By Evan Davenport, Local
Failte go Gaillimh, Welcome to Galway
Galway, Ireland, a hidden treasure of the west coast nestled on the edge of Europe and looking solemnly toward the Atlantic. As you navigate the streets of old Galway city, you will find yourself as a human shuttlecock flying through the tapestry of a place where an ancient warp intertwines with the woof of a modern spirit.
Here in the midst of warm pubs on rainy evenings, you are sure to find friendly company, satiating pints of Guinness, and receive the kind of welcomes that will make you want to come back before you’ve even left.
Choose From Hotels, Hostels
Centrally located Ceannt Station off of Eyre Square is the primary bus (and only train) terminal, abutting the famous four star Hotel Meyrick and thus making it a very convenient place to stay. Those looking for more budget accommodation may wish to use nearby Snoozles Hostel, located next to the New Coach Station on Forster Street where bus companies CityLink and GoBus run from.
Yet if you're looking for a little less prestige than a traditional four star and a little more coziness than a hostel, Corrib House Tea Rooms & Guest Accommodation on Woodquay surely deserves a mention.
Overlooking the mighty River Corrib, the quaintness these digs can boast will not only leave you physically rested with its plush beds and delicious food, but also rest the time traveller inside you as you feast your eyes on some of the old world, traditional décor and hardware.
Explore Local Pubs
Do Galway and pubs go hand in hand? Is the Pope Catholic? You get the idea. There's no shortage of watering holes in this city. In fact, this portion of this article really deserves an unfolding leaf like the kind on your aspirin bottle, because with pubs too numerous to count, we just can't look at all of them now, but there might be an app for it for those wishing to go on a time honored pub crawl.
A quiet but little bit out of the way place is Harry's Bar on 77 Bohermore, about a ten minute walk to the North of Eyre Square. They also serve good grub here. A lot of Irish pubs do not do food. Harry's does. And it does it right.
Those looking for a more lively experience might try the Kings Head at 15 High Street. One of the oldest buildings in Galway, the King's Head also serves grub and does music. Galway is a city that cherishes music in general, and one only has to walk up and down Shop Street any time of day or night to hear talented buskers chancing their vocals on anyone willing to stop and be serenaded. Don't forget to fill their instrument cases with a little special something if you liked what you heard.
Other mentions include The Quays on Quay Lane, The Daíl Bar on Middle Street, and the Skeff on Eyre Square, all sure not to disappoint.
Visit The Atlantaquaria
The people of Galway have always been a coastal people, and as such their culture has been shaped by it. The best place to experience the nature of what lies beneath their steely grey waters up close is at the mystifying Atlantaquaria in Salthill, Galway's premier aquarium which showcases an abundance of native Irish species.
While mostly a self guided experience, there are set times throughout the day when a tour guide will emerge to feed some of the creatures in the main pool and tell you about their habits and characteristics. You can even join in and feed some of the fish and rays yourself, which they'll surely appreciate.
Grab A Traditional Irish Seafood
If feeding all those fish made you hungry, make your way back to Quay Street in the city centre and take your place at the top of the food chain by ordering yourself a hot plate of perfectly battered cod and golden crisp chips at McDonagh's. Family run since 1902, they've caught and cooked a couple fish in their time and after over a century, they have perfected the art of the delicious fish and chips.
But maybe you're more of a turf rather than surf kind of person. You can try the haggis. Isn't that Scottish, you ask? Well, yes, and you might also ask what's in it, but when it comes to haggis, it's best not to! Just try it—you won't be sorry. And you'll be full.
Shop Local Wares
A less known secret of Galway are its vintage shops, shops that truly take you back to the future in the way hip college towns are apt to do. So dial in 52 Upper Abbeygate Street and your Delorian will take you to Public Romance, a shop that has distinguished itself as one of the leading vintage outfitters in the city. If you have a flair for yesteryear, they have what you want in stock today.
For the traditionalists, don't forget to check out famous Brown Thomas department store on William Street. It's a real Irish tradition. Foodie visitors in your travel group owe it to themselves to check out McCambridge's on Shop Street, the real Harrods of Galway. Full of tantalizing meats, chocolates and complete with a wide range of wines and whiskies, if you're planning on finishing the evening back at the hotel with a game of bridge, you'll want to stock up on some victuals here.
But no trip to Galway would be really complete without getting a famous Aran sweater to prove you've been here. Aran sweaters were originally worn by fishermen on Galway's Aran Islands. The knit pattern corresponded to the family of the wearer so that if he was lost at sea and later his bloated, unidentifiable body should wash up on shore, he could be identified by the pattern of knit on the sweater. Morbid thought indeed, but the sweaters are warm as can be and naturally water repellent too, so in Galway terms, that means they are as practical as can be. Fallers Sweater shop on High Street will be happy to supply you one in your size at a reasonable price.
Take In A Show
Before you leave, don't forget to take in a show at the Town Hall Theatre on Courthouse Square. As the name implies, it once served as the Town Hall, and also served as a courthouse. Happily it has the cheerier purpose of entertaining people now. A veritable salad bar of entertainment, the theatre hosts every kind of gig for every kind of mood from musical, to comedy to drama.
It's recommended to save the show for your last night in town. Why? Well, Galway does gets more rain than most other places in Ireland, so even if you don't leave on a dry note, you'll definitely leave on a high note.
Editor's Picks + Notes
By Melissa Elise Randall, Editor
Explore Local Coffee Shops
Galway is the perfect place to hole up with a cup of hot coffee. When I was there, I liked The Jungle Cafe Galway, due to it's vibrant colors and sunny interior. They also have a really neat, eclectic outdoor patio with plenty of places to sit.
Stroll Around The Harbor
Galway is an extremely walkable city - if I went back, I don't think I'd rent a car. I enjoyed going down to the harbor and taking pictures, with all of the sea worn boats and brightly colored houses overlooking the water.
Hike, Bike, Rollerblade
Near the water, there are a lot of opportunities for outdoor activity, depending on what you're looking to do. Take a long walk along the water or rent a bike and see the city by cycling. Whatever your outdoor exercise of choice is, there's a way to do it in Galway.
And for the non-athletes, grab a book and a blanket for an impromptu reading picnic.