Galway · Sports & events

The county's hurlers and footballers play championship matches from spring through midsummer at Salthill, with league games earlier in the year.

The League of Ireland runs on a summer calendar, February to November, at a small ground five minutes from Eyre Square. Cheap and well attended.

A summer festival week of racing that half the west attends, plus smaller meetings through the year. Book beds months ahead or commute.

Lahinch and Strandhill run beginner surf lessons year round with wetsuits included, and Blackrock's swimmers go in every morning regardless.