, or social outings without breaking the bank! So, Irish Citylink & Gobus are giving THREE lucky Students/Young Adult Card Holders an ENTIRE year of free travel with a Golden Free Travel Card!

This competition can be found @citylinkireland on Instagram.

For students considering commuting to school/college this year, see below for details on our services and routes or check out our timetables here.

University of Galway (NUIG)

Atlantic Technological University Galway (GMIT)

Technological University of the Shannon: Mid-West (Limerick)

University of Limerick

Technological University of the Shannon: Mid-Lands (Athlone)

University College Cork

Munster Technological University (CIT)

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Discover one of Ireland’s Hidden Gems in this fantastic spot: Connemara!

Travel through Cork Airport – It’s Easy!

For a relatively small island, Ireland is blessed to have several airports for passengers to travel through. Each of the four provinces has at least one international airport, which makes Ireland a very well-connected country. In recent months, now that travel has returned to near normal, major airports across the world have seen delays and disruptions. However, cork Airport, Ireland’s second-largest airport, was ready to adapt and grow and is still expanding services, offering a lot of international routes.

Citylink proudly serves Cork Airport as part of the 251 Galway-Limerick-Cork Route, offering times to compliment outgoing and incoming flights. Our team recently took a trip down to Cork Airport to see how handy it is to get through the airport – From Door to Departures.

Citylink services pull up right outside the terminal building of Cork Airport. If the bus was any closer, it’d be on the tarmac with the plane! When you disembark the bus, you’re just a few metres away from the entrance to the building. Cork Airport is pretty compact. Everything is there for you as you walk through the main doors. You have your check-in desks in front of you, cafes and shops to the left, seating areas dotted along the building, and cool displays showing local bars and restaurants.

When you start making your way through the airport and get through security, it will literally take a couple of minutes to get from the front door to your departure gate (not including a stop in Duty-Free, mind you).

A trip through the airport is not complete until you spend some time in Duty-Free. When you get through security, you’ll find yourself in “The Loop.” Alcohol, perfumes, chocolates, and Clonakilty sausages and rashers are the perfect items to be shopping for before boarding your plane.

On our trip through the airport, we were amazed at how quick and convenient the airport was and how easy it was to navigate, which, for any traveler, is very reassuring.

The same can be said for inbound passengers to Cork Airport. You disembark the aircraft, and you’re nearly immediately at passport control. Once you’ve finished up there, you simply turn around the corner, and you’re at baggage claim! Before you know it, you’re passing through the doors to the arrivals lounge – back to where your journey through Cork Airport began.

Citylink offers 8 daily services to and 8 daily services from Cork Airport, bringing you to/from the airport’s front door.

Now that Cork Airport is adding more departures – including new routes to Rome and Newcastle, maybe a winter break is on the cards? We sure are tempted anyways!

Discover one of Ireland’s Hidden Gems in this fantastic spot: Connemara!

At Citylink, we are proud to serve the region of Connemara. Clifden, Cleggan, Oughterard, Letterfrack – the list of stops along our 923 route are as beautiful as each other. Connemara is the perfect place for any visitor to experience the Wild Atlantic Way. It offers visitors some of the most scenic views and natural beauty you can find across Ireland. Places like Inishbofin Island, Clifden Town, Wildlands Adventures, and others provide top-notch experiences for anyone who finds themselves out in this beautiful part of Ireland.

We had the pleasure of filming and producing our brand new “Hidden Gems” ad campaign highlighting Citylink 923 Galway to Clifden/Cleggan route. With each diverse shot, you’ll be amazed by the stunning surroundings of the Wild Atlantic Coast. To coincide with this ad, we thought we’d run through some of the iconic landmarks featured in the clip that you just MUST Visit.

Lowry’s Bar

Known as one of the best pubs in Clifden and Voted Best Traditional Bar, Ireland 2019, 2018 & 2015, Lowry’s Bar is the perfect place for a bite to eat and a lovely pint. You will have a fantastic time with their amazing traditional style interior and charming staff. A special shout out to barman Damien, whose smile would brighten up any oul grumps day! Lowry’s Bar also has one of the most fascinating backstories we’ve ever heard, bringing a rich character to the place.

Lowry’s Bar Clifden has been in the Lowry family since 1949. At this time, Patrick Lowry, a Garda sergeant stationed in Donegal, decided to retire and move back home to his native Connemara. Upon his return, he decided to buy a pub. As chance would have it, a cousin of his was selling a pub in Clifden located at Market Street, then known as Connolly’s Bar.

So he bought the pub in Clifden, renamed it Lowry’s Bar, and sure the rest, as they say, is history! Patrick ran the business as not only a pub but a grocery as well. The grocery section was situated at the front, and the public house section was at the back. We can imagine that was very handy if you were tired after doing a day’s shopping! You could stop out the back to Lowrys Bar, where a well-poured Guinness would give you some strength for the walk home!

The most interesting part of Lowry’s history is the unique selling point of offering patrons the chance to cure a toothache! A dentist called Mr. John Bermingham operated his dental practice from a small room at the back of the pub. The story goes that patrons in Lowrys Bar would be sent out to have a sizeable Jameson after a visit to the dentist to numb any pain and, of course, settle the nerves. It’s no wonder it soon developed the reputation for being one of the best pubs in Clifden!

In 1977 Patrick’s niece Eilish and her husband Paul took ownership of Lowry’s Bar which they ran until Paul passed away in 2010. Paul was a natural in the pub, a particularly popular figure with all customers, locals, and visitors, and is sorely missed. Eilish is still involved in the pub but is now taking a well-deserved break from the business’s day-to-day running. Damien, the current owner, is the third generation of the family to own and run the pub. He hopes to emulate the great success of Patrick, Paul, and Eilish before him.

Find out more at http://www.lowrysbar.ie

Clifden Station House Hotel Connemara

If you are looking for a place to stay while in Connemara, the Clifden Station House is the perfect base to explore the majestic beauty of Connemara.

The Clifden Station House is Galway’s most popular family hotel. Immersed in the heart of the Wild Atlantic way. The cosy modern hotel has many rooms to choose from, with double rooms, family rooms, junior suites, and deluxe double rooms available. As well as an indoor swimming pool, spa and free kids throughout the school holidays including movies shown in our own 200-seat theatre.

You can also indulge in their delicious gourmet dinners created for you by our award-winning Chef Pascal Marino. They have a fantastic 10% discount on their Gourmet Dining Breaks which are not to be missed. We treated ourselves to their stunning lunch menu at their Signal Bar & Restaurant, and we must Connemara seafood tastes divine!

Check out their deals for this years October Mid Term Break or recharge your batteries on one of their famous Wellness Breaks.

Clifden Bookshop

Clifden Bookshop is one of the staple retail outlets in Clifden. Based on Main Street, this little gem is the perfect store to visit when you’re in the area.

The Clifden Bookshop opened in 1997. It is a niche business in the beautiful town of Clifden, known as the Capital of Connemara. When you walk through the door, you’re greeted by walls filled with gorgeous colourful books and the lovely smiling face of Nicole, the owner of Clifden Bookshop. They state, “Our mantra is that there is a book out there that is the key to unlocking a lifelong love of reading.” And have first-hand knowledge of their stock in their “Room with the Books.”

One of the very cool parts of Clifden Bookshop is you’ll see walls of familiar faces who have passed through the store over the past 25 years. You’re sure to find some inspiration here and a chance to chat about your most recently read books!

Inishbofin Ferries

Cleggan is a beautiful seaside village right on the edge of Ireland. Cleggan is also the point for those wishing to travel to Inishbofin Island will catch the boat.
When you arrive in Cleggan via Citylink, you’ll see the village has four bars Olivers, Joyces, Newmans, and The Pier Bar. One a grocer, a sit-down restaurant, and a seasonal take-out.

In addition to trips to the local islands, leisure activities for visitors include horseback riding and fishing.

We’d always recommend a trip out to Inishbofin Island – It’s the perfect place for a bike ride or a stroll. The lads at Inishbofin Ferries and the office staff are quick to recommend things to do or places to go for a bite on the island.

For ticket information, head to: http://www.inishbofinferry.ie

Connemara National Park

Last but not least, situated in the West of Ireland in County Galway, Connemara National Park covers some 2,000 hectares of scenic mountains, expanses of bogs, heaths, grasslands and woodlands. Some of the Park’s mountains, namely Benbaun, Bencullagh, Benbrack and Muckanaght, are part of the famous Twelve Bens or Beanna Beola range. Connemara National Park was established and opened to the public in 1980.

Much of the present Park lands formed part of the Kylemore Abbey Estate and the Letterfrack Industrial School, the remainder having been owned by private individuals. The southern part of the Park was at one time owned by Richard (Humanity Dick) Martin who helped to form the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals during the early 19th century. The Park lands are now wholly owned by the State and managed solely for National Park purpose.

The views here are absolutely breath taking and the hike will be sure to get those steps in!

Does this sound like the perfect weekend for you? Well then you are in luck! We are hosting a Weekend Giveaway for Connemara over on our Instagram page. Head there now to enter!

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How To: Manage Your Booking

We understand that life is hectic and sometimes plans change. We here at Citylink want to make your experience as pleasant and seamless as possible.

A question we get asked a lot is “Can I change my booking?” and the answer is, yes! To help our customers have more flexibility and control over their travel plans customers can now amend their booking up to 3 times prior to the scheduled service departure time.

Conditions:

  • You can amend your booking with Citylink up to 30 minutes before a service departs its first stop
  • We are happy to change the time and date of your booking but we cannot change the destination.

How to manage your booking:

If you need help with amending your ticket, check out our handy video tutorial below.

Or check out our step by step guide below:

How to manage your booking:

When you go to our website www.citylink.ie, click “Manage my Booking” in the top right corner as seen below:

When you click on the “Manage My Booking” section the following page will appear:

Enter your booking reference number which can be found in your confirmation email, or if you chose to have your ticket text to your mobile, your booking reference number can also be found here. You will also need to enter the email you used to book your initial journey.

Once you have submitted these details, you can proceed to change the date and time of your booking. Your new ticket will be sent to your email.

Other Citylink blogs that might interest you:

1. What are my rights if my flight is delayed

2. Citylink’s top 5 tips for stress-free airport travel

Keep up to date with Citylink via our socials:

How to Spend a Summer Night in Galway

Galway is one of those places that when the sun starts to shine, you just don’t want to be at home. You’d much rather be out and about, taking in the sights and sounds of everyone enjoying the summer sun. Galway has some iconic places to spend a summer evening like Spanish Arch, Eyre Square and Woodquay – all with stunning views and perfect for a cheeky drink.

Summers in Galway can be electric. You’ll see tourists and locals mixing with culture and music and there’s always so much to do. We’ve decided to give you guys an idea of how to best spend a summer night in Galway and make the most of the upcoming warm and sunny days.

Dinner in the Dean

The Dean, a recently opened hotspot, is one of those iconic landmarks in Galway. Situated just off of Eyre Square, sitting on their rooftop terrace on a warm day while you eat is idyllic. Acknowledged as “a slice of boutique bliss in the heart of Galway, one of Europe’s friendliest cities”, The Dean and their rooftop restaurant, Sophie’s will offer any visitor a high-class, spectacular dining experience while you take in the view of Galway City.

The Dean, Galway.

Swan Out To Salthill

It’s almost criminal to be in Galway on a warm summer day or evening and not venture out to Salthill. Salthill on a warm day is world-class – you may even think you were in Spain. Taking the 401 city bus from Galway and getting off near the church in Salthill, you’re only a stones throw away from the beach. There’s a lot of cool places to stop and grab a bite, a drink or a coffee in Salthill. O’Reilly’s Bar has a stunning rooftop veranda where you can have a chilled drink and look out to the ocean.

Head down towards Blackrock Diving Tower and you’ll arrive upon up to Jungle Café where you can get delicious coffee and treats which are just perfect for a warm summers evening while listening to the waves.

The Promenade, Salthill.

Booze in the Blue Note

Galway’s Westend is where it happens. There are so many cool bars, restaurants and cafes. The Blue Note is a staple of the Westend’s bar scene. Just on the corner of William Street, the Blue Note is a perfect place to continue your day out in Galway in the sunshine. Sit in their beer garden, which is a hub of activity in the evenings and weekends and listen to some great local music – we can’t think of a better way to chill out!

According to galwaywestend.ie, the philosophy of the Blue Note is “drinks are something to enjoy while you talk to friends, not something you talk about.”

The Blue Note, Wiliam Street.

Get A Load of GIAF

July in Galway is massive. From mid to end July, you’ll meet some of the finest talent and artists both local and international under the roof of Galway International Arts Festival. GIAF 2022 kicks off on July 11th and is the first full programmed festival since 2019. Have a pint and ice-cream at the Festival Garden in Eyre Square, take in a world-class music act at the Heineken Big Top or see one of the street acts – there’ll be plenty of music, art, theatre and performances for everyone to go and see.

As proud Friends of the Festival, Citylink will be giving away tickets to shows during the festival so be sure to check out @citylinkireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for your chance to win!

Satori and Unfolding, Galway International Arts Festival.