Galway is full of colourful houses
I’m taking a shine to Galway. Having arrived here last night and enjoyed the legendary Irish hospitality on the inside of many of the city’s bars, this morning I took the chance to wander around and see what I could find. Being out at 9am the city was very quiet; hardly surprising given its lively state only a few hours earlier when we’d finally left it for the comfort of our hotel rooms.
Here are just a few views of a Galway morning. It’s striking how small a city this is, and little walking is required to see so many contrasting sights. It does seem that wherever you turn, the symbols of the God and Guinness are ever-present. Welcome to Ireland!
A quiet Galway morning
Latin Quarter, Galway
The market is setting up for a busy day
Galway's higgledy piggledy back streets
Colourful graffiti in Galway
Spanish Arch, Galway
Oscar and Eduard Wilde
Canalside by cathedral, Galway
Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral
Galway time? Time for the pub
I was in Galway as a guest of bmibaby and Tourism Ireland on an organised press trip.
Assuming you’re still in Galway, pop down the road and over the water to Inishmore – one of the Aran Islands. It’s where St Enda is from, and they have tandems you can hire. xxx
I was only in Galways for a day or two many years ago, but this is exactly how I remember it. Small, colorful, a little scattershot – but some of friendliest, welcoming nightlife I’ve ever experienced. Great trad and beer in the pubs. It was here that I first had Smithwick’s (before Guinness bought it).
If you’re still in Galway, and get the chance, head down to Salthill for a nice walk along the beach area. If you have a car, head out a little further from the Salthill, following the coast road and you’ll pass through some great small villages like Spiddal where they speak gaelic, there’s a great pub along this road called “The Bistro” fantastic food and great prices. Go there almost every time I’m in Galway.
Travelling in the opposite direction see if you can get out towards Oughterad and on into the Connemara mountains. Loads of places to stop and admire the scenery.
Of course, if it’s the buzz of the city you like, I think you’re doing a pretty good job of seeing the sights so far!! If you’ve not been in yet, try the museum as it’s free to get in and on top of the spanish arch.
Enjoy the rest of your stay.
We may very well passes each other on the street this morning at the market. Enjoy Galway!
Thanks for all the great tips (Enda, I should have asked you for some advice before I set off). Being a press trip the itinerary is usually quite full, and with the festival taking place and only one full day to spend here there wasn’t a chance to get out of the city. Ah well, I’ll have to return with Sam and see more of the surrounding areas.
Glad you experienced the same warm welcome as I have Keith.
These are lovely pictures! Great contrast between the colourful walls and the greyish weather.
Lucky you to be on such a great press trip!
Can’t wait to read the rest.
Hi Andy, thanks for whetting my appetite for the trip I’m planning to Galway in early September. The pics are fabulous!
I plan to see if I can find any long lost rellies in the area.
Did you find some good accommodation? Any great pubs you’d recommend for a meal?
I hope the rest of your trip goes well!
I have been living in Galway for 4 years. A bit of local knowledge for any visitors.
McCambridge’s on Shop Street is the best place to get coffee and a sandwich for lunch. They sell the best quality stuff in the City. Morton’s out in Salthill is just as good but a bit of a trek from the centre.
For the best authentic Irish pub experience, Tigh Neachtain on Quay Street cannot be beaten. It’s often overflowing with people but Freeney’s on Shop Street is good for a quieter but equally good Guinness.
For dinner, Cavas and Abalone are on Dominick Street. Both are excellent.
For walks, follow the canals or else go out to Salthill and walk the promenade. It’s literaly packed on sunny days with happy locals.
For live music, the Roisin Dubh has great local and international acts (Dominick Street). The Crane Bar on Sea Road is great for live Irish music but get there early as it’s always packed to the rafters.
For theatre check out the Town Hall Theatre for listings. Posters appear on the street every now and again for local fringe groups. Most of these are excellent. Mephisto Theatre Company, Waterdonkey Theatre and Moonfish Theatre are class acts and are not to be missed if they’ve a show playing locally. Sometimes there’s lunchtime theatre in Kelly’s Bar on bridge street. Check that out if it’s on. It’s only 5 euro and a nice relaxing mid-day break from the bustle. You can eat your lunch during the show if you like.
After all that there’s plenty to see in and around the town. Depends what you fancy really. I recommend staying in the city centre as some of the newer hotels are out in the suburbs and the magic of Galway doesn’t travel out that far yet. It’s not a big city. you can see it all in a day or two. It’s a great hub for travelling out to Connemara and the Burren and the Aran Islands. July is the best month to visit as there’s the Film Fleadh, The Arts Festival and the Galway Races all back to back.
I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like Galway.
Thanks again to all for the kind remarks. Podge, your review of Galway is perfect. I wish I’d seen it before! I’ll keep it safe for the next time I visit. I’m sure they’ll be useful tips for others heading that way. FallonAussieGirl, you’ll have a great time there – who doesn’t? Hope the recommendations provided by Podge are helpful. I stayed in the Radisson Blu – very nice hotel, close to the centre of the city (5 mins walk from Eyre Sq) and very good service and facilities. I was a guest of the hotel so you’ll need to check the website for room rates etc.
Thank you both, especially Podge. Wow, lots for me to consider. I will definitely test the pubs, food and theatre suggestions.
I’m so looking forward to visiting. Andy, not sure that I can afford the Radisson, although it looks very appealing.
Podge, do you know if there is a comfortable, less expensive option close to the city? Do you know if wifi is available in the city centre?
Crossing fingers……
FallonAussieGirl, there’s plenty of mid-range hotels and B&Bs in Galway. The Hunstman is a ten minute walk from the centre. The Skeffington Arms (known to locals as the Skeff) is bang in the centre of town. Should be cheaper than the Radisson. If you’re backpacking there’s a few hostels in the town. Barnacles on Quay Street is the most central, I even stayed there once myself a few years ago. You can get a double room there, very small but very cheap. I recommend though that you stay in a B&B. There’s a ton of them in Galway. It’s about 80 euro for a double room and breakfast is included. Galway people are fantastically nice and helpful so you’ll be well looked after. There’s a load of B&Bs on College Road, which is 5 mins from Eyre Square. That’s where I’d stay for value for money.
Oh sorry, about the Wifi. I think they have it for free in Eyre Square. I’m not sure. They used to anyway. A lot of pubs in town let you use it for free but it’s not available throughout the city. There’s plenty of net cafes around though.