Galway - The Celtic City

A travel journal to Galway by JuneSmiles

This is a quick synopsis of all the things visitors to Galway should know about and do while visiting Galway.

  • 5 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
Galway is like a 'mini' Dublin. It has all the historical buildings and still maintains it's small town feel despite being one of the main cities on the west coast.

Galway is a great city for culture and where the Claddagh hails from. All visitors should visit the Claddagh museum in the back of the Jewellers on the main street (it's free).

The nightlife in Galway is also excellent.

If you get tired of the nightlife and all the culture the city has to offer you can stroll out to the sea from the end of the main street and relax and enjoy the view of the islands in the Atlantic - a great way to recharge the batteries.

Quick Tips:

Galway is best explored on foot. The two main supermarkets are on either side of Eyre Square - Super Value and Roches Stores. The Bus and Train Station are beside the Grest Southern Hotel. To steep yourself in culture and experience a different life you should take a trip to the Aran Islands. A bus to the ferry runs from just outside the tourist Office (also on Eyre Square).

The internet cafe is in between Shop street and Middle street.

I would recommend Charlie Byrnes second hand book store on Middle street.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is by far the best way to explore Galway city. Special bus trips run to the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in Clare (also recommended) and to the ferry for the Aran Islands (well worth a visit).

The main bus and train station is combined and just off Eyre Square (very central).

Very nice - purpose built. Located beside the bus and train station and also very central in the city. Large kitchen with two microwaves. The cookers are very slow though. Great common room and a pool room, too (the table game not the swimming variety!). The free breakfast is not worth getting up for though.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by JuneSmiles on September 5, 2000

Great Western House
Frenchmans Lane Galway, Ireland

Stella MarisBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

This is the worst place I have ever stayed in. Please avoid at all costs. It was covered in mould and since I have stayed there I have met others who have had bad experiences there, too. Avoid this place. It would take too long to fill you in on everything that's wrong with it.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by JuneSmiles on September 5, 2000

Stella Maris
151 Upper Salthill Galway, Ireland
+353 91 521950

Cactus Jack'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Cactus Jacks"

This is a great restaurant. Sometimes they have live music. They do a great variety of food from the local cuisine (the infamous coddle - don't ask!) and also some lovely Cajun food and Tex-Mex, too.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by JuneSmiles on September 5, 2000

Cactus Jack's
Courthouse Lane Galway, Ireland
+353 91 563838

Central ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is by far the best nightclub in Galway - it is where EVERYONE goes so get there early. It has three floors and plays a good variety of music.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by JuneSmiles on September 5, 2000

Central Park
Abbeygate Street Galway, Ireland
+353 91 565974

We took the day trip to the largest of the Aran Islands. We caught the bus from the tourist office and set off through Connemara out to Rosses Point where we caught the Ferry. The Ferry takes you to Aran. Unfortunately the island is getting commercialised so you'll be greeted by lots of mini buses and horses and carts offering to take you on a trip around the island. My suggestion is to hire a bike (beside the port) and see the most amazing sights off the beaten track.

About the Writer

JuneSmiles
JuneSmiles
Dublin, Ireland

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