48 hours in Galway – Weekend Edition
Galway In Less Than 48 Words
Bohemian and alluring – those are the words often used to describe Ireland’s third largest and fastest-growing city, Galway. Sometimes called the “City of Tribes,” this multicultural city is a favorite among tourists, and boasts of landmarks and historical sites as well.
O’Brien’s Castle at the peak of Moher cliff (Photo by Moher Man)
First 24 Hours
You can arrive at the City of Tribes via the Galway Airport, which is located 7.4 kilometers north of the city center. However, the terminal lacks sufficient connection to public transport, and is served by a single daily bus. Thus, it will be better to hire a taxi to take you directly to the city center. Taxis are available at the various taxi booths around the airport. Alternatively, you can arrange to hire a car, so that you can drive to your destination by yourself.
Galway is bisected by the River Corrib, dividing it into two major parts. The city is not very big, so navigating it is fairly easy. Further, most of the tourist attractions are crowded into the city’s northern part. However, it is still advisable to pay a visit to its main tourist office (Forster Street, 00353 91 537700), where you can get valuable tourist information.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at Galway’s hotels
You can arrange for a nice place to stay during your 48 hour visit to Galway at one of its excellent hotels. One of the best in the city is the Park House Hotel (Forster Street | Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland, +353 (091) 564924, website). It offers top-notch service, beautiful rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a location close to Shop Street.
Park House Hotel room (Photo by David Kuhn)
A nice alternative is the Westwood House Hotel (Upper Newcastle, Gaillimh, Co. Galway, Ireland, 091 521 442, website), which has well-decorated rooms and very helpful staff. You can also try out The Hotel Galway (Dublin Rd, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland, 091 865 200, website). It is known for its excellent décor, delicious food, an excellent bar, and top-class rooms at reasonable prices.
SPANISH ARCH: Enter the city
Protecting the city’s quays is the Spanish Arch, which is located near the banks of the River Corrib. It was built in 1584 by Wylliam Martin, and was originally called “ceann an bhalla.” You can take a leisurely stroll along the “Long Walk,” a pathway connecting the quays to the city center. You can also have scenic views of the river from the site.
Spanish Arch (Photo by Erin)
GALWAY CITY MUSEUM: Have a historical visit
Located very near the Spanish Arch is a popular tourist attraction in the city, the Galway City Museum (Spanish Parade, Galway, Ireland, (091) 532 460, website). It is a museum created in 2006, and exhibits the city’s history. Inside, you can find various artifacts, including military items from the War of Independence. You can also drop by its coffee shop for a pretty city view. The site is open during Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and admission will cost you around €2.
GALWAY CATHEDRAL: See a city landmark
One of the most popular landmarks in the city is the Galway Cathedral (Gaol Rd, City Centre). It is also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, and is dedicated to the late Cardinal Cushing of Boston in 1965. Considered as one of the largest and most impressive structures in the city, it is known for its Renaissance-style architecture and its 44.2-meter high dome that figures prominently in the city skyline. Inside, you can find various examples of Christian art, as well as the finest pipe organ in Ireland. The site is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Galway Cathedral (Photo by Emilio García)
LYNCH’S CASTLE: Visit a former royal residence
Lynch's Castle (Photo by Lee B)
You can also visit a former royal residence, the Lynch’s Castle (cnr Shop & Upper Abbeygate Sts, City Centre, +353 (0)91 56 7041). Built in the 14th century, it has survived the ravages of time and is considered as the best town castle in the country. Inside, the first floor features exhibits detailing the castle’s history, while the top floors contain artifacts like ghoulish gargoyles and the coat of arms of Henry VII as well as the Lynches and Fitzgeralds of Kildare.
DINNER TIME: Discover Galway’s restaurants
You are guaranteed a delicious dinner at the restaurants available all over the city. One of the best in the city is The Huntsman Inn (The Huntsman Inn 164 College Road Galway City Co Galway, 353 (0)91 562 849, website). It is located near the city center, and offers a menu that includes Huntsman fish cakes, char-grilled steak burger, chicken Caesar salad, and Thai seafood curry. A nice alternative is the Ard Bia (Ard Bia Spanish Arch Galway City Co Galway, 353 (0)91 539 897, website), which is known for its smoked haddock chowder, hamburger, and specialty teas.
Have a taste of Spain in Galway at Cava Spanis Restaurant & Tapas Bar (51 Dominick Street Galway City Co Galway, 353 (0)91 539 884). It has an authentic Spanish ambience, with a Spanish wine selection and menu; must-tries include cheeses/cured meats starters and warm duck salad with pears and raspberry vinaigrette. You can also try out Oscar’s Restaurant (Dominick Street, Galway, Ireland, 353 (0) 91 587239, website), which serves creative dishes inspired by French, Eastern, and Pacific cuisines.
Next 24 Hours
There are several other attractions to occupy the next 24 hours of your stay. One of the best among them is the Nora Barnacle House Museum (Bowling Green, Galway City, Co. Galway). It is a building constructed during the 1800s, and is best known as the former residence of the wife of James Joyce, Ireland’s most famous writer. Today, it serves also as a very famous museum that shows pictures of the life of the Joyces and the household items used by the couple.
EYRE SQUARE: Let’s take a hike
Another noteworthy attraction in Galway is the Eyre Square (Eyre Sq, City Centre). It is an inner-city public park known for its vast open green spaces and pathways where you can take a leisurely stroll and see various historical monuments. You can see there a limestone area that had been restored to its original Victorian design and the Browne’s Doorway, a relic from one of the city’s historical merchant rulers. Other attractions are the two large, cast-iron cannons that commemorate the Connaught Rangers, and a bust of the US President John F. Kennedy.
Eyre Square (Photo by Derry Hally)
ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH: Let’s go to church
Next you can visit a religious building, the St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church (Market St, City Centre). It is Ireland’s largest medieval parish church, dating back to 1320. The church had been rebuilt and expanded several times during the last few centuries, but has retained its original form. It is also still used for worship services, and was the site for the first same-sex marriage in an Irish church.
St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church (Photo by Garibaldi McFlurry)
ARAN ISLANDS: Relax and unwind
You can now relax at the Aran Islands, which is a group of three islets lying at the mouth of the Galway Bay. They are mostly made up of karst limestone, and are known for their huge boulders that can reach up to 25 meters in height. The islands are also popular among tourists for their Iron Age forts and historical monuments, such as Dun Aengus, Black Fort, O’Brien’s Castle, Teampull Bheanáin (smallest church in the world), and Teampall an Cheathrair Álainn. It is also visited by artists who paint the islands’ coastlines and sights, and you can buy the famous Aran sweaters there. You can reach the islands via a ferry ride from Rossaveal.
NIGHTLIFE: Indulge in Galway’s vibrant nightlife scene
At night you may proceed to Galway’s bars and clubs to have a taste of the exciting nightlife of the city. One of the most popular is the Central Park Club (36 Upper Abbeygate Street Galway, Connacht, 353 91 56 5976, website), which is a great place for a group night out, although it is usually packed with crowds. A nice alternative is the Crane Bar (2 Sea Road Galway, Connacht, 353 91 58 7419, website), which has hosted performances by famous Irish bands and singers.
Crane Bar where you can sample a bottle of Guinness (Photo from Google images)
You can also try out Cuba (Eyre Square Galway, Connacht, 353 91 56 5991). It is a Latin nightclub that hosts live music, ranging from local bands to international DJs. Another is The Warwick Music Venue (Upper Salthill Road O’ Connors’ Warwick Hotel, Galway, Connacht, 353 91 52 1244, website), which is noted for its retro dance music, and is a good place for the older set to relax.
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