GALWAY GOOD TIMES

Bohemian beauty meets contemporary cool

A city you’ll fall in love with

Galwegians really know how to enjoy themselves and the city has a reputation for artistic creativity and an infectious lively vibe. So whether you’re looking for music, horseracing, literature, or some of the finest seafood in Ireland you’re sure to have an absolute ball in Galway.

CREATIVITY AROUND EVERY CORNER

From the annual arts festival to gastronomic delights – Galway is a hub of inspiration

Indulgence on a truly decadent level.

GOYAS BAKERY & CAFÉ

Get stuck in

You could start your Galway adventure with a trip to Goyas Bakery & café on Kirwan’s Lane for freshly ground coffee and some of the city’s most decadent treats. Don’t worry if you miss their morning pastries, as they’re also open for delicious lunches prepared with love.

While you’re on Kirwan’s Lane explore around the Spanish Arch and the old walls of Galway. There’s Shop Street nearby, which as the name suggests is the main shopping street of the city. And around the corner is Quay Street where you must check out the beautiful Celtic Claddagh rings.

Getting around

The only way to get around in Galway is by foot. Because even though Galway’s a city it has the feel of a big town. So getting from one place to another is simple and you’ll have great fun exploring its charming cobbled streets. And if you’d like a guide there are plenty of walking tours available.

Picture this

The Spanish Arch is just one historical landmark you’ll want to snap while looking out for things to do in and around Galway’s Latin Quarter. Also check out Eyre Square with its iconic ‘Galway Hooker’ and the John F. Kennedy park for some top photo opportunities.

You must try

Kai Café & Restaurant – enjoy simple, fresh, organic produce from local suppliers, menus updated daily to create dishes that burst with flavor and color.
Gourmet Tart Company – four outlets in Galway provide some of the finest award-winning artisan savory and sweet delicacies in the city.
Anton’s Café – breakfast, lunch, and evening bites in this continental style café with their own in-house bakery. What could be better?

You have to see

Galway Museum – a spacious modern building overlooking the Spanish Arch and housing exhibitions that explore Galway’s fascinating history and heritage.
Markets – Galway’s famous Farmers Market has been trading fresh produce and local crafts for centuries and is open every weekend.
Festivals & events – there’s always something going on in Galway, from world film festivals to horseracing and the famous Arts Festival, be sure to check your diary.

LIVELY NIGHTS

The evening has just begun

A top drawer surprise.

NAUGHTONS

Spoilt for choice

Naughtons – or as it’s known locally 'Tigh Neachtain’ has been sitting on the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street since 1894. A strong connection with Galway’s arts and musical communities only add to the pub’s quirky character. In fact, some of Ireland’s most talented musicians have played here and still do, so be sure to drop by.

You could try The Quays in the city’s vibrant Latin Quarter, where music has played, stories have been told, and drinks have been drunk for almost 400 years. There’s also a restaurant at this classic venue that offers a carvery lunch and a la carte in the evenings.

Or if you’re after a Michelin Star winner head for the Aniar Restaurant on Dominick Street. Where your taste-buds will be knocked out by their dedications to creating food that’s sympathetic to the season, local ingredients, and the environment. As well as the restaurant they run 1 day cookery workshops for the adventurous.

Loving the live jazz on a Sunday.

BUSKER BROWNES

Out on the town

Tig Cóilí – a friendly pub on Mainguard Street well known for its nightly Traditional Irish music sessions, great atmosphere.
An Púcán – lively Irish music, classic pub grub, and lots of banter make this bar and restaurant a popular venue for visitors to Galway as well as locals.
Kings Head – 800 years old and 3 floors of fun at this brilliant venue on High Street, offering everything from comedy to live music and honest hearty food.

Top tastes

McDonagh’s – just the best family run fish and chip shop on Quay Street with a maritime themed dining room that's been open for business since 1902.
Ard Bia at Nimmos – what a delightful blend you’ll find at this quirky restaurant serving seasonal dishes that combine global flavors in a truly unique way; tasting is believing.
Pub grub – try McSwiggans who’ve been serving fine pub fare for nearly 30 years or Busker Brownes on Cross Street for a gastro-pub in the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter.

TRY THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

Galway is certainly charming. But if you fancy something a bit more rugged try the Aran Islands, The Burren, or Connemara. You’ll be glad you did.

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