Why go?

With its vibrant spirit and rich history, the port city of Galway is a magnet for writers, artists and musicians, earning it the title of Ireland’s cultural capital. The warren of narrow medieval lanes, which make up the heart of the walled city, is brimming with galleries, historical sites, restaurants, museums and bars, all with a story to tell. The abundance of art and literary festivals throughout the year add to the bohemian charm and fuel an already lively atmosphere that attracts thousands of visitors annually.

What to do

Located on the River Corrib, facing west out onto the Atlantic, life in Galway is inseparable from the sea. The Galway ‘hooker’, a traditional fishing boat used for hundreds of years to transport turf across Galway Bay, is an iconic city symbol. Artist Eamonn O’Doherty, inspired by its dark red sails and black hull, has created a bronze hooker and fountain installation in Eyre Square, the city’s central open space. Here you’ll also find multi-coloured flags with crests representing the 14 merchant families that ruled Galway and profited from its trade throughout the Middle Ages. Several plaques, or ‘marriage stones’, bearing these family crests can still be found dotted around the city. The most impressive is on the huge stone fireplace in The Kings Head pub on the high street; pop in for a quick Guinness and touch a piece of the city’s history. In the city’s bustling Latin quarter, in the area surrounding the early 14th-century St Nicholas Church, the Saturday market takes place. Rub shoulders with local chefs picking up lastminute ingredients for lunch service, as they make their selections from stalls full of freshly caught oysters, vegetables and breads. Pick up a work of art from one of the many shops or galleries in the connecting streets. At night, this part of the city comes alive, and the bustling shopping streets are full of chatter and music flowing out from restaurants and traditional bars. Galway’s West End is slightly off the beaten track, but it is lovely to stroll up the banks of the Corrib, towards Galway Cathedral – Europe’s youngest great stone cathedral.

Where to stay

The Herons Rest (00 353 91 539 574, theheronsrest.com) is a boutique B&B nestled on the quayside, a five-minute stroll from the city centre. Enjoy breakfast while overlooking the river Corrib, where seals often pop their heads up to greet you good morning. The House Hotel (00 353 91 538 900, thehousehotel.ie) is primely positioned in Galway’s Latin quarter, a minute’s walk from Quay Street, and houses its own popular cocktail bar. Outside of the centre is the The G Hotel (00 353 91 865 200, theghotel.ie), notable for its five-star spa and glamorous interior designed by Philip Treacy.

Where to eat and drink

Fresh produce, from both land and sea, is in abundance, and this is reflected in Galway’s impressive food scene. Brunch and baked goods are the highlights at Ard Bia (00 353 91 561 114, ardbia.com), in the buzzing Spanish Arch. Try the chowder, full of smoked haddock and mussels, followed by a wedge of homemade cake. The Kai Café and Restaurant (00 353 91 526 003, kaicaferestaurant.com) is a newcomer to the Galway dining scene, and shouldn’t be missed. It has a relaxed, organic-feeling space with a stylish edge, and a daily changing menu chock-full of seasonal produce from regional suppliers. Tigh Neachtain’s pub (00 353 91 568 820, tighneachtain.com) sums up the eclectic nature of Galway’s charm. Offering more than 100 whiskeys, its snugs are occupied with everyone from buskers to businessmen and it’s a great place to get to know people.

Time running out?

The dramatic scenery surrounding Galway is a huge attraction – head out to the valleys and mountains of Connemara, or to the beautiful Aran Islands on a day trip.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the euro. Galway is on GMT and is a direct one-hour-50-minute flight from London.

Getting There

Aer Arann (alternativeairlines.com) flies direct from London Luton, Edinburgh and Manchester to Galway from April.
Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies regularly from various destinations in the UK to Knock, which is an hour’s drive from Galway.

Resources

Tourism Ireland (discoverireland.com) provides information on visiting Galway and other cities in Ireland.