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Embrace the Galway rhythm
A visit to Galway is good for the soul. This seaside city vibrates with a bohemian energy all its own, from its colourful shopfronts and lively street performers to its quirky festivals and traditional pubs.
But for all its buzz, Galway is a city that can’t be rushed. It reveals its secrets slowly, as you wander through medieval alleys where tiny shops sell everything from Aran jumpers to Claddagh rings, and cafés celebrate the city’s ongoing love affair with food. It surprises you with glimpses of a dramatic history, and then wows you with expansive sea views and the enticing prospect of the Aran Islands, lying just offshore.
Inis Mór, Aran Islands
A visit to these islands, whose traditional culture and rugged beauty have inspired countless writers, poets and artists over the centuries, is an escape to a timeless place, where every moment invites you to linger amidst the warm welcome and glorious scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way.
At just two-and-a-half hours from Dublin by train, getting to Galway is a pleasure in itself, with a leisurely journey that weaves through the heart of Ireland on the way to the west coast. Arriving at Galway Ceannt station, you’re right in the centre of the city, just off the famous Eyre Square.
The Long Walk, Claddagh, Galway city
Explore the city
Friendly, cosmopolitan and full of creative energy, Galway is a place that invites you to slow down. First up, make your way to the Galway Docks for a trip with Galway Bay Boat Tours, before heading to the famous Latin Quarter, where you can get to grips with the city’s merchant past.
Galway’s reputation as a culinary hotspot continues to grow, and a two-and-a-half-hour tour with guide Sheena Dignam from Galway Food Tours introduces the people and the products that make Galway taste great. Feeling inspired? Book a table at Ard Bia next to the Spanish Arch for contemporary fare, drop into what’s been named one of the world’s best coffee shops – Coffeewerk & Press, or take time out at The Secret Garden.
Further afield in Connemara or Clifden, Fable Tours offer local flavours and foraging experiences not to be missed. While Micil Distillery hosts a guided tour detailing the slow and fascinating distilling process, followed by a tasty tipple.
Salthill, Galway city
The West End
Situated west of the River Corrib, the West End is a creative hub full of fabulous restaurants, boutique shops and buzzing pubs. Enjoy a walking tour, treat yourself at Michelin-starred Aniar or the ever-popular Kai, and kick up your heels with a traditional music session at the Crane Bar or Monroe’s Tavern.
From the West End, it’s only a 10-minute walk along Sea Road to the city end of the Salthill Promenade. Here, locals swim in the Atlantic, walk the prom and enjoy fish and chips by the ocean. It’s a little piece of paradise!
Inis Mór, Aran Islands, County Galway
The Aran Islands
Once you’ve fully enjoyed Galway city, set your sights on the Aran Islands. Consisting of three islands – Inis Oírr, Inis Meáin and Inis Mór, traditional culture thrives here and residents speak the Irish language, as well as English.
With a direct ferry service from Galway city to Inis Mór with Aran Island Ferries, getting here is incredibly easy! Alternatively, you can sail directly to each of the islands from the port of Rossaveal via the Aran Ferries shuttle bus from Merchants Road in the city centre.
Teach Nan Paidi restaurant, Inis Mór, Aran Islands, County Galway
Inis Mór
Once you arrive on Inis Mór your first port of call should be Aran Bike Hire. Nothing beats the sea air whistling in your ears as you pedal past ancient stone walls amid the island’s patchwork landscape.
For a unique taste of the island, cycle north from the pier to Aran Goats Cheese and Food Tours for a food tour with islander and producer Gabriel Faherty. Explore the cheese-making process, meet the goats and discover the joys of island life along the way.
“I love sharing the stories of the island’s food, drink and traditions with visitors from all over the world,” says Gabriel. “The Aran Islands are a special place. It’s an honour to give people a taste of what Inis Mór has to offer.”
Inis Mór’s showstopper is Dún Aonghasa – a prehistoric fort perched on the edge of dramatic, vertiginous cliffs. After visiting, stop by Teach Nan Phaidi, a whitewashed thatched cottage that just might be Ireland’s cutest restaurant.
Inis Meáin, Aran Islands, County Galway
Inis Meáin
Inis Meáin is a favourite with those seeking a quiet, cultural break, and was a chosen retreat of famed Irish playwright, JM Synge. Only around 180 people live here, and the community is as tight-knit as its famed Aran jumpers, which are crafted here to this day.
Inis Meáin Knitting Company is the biggest employer on this small but mighty isle. The skill and beauty of authentic Aran knits are something to behold, and taking one home brings a true piece of the island’s heritage with you.
A walk around the island is like walking back in time, thanks to incredible ancient sites like Dún Crocbhur and Dún Fearbhaí. And artistic inspiration may strike on a jaunt to Synge’s Chair – a stunning viewpoint at the western end of the island.
Fardurris Point Lighthouse, Inis Óirr, Aran Islands, County Galway
Inis Oírr
Inis Oírr is the smallest of the islands and home to a freshwater lake (Loch Mór), a lighthouse and the Plassey shipwreck. It’s a place to simply be at one with nature, and enjoy the tranquillity of its pale, white-sand beaches.
With its compact size, this island is easy to explore, so set off along the drystone wall-lined lanes on the island’s looped 8km and 13km walks and take in the stunning views.
Seek out local traditional crafts at Cleas Crafts, where you can take part in basketmaking workshops and buy the perfect souvenir of multi-coloured criosanna – wristbands woven on a traditional loom. The folks at Cleas also lead guided walks of the island.
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Clare: sustainable by nature
It’s hard not to fall under the spell of these special islands, but if you want to explore more, then instead of taking the boat back to Galway city, you can continue on to County Clare. In April 2025, Clare was announced as Ireland’s first certified sustainable tourism destination. With the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, the surfing hotspot of Lahinch, and the rugged Loop Head Peninsula, Clare is somewhere you’ll want to stay, exploring more of what this magnificent coastline has to offer.
Poulnabrone Dolmen, The Burren, County Clare
Getting around
Travel time between Dublin and Galway is around 2 hours 30 minutes. For information on train fares and timetables, visit Irish Rail. Galway is very walkable but bus services are available along with city bike hire.
Accommodation
Sleep on board a converted boat with Sea Stays, escape to nature at Slieve Aughty Centre or pair luxury with the wilds of Connemara at the eco-conscious Ballynahinch Castle and Within the Village in Roundstone. Extend your Aran Islands adventure with a stay at Aran Walkers Lodge.
Staying longer
In County Galway, the rugged scenery of Connemara beckons – a place of wildly romantic landscapes and charming towns and villages. Explore the glacial fjord of Killary, fall in love with Kylemore Abbey or travel further afield and take in the iconic Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.
