Galway is, in my opinion, the liveliest city I visited in Ireland. The atmosphere there is awesome throughout all time of the day. It’s also a perfect blend of history, culture and natural beauty. So, being one of the must-stop in Ireland, here are 4 of the best things to do in Galway:
- Walk in the Old Town
- Check out Eyre Square
- Explore the Cliffs of Moher (day trip)
- Enjoy the nightlife
Walk in the Old Town
Located in the heart of Galway, the Old Town is a charming and historic district. I loved walking there because most of it is pedestrianized, making it easy for us to explore on foot. High St. & Williams St. are great streets for shopping & eating in restaurants.
Don’t forget to check out these 3 iconic places located in the Old Town: Lynch’s Castle, the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh Area.
Check out Eyre Square
My hostel was located right in front of the Eyre Square. That’s why I know it’s a popular spot in town. Most guided tours and day trips have Eyre Square as a starting point.
Also, throughout the year, various events are happening like Christmas markets, festivals, locals playing music and sometimes even concerts. There’s always something happening in Eyre Square, so don’t forget to check it out!
Explore the Cliffs of Moher (day trip)
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most popular and important activities to do when you are in Ireland. Since it’s a day trip, you will most likely leave from Galway. These iconic natural landmarks are known for their stunning beauty and dramatic coastal scenery. They reach heights of up to 214 meters (702 feet) above sea level.
I booked this day with a tour company via TripAdvisor, Galway Tour Company. I highly recommend this company. They were on time for the pick-up. Our guide was so nice and hilarious. In my opinion, it’s the best way to do it because the journey to get to the cliffs is beautiful. You will see much more than only the cliffs. For example, we stopped at Dunguaire Castle, Poulnabrone Dolmen (portal tomb made of massive stones) and The Burren (National Park).
Enjoy the nightlife
For me and many travelers I met, Galway was the city where we had the most fun when it came to nightlife. The city is also known for its traditional Irish pubs. These are the perfect places for tourists to experience the authentic Irish atmosphere.
There are also a couple of clubs for those looking to dance all night long. I don’t specifically remember the names of the clubs I went to. However, I did a quick search on Google and here is what I found: Electric Garden & Theatre, Halo Nightclub, and Carbon Nightclub are among the popular spots where DJs play a variety of music until the early hours of the morning.
There’s also another good option for all my people staying in hostels: joining a pub crawl! It’s the perfect activity to experience the best nightlife in Galway while meeting fellow travelers. The cost of a pub crawl can vary from hostel to hostel, but it normally includes visits to various pubs and free alcohol.
