Is Galway Worth Visiting? The Ultimate Guide to the Irish Town

Is Galway Worth Visiting? The Ultimate Guide to the Irish Town

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Galway is a small but mighty town in Ireland where the country’s culture and energy shines, but is Galway worth visiting?

I loved Galway, and it was exactly how I pictured Ireland: cobblestone streets, lively pubs, and amazing fish and chips. It is definitely worth visiting, and I’ll explain more in this article.

Below, I’ll go over what makes Galway special, the things to do there, and some tips for your visit.

Keep reading to learn more about Galway and whether or not it is worth visiting for you.

Last updated: May 23, 2024

Published: February 14, 2024

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What Galway Has to Offer

Rustic building in Galway on a cloudy day.

Galway is a special place where you can enjoy both nature and culture. There are a lot of things that make the town unique.

Here’s why Galway is worth a visit:

  • Nature: Walk along beautiful trails with amazing views of mountains and parks. You can also try fun water activities like kayaking and sailing.
  • Coastal Weather: Galway’s weather is usually mild, with some rain, making everything green. There are also stunning sunsets to enjoy.
  • Local Fun: Meet friendly locals and join in their music, dance, and storytelling. Stay at cozy bed and breakfast places, dance at pubs, and try tasty local food like seafood and stews.
  • Walkable City: The city is small, so you can walk everywhere. It is well worth exploring food and seeing what pubs and shops you come across.
  • Exciting Events: Every year, there’s the Galway Arts Festival with music, theater, and art from around the world.
  • Yummy Food: Galway has great restaurants where you can taste delicious dishes made with fresh seafood and local ingredients.

Galway is worth visiting and a fantastic place to enjoy nature, meet friendly people, and have fun exploring!

Things to Do and See in Galway

Busy street in Galway.

When you visit Galway, there’s no shortage of exciting things to see and do. Here are some must-visit attractions and activities to make the most of your trip:

  • Stroll Through Eyre Square: The heart of Galway is Eyre Square, a park surrounded by historic landmarks, bustling cafes, and vibrant street performers. Take a leisurely walk, relax on the green lawns, and soak in the lively atmosphere of this popular gathering spot.
  • Discover Galway’s Pub Scene: Experience the highlight of Irish culture by enjoying Galway’s pub scene. Wander through the cobblestone streets, where you’ll find tons of cozy pubs. Enjoy the traditional Irish music that fills the air and have a pint of Guinness.
  • Venture to Connemara: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the wild beauty of Connemara. Take a scenic drive along the rugged coastline, hike through the mountains, and enjoy Connemara National Park. You can also visit small villages and ancient sites scattered throughout County Galway.
  • Visit the Cliffs of Moher: Take a day trip from Galway to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonders. The cliffs tower over the Atlantic Ocean, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the Aran Islands. Make sure to head inside the visitor center to learn about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history.
  • Enjoy Water Activities: Take advantage of Galway’s coastal location and enjoy some water sports like kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing.
  • Dive into Galway’s History: Explore Galway’s medieval streets, historic landmarks, and ancient ruins. Visit iconic sites such as the Spanish Arch, Lynch’s Castle, and St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, and learn about the city’s fascinating past through guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, Galway offers something for everyone to enjoy. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the magic of this vibrant city on the west coast of Ireland.

Alternatives to Visiting Galway

One of the Rusting buildings to see, making Galway worth visiting

If you want to explore more of Ireland other than Galway or prefer to experience a different side of Ireland, here are some other cities to consider.

  • Cork: Cork is a lovely city by the River Lee. People love it for its arts, old buildings, and tasty food. You can visit the English Market for colorful sights, check out the Cork City Gaol for history, or just walk by the pretty River Lee. Cork is full of life and has lots of Irish culture to enjoy.
  • Killarney: Killarney is in County Kerry, surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s great for people who love the outdoors and history. You can visit Killarney National Park to see beautiful lakes, forests, and mountains. There’s also Muckross House and Gardens, a historic place to explore. Or you can take a drive on the Ring of Kerry for amazing views. Whether you want adventure or relaxation, Killarney has both stunning nature and Irish charm.
  • Dublin: Dublin is Ireland’s lively capital city, full of busy streets, old landmarks, and lots of energy. You can learn about famous writers at Trinity College and see the Book of Kells. Or check out Temple Bar, a fun area with pubs and events. Visit Dublin Castle for history or walk by the River Liffey for a nice view. Dublin has lots to see and do, making it a lively city to explore.
  • Other Small Irish Towns: Besides the busy cities, Ireland has lots of cute small towns and villages, each with its own special vibe and things to do. Check out the pretty streets of Kilkenny, which are famous for old buildings and art. Learn about the sea history in Cobh or experience Gaelic culture in Westport. From Dingle’s wild coast to Adare’s calm beauty, Ireland’s small towns offer real Irish experiences in beautiful settings.

These places give you different experiences than Galway, showing you more of Ireland’s culture and beauty. Whether you like old cities, pretty scenery, or cute villages, Ireland has a lot to offer, sure to amaze and motivate you.

Tips and Things to Know Before Visiting Galway

Before packing your bags for Galway, read through these tips to make sure you have a great trip.

  • If you want to avoid big crowds, it’s best to visit in spring or autumn. These times have nice weather and fewer people compared to busy summer days.
  •  Getting to and around Galway is easy. You can use public transport to get to Galway, which is easy to use in Ireland. Once you arrive in Galway, you can walk around town. Renting a car is a good idea if you want to take day trips to the countryside, especially to places that are farther away. Or, consider taking a tour if you want to get out of town.
  •  Prices for traveling in Galway can vary, suiting both people looking for luxury and those on a budget. It’s smart to plan and budget ahead, knowing that hotels and eating out can be the biggest costs. Booking early, especially for popular events, can help you get better room prices and fares.
  •  Galway has a lot of places to stay, from fancy hotels to cozy guesthouses. If you like luxury, there are nice hotels for you. But if you want to save money, hostels or mid-priced places are also available.

If you follow these tips and tricks, you will have a great trip to Galway.

So Is Galway Worth Visiting?

Market place with several businesses making in Galway worth visiting

In conclusion, Galway is definitely worth visiting for its vibrant culture, charming streets, and stunning landscapes.

Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, enjoying lively pubs, or taking scenic drives along the coast, Galway offers a memorable experience that captures the heart of Ireland.

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