Vibrant, artistic, breathtaking. Galway is the complete package, a perfect place to stay for a weekend away. A melting pot of medieval architecture, traditional Irish culture, and ancient landscapes, doesn’t this just sound like the idyllic city for a mini-break?
If only there were a way I could have a FREE 3-night stay in this picturesque city, with an excursion to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher, with breakfast added in, AND flights and train tickets included, I hear you ask? Well you’re in luck!
This year we’re holding our biggest ever give-away in The Summer of Prizes. Each week we’ll be giving away a fantastic prize, including this 3-night stay in Travelodge Galway City, courtesy of Travelodge Ireland. Six weeks of sizzling summer prizes will culminate in the grand prize of free stays for a year in one of our UK hotels.
Don’t miss out on your chance to win this incredible trip and much much more.
Check out our guide to 3-nights in Galway to see what a fantastic time you would have if you win.
Day 1
09:30
Once breakfast has settled, head straight down to the water’s edge at Galway harbour, a quiet port lined with beautifully coloured houses. This is the perfect picturesque spot to take in the boats as they come and go, with the morning light giving you the opportunity to take that stunning holiday snap.
Whilst exploring the port, pop in to one of Ireland’s smallest and most interesting museums. Right on the waterfront, the Fishery Tower Museum is one of Galway’s quirkier attractions. This tower was originally built to aid fishermen, who secured their nets to the tower whilst they rowed their boats into the port to catch fish, a process known as draft netting. No longer in use, the tower contains a range of memorabilia and vintage photographs.
Perhaps the medieval history of Galway is best seen at the Spanish Arch. Built as an extension to the city wall, the Spanish Arch is an imposing structure, originally manned with soldiers and lined with cannons protecting the quay from invasion.
11:00
Situated just behind the Spanish Arch is Galway museum. This free museum has 3 floors of exhibitions, covering Galway’s interesting archeology, history, and science of the sea. Take a guided tour, where a knowledgeable member of staff will take you through the history of some key objects of the collection.
12:30
By now you’ll be getting peckish, and luckily enough one of Galway’s finest eateries is attached to Galway Museum. With views of the Spanish arch and River Corrib, The Kitchen is an exciting little café with an atmosphere to rival its food. Serving up top quality local produce, with truly delicious vegan and vegetarian options on offer, it’s no wonder The Kitchen is a community favourite.
14:00
No better way to let lunch settle than a gentle walk along the River Corrib. The soothing sounds of the gently winding river are perfect on a summer’s day. Stroll up the river to Galway Cathedral, an impressive stone building with a 145 foot dome. Then saunter back through the canals as you head into the city centre to explore the streets of Galway.
16:00
Hours can be spent pottering up and down the Latin Quarter, arguably Galway’s most beautiful area. You can pick up some traditionally made clothes and jewellery here like Aran knit jumpers and Claddagh rings. Or, you can fill up on some free entertainment, as Galway’s street performers are out in force in the Latin Quarter. From music to magic, there’s a show for everyone in the streets of Galway.
19:00
As evening draws in, Galway comes to life. Heritage oozes out of traditional pubs, and music fills the streets. There’s no finer example of an Irish pub than the King’s Head, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter. This 13th century pub has live music every night, from Galwegian old boys playing fiddles and spoons, to up-and-coming local talent. While away the night, filling up on freshly caught fish and chips, and sipping beer from nearby breweries.
Day 2
09:30
Held in the shadow of the imposing St Nicholas’ Church, which dates back to the 1200s, is Galway’s Weekend Market. This market comes with a real sense of history, having been held in the same location on Church lane for centuries. Stalls line the street, serving fresh produce, takeaway food, and all manner of crafts from local producers and craftspeople. This is the perfect place to pick up some locally made souvenirs to remember your time in Galway. Stock up on some fine picnic fare and then get ready to head on over to Salthill Promenade for a walk along the Wild Atlantic Way.
11:30
The Salthill Promenade is a beautiful 2km stretch along the northern shore of Galway Bay. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands to the right, Galway city to the left, with the rugged Burren and mountains of Connemara lining the background. Tradition dictates that once you reach the end of the walk, at Blackrock point, you kick the wall, thought to bring good luck. As the locals will attest, no trip to Galway is complete until you’ve kicked the wall. After booting a stone wall you’ll probably want to give your feet a rest, so unpack that delicious picnic food you bought from the market and pitch up on Blackrock Beach for some lunch.
14:30
Whilst walking back along the promenade, drop into the National Aquarium of Ireland. Full of wonder, you can explore the exhibits displaying wildlife found around the Irish coast. Get hands on by taking part in a rock pool tour, or catch sight of a frenzy with one of the live feeding sessions.
18:00
Whilst ever-proud of its traditional Irish heritage, Galway embraces cultures from around the world, which means you get to try some wonderful, international food offerings. In the Salthill area you can pick up some authentic Thai street food at Lana. This small, bustling restaurant is an unexpected treat. There’s no frills here, but the best pad thai in Galway keeps the locals coming back time and again.
20:00
Always fancied being a pop star? Well you can come pretty close at O’Connors Pub, featured in Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl video. Heaving with antiques and oddities, you can spend a lifetime pouring over O’Connor’s collection. Or you can just sit back, Guinness in hand, as you enjoy the live music which features every night.
Day 3
Fill up on your free breakfast at the Bar Café and get yourself ready for a day trip. A fantastic guided tour of two of Ireland’s top attractions, the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, included in this great prize giveaway courtesy of Wild Atlantic Way Tours.
09:00
The tour starts with a pick-up from Galway. Hop on the coach and head down the coast along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll be taken through the beautiful countryside of County Clare as you weave down to Doolin – a colourful little village known as the gateway to the Aran Islands. From Doolin, you’ll hop on the ferry to explore the Island of Inisheer and feel first hand the mythology and ancient traditions of the Arans. Windswept and rugged, the Aran Islands sit in the mouth of Galway Bay, taking the brunt of the Atlantic’s fierce weather. Even more windswept and rugged than the Islands themselves are the 1,200 inhabitants. People have lived on the Aran Islands for thousands of years, and now they’re as tough and hardy as their famous jumpers.
13:00
Before you get the boat back to the mainland, stop off for a bite to eat at Tigh Ned, a lovely pub with daily fish specials, caught fresh by the owner just off shore.
14:30
The ferry ride back takes you along the base of the towering Cliffs of Moher, before you make your way up to the peak. One of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher attracted over 1.5 million visitors last year. And for good reason. Standing atop the cliffs, you’ll be over 700 feet of sheer drop from the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This stunning structure was formed over 300 million years ago, and the sheer size, beauty, and diverse wildlife have earned the Cliffs status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. A haven for bird life, over 30,000 breeding pairs of birds including puffins, razorbills, and peregrine falcons visit the cliffs. Bring your binoculars. Or at least some loose change, and catch a glimpse of a puffling through the coin-operated talking telescopes.
19:00
Once you’ve soaked up the sights across the sea, take the coach back to Galway, and get ready for dinner on your last night in the city. The finest way to round off your trip is with a visit to O’Connell’s pub. This beautiful bar has maintained its original decor and boasts one of the best beer gardens in Ireland. This extensive garden comprises two covered bars and an old Victorian street called Gin Lane. Local legends, the Dough Brothers, have an outlet in O’Connell’s where you can get some of the best pizza Ireland has to offer. Hand-made dough cooked in a wood-fired oven, topped with fresh local ingredients. What could be a better way to end your stay in Galway.
Don’t miss your opportunity to win. It’s Free to enter, and you could win a whole host of great prizes from stays away to a brand new bed, or the grand prize of free stays for a year in any of our UK hotels.
For terms & conditions, please click here
Travelodge Galway City is in a great location, within easy reach of both the buzzing city centre and beaches along Salthill Promenade. Featuring our luxurious SuperRooms™, carefully designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and a stylish new Bar Café where you can unwind with a drink or meal, Travelodge Galway City is the perfect choice for a perfect city break.
