The 7 Must-Do Things To Do In Galway
Regularly called the ‘most Irish town in Ireland’, this coastal town is a place where Celtic culture and literature have long flourished, often in the traditional Gaelic language. But today, you’re just as likely to hear Spanish, Polish, or Japanese on the crowded streets of Galway, this increasingly international university city (the National University of Ireland is located here ).
While autumn is less crowded than touristic summer, Galway’s cultural festivals continue to enliven the city, attracting large numbers of visitors with international and local festivals all year round.
1. The Old Town
Visit medieval Galway simply by wandering the streets. Most of the center is pedestrianized. “Medieval”, for what remains of it, since everything is hidden or almost: start with the Browne Doorway on Eyre Square and then head on Shop Street to pass in front of Lynch’s Castle (now a bank). Next nearby is St. Nicholas Church, the largest medieval church in Ireland. Continue towards the Corrib to come across the Spanish Arch, a testament to Galway’s trading past. Surprisingly, you will admire the most beautiful part of the city walls in the Eyre Square Shopping Center. You will not forget the Cathedral of Our Lady of Galway, much more imposing than the Church of St. Nicholas.
Also Read: Things To Do In Cork
2. Pubs And Nightlife
Very student, the nightlife in Galway is also hectic. So go to several of the pubs (institutions in Ireland) to soak up the local atmosphere and meet people. Some of the pubs here are legendary. You will attend Irish band mini-concerts.
3. Connemara
Galway is the gateway to Connemara National Park, so why deprive yourself of such a chance? The exceptional nature of this region and the beauty of the landscapes will take your breath away. Take a day or two to explore the mountains of the Inagh Valley or the Maumturk Mountains, and the lakes (including Derryclare Lough, one of the most beautiful), and take the Sky Road to pass through superb villages. You will certainly come across Irish-speaking Gaelic.
4. The Aran Islands
Also take advantage of being in Galway to discover the three Aran Islands, Gaelic lands 18km from the Irish coast, which have many Iron Age remains such as forts, walls, etc… but also magnificent cliffs, including that of Inishmore.
5. Kylemore Abbey
Located in Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, which is attached to Kylemore Castle, is a Gothic architectural masterpiece that was built by the wealthy Henry Mitchell as a tribute to his late wife and daughter. The visit and the view of Kylemore Lake are really worth the detour.
6. Cliffs of Moher
It takes about 1.5 hours by car to get to the Cliffs of Moher, but even if you are in the region (although they are in County Clare), you might as well go see the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland! The starting point is at the Tour O’Brien, but if you like the spot, you can walk along the 8 km of cliffs. They overlook the Atlantic Ocean up to 214 m in height. Be careful because it is the most visited natural site in Ireland, and more than a million tourists go there each year.
7. Salt Hill
Go for a walk along the coastline on Salthill! This is an ideal walk to stroll around and recover from a pub crawl the night before.
How to get to Galway?
Galway is very poorly served (if at all, only in season), so you will need to arrive by bus or car. The best is to land at Dublin, Cork, or Knock airports. Find your cheap flight to one of these three destinations on Ulysses.