“’Galway is the wolf of Ireland. It is fierce, sexy and carries an air of mystery.”
Aislinn Mahon
So here’s the thing – Galway? There’s nothing to it… except a world in itself.
I’m a Galway girl through and through. My grandparents were Galweigans (GAL-wee-jans), and I was born and bred here. I spent my summers out West in Connemara where the grass is, somehow, even greener, the air is as fresh as you’ll get and the people are weirder (no offense to any reading, but it is true – and that’s not a bad thing). I went to school just a walk away from the city. And the city… its maze of cobbled streets, dancing buskers with flags and banners guiding you through Latin Quarter has its own magic. You may have heard that our Emerald Isle is a welcoming place. Well, welcome to the city that epitomises it.
What we say: “Céad míle fáilte!”
How you say: “Kay-od mee-leh foyle-cha!”
What it means: “A hundred thousand welcomes!”
Now, now – I know what you’re thinking, “Jaysus, it’s an ad campaign for Tourism Ireland”. It’s not. I’m just Galway proud. Be you from the city on the Bay or not, what everyone will tell you about Galway is that when that gorgeous yellow thing in sky is shining down on us, there is nowhere else we would rather be.
So, because you didn’t ask what I love about Galway on a sunny Saturday, here it is:
- A stroll on the Salthill Prom. Get an iced coffee from The Creamery, because these summer mornings really are fairly toasty warm. Recently renovated, this cafe is halfway along the Prom walk starting from the Blackrock diving tower – it’s yellow, you can’t miss it. Leave your car where it is (free parking, woo!). Grab a friend, or don’t, and do this walk first thing in the morning, taking a moment to watch the daily dedicated swimmers take their morning dip in the Bay. Then, follow the water and walk right into the Claddagh in town.
- Breakfast in Dela. It’s a classic, offering a fun aesthetic interior, lovely staff and a stunning mimosa to wash down the eggs benedict (“Can I get some bacon on the side please, and a flat white – thanks!”). Take your time, but not too much time, because next up – the Latin Quarter!
- Wander through Quay Street. This street is a gem, and the only way to appreciate it is to wander. And when I say wander, I mean go into the Aran Sweater Market to try on a Paddy cap and appreciate all three-storeys of the building and its wooden beams. Pop into Coffeewerk & Press and flick through the hardback books, selection of coffees and look down onto the street from a higher perspective in the perch by the window (like me and Mum did as per our selfie below). Look around the Wooden Heart and appreciate the simple and wholesome wooden toys. Then make your way up the bustling street.
- Deviate off of the main street. The charm in Galway is its little lanes – speaking of, stop in Little Lane, my favourite little coffee shop for a takeaway cuppa and a slice of Banana Bread (or a slice of Heaven, depending on who you speak to). Mosey on to Charlie Byrne’s bookshop – whether you think you’ll like it or not, the charm in this place will make your heart burst. It’s a quaint maze and as rustic a bookshop you will ever come across with amazingly informed staff. Just go in with the aim of looking for your favourite book. It’s a decent wander, trust me.
- Walk the Canals and find the Cathedral. Distinctively Galway, are the canals. From Spanish Arch, take a leisurely stroll up the canals, following the river where you will meet the sun-bathers and the ducks. The Cathedral is worth a visit if you’ve time, if for nothing else than the feeling of feeling small and appreciating the echo inside. This Cathedral isn’t all that old, but nevertheless, be you religious or not, commands respect from inside its domes.
- Lunch in Dough Bros. These lads know good pizza. And are super friendly to boot – pop in and order from a great menu of stonebaked pizzas. As cute as the restaurant is, take it to go and head down to…
- Middle Arch & The West End. And on a sunny day, this means grabbing a few beers, sitting out with the eclectic mix of people Galway has to offer and enjoying the sunshine while watching the River Corrib flow by. As the day moves to evening, the West End springs to life. Known as a more hipster spot, it’s worth noting that the Roisín Dubh has been home to some big names for gigs over the years and home to the occasional summer Silent Disco Street Party – and yes, that is as cool as it sounds.
- Explore Traditional Pubs and end up in Supermacs like the rest of us. Take your pick of the endless list of pubs. To name a few: The Quays, The Kings Head and the Skeff for traditional on a big scale. Tigh Nechtains or Tigh Chóilí (Tigh: house) for a more cosy spot. An Púcan, O’Connell’s and Murty Rabbits for great and aesthetic beer gardens. Regardless of where you go, you will end up following the masses when the pubs close at 2am for a Snack Box or a Pizza down at Supermacs or Pizza Napolis (sold by the slice!).
My ideal day isn’t everyone’s ideal day, but sure isn’t that why there are thousands of other “How to spend a day in Galway” type blog posts out there. If anyone wants to tell Coronavirus to simmer down, I’ll meet ye at the pub for a pint.
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