"Go to Galway!" Galway by sabsi


Galway Travel Guide: 675 reviews and 909 photos

***SOUNDTRACK FOR THIS PAGE: Coldplay - Speed of Sound****


I've been to Galway 3 times in the last 15 years, in 1990, 2001 and 2005.

In 1990 we were on an Interrail trip to Ireland and as everybody tried to convice us that we shouldn't miss Galway we went here. Back then we slept in a "rabbit cage" hostel, hung around Shop Street all day and basically did nothing but to wait for the daily pint in the pub at night.

In 2001 I only stayed here for one night on a road trip along the coast. We got a little shopping done here and had a nice dinner and a few drinks.

In 2005 I came along with my colleagues for our annual company trip. We stayed here for 3 nights but explored the area more than the town itself. Of course we hit the pubs every night but I didn't even have time to go to a supermarket before flying home again.

The main attraction of Galway is definitely the nightlife. The pubs in the city centre are packed and everybody - no matter if tourist or local - is enjoying the beers, the music and the atmosphere.

In 2005 I was here during the busiest weekend of the year with the arts festival being on and the racing week just about to start. Oh my god, Quay street was so packed, you could hardly move - even at 2 in the morning!

My favourite aspect of Galway, however, is that there's music everywhere. The pedestrianised streets in the city centre are full of buskers all day and night. I still remember that this was my first impression in 1990 - I liked that there was music everywhere! And I still love it.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Great nighlife, music everywhere
  • Cons:Not much to do during the day - go and explore the area!
  • In a nutshell:Perfect base to explore Connemara or The Burren
  • Last visit to Galway: Jul 2005
  • Intro Updated Sep 22, 2005
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Reviews (14)

Comments (57)

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  • Connaughtranger's Profile Photo
    Connaughtranger Nov 15, 2006 at 12:13 PM Report Abuse

    In 2002 my brother Andrew Ryan was the Day manager there, in total he spent 5 years working in McSwiggans. Great People, Great Food, Great Drink, and Great memories. Kevin A. Ryan

  • RhineRoll's Profile Photo
    RhineRoll Oct 12, 2005 at 3:05 AM Report Abuse

    Definitely agree on the Corrib banks being the nicest part of Galway :-)) As for music pubs, Monroe's Tavern and of course the famed Roisin Dubh are also worth checking out :-))

  • HORSCHECK's Profile Photo
    HORSCHECK Aug 2, 2005 at 9:18 AM Report Abuse

    Fabulous updates here. Brings back memories of my days in this quaint village in the mid 90's. :o)

  • ultchuk's Profile Photo
    ultchuk Dec 5, 2003 at 1:29 AM Report Abuse

    nice pics of Galway!

  • Janni67's Profile Photo
    Janni67 Nov 3, 2003 at 2:35 AM Report Abuse

    So where have the travelogues disappeared..? Somehow I got the feeling that I love Galway a whole lot more than you...

  • goga4444's Profile Photo
    goga4444 Aug 22, 2002 at 7:42 AM Report Abuse

    fantastic pix and good info

  • sandysmith's Profile Photo
    sandysmith Jul 23, 2002 at 11:01 AM Report Abuse

    wonderful page and travelogues

  • ciaramalone's Profile Photo
    ciaramalone Jul 22, 2002 at 10:42 AM Report Abuse

    I love the aran islands, well done!

  • RitchiS1's Profile Photo
    RitchiS1 Jun 11, 2002 at 11:47 PM Report Abuse

    great page and pics

  • tabatha's Profile Photo
    tabatha May 14, 2002 at 4:09 AM Report Abuse

    pubs you say so exactly my place

sabsi

“It isn`t good having anything exciting if you can`t share it (Winnie the Pooh)”

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