The Perfect Weekend in Galway

The Claddagh GalwayIf you’re looking for a break from city living, there few more dramatic escapist retreats than Galway. With staggering scenery in every direction, this town requires you to pack your hiking boots, but there’s plenty of culture to explore within its medieval walls too. For the ultimate weekend away, book a room in our Galway City hotel, to explore some of the best sites Ireland has to offer.

Culture

The Galway Cathedral and St. Nicholas Collegiate church are both beautiful examples of Irish religious architecture, and the latter puts on lovely concerts on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. The Galway City Museum makes for an enjoyable few hours wandering, and the Galway Arts Centre has a great display of Irish art.

Sight-Seeing

Almost all the things to see in Galway are outside and involve nature. Rain or shine, make sure you go for a wander across Connemara National Park and along the Salthill beaches. Then visit either Dunguaire Castle, Dunsandle Castle or Bunowen Castle, or any of the other specular ancient buildings around.

Family Fun

The Galway go-karting is a popular family choice, but for something a bit unusual, why not pay a visit to the Greyhound track? A trip on the ferry to Aran Island makes a great day out, particularly as you can rent bikes to explore the island once you get there.

Nightlife

Quay Street is absolutely the place to be for all the buzz of Galway. Get a pint in the Quay’s Pub and see whatever band is playing there, or wander the street and listen to the wide variety of street performers. But if you’re looking for more formal entertainment, look no further than Trad on the Prom at the Salthill Hotel. This group of traditional Irish musicians and dancers puts on a wonderful show that will delight all ages.

Food

You might imagine Galway to be full of stodgy pub food, but, in fact, it’s really perfected its own cuisine in recent years. Think plenty of fish, hearty traditional Irish fare, and some jolly good cakes. Here are some of the highlights:

Breakfast: Builin Blasta is actually not even that well known in Galway since it’s a little drive away in Spiddal. But you really don’t get better than their bacon and potato omelette cake, or their scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.

Lunch: There’s nothing like an Irish pie, and you’ll find the best of them on sale at The Pie Maker. The menu changes, but the roast beef pie with mash and gravy is a favourite. For something a bit different, try the chorizo pie.

Tea: Griffins Bakery is a six generation family bakery and a real institution in Galway. Their baked goodies are delicious, and the traditional atmosphere makes for a perfect tea spot.

Dinner: There are few places as committed to using local produce, and to making the best of it, as Oscar’s Seafood Bistro. The menu is excellent with, as the name suggests, a ton of fresh fish dishes. Very friendly atmosphere too, and reasonable prices for the best quality food.