In our Irish county guide series, we share our top tips, tricks and picks when visiting each Irish county. Let’s see what Galway has to offer.
One of the most vibrant and culture-filled counties in Ireland, Galway has tones to offer travelers from both near and far. The birthplace of the Claddagh ring, there’s plenty to get up to in this gorgeous county.
Where to stay
The G Hotel and Spa
Just outside Galway City Centre and overlooking Lough Atalia guests can step into a quiet retreat in The G’s stylish rooms, their timeless spa and unforgettable dining experiences. Rooms start at just over €215 a night.
The Dean Hotel
This boutique hotel is more than just a stop along the Wild Atlantic Way with vibrant rooms, two restaurants on site and Ireland premier boutique fitness club. Stays start at €275 a night.
The Wild Atlantic Bus
Sitting on the shores of Lake Corrib, the Wild Atlantic Bus is a unique stay surrounded by peace and tranquillity, just a five minute drive to the town of Oughterard, also known as the gateway the Wild Atlantic Way. There is a two night minimum stay in the Wild Atlantic Bus which starts at just over €515.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate
Built in the 18th century ad sitting on 138 acres, Glenlo Abbey offers luxurious rooms and self-catering lodges and boasts a Michelin star restaurant on site, The Pullman. A stay in the Glenlo Abbey Hotel starts at about €500 a night for a room and around €740 for a lodge.
The Stilt House, Clifden
Sitting like a treehouse on stilts in the Connemara countryside the Stilt House features floor to ceiling windows to truly immerse guests. In the surrounding nature. Guests can relax in the private, wood-fired Swedish hot tub or the private lakeside sauna. There is a two night minimum stay in the Stilt House and price can vary depending on availability.
Other accommodation includes:
Bluebell Shepherd’s Hut, Oughterard
Podumna Glamping Village, Portumna
Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Oranmore
Where to eat
Restaurants
Brasserie on the Corner
McDonagh’s Seafood House
Oscar’s Seafood Bistro
The Dough Bros
Handsome Burger
Dela
Ruibín
Tomodachi Sushi Bar
Taquila
Il Vicolo
Kai
Lignum
Coffee
Kali Coffee Bar
Coffeewerk + Press
Magpie Bakery
Plámás
The Secret Garden
Fairhill Coffee and Design
Scón
Little Lane
Pubs
Tigh Neachtain
The Crane Bar
Taaffe’s Bar
Carroll’s Bar
Tig Cóilí
O’Connell’s Bar
Garavan’s Bar
What to do
Kylemore Abbey
Just over an hour outside of Galway City sits the breathtaking Kylemore Abbey. The Abbey was originally construced in the late 1800s by wealthy business man and politiciam, Mitchell Henry as a love token to his Wife margaret. Since the 1920s the Abbey has been owned and run by the Benedictine community and is now open to tours around the Abbey itself and its stunning Victorian walled gardens.
Gengowla Mines
The Glengowla mines ceased operations in the 19th century and have since been excavated to revive a piece of history and are now Connemara’s only show mine. The mines themselves can be toured or if being underground isn’t for you, Glengowla Mines are also home to a working organic sheep farm where they offer working sheepdog herding and turf cutting demonstrations or you can see their fully functioning seismograph, which monitors geological activity in real time.
Celtic Tales Storytelling at The Crane Bar
Delve into the magic of Celtic storytelling with weekly session held in a candlelit room in the iconic trad music pub, The Crane Bar. Immerse yourself in myth and folklore from across Ireland and Scotland.
Gin Making Classes at Tribe Gin School
Tribe Gin School offers many experiences in their distillery from masterclasses to tastings and tours. For those looking to really sink their teeth into gin making look no further than the Gin Making Masterclass, where you will distil, taste and take home a gin that is uniquely yours. If you’re looking for something a little bit lighter the Gin-Maker’s Tasting and Bottle Making Tour is the perfect mix of tasting and hands-on fun, it involves a flavour led tasting and the chance to distil and bottle your very own mini gin creation.
Trad on the Prom
Ireland’s No 1 Irish Music, Song and Dance Experience with a contemporary kick! Shows run every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday with thrilling performances showcasing traditional, authentic Irish music, song and dance.
Other activities include:
Visit the Killary Fjord
Anything else I should know?
Aside from driving, there are several ways to get to Galway from all over Ireland, with several trains running directly from Dublin to Ceannt station and Direst Citylink buses from cork, there are also several Bus Eireann routes connecting smaller towns to Galway. Both Shannon and Knock airports are just over an hour’s drive from Galway.
