Live Like a Local
Food scene
Some of the best foodie destinations are steps from the front door. Here are a few of our favourites.
Winner of numerous accolades and awards, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Kai has established itself as a firm Galway favourite over the last decade. Chef Jess Murphy’s passion for local and seasonal produce shines to the fore on an interesting and ever changing menu. You can walk in off the street for lunch, but booking is advised for dinner. Location: Sea Road. 3 min walk.
123 locals recommend
Kai Restaurant
22 Sea RdWinner of numerous accolades and awards, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand, Kai has established itself as a firm Galway favourite over the last decade. Chef Jess Murphy’s passion for local and seasonal produce shines to the fore on an interesting and ever changing menu. You can walk in off the street for lunch, but booking is advised for dinner. Location: Sea Road. 3 min walk.
A busy coffee shop serving third wave coffee and fresh, locally sourced lunch options - do not walk away without trying the best brownie known to man!
Location: 8 William Street West. 1 min walk.
25 locals recommend
Urban Grind
8 William St WA busy coffee shop serving third wave coffee and fresh, locally sourced lunch options - do not walk away without trying the best brownie known to man!
Location: 8 William Street West. 1 min walk.
This Italian restaurant located in the Bridgemills is particularly lovely in summer as you can sit on the terrace overlooking the fast-flowing Corrib river as you quaff carefully selected wines and delicious antipasti
Location: Bridgemills, Dominick Street Lower. 4 min walk.
22 locals recommend
IL Vicolo
Dominick Street LowerThis Italian restaurant located in the Bridgemills is particularly lovely in summer as you can sit on the terrace overlooking the fast-flowing Corrib river as you quaff carefully selected wines and delicious antipasti
Location: Bridgemills, Dominick Street Lower. 4 min walk.
This Galway stalwart is a cheese lovers’ heaven. With a cosy wine bar located above the cheese shop below, this is the place to tuck yourself away from the crowds. Nibble on some of the local delicacies (we particularly recommend the Young Buck, 15 Fields and the Smoked Knockanore cheese) whilst contemplating the impressive Old World wine list.
Location: 14 Churchyard Street. 7 min walk.
30 locals recommend
Sheridans Cheesemongers
14 Churchyard StThis Galway stalwart is a cheese lovers’ heaven. With a cosy wine bar located above the cheese shop below, this is the place to tuck yourself away from the crowds. Nibble on some of the local delicacies (we particularly recommend the Young Buck, 15 Fields and the Smoked Knockanore cheese) whilst contemplating the impressive Old World wine list.
Location: 14 Churchyard Street. 7 min walk.
If you’re in the market for Galway’s freshest seafood with Atlantic views to match, then head for O’Grady’s in Barna (about 20 minutes drive down the coast). Even the drive out is stunning and if you’re lucky enough to bag a window seat, you can watch the sun set over Galway Bay.
54 locals recommend
O'Gradys on the Pier
If you’re in the market for Galway’s freshest seafood with Atlantic views to match, then head for O’Grady’s in Barna (about 20 minutes drive down the coast). Even the drive out is stunning and if you’re lucky enough to bag a window seat, you can watch the sun set over Galway Bay.
Night Life
Galway’s famed night life could take you years to explore fully! Here are a few highlights to get you started.
The blue and yellow pub on the corner of Quay Street and Cross Street has been welcoming visitors since 1894. On a dry day, the seats outside are hands down the best people-watching spot in Galway and if the Irish weather is up to it’s usual tricks then the inside of this Galway institution offers an equally pleasing collection of snugs, cubby holes and an open fire place. A jumble of artwork adorns every wall - even the ceiling and locals and visitors alike enjoy the convivial setting. There is live music most Sunday evenings.
Location: Quay Street. 6 min walk.
131 locals recommend
Tigh Neachtain
17 Cross Street UpperThe blue and yellow pub on the corner of Quay Street and Cross Street has been welcoming visitors since 1894. On a dry day, the seats outside are hands down the best people-watching spot in Galway and if the Irish weather is up to it’s usual tricks then the inside of this Galway institution offers an equally pleasing collection of snugs, cubby holes and an open fire place. A jumble of artwork adorns every wall - even the ceiling and locals and visitors alike enjoy the convivial setting. There is live music most Sunday evenings.
Location: Quay Street. 6 min walk.
The Crane Bar is THE place to go if you’re interested in catching some live Trad music. These informal sessions take place most days of the week and welcome all level of musicians from beginners to professionals. Not a bad spot to get a good Guinness either!
Location: The Small Crane, Sea Road. 2 min walk.
94 locals recommend
Crane Bar
2 Sea RdThe Crane Bar is THE place to go if you’re interested in catching some live Trad music. These informal sessions take place most days of the week and welcome all level of musicians from beginners to professionals. Not a bad spot to get a good Guinness either!
Location: The Small Crane, Sea Road. 2 min walk.
Calling all craft beer lovers! Squeeze yourself in to the minuscule Salthouse along the canal to marvel at the array of Irish craft beers. You’ll be spoilt for choice - if you can’t decide, choose anything from the Galway Bay Brewery and you’ll be in safe hands. (Full Sail, Stormy Port, Althea)
Location: Raven’s Terrace. 2 min walk.
25 locals recommend
The Salt House Bar
Raven TerraceCalling all craft beer lovers! Squeeze yourself in to the minuscule Salthouse along the canal to marvel at the array of Irish craft beers. You’ll be spoilt for choice - if you can’t decide, choose anything from the Galway Bay Brewery and you’ll be in safe hands. (Full Sail, Stormy Port, Althea)
Location: Raven’s Terrace. 2 min walk.
The word ‘hipster’ was invented to describe the Universal - but we won’t hold that against them as they whip up some of the best cocktails in town in this decadent, mid-century modern space with a twist. In the evenings they also do food and it’s delicious (we recommend that you book at weekends).
Location: Sea Road. 1 min walk
12 locals recommend
The Universal
9 William St WThe word ‘hipster’ was invented to describe the Universal - but we won’t hold that against them as they whip up some of the best cocktails in town in this decadent, mid-century modern space with a twist. In the evenings they also do food and it’s delicious (we recommend that you book at weekends).
Location: Sea Road. 1 min walk
Shopping
No trip to Galway would be complete without a stroll around Galway’s weekly market. Browse for prints & paintings, locally made jewellery and pottery or simply eat your way around from fresh oysters to handmade jams, preserves and soda bread. NB The inevitable queue at the Falafel truck is definitely worth the wait!
Location: Churchyard Street. 7 min walk.
16 locals recommend
St. Nicholas, Market
3 Church LnNo trip to Galway would be complete without a stroll around Galway’s weekly market. Browse for prints & paintings, locally made jewellery and pottery or simply eat your way around from fresh oysters to handmade jams, preserves and soda bread. NB The inevitable queue at the Falafel truck is definitely worth the wait!
Location: Churchyard Street. 7 min walk.
Just around the corner from the apartment, you’ll find Ernie’s grocery store. Stocking all the basics and some local treats and books to boot, Ernie will make sure you have everything you need for your stay.
Location: Sea Road. 3 min walk.
12 locals recommend
Ernies
6/8 Sea RdJust around the corner from the apartment, you’ll find Ernie’s grocery store. Stocking all the basics and some local treats and books to boot, Ernie will make sure you have everything you need for your stay.
Location: Sea Road. 3 min walk.
Just off Galway’s main shopping drag, at the Cornstore is Charlie Byrnes. A step inside the door is like a step back in time, with a warren of rooms, floor to ceiling books and knowledgable staff.
Location: Middle Street 7 min walk
49 locals recommend
Charlie Byrne's Bookshop
Middle StreetJust off Galway’s main shopping drag, at the Cornstore is Charlie Byrnes. A step inside the door is like a step back in time, with a warren of rooms, floor to ceiling books and knowledgable staff.
Location: Middle Street 7 min walk
This cheerful yellow and white building nestled on Quay street serves coffee that might as well be rocket fuel downstairs and has an achingly cool collection of homewares, books and prints on the upper two floors
15 locals recommend
Coffeewerk + Press
4 Quay StThis cheerful yellow and white building nestled on Quay street serves coffee that might as well be rocket fuel downstairs and has an achingly cool collection of homewares, books and prints on the upper two floors
Easy Day Trips
Coral Beach is an impossibly beautiful beach in Carraroe made entirely of coral, with waters so crystal clear that they reflect the back drop of the Connemara mountains like glass.
11 locals recommend
Coral Strand
Coral Beach is an impossibly beautiful beach in Carraroe made entirely of coral, with waters so crystal clear that they reflect the back drop of the Connemara mountains like glass.
Inchagoill Island, is a tiny uninhabited island that lies in the middle of Lough Corrib, here you can explore a 5th century church ruin and a crumbling Victorian folly, and woodlands and coves that are said to have been the inspiration for Tolkien’s ‘Ents’ from Lord of the Rings. Corrib Cruises runs day trips here throughout the summer from Oughterard (a 30 minute drive) & Cong (a 50 minute drive). The gentle journey across the lake is as pleasant a way as any to reach the island. For a shorter outing on the The Corrib river and lower lake try the Corrib Princess which sails daily from Woodquay in the centre of Galway from May to September. It’s just a pleasant 15 minute walk away along the banks of the Galway River and canals.
7 locals recommend
Inchagoill
Inchagoill Island, is a tiny uninhabited island that lies in the middle of Lough Corrib, here you can explore a 5th century church ruin and a crumbling Victorian folly, and woodlands and coves that are said to have been the inspiration for Tolkien’s ‘Ents’ from Lord of the Rings. Corrib Cruises runs day trips here throughout the summer from Oughterard (a 30 minute drive) & Cong (a 50 minute drive). The gentle journey across the lake is as pleasant a way as any to reach the island. For a shorter outing on the The Corrib river and lower lake try the Corrib Princess which sails daily from Woodquay in the centre of Galway from May to September. It’s just a pleasant 15 minute walk away along the banks of the Galway River and canals.
Diamond Hill is one of the most accessible ways to experience the best of Connemara. Wait for a clear day and set out early; the drive to Letterfrack, past Kylemore Abbey is hard to beat and the climb up Diamond Hill is well signposted and relatively easy. You are rewarded for your (minimal) efforts with 360 panoramic views across the National Park and a vista that changes from minute to minute as clouds scud across the horizon.
46 locals recommend
Diamond Hill
Diamond Hill is one of the most accessible ways to experience the best of Connemara. Wait for a clear day and set out early; the drive to Letterfrack, past Kylemore Abbey is hard to beat and the climb up Diamond Hill is well signposted and relatively easy. You are rewarded for your (minimal) efforts with 360 panoramic views across the National Park and a vista that changes from minute to minute as clouds scud across the horizon.
Lahinch is the closest spot to test out your surfing skills. It’s just over an hour and a half to drive from Galway, over the Burren, to this charming seaside town. The surf is fairly reliable and suits beginners and improvers alike. During the summer months it’s easy to rent boards and wetsuits on the beach and nothing tastes better than battered cod and chips straight from the bag after an afternoon of battling the surf :-)
84 locals recommend
Lahinch
Lahinch is the closest spot to test out your surfing skills. It’s just over an hour and a half to drive from Galway, over the Burren, to this charming seaside town. The surf is fairly reliable and suits beginners and improvers alike. During the summer months it’s easy to rent boards and wetsuits on the beach and nothing tastes better than battered cod and chips straight from the bag after an afternoon of battling the surf :-)
City advice
Travelling with kids
Things to do with the kids...
There’s plenty to keep the whole clan happy within rambling distance from the front door. The Galway City Museum has a great interactive marine science exhibit for kids on the top floor. For younger kids, Charlie Byrnes holds a great (free) story telling session at 11am every Saturday morning. A little further a field, Renville Park has a great adventure playground and acres of fields and forests to wander through - they even have a fairy trails to explore.
The 'This is Galway' website is great for listing local attractions, activities and family friendly events.
Don't miss
Festival City
One of the things we really really love about Galway is how much life it has for a relatively small city. From April to October, there is barely a gap in the festival calendar, so do take the time to check out what’s on when you’re here. The website www.thisisgalway.com is particularly good for up to date event listings - they also have a free app.
Don't miss
Blackrock Diving Tower & The Prom
Walk the prom, blow the cobwebs away, gaze at Galway Bay and finish up at the diving tower at Black Rock. This old Galway institution is decidedly shabby around the edges these days but remains a part of Salthill’s soul none-the less. It’s a right of passage to jump off the top at high tide if you’re brave enough, or simply watch the locals ‘kick the wall’.
Don't miss
Galway Food Tours
Take a bite out of Galway and let Sheena Dignam take you on.a walking tour of Galway city centre that has regular stops to sample some of the best local produce around. There are a variety of packages available from Galway Food Tours - check out their website here: www.galwayfoodtours.com