Ireland’s must-see scenic city destination. Beautiful countryside landscapes, limestones, and the country’s #1 tourist attraction…the Cliffs of Moher!
Everyone says a visit to Ireland must absolutely include Galway, this beautiful town on the west coast of Ireland (opposite side of Dublin). But why? I think it’s because it’s cute, compact, lively, and with beautiful tours in the area. You don’t need to look up where to go. Just enter the center of the old town and follow the noise. Restaurants, pubs and shops everywhere. So easy, so condensed. A really easy (and fun) visit.
2 days is enough to feel like you saw everything. But can add extra days for you to check out different puts and visit other nearby towns or tourist things.
Where to stay:
- Eyre Square – anywhere near here is ideal. The main busy area is actually the Latin Quarter but I wouldn’t stay in the actual area as it’s noisy all night. So I think anywhere near the square park is cheaper, quieter, and yet still close. Galway is small enough anyway that you can walk to the old town center no matter where you are.
- Across the bridges – across the bridges from the Latin Quarter is probably nice as well but feels like you’re walking far away into the quiet parts of town. It can be an annoying walk if you want to have eat in the Latin Quarter, go home and nap, then come back out for drinking.
I’m absolutely sure there’s more to life in Galway than just the Latin Quarter but these areas are what I’d recommend for first-timers. With more time in Galway, I’ll be able to recommend others.
Hostels:
- Snoozles – I was very happy with my stay here. Comfortable, clean, friendly staff, nice common area to meet people (of all ages). With that said, it’s a big hostel that feels hotel-ish rather than a cozy small one. Snoozles is well located, close to Eyre Square, and literally right next to the bus station (where you’ll probably come in from).
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- Latin Quarter – go here during the day and night. Follow the noise. Restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, live music, street music, all here.
- Water areas – explore around the bridges (Wolfe Tone, O’Brien’s, Salmon Weir). The Salmon Weir has jumping salmon. Then cross the bridges and see what’s on the other side.
Activities to do:
- Latin Quarter – eat, drink, party here.
- Cliffs of Moher tour – Ireland’s #1 tourist attraction. I highly recommend the “Cliffs of Moher & The Burren” tour by the Galway Tour Company. Very passionate tour guide, Gary, who I think talks way too much but it’s such a great tour. 10am to 6pm, 45euro, bus goes and returns from outside Kinlay Hostel by Eyre Square. This tour covers like 5-6 stops and goes past many beautiful landscapes. You’ll see not only the famous cliffs, but also castles, limestone landscapes, the sea, Irish architecture, etc. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Yeaup…these are pretty much the 2 main things everybody does in Galway. I’m sure there’s more to do…but this is what 99% of people do, and it’s great. Funny thing…many Irish people don’t bother to see the cliffs. They don’t care for it and to them, it’s something only the tourists do.
Restaurants & Cafes:
- The Kings Head Bistro
- Oscars Seafood Bistro
- Taaffes Bar
- The Cellar Bar
These recommendations have good food, nice decor, and also good drinks. Stay around till the later hours and you also get live music. Just a really nice overly-stimulated “Irish” environments.
Bars & Clubs:
- 1520 – to my tourist eye, it looks like THESE spot to be. Very popular and full of people. Also has a nice outside area for smoking or chatting.
- Roisin Oubh – didn’t go but heard great things.
- Carroll’s Bar – didn’t go but looks nice.
- Bierhaus – absolutely awesome place across the water. More of a chill lounge metropolitan vibe, with tons of tables and seating and you can actually chat. But still has music and lively vibe. I loved this as a nice break from the usual overly-drunk crowded space and screaming fiddle music bars.
There are 2 main party areas in Galway center that I saw. The first is the Latin Quarter, by 1520 or that one side street with a bunch of club-looking places. The other area I saw.
There are many great spots, don’t just take my recommendations.
Miscellaneous tips:
Nearby towns:
- Limerick
- Cork
- Killarney
Unfiltered notes: