Co. Galway’s reputation as Ireland’s cultural powerhouse has lured flocks of young Celtophiles to Galway City (pop. 70,000). Mix in over 13,000 students from two major universities, a large transient population of twentysomething Europeans, and tent-loads of international backpackers, and you have the force behind the fastest-growing city in Europe. Street performers show off homegrown tricks while locals and tourists lounge in outdoor cafes. Blue-jeaned hipsters dish out flyers, keys to the night’s hottest live music. Follow them into Galway’s mesmerizing web of nightlife or simply keep an ear open for the pervasive nightly trad. In the summer, a series of festivals revs up the city’s already frenetic energy. Despite all this, Galway manages to stay welcoming, friendly, and easy to navigate—Dublin’s cool little sister is more like an extended town than a city.
Buses and trains stop near Eyre Square, a central block of lawn, monuments, and lounging tourists; the train and bus stations are up the hill on its southeastern side. Northeast of the square, a string ...more
With its many pedestrian-only and one-way streets, Galway lends itself best to walking. Other forms of transport are mostly of use to those staying outside of the city center or planning excursions ...more
In the last few years, the number of accommodations in Galway has tripled; it now approaches 1000. Despite that, it’s tough to find a hostel bed on summer weekends; call two to three weeks ahead ...more
The east bank has the greatest concentration of restaurants, the sidestreets leading off Shop and High St. have the best values, and riverside Quay St. is home to the fancier restaurants. Find groceries ...more
With approximately 650 pubs and 70,000 people, Galway maintains a low person-to-pub ratio. Indeed, the city’s intricate constellation of pubs is its primary attraction. Music is alive and well ...more
Between midnight and 12:30am, many pubs drain out, and the tireless go dancing. In the past year, more pubs have started late bar hours and remain open until 2am. Unfortunately, most of Galway&rsquo ...more
Half- or full-day group tours may be the best way to see the sights of Galway and its environs all at once. Many are cheaper than bus tickets, though hour-long tours in and around the city are generally ...more
Eyre Square. If you’re traveling by bus or train, the general mayhem of Eyre Sq. will undoubtedly be the first sight you encounter. Visitors and locals gather on this centrally located and ...more
From the Claddagh, the waterfront road leads west to Salthill. The coast there alternates between pebbles and sand; watch for the ocean to turn sunset-red. A mini amusement park, complete with casinos ...more
The free Galway Advertiser provides listings of events and is available at the Galway Advertiser office at the top of Eyre Sq. Zhivago, Shop St., sells tickets to big concerts and events throughout Ireland ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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