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Top 5 reasons to visit Galway
Galway is situated about halfway along Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way. Often touted for its unforgettable culture and majestic scenery, here are five reasons to visit Galway.
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, we can almost guarantee that Galway is high on your bucket list.
A gem of the west, this beautiful county offers everything you could dream of from a holiday in Ireland. From beautiful rural scenery to bustling city streets, traditional pub culture to friendly locals, Galway truly does have it all.
So, if you aren’t yet convinced, then this article is for you. Today we present five reasons to visit Galway at least once in your life.
5. Fantastic places to stay ? suitable for all budgets
Undoubtedly one of the main reasons to visit Galway is the abundance of great places to stay, both within the city and throughout the rest of the county.
Whether you’re looking for a budget hostel to rest your head in while backpacking Ireland or a five-star luxury hotel complete with spa facilities and exquisite dining, Galway will have something to suit.
The incredible g Hotel, which is Galway’s only five-star hotel, is a popular choice for a luxurious break in the city. Meanwhile, the family-friendly Delphi Resort provides a great base to explore Connemara. If you’re on a strict budget, we recommend the Nest Boutique Hostel in Salthill.
4. Great food and drinks – one of the best ways to explore Irish culture
Galway is home to a vast array of great eateries, with everything from charming takeaways to fine-dining restaurants. So, if you like to discover new cultures by tasting the food, then Galway is a must-visit for you.
Top spots in the city for a great bite to eat include The Dough Bros Pizzeria, which has been voted as one of the best pizzerias in Europe, and the fantastic Dela Restaurant, a firm favourite among tourists and locals alike.
However, it’s not just the food that draws people to the streets of Galway. If you’re a fan of pub culture, great pints, good craic, and Irish music, Galway’s pubs are the perfect place to hang out. Some of the most popular watering holes in the city are An Púcán, O’Connell’s Bar, and The Front Door Pub, among many others.
3. Experience island life – get off the mainland
Perhaps one of the very best things to do in Ireland, the Aran Islands are just a short boat ride off the coast of County Galway. Home to a collection of three rocky islands surrounding the coast of Galway Bay, discovering the Aran Islands offers a new perspective on Ireland.
Inis Mór is the largest of the three islands and is perhaps the most popular among visitors. Home to the prehistoric Dún Aonghasa, the iconic Worm Hole, and more, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Inis Meain is the middle child, which offers an authentic rural escape, welcoming fewer visitors than the other two islands. Still, this beautiful island boasts plenty of stunning views and historical Celtic and Christian sites.
Third and finally is Inis Oírr, the smallest of the three Aran Islands. Known for its distinctive charm, this small island offers some of the best views in Ireland. Looking out across to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, you can discover the splendour of the Emerald Isle from a brand new perspective.
2. Stunning scenery ? venture outside the city
While Galway is often recognised for its lively and culture-filled city, the rural side of County Galway is just as spectacular. The wild and rugged landscape of Connemara is often regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
If you’re an outdoor adventure enthusiast looking to undertake a challenge, Connemara offers plenty of hikes and water-based activities to enjoy. Rather, if you’d prefer to take in the views from your car window, this beautiful national park is prime for a scenic drive.
1. Traditional charm and unique culture – one of the main reasons to visit Galway
Topping our list of reasons to visit Galway is the traditional charm and unique culture this little slice of west Ireland offers. It is known as Ireland’s capital of culture, after all!
One of the best quotes about the Irish came from Austrian neurologist and psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Revealing his findings, Freud commented, “This [the Irish] is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever.”
We think this perfectly sums up the unique way of life in Ireland and the charming nature of Irish people; nowhere more so is this obvious than in Galway.
