How to spend 24 hours in the Irish city of Galway – with 450 pubs to choose from
IT’S St Patrick’s Day and to celebrate, 13 million pints of Guinness will be supped around the world.
Galway, with 450 pubs, will contribute its fair share, writes Trisha Harbord, as thousands join the 120th anniversary of the city’s parade to mark Ireland’s patron saint.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
It’s a craic-ing city, bursting with history and tradition, culture and artistry, festivals and music.
Galway has won accolades for being the friendliest and most charming city in the world to having one of Europe’s best pizzas!
It’s nicknamed City of the Tribes because it was once ruled by 14 powerful merchant families.
Their wealth is evident, with elaborate stonework and ornate carvings on buildings such as Lynch’s Castle.
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STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?
By foot is the only way to capture Galway’s vibrancy, colour and hospitality.
Start in Eyre Square, officially called the John F Kennedy Memorial Park, in the heart of the city.
There’s a bust on the spot where the US President made a speech to a crowd of 100,000 in 1963, among other sculptures, green spaces, seating and flags of the 14 tribes.
On the edge of the square, there’s a cabin where you can book guided city tours and trips or just grab a map and start walking.
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Narrow, cobbled streets in the Latin Quarter are fringed by brightly coloured, family-owned shops, bars and restaurants and the café culture has caught on big-time.
You can sit on small terraces and watch the world go by.
It’s Ireland’s Nashville and there are buskers everywhere, including beside bronze statues of Irish poet Oscar Wilde and Estonian author Eduard Vilde.
Pop inside the Thomas Dillon shop, the original makers of the famous Claddagh ring, which has a little museum at the back.
And don’t miss Aran Sweater Market, selling gorgeous woollen items made in the islands off the coast of Galway.
ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?
You’ll be following in the footsteps of pop star Ed Sheeran — at 14, he busked near his uncle’s store on Shop Street.
Walk along the banks of the Corrib, Europe’s fastest flowing river, to the Cathedral — built from Galway limestone with beautiful Connemara marble, mosaics and stained glass windows.
Drive about an hour, or take a coach trip to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, stretching five miles along the County Clare coast.
Wildlife includes 20 species of birds, clinging to the 700ft rockface.
Walk along the clifftop paths to see the ruin of a watchtower and the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay.
The fantastic visitor centre grooved into the hills has two restaurants, an exhibition and shop.
WHERE SHOULD I EAT?
Half-Irish, I was raised on soda bread, so I’d say eat anywhere that sells it, including 56 Central for the best breakfast and brunch at around £12.
It’s also home to the original Cajun chicken melt.
The Dough Bros in Middle Street, and also now in O’Connell’s beer garden, wins awards for its pizzas from £10.
For fish and chips, it’s McDonagh’s.
I FANCY A DRINK . . .
With one pub for every 500 locals, you’re never far from a pint.
And many have a story to tell.
in Eyre Square and O’Connor’s in Salthill.
The gin bar, Tigh Nora, is named after Nora Barnacle, author James Joyce’s wife, who inspired most of his best work.
It sells more than 200 gins including Nora’s Irish Gin.
For the best pint of Guinness for around a fiver, try Taaffes.
It’s also a top pub for traditional Irish music, along with The Crane and Tig Coili.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
You can sleep and eat wonderfully well at the Hyde Hotel, close to Eyre Square.
The 69 rooms have fabulous marble bathrooms, flatscreen TVs and tea and coffee-making facilities.
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The hotel bar stocks craft beers and more than 450 gins and dinner is very good with starters from around £6 and mains from £17.
The hotel’s Wylde deli and café is great for coffee or lunch.
GO: Galway
GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies from various UK airports to Shannon and Knock, an hour from Galway, from around £35 return.
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STAYING THERE: Double rooms at the HYDE Hotel cost from £120 a night, including breakfast.
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