Galway?

[Rudyster12]

Hey Everyone,

I am curious what people think about Galway? I visited Galway back in 2008 and didn't think it was that special, but everyone I talk to that has been there raves about it and says how they had such an awesome time there. Did I miss something?

Thanks.

[jackberry]

Well, I guess you really miss something! Have you been in a parade there? Well, if no I guess you really did miss one of the most interesting to do in Galway.

[Rudyster12]

[Kay]

Hi Rudyster12

I've not been to Ireland for years but the best thing I found there was the pleasant people. I guess they have attractions in Galway but I'd imagine it would be more of a holiday where you could relax. Nothing to do?

It would be good if someone could enlighten us about Galway's charms.

(Not some idiot from half way round the world who makes stupid posts to get their sig noticed.)
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[BlackEyes]

I don't know much about Galway either. However, from the few things that I have read about it, it seems that it would be an interesting place to visit. They say that there are also tons of sights to see there.
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[EamonnTurley]

I have also enjoyed Galway, it does depend on time of year that you visit best to go during the races , or during a music festival

[Red Tape]

[brandon26]

Galway is the nice place and i also like it very much, but in the festival session its a great place, if you really wanna have great time.....

[Rita.G]

Galway city dosnt realy have 'must see' sights so if you go looking for an Eifel tower or a Colluseum I can see why you'd be dissapointed. It's a small but charming city, the best things to do is relax have a wander around the city and enjoy the nightlife and live music. And of course its even better when theres a festival on because the city is even more lively then.

I think one of its best selling points for tourists is not the city itself but is its location- its the perfect placed to be based to explore the west of Ireland, the surrounding coutryside and the coast are realy 'must see.'

[PaulApple]

in my opinion, Galway is one of the best places in Ireland to visit as a tourist. Dublin is good but real expensive and crowded. Galway is a bit more Irish and cultural and less crowded and its a little town in its own right. I visited a small village called Loughrea also for a wedding recently. Lovely area.

[CatherineInDonegal]

Galway is a great place to spend a while. The city itself is so tiny and easy to get about. There are many ancient buildings both in the city and outside it to take pics of (if that's your bag as it is mine).

There is a great atmosphere too. Eating out at night is a joy as there are so many restaurants to chose from, many based in Shop Street. In the summer it is lovely to eat in one of these and then wander along the street, pick a bar and sit outside sipping a drink and watching the people go by. And being Galway, there is nearly always a pub with live music for those who enjoy that.

The last time we stayed we got a great wee hotel just off Eyre Square. It was relatively inexpensive but great location, great staff and great rooms. Also out in Salthill ~ a short walk, taxi or bus ride from the city there is a hotel right down on the front which has the most amazing views over Galway Bay and is really inexpensive.

In the daytime too it is good to wander around the shops in the city. Unlike many other places there are lots of little artisan shops. For the foodie you can easily while away an hour or so in Sheridans (fabulous cheeses and other foods). They let you sample the food and this is great to help you pick which cheeses you like best. Also during the day a stop off at Fat Freddies for a coffee and a seat outside is worth a stop.

For the foodie too a short trip out to O'Grady's restaurant in Barna. It is a small terraced house converted into a restaurant and sits right down on the pier. The seafood there is sensational.

If staying in Galway a trip to the Cliffs of Moher is easily do-able. Lots of people like to visit the cliffs and whilst they are probably worth seeing they pale into insignificance when compared to the cliffs on Tory Island (off the coast of Donegal) and indeed Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) the highest seacliffs in Europe, also in Donegal. Yes, I am biased to Donegal lol

Also a day trip to the Burren (in County Clare) is well worth the trip. The place is not only very beautiful with an amazing landscape and beautiful hues but there are also a number of dolmens and ancient burial tombs which pre-date the pyramids of Egypt. And if taking the trip to the Burren a visit to Ailwee Caves is a must do (especially if you have children with you). The caves are a fabulous wonderland of the most amazing stalagtites and stalagmites and the tour take you on a walk deep into the caverns of the caves.

Back in Galway city you can visit the home of Nora Barnacle (James Joyce's wife and the inspiration for the character Molly Bloom in Ulysses). Her house has been made into a tiny museum and is in fact the smallest museum in Ireland.

Lynchs Castle, which now houses a bank, is the oldest commercial building in Ireland. Inside there is a mini museum area which tells the extensive history of the building. Outside the walls have some pretty good gargoyles and carvings to see and photograph.

I think Galway is a state of mind too though. You just have to 'feel' it. For those that do, they fall in love with it and return time and again. You are lucky if you enjoy Galway as it really is a great place to spend a while.

Finally, I would not adivse visiting during races week. Accommodation is really hard to find as it books up ages in advance, if you do find some it will be at top prices, and added to that the places is jam packed to the gills. I know some folk love races week. My sister and her husband go there for that week but I hate massive crowds so wouln't consider it.

Hope that all gives a bit of an insight into the joys of Galway.