Introduction
Perched on the wild west coast of Ireland, today, this city thrives as a bustling cosmopolitan hub. In 2020, it proudly held the title of Capital of Culture and also earned the coveted title of Europe's friendliest city by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller. Known as the "City of the Tribes," Galway's rich history is steeped in resilience and defiance against Irish natives. Galway's warm and welcoming atmosphere has won the hearts of travellers from all corners of the world, making it an irresistible destination for those seeking friendly vibes and memorable experiences.
To the west of Galway City, within the sprawling landscapes of Connemara, lies Ireland's most extensive Gaeltacht region. This Irish language (Gaeilge), is spoken by a vibrant community where they seamlessly transition between Irish and English in their daily conversations. Here, you'll encounter a treasure trove of Irish heritage, brimming with rich culture, traditional sports, and folklore. It's a place where time-honoured songs and dances still flourish in their authentic forms.
Why We Love Galway:
Galway enchants visitors with its diverse landscapes, from the rugged Connemara region, shrouded in the traditions of Gaelic Ireland, to the bustling urban heart of Galway city. Connemara, an iconic Irish destination, unveils rusty boglands, dramatic coastlines, and the formidable Maumturk Mountains and Twelve Bens ranges. A stop at the mystical Poulnabrone Dolmen, or a scenic drive along the Wild Atlantic Way are just a few of the memorable experiences awaiting adventurers here. East of Connemara lies the captivating Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, separates the west from the farmlands of the county's east ideal for cruises and angling.
The county is renowned for its lively festivals, most notably the Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh, and the world-famous Galway Oyster Festival. These celebrations showcase Galway's passion for the arts, music, and gastronomy.
Highly sought-after, and still making a fashion statement, the iconic Aran Sweater draws its name from the rugged Aran Islands, nestled at the entrance of Galway Bay in the mighty Atlantic Ocean. Passed down through the ages, the Aran sweater now stands as a cherished symbol of Irish heritage, maintaining its popularity to this day.
The city has a vibrant culinary scene where you can wander through the city's charming streets to savour the flavours of locally sourced delicacies from some of Galway's top-notch artisan producers, cheese makers, beer makers, whiskey distillers and artisan chocolatiers. As you stroll you get to learn about the city's intriguing ties to the beheading of the King of England and the captivating history of the Claddagh Ring. Feel like doing a food tour by bike, you can do that too! If you want to taste craft beer, hone your whiskey tasting skills or tackle a sweet tooth food tour, the world if your oyster (pun intended) in Galway
Access & Location:
Located approximately 2.5 hours by coach from Dublin and a 1 hour 15 minute hop from Shannon Airport, Galway offers convenient access for travellers arriving both internationally and domestically. The scenic drive from Dublin unveils the breathtaking Irish countryside, making the journey part of the adventure.
Famous for:
Galway boasts a rich cultural heritage and has produced renowned figures such as the poet W.B. Yeats, iconic actor Peter O'Toole and the famous comedian Tommy Tiernan. The county is also home to some of Ireland's most celebrated restaurants, including Michelin-starred gem Aniar along with Bib Gourmand holders such as Ean and Kai, where the culinary scene draws inspiration from local ingredients and traditions. Galway is famous for hosting the spirited Galway Races, where horse racing enthusiasts gather for an unforgettable week of excitement. Where pubs have Irish names like An Púcán and Tigh Neachtain and are teeming with locals, you are sure to meet a character or two on a night out in Galway.
A word you will hear a lot:
"Ara": this may be petite in terms of letters, but its versatility in Galway's vocabulary knows no bounds. Locals often employ it as a prelude to a hopeful or upbeat remark, like saying, "Ara, sure look, it'll be grand." Ara can also stand alone as a single word with a world of reassurance when nothing else needs to be added to show you understand a friend!
Worth considering if:
You’ve based yourself in a neighbouring county and want to take a deep dive into the endless cultural activities that Galway has to offer for a day. As Ireland’s second largest county, you should add this to your list if you’ve already hit Ireland’s our tourist hotspots. With salmon filled rivers, a bay full of oysters, quaint cottages on the Aran Islands and people speaking English and Gaeilge (Irish) galore, this is a county not to be missed.
