Knocknacarra is a suburb of Galway and is about a 1.5hrs drive from both Knock and Shannon international airports. Galway airport is 20 minutes away. Situated in a quiet estate in a much sought after part of Galway, our house is a 5 minute drive from the bustling city centre and within very easy reach of shops, pubs, hotels, beaches, churches, public leisure centre, Salthill promenade, and world famous Connemara. The attractive estate is off the road and our house is on a cul-de-sac. We have an active residents association who organise BBQs etc. in the summer months and the neighbours are very friendly and supportive. Galway is a fantastic, vibrant, and friendly university city. It is famous for its social scene, great restaurants, vibrant bars and beautiful compact city centre. It is a gateway to the West of Ireland and Connemara, is less than 20 minutes away. There is a shop, pub/restaurant, leisure centre and pharmacy within 5 minutes walk from the house with a large shopping centre 2 mins away by car. The bus into the city stops directly outside the estate.

For those looking for a quiet relaxing getaway, Galway has a great promenade, many small and secluded beaches, quiet pubs and those with live traditional music, numerous spas, and historical sites. The Irish-speaking village of Spiddal is a 15 minute drive and has a fantastic craft village with talented local artists and craftspeople. If you want to explore the area, it is well worth going on a drive out the coast road to Carraroe and further into Connemara or better still use the mountain bike and racer provided!

For those looking for a more adventurous trip, Knocknacarra is a perfect location to do just that. Hiking in Connemara National Park is a must and is a 40 minute drive. There is a windsurfing school 2 minutes away in Rusheen Bay and they rent out boards and wetsuits for those who wish to try it out. Surfing is also popular among Galwegians and Lahinch in County Clare (1.5hrs drive) has great waves and surf schools. There are two great golf courses (golf clubs provided) and a tennis club with 8 all-weather courts within 5 minutes from the house. We also have a racing bike and a mountain bike available for your use.

Galway is on the world map for its traditional music, friendly atmosphere and festivals. It is a cultural hub and the Tony award-winning Druid Theatre Company is among our best exports. There is a very active theatrical scene here and the Galway Arts Festival in July attracts the best of world theatre, dance, music and art. Early booking for the festival is advised. The Galway Races, on the last week in July brings thousands of visitors and the city is always hopping with people out on the streets lapping up the atmosphere. July 2012 will be particularly busy as the Volvo Ocean Race will finish here following their very successful stopover in May 2009. The festivities are not restricted to the summer months as there is a Galway Theatre Festival at the end of October. In fact County Galway hosted over 500 festivals last year!!

We are Eimear and Fiachra, both professionals (a primary school teacher and an Irish language teacher). Eimear is originally from Carraroe in the Irish (Gaelic) speaking area of Connemara. Fiachra is a founder of Galway's Dragonfly Theatre (http://www.dragonflytheatre.ie We have varied interests including sport, music, walking, reading, socialising, theatre, hiking, and travelling. We haven't done a home exchange before but we have heard great reports about it and we are keen to explore different parts of the globe via similar enthusiasts. As this is our first experience of home exchange we would be eager to plan something well in advance to get used to the idea of swapping houses with another couple!

We have organised an exchange in France for summer 2012.