Pack your bags, we’re heading out Wesht.
If you’re planning a weekend break in Ireland this year then you better put Galway at the top of your list. The historic little city is a great place to spend a weekend shopping, exploring or going out for a few ”quiet ones”.
Here’s everything you need to know before you go to the City of the Tribes.
Where to stay
The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to stay on your Galway trip. Just two minutes away from the bus station and five minutes away from the train station, its picturesque location along Lough Atalia is the ideal place to explore Galway from. The hotel recently underwent some renovations and is looking very slick. If you do decide to stay make sure you visit their amazing thermal suites and rooftop Canadian hot tub.
What to do
Eyre Square
You can’t go to Galway and not visit Eyre Square. Take a quick stroll through the grassy area which was officially renamed John F. Kennedy Memorial Park following the former president’s speech there in 1963.
Shop street
Spend a few hours wandering in and out of the shops and cafes along Shop Street. Make sure you pop into Treasure Chest, one of Galway’s oldest running shops. The entrepreneur behind the business Mary Bennett has been running the store for 50 years and takes particular pride in her year-round Christmas shop on the third floor. Don’t be a grinch and go visit.
Salthill
If you have some time take a spin out to Salthill for a nice walk along the promenade. It’s the perfect place to get an icecream on a sunny day.
Galway Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven and St Nicholas (yes, that’s actually its name) is one of Galway’s most iconic buildings. Finished in 1965, the cathedral isn’t very historic but its stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit.
Where to eat
Caprice Café
Marble tables, colourful lunches and amazing cakes, Caprice on Church Lane is every Instagrammer’s dream. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee while you’re shopping.
Biteclub
Biteclub is a self-proclaimed ‘Streetfood Discotheque’ on Abbeygate Street Upper. It’s the perfect place to go for Sunday brunch. They’ve got great tunes, amazing slushie cocktails and a tasty menu with everything from mac and cheese to falafel.
Ard Bia Nimmos
Sitting right beside the Spanish Arch, you won’t be able to miss Ard Bia Nimmos. The little restaurant serves up a fantastic selection of seasonal dishes from around the world with everything from Mediterranean to Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant has won a slew of awards in recent years and is a favourite among locals.
Where to drink
Taaffes Bar
Taafees is one of Galway’s best-known bars and a big hit with tourists. They have trad sessions on 7 nights a week so try catch at least a few tunes during your visit.
An Púcán
An Púcán is a huge bar just of Eyre Square. They’ve got a decent menu and great beer garden too if the weather is nice. Sure you can’t go wrong.
