Galway is Ireland’s “town of the tribes” and is a super popular destination for a city break. From luxurious hotels to quality dining and the coastal gem that is Salthill, you’re sure to find the perfect getaway nestled in its cosy streets. We’ve put together a handy guide of where to stay, dine, drink, and visit if you do decide to make a whistle stop tour here.
Where to stay? The G Hotel is designed by renowned Milliner and Galway native Philip Treacy and is one of the most opulent hotels in Galway. As soon as you step within its doors, you will see the quality and imagination that has gone into everything the hotel has to offer, down to the finest of details. The Hotel was meticulously designed by Treacy, and his personality is brought to the fore in the bright pink and purple hues that greet you in the main rooms. This Hotel is a feast for the senses and a kaleidoscope of colour. Located a 5-minute drive from the centre of Galway, the Hotel’s rooms and suites overlook picturesque Lough Atalia. There is an exclusive 5-star ESPA Spa in the hotel to avail of luxury treatments, a glamourous cocktail bar and a AA Rosette award winning restaurant It would be perfect for a girls trip as it has a very Sex and the City vibe. This glitzy hotel will definitely cater to your taste if you are on the lookout for celeb treatment.
Where to drink? Those not wanting to move around too much will find the perfect venue in The Kings Head. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant/bar enjoys a steady stream of tourists throughout the day seeking a quiet drink and some tasty lunch, whilst transforming into the perfect night-time venue and offering live music 7 nights a week. Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter the building itself has an interesting and rich 800-year history and hosts a link to the 14 tribes of Galway. The name itself was inspired by a section of the pub being given to the King Charles 1’s executioner. The pub is set on multiple levels and whereas bands provide the free entertainment 7 nights a week on the ground floor, the top level (The Ruby Room) has been used for comedy gigs.
For the Outdoors Lover. If mother nature is more your thing, a trip to Salthill prom is on the cards. Galway is coastal and on the famous Wild Atlantic Way route, take a short car/taxi ride to Salthill Beach and soak in the picturesque views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. The Salthill Promenade made famous in the song Galway Girl is a 3km long walking route for locals and tourists alike. A perfect stroll to clear the cobwebs, get some sea-air and maybe even an effective hangover cure. If you’re visiting in the summer months and the weather is in your favour, you can join in with the
locals in taking a dip in the sea from the famous Blackrock diving Tower.
Tour the city by water. The Corrib Princess is a great way to explore the city by water. The boat offers a scenic tour of Galway’s River Corrib in a 90-minute cruise experience. Featuring a fully stocked bar to enjoy refreshments, the cruise operates from May to September and is a great way to tour the city by boat and enjoy learning about the many tourist attractions and places of interest.
Where to shop? No city break is complete without a shopping trip, and a visit to a local market can be the best way to find the fruits of local craft makers’ labour. Galway Market is an open-air market that operates all year round from Lombard Street in the city centre. It opens each Saturday and Sunday to the public and features an eclectic mix of food, arts, and craft stalls to enjoy and purchase from. A must-see for the gourmet traveller, its many food stalls feature local produced chocolate, tasty curries, delicious crepes, and some of the best international dishes on offer. Spend a lazy Saturday meandering through its streets and finish off your shopping trip with a tasty lunch.
Where to eat? If afternoon tea is what you fancy, then Cupán Tae is an internationally acclaimed institution in Galway. This beautifully presented side-street café is one of Galway’s more stylish destinations. It offers the ultimate afternoon tea experience by serving up quality teas, savoury miniatures, and scrumptious desserts on the finest of bone china. The café has been voted as the best restaurant in Ireland for dessert and afternoon tea in Ireland, and if you’re lucky enough to get a booking for brunch, you’ll see why. Over 50 teas from the best international tea growing regions are on offer here and they also retail online operating a successful E-commerce business.
Oscar’s Seafood Bistro is perfect for the seafood addict in your life. Locally sourced seafood is cooked to perfection and menus are carefully updated depending on seasonal changes. There is an extensive wine list to expertly pair the perfect white wine with a dish of your choice. The restaurant is revered by locals and food critics alike and has featured in The Michelin Guide. Trust you are in good hands with these guys, when they published a cookbook Sea Gastronomy, it was voted Best Seafood Book in the world.
