Active Pursuits

Bicycling

To rent a bike, contact Celtic Cycles, Queen Street (tel. 091/566606), or Richard Walsh Cycles, Headford Road, Woodquay (tel. 091/565710).

Fishing

Set beside the River Corrib, Galway City and nearby Connemara are popular fishing centers for salmon and sea trout. For the latest information on requirements for licenses and local permits, check with the Western Regional Fisheries Board (WRFB), Weir Lodge, Earl's Island, Galway (tel. 091/563118; www.wrfb.ie). The extraordinarily accessible WRFB also provides free consultation for overseas anglers on where to go at different times of the season for salmon or trout, where to find the best ghillies (guides), and which flies and gear to use. Maps and brochures are available on request. For gear and equipment, try Duffys Fishing, 5 Main Guard St. (tel. 091/562367), Freeney Sport Shop, 19 High St. (tel. 091/568794), or Great Outdoors Sports Centre, Eglinton Street (tel. 091/562869).

Golf

Less than 8km (5 miles) east of Galway is the 18-hole, par-72 championship Galway Bay Golf & Country Club, Renville, Oranmore, County Galway (tel. 091/790503). It charges greens fees of €55 ($72) weekdays, €70 ($91) weekends. Less than 3km (2 miles) west of the city is the 18-hole, par-69 seaside course at Galway Golf Club, Blackrock, Galway (tel. 091/522033). Greens fees are €50 ($65) weekdays, €60 ($78) weekends.

Horseback Riding

Riding enthusiasts head to Aille Cross Equestrian Centre, Aille Cross, Loughrea, County Galway (tel. 091/841216; www.aille-cross.com), about 32km (20 miles) east of Galway. Run by personable Willy Leahy (who has appeared often on American television), this facility is one of the largest in Ireland, with 50 horses and 20 Connemara ponies. For about €25 to €35 ($33-$46) an hour, you can ride through nearby farmlands, woodlands, forest trails, and along beaches.