Scenery is key draw for tourists to Galway

A new visitor survey has found that the scenery was the key draw for tourists to the Galway and Mayo region where nearly one fifth went hiking or walking.

The national holidaymaker study contained the views of over 1,000 visitors from home and abroad at key tourist destinations throughout Galway and Mayo and was conducted by Fáilte Ireland between  May and October last year.

Two-thirds were first time visitors to the area and were aged under 55, with almost half of them couples. They had spent at least one night in the area.

Beautiful scenery was the reason 83% of them would recommend Galway and Mayo. Friendly people was the factor over 40% singled out as the reason they would give the area the thumbs up.

The natural environment got the top score in their overall rating of the tourist experience.

When asked why they chose Galway and Mayo, 38% picked beautiful scenery, 13% were visiting family or friends and 10% came on a recommendation.

Just under one third of those surveyed stayed in hotels, with a little of one fifth opting for B&Bs. Hired cars was the transport method of choice for people touring around the region.

Historic houses and castles were the top destination for 41% of visitors, with national parks a destination for one fifth of those who took part in the poll.

The survey found 19% of respondents went hiking and walking, 6% went cycling, 4% had a go at golf and fishing.

For more on this story, see this week’s Connacht Sentinel