Guide to Galway, Ireland
Galway is my favorite city in Ireland. This is where I really fell in love with the country and understood what people mean when they say Ireland feels like home. Galway’s people, landscape, and charm got to me and I didn’t want to leave. See below for my guide to visiting Galway!
Last Updated: September 28, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THINGS TO DO IN GALWAY
EXPLORE THE LATIN QUARTER
One of my favorite parts of my time in Galway was roaming the cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter and experiencing the music, shops, bars, and restaurants. This is where I really fell in love with the city’s energy. Get yourself an Aran sweater, a Claddagh ring, and a pint of Guinness, and fully immerse yourself in the Irish vibes.
The Latin Quarter in Galway, Ireland
WALK ALONG THE SALTHILL PROMENADE
The Salthill Promenade is about a 40-minute walk from Galway’s City Center. This 3km path offers beautiful views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands.
RELAX IN EYRE SQUARE
Take a break from all of the walking and relax in Eyre Square. Located in the heart of Galway, Eyre Square is a hub for locals. The square is filled with people chatting, reading, or just hanging out during all hours of the day.
WATCH THE BUSKERS
Galway is famous for its buskers that line the streets of the Latin Quarter. Grab a pint and enjoy listening to the up-and-coming musicians.
WHERE TO EAT IN GALWAY
McDONAGH’S
Get the fish and chips at McDonagh’s — I promise you won’t regret it. Everything on the menu is local and incredibly fresh. This casual spot is perfect for a quick yet high-quality meal.
Fish and Chips at McDonaghs in Galway, Ireland
DOUGH BROS
Voted the best pizza in Ireland and 15th in the world, Dough Bros is worth a stop for all pizza lovers. Choose from one of many specialty pizzas and sides. There are even vegan pizzas on the menu.
HANDSOME BURGER
Another award winner in Galway! Handsome Burger has been voted Ireland’s Best Burger. The menu features beef cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and even a few vegetarian options.
WHERE TO DRINK IN GALWAY
TIG CHÓILÍ
Tig Chóilí in the Latin Quarter is famous for its impromptu traditional Irish music sessions. Sit outside on a nice day and enjoy the people-watching, then grab a spot inside once the music starts.
THE QUAYS
Check out The Quays once the sun goes down for a late-night vibe. This high-energy bar offers live music every night from 6 pm on (it’s been awarded Best Live Music Bar several times…I’m starting to think they’re just handing out awards in Ireland!).
BARR AN CHALADH
Barr An Chaladh is filled with friendly locals and a hotspot for any big match on TV. I stopped in for a drink during a heated football match and witnessed the rival fans going at it.
Try a local Connemara beer when you’re in Galway
WHERE TO STAY IN GALWAY
SAVOY HOSTEL (LOW-BUDGET)
My friends and I stayed at the Savoy Hostel for one night and it’s a solid low-budget option. It offers men’s, women’s, and mixed dorms right in the heart of Galway’s City Center.
WARDS HOTEL (MEDIUM-BUDGET)
I stayed in Wards Hotel in Salthill for one night. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Galway’s City Center, but I didn’t mind. This old-school hotel was filled with Irish history and had a small bar filled with locals in the evening.
GLENLO ABBEY HOTEL (HIGH-BUDGET)
The Glenlo Abbey is a 5-star hotel and estate 2 miles from Galway’s City Center for those looking to splurge. It offers a broad selection of rooms and suites at varying price points. Enjoy the 138-acre golf course, the onsite restaurants, and various activities like archery and falconry (?!).
OTHER GALWAY TIPS
EXPLORE WEST IRELAND
Galway is a great home base while exploring the rest of West Ireland. the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and Connemara are all accessible from Galway.
How to get to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway
Guided Tour from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher
How to get to Connemara from Galway
Guided Tour from Galway to Connemara
GALWAY FAQs
IS GALWAY KID FRIENDLY?
Galway is a safe place for kids, though they might be a bit bored. Most of the draw of the city comes from it’s shopping district, food, drink, and landscape. There aren’t too many activities for younger kids to do.
IS GALWAY SAFE?
I felt incredibly safe in Galway as a solo female traveler! I walked home alone at night with no worries. As always, it’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings at all times as you would in any city.
