A First-Time Guide to Galway
Exploring Galway: A Vibrant City by the Bay
With its tangled lanes lined with colorful shopfronts curving around Galway Bay, compact Galway is one of Ireland's most picturesque cities. Bolstered by an energetic student population, it's also one of the island's most vibrant, with musicians playing in atmospheric pubs and busking on its streets, a seafood-driven culinary scene, a jam-packed calendar of events, and a bohemian soul.
When to Visit Galway
Best Time: July and August offer long days perfect for exploring, but also higher accommodation prices. The shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October are great times to visit with fewer crowds and potentially exceptional weather.
Winter: Cold, wet, and dreary, but live music in pubs can make up for the weather.
Festivals:
- April: Cúirt International Festival of Literature
- May: Galway Theatre Festival
- July: Galway Arts Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, Galway Race Week
- September: Galway Oyster & Seafood Festival
- October: Macnas Halloween parade
How Much Time to Spend in Galway
Recommended Stay: Spend a night or two in Galway, enough time to wander the colorful streets in search of seafood, pints, and local culture. Consider day trips to Connemara, the Burren, or the Aran Islands.
Wild Atlantic Way: As the largest city on the route, Galway is a great stop for enjoying pubs and restaurants before continuing the scenic journey.
Getting to and Around Galway
Transportation:
- From Dublin: Easily reached by train and bus.
- From Other Cities: Buses are the best option.
Within Galway: The central core is very walkable. Local buses provide decent connections around the city and regional buses to Connemara and towns like Clifden.
Top Things to Do in Galway
Pubs and Live Music:
- Tigh Neáchtain: Iconic pub for pints of Guinness or Galway Hooker Irish Pale Ale.
- Garavan's: Whiskey specialists.
- Live Music: Cherry-red-colored Tig Cóilí, Crane Bar, and Róisín Dubh for bands of all genres.
Seafood:
- Aniar: Michelin-starred multicourse menus.
- Oscar's: Superb place for Galway Bay oysters.
- Ard Bia at Nimmo's: Local flavors.
- Kai: West Coast crab specialty.
- McDonagh's: Essential for phenomenal fish and chips.
History:
- Spanish Arch: Remnant of medieval walls.
- Hall of the Red Earl: Medieval tax office/courthouse/town hall.
- Lynch's Castle: Ireland's finest town castle.
- Galway City Museum: Exhibits from 1800 to 1950.
Theatre:
- Druid Theatre: Exceptional and ambitious shows.
- Town Hall Theatre: Music, comedy, theater, and films.
Salthill Promenade: 2km seaside path perfect for a stroll, with adventurous jumps off the Blackrock Diving Tower.
Shopping:
- Claddagh Rings: Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold.
- Books and Instruments: Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, P Powell & Sons, Kiernan Moloney.
Budget for Galway
- Hostel Room: €40-€60 per dorm bed per night
- Basic Hotel Room for Two: €140-€160 per night
- Self-Catering Apartment: €200-€250 per night
- Public Transport Ticket: €2.70
- Coffee: €3
- Takeaway Sandwich: €7
- Dinner for Two: €60 - €80
- Beer/Pint: €6
Packing Tips
Travelers to Ireland should pack light layers for changing weather, a proper rain jacket, and waterproof footwear.
Best Day Trip from Galway
Aran Islands: Hop on Aran Island Ferries and explore Inish Mór. Rent a bike, visit Cill Mhuirbhigh beach, scout for seals, and explore the prehistoric stone fort of Dún Aonghasa. Consider a ferry ticket that includes a view of the Cliffs of Moher.
Enjoy your adventure in Galway, a city bursting with culture, history, and scenic beauty!
