After lots of thought and time spent writing, I finally get to share my Galway with you! I studied abroad in Galway for a semester when I was 19 and have since returned a couple times. I always knew I was going to study abroad here. From a young age this was the place I had to go in Ireland. My heart was calling me here. It is not the most well know city in Ireland. I think it is often overshadowed by Dublin, Belfast, and Cork, but it is the place in my heart (and from the Ed Sheeran song). It is my favorite place is the whole world. When I try to explain my love for Galway to people I describe it as me if I was a city. It is a very international city with young people coming from all over the world to be at the college. It is a very musical city as there are buskers on every corners and all the pubs have live trad music every night. It is small but not too small so you get the perks of being in a city, like having great restaurants and shops, while keeping the rural Ireland feel with its coast line and beautiful outdoor spots. Let me introduce you to my Galway and all the things you need to see and do and visit in the city. Welcome to my Galway!
How to Visit Galway
Before I get into all the details of the stuff you have to do in Galway, I want to talk about how to plan a trip to Galway. If you have your trip planned then skip ahead for suggestions.
Transportation
My favorite bus service in Ireland are the Citylink buses. They are really nice coaches with comfortable seats, outlets, and bathrooms. The only downside is that they only really connect the large cities. There are a few routes that go to Galway from Cork, Dublin, Ballina, and Letter Frack that make stops and some that are direct. This means it is a good option for visiting Galway after Cork or Dublin (especially if you are flying into the airport there), but not if you are traveling around to multiple towns. In that case you would want to use Bus Eireann.
Rental car is also an option, but I don’t recommend renting a car in Ireland unless you are planning to stop at a few of the smaller towns, because you can get almost anywhere by public transportation and Galway is very walkable. Renting a car is also stressful as an American, because you are driving on the other side of the road in the other side of the car and the roads that aren’t main highways are tiny.
Accommodation
My first suggestion when finding a place to stay in Ireland is to look at B&Bs. Galway has plenty of them You can of course get a hotel located in the main part of Galway on Quay Street or Eyre Square, but I think a B&B will give you the best Irish experience as you can meet the locals who own it and feel as if you are staying in an Irish cottage. They aren’t located right in the center of everything in Galway, but like I said before, Galway is very walkable. I have never walked more than 30 minutes to get to somewhere I wanted to go. If the walk does seem like too much, there are always buses going around the city that you can take for a small fee as well as taxis that are a bit more money, but great for after a night at the pub.
When to Visit
Galway is great any time of the year. Ireland does get cold and rainy in the winter, so if you are wanting to do a lot of outdoor activities this may not be the best option. I recommend Spring and Fall when flights to Ireland are cheaper and there aren’t as many tourists. You really get to see and experience the local culture during this time, plus the weather is perfect as it is not too cold and not too warm. You could visit Galway in the summer but you are probably more likely to see more tourists that locals since the students have gone home for the summer and people are on their summer vacations around Europe. You could also plan around holidays if you wanted to experience Ireland during Christmas time or St. Patricks day.
Duration of Stay in Galway
I might be too biased to give a great recommendation for this because I would definitely say skip Dublin and Cork and spend your entire Ireland trip in Galway and do day trips from there, but I know nobody is going to do that. It is important to visit Dublin, but I think the west is what really makes up the beauty of the country and the culture. You definitely need at least one full day just seeing Galway. The city is small so you can see a lot in a day, but I think Galway isn’t a pass through and look around kind of place. Its somewhere you have to spend time in to really enjoy. I would recommend planning a couple other nights in Galway to experience more of the pubs and to get to know the people, but then take some day trips during the day. If I were planning a trip to Galway with the intent of seeing and experiencing as much of Ireland as possible I would plan 3 or 4 nights in Galway with a day or two of seeing Galway and then day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and Connemara. I am hoping that this post may inspire you to do just that.
Sites to See
Before I get into all the places to go in Galway, I want to get you orientated with the city by explaining the layout and providing a map with the places I am going to talk about.
Galway is a small city but it is divided into a few different parts (that are all walkable). At the water of Galway Bay there is the Long Walk and the Spanish Arch. These are just below the City Centre which is Quay Street that runs into Shop Street which then ends up at Eyre Square. North of Eyre Square is Terryland which is mostly residential, shopping centers, and fast food restaurants. To the west of Terryland you end up in the University of Galway campus. South of this is the West End that connects to the city centre by bridges. West of here along the coast you will end up in Salthill. These are the most important parts of Galway to know! Now lets get into the sights!
Quay Street and the Latin Quarter
This is Galway’s city centre where everything is happening. Coming off of shop street you will come across old colorful buildings that make up Quay Street. Here you will find some of Galway’s popular traditional pubs with pints and music as well as a few restaurants and cafes. The best part is at the end right before the Spanish arc where you will find a couple shops selling Galway classics like Aran Sweaters and Claddagh rings. You will also probably come across a busker every 15 feet here. Galway not only has a lot of buskers, but some of the best! They range from bands playing rock music, to solo artists singing and playing their guitar, to even some trad music with people bringing our their fiddles and banjos.
The Galway Girl Statue
On Quay Street you will come across the Galway Girl statue. This is a fairly new addition to Galway as it was not their when I studied abroad. Its located right outside the Quay’s Bar. It is based off the song Galway Girl (probably the original, not the Ed Sheeran version). It stands for the city’s hospitality. While it was a bit weird for the locals at first, it has become the go to spot for tourists to take their picture in Galway.
The University of Galway Campus
The University of Galway is a big campus. There are definitely some buildings that aren’t very interesting, so you don’t need to do a whole campus tour, but if you have the chance you have to go to the Quadrangle. There aren’t actually any classes that happen here since it is mostly offices, but it is the symbol of the college. It was built in 1885, but it gives you the feeling of going to an old college like Oxford. I have heard people compare it to Hogwarts even, but that’s a bit of a stretch it my opinion. It is really pretty anyway!
The Long Walk
You have probably seen pictures of the Long Walk if you are familiar with Galway. And if you have seen the music video for Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl, the blue building is the one from the end of the music video. The Long Walk runs along Galway Bay and is a nice walk, but it really isn’t long. There is not much more to see after the last of the colorful buildings but you can loop back around and explore more of Galway’s stores and restaurants. You can’t go to Galway without seeing the Long Walk, because this is Galway!
Eyre Square
Eyre Square is the heart of Galway. It is at the top of Shop Street. Its the main square of Galway and is also known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, so you will find a statue and plaque in remembrance of the beloved Irish-American president. The square itself is used as a green space for the locals to come and hang out. You will also see some structures representative of western Irish history and culture. This square started as a market square in medieval times and is now the location of the Galway Christmas market. Along Eyre Square you will find pubs, restaurants, hotels, and stores including the entrance to the shopping center.
The Spanish Arch
Located after the Latin Quarter and right before the Long Walk you will find the Spanish Arch. You may be wondering why there is something named after the Spanish in Galway. Its actually a really interesting piece of Irish history. There used to be a town wall built through Galway by the Normans in the 1500s and this is a piece of that very wall. Parts of the wall were destroyed by a Tsumani in the 1700s so this arch is all that’s left. It is named after the Spanish because Spain always had really great relations with the Irish. Many Spanish merchant ships would dock in Galway’s harbor for trade. Its a great sight to see a bit of Irish history, but it also makes a great meet up and hanging out point by the water. You will find many of the students here drinking at the Spanish arch, but I wouldn’t recommend doing it because its actually not legal to drink in public spaces in Ireland.
Castles:
Menlo Castle
Menlo Castle was one I just randomly came across one day in the first week of my study abroad in Ireland when I was just walking along teh trail the ran outside my accommodation and the Corrib river. You can take this riverside walk that was once the railway from Galway to Clifden too if you would like to see the castle. This castle was the home of the Blake family from the 1600s to the 1900s, but the castle was built even earlier than that in the 1500s. The inside of the castle was destroyed in a fire in 1910 that also killed the family. Since then it has only been ruins, but the growth of ivy and other plants have made it a beautiful and popular sight in Galway.
Lynch’s Castle
This castle isn’t quite as pretty as Menlo, but it is fun because it is in the middle of the city center and has been turned into a bank. It has a slightly different look to Menlo because not only were pieces of it built a couple hundred years earlier, but it was built as a fortified house by the Lynch family to protect themselves from raids. Its ornamentation is what makes it look so cool as you’ll see carved windows, gargoyles, and the family’s coat of arms.
Terryland Castle
Just like Menlo Castle, Terryland Castle is also located on the east side of the Corrib River. You can get the best view of “The Old Castle” by walking across the brodge that connects the University of Galway campus to Terryland. This castle was built in the 1200s by the Norman Burke family to control the traffic of the river. It served a huge purpose in 1600s Irish history. In 1961, centuries after it was built, it was destroyed in a fire. Just like Menlo Castle we only have the ruins left, but as of lately excavations have taken place to extracts some medieval artifacts.
Things to Do
Often times it seems like there isn’t much do to in small cities such as Galway, but I promise there is so much you can do here. Now that you have seen all the sights of the city here are the thing you can do to experience the city like a local and get a better understanding of Irish culture.
Listen to Live Trad Music
Trad music is the traditional music of Ireland that you will find all over the island. There are trad sessions all throughout Galway since you can go to pretty much every pub to listen to this music. Trad music the instrumental version of Irish music consisting of the tin whistle, flute, fiddle, banjo, guitar, pipes, bodhran, and concertina. These sessions usually take place somewhere around 5 pm, but some pubs also have night sessions or you can see the university’s trad soc play. Later in the evening many pubs have ballad sessions that are smaller groups that play and sing the Irish songs we all love. Either of these options are great for experiencing Ireland’s music culture and Galway’s love for it. You can learn more about Irish music in my post about my love for Irish music and scroll down to my traditional pub suggestions to see some of the places you can go to for music.
Visit Salthill
“Around the Salthill Prom with a Galway Girl.” These are the lyrics from the original Galway Girl. As a girl destined to live next to the water, I love Salthill. The Salthill promenande does exist and you can walk it from Galway to Salthill although it is a bit of a lengthy walk. Otherwise you can take a bus or taxi to Salthill and walk by the sea. The best part of Salthill is the beach and Black Rock diving tower. If you aren’t afraid of heights you definitely have to jump from the top or at least halfway from the top. Then you can say you jumped in the Atlantic Ocean. Salthill is also fun for its seaside culture. Not only will you find palm trees here in Ireland but you will find a fair set with a ferris wheel as well as cafes all along the water where you can get the sweet Irish staple, a 99 cone. Salthill is also a great place to stay in Galway because there is plenty of entertainment from movie theaters and arcades to the aquarium. There are lots of great hotels options as well as restaurants. Just don’t expect to find the same pub culture as the city centre.
Galway City Museum
This is an absolute must when visiting Galway, no exceptions. As a history person I require it. Located by the Spanish Arch, the museum has exhibits all about the archeology, history, and culture of Galway. And the best part… it is free! They do appreciate donations though. Its open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 am to 5pm with the exception of Sundays when they open a couple hours later. Here you can learn all about the stone forts and castles that are found all throughout the west coast as well as important parts of Irish history like the civil war and the 1800s’ industrialization and famine. Its also a great place to learn about Galway specific pieces of Irish culture like the Claddagh ring and shawls. It is really an amazing place and you can learn so much here.
Go to the Match of a Gaelic Sport
Ireland has four major sports that they call the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA): Rugby, Gaelic Football, Hurling, and Camogie. You are probably familiar with Rugby and Hurling, but maybe not so much with the other two. Camogie is essentially the same as hurling but it is played by women. Its like softball to baseball. Then there is Gaelic football which is the biggest sport in Ireland. It is their football! In Ireland they aren’t as big on soccer as other European countries. That’s why I call this their football. It is like a mix of American football, soccer, and rugby. It is really entertaining and high energy as they are always moving around the field by carrying or kicking the ball. There are also two different ways to score: get it in the net or kick a field goal. This is the game you have to go see in Ireland to experience Irish culture. It is a summer sport though so if you happen to be there in the fall then you need to go see rugby. I love rugby and the Connacht rugby team plays right in Galway too.
Visit Galway Cathedral
The Galway Cathedral, also know as the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, is also a must in Galway. You don’t have to attend mass or even be religious but you should visit it to not only to see the beauty of the church, but get a glimpse into the importance of Catholicism in Irish culture. You’ll find the cathedral next to the river north of the city centre and south of the University of Galway campus. Contrary to its look, it is actually a fairly new church as it was built in the 1800s and dedicated in the 1950s. It is built in a beautiful renaissance style and I adore the rose windows. It is also special for being built of limestone from the region. Visiting hours are 8am to 8pm, but if you want to go to mass I will attach the website to find the times.
Galway Christmas Market
Located in Eyre Square from the beginning of November to the end of December you will find the Galway Christmas market! I love the Christmas market. I remember it being such a fun place to hang out at when I studied abroad and even when I returned last November. There are lots of a great food options from spice bags to curry chips to bratwursts to all the amazing sweets from all over Europe. You will find crepes, chimney cakes, and cannolis. There are also seasonal drinks like hot chocolate, and then the amplified European version with alcohol like mulled wine and Bailey’s hot chocolate. For more alcoholic drink, there is also the beer tent where all the young people hang out, but I have never been there. The market is a great place for souvenir and gift shopping. I love buying Christmas ornaments here, but you can also find clothing and little trinkets. Its not a very big market but it is a great time. If you don’t want to go shopping, you can also enjoy the fair games, the ferris wheel, or the holiday express!
Book a Day Tour
One of the best things about Galway is that it is a great base for exploring the western coast of Ireland. There is so much you can see and do in a day from Galway. You can book a tour to visit the Cliffs of Moher in Country Clare and the Burren. I did a tour through Lally Tours that went to Dungaire Castle and Aillwee Cave before heading to the Cliffs of Moher and then it ended with a lunch stop in Doolin and a beautiful drive along the Wild Atlantic Way and it only cost 65 euros. You can also visit the Aran Islands pretty easily by doing a tour or using a ferry service that includes the bus to the port like I did. I visited Inishmore for about 30 euros using Aran Island Ferries. The last great day trip from Galway is Connemara and Kylemore Abbey. I also did this one through Lally Tours for 65 euros. It not only included a visit to the abbey but also some stops at some famous locations around Connemara like the bridge from the Quiet Man and some beautiful mountain and coastal views. I of course have done other day trips from Galway to Dublin, Cork, and other cities, but these are best ones to do for the true western Ireland experience.
Restaurants
Galway has a great selection of places to eat. Not only does Galway have plenty of pubs serving Irish, American, and other gourmet meals, but the city has many restaurants serving food from all over the world that have become a part of the local culture. Here are my suggestions for some of the different restaurants and foods you can eat in Galway.
The Kings Head
Located in the Latin Quarter, The Kings Head is one of the go-to pubs in Galway. It is the one I would always take the people visiting me to. Besides it being huge with its three floors, it is also unique due to its history as it is 800 years old. You can find anything at this pub since it offers food and drinks. If you come for just drinks you will end up in the pub area with live music. If you come for food you will be seated in the restaurant and have access to the whole menu. I loved the fish and chips here. While they are on the pricier side, you know you are getting your money’s worth. If you are wanting a traditional Irish meal in a pub setting then this is the place I recommend.
Finnegans
This is my favorite place to get an Irish breakfast (and an Irish coffee when nearing more brunch time). A full Irish breakfast consists of rashers, sausages, black and white pudding, beans, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, and a side of brown bread. It is the most delicious Irish meal you will have in Ireland. And make sure you add on some brown sauce. Finnegan’s is the place to go with its cute old Irish pub feel.
McDonagh’s
At the end of Quay Street you will find McDonagh’s, a traditional and family owned chippy from 1902. It’s a fish and chips bar, but you will also find other seafood and fried dishes here. All the seafood is caught fresh daily from the sea and the chips are some of the best you will have. I have been here and enjoyed it, and I have also heard from Galway locals that this is the place to go to experience Ireland’s fish and chips culture.
Xian Street Food
This one might be a bit of a hot take because I have seen plenty of people on TikTok talking about how everyone just goes to Xian to try a spice bag/box and that there are other places to go, but I think people go here for a reason. There are a lot of great chinese and asian dishes you can get here, but if you are looking for something truly Irish, then you have to try the spice bag which is essentially chips, chicken, peppers, onions, and spices fried together. The serving you get in the restaurant is huge and will last you at least another meal. They also have a food truck that has been at the Christmas markets that serves it in a box that is a slightly smaller version. Either way, you can eat it plain, with ketchup, or curry sauce. I think you have to go to Xian’s to try a spice bag.
Boojum
This is the point in the list where we start to get off of the restaurants offering Irish food and getting to the ones I just loved! If you are looking for traditional Irish places to eat then skip these next couple, but if you want to try places that the locals go to then here our my suggestions. First we have Boojum which is basically Ireland’s Chipotle. I will say though that I do like Boojum better. The rice is not as dry, the sauces are amazing, and I love the choices of meat. I alway get chorizo which has amazing flavor. It is not Mexican food though so don’t go here expecting you are going to find Mexican food in Ireland, but it the best and closest thing I found there.
Apache Pizza
The next one is Ireland’s attempt at doing American style pizza which is why it is named after the native american tribe. There are a lot of great pizza places in Galway, like Dough Bros, that are very popular. I liked Apache the best though. I love the thick crust and the topping options. The Apache special is my favorite. Corn on pizza may sound weird, but it actually isn’t! You can also get it with a side of ranch and let me tell you nothing beats this combo!
Cafes
I don’t think you can really experience the slow and cozy culture of western Ireland without going to a cafe for some coffee or Irish tea. Here are just a few of the many cafes that will get you in the Irish feels.
Ard Bia at Nimmos
This little cafe is a must if you want to feel Irish. Ard Bia is a cafe located in the stone building with a red door next to the Spanish Arch. For this reason ,and being next to the water, it is has the best location of all the cafes in Galway. The inside of the cafe is just as cute if not more so than the exterior with its colorful and vintage decor. As for the menu items, you will find any type of meal here. I went here for some tea, but you will find a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu set with Irish classics and other unique foods. Some of the food is on the pricier side but you can still find something for a lower cost, even if it is just some Irish tea to enjoy the cozy cafe and great view.
The Secret Garden
This cafe is one I come back to again and again when I visit. The Secret Garden is a tea shop and cafe offering a wide range of teas from all over the world to buy to take home or drink in the store. When visiting this family owned cafe you can order a warm coffee or tea drink and enjoy one of the many baked good made that day. This is a great place for those that may have special restrictions as they have vegan and gluten free options for baked goods and organic options for tea. The thing I really love about this place though is the cute and cozy cafe. They have seating outdoors in the garden as well as seating inside that can vary. You can sit at a regular table or take a seat at one of the short tables with pillows for seats. There is also a cat wandering around that may come say hi. Its such a lovely spot in the West End to get a drink and relax.
The Jungle Cafe
The Jungle Cafe is another that I come back to when I visit. It has changed locations since I first discovered it when I studied abroad but the fun atmosphere and aesthetic drinks have stayed the same. You’ll find this cafe just past Eyre Square. Its not hard to spot with its wooden arch and the plants pouring out the entrance. The style of the cafe is inspired by the owner’s travels through out South America so no matter where you sit, you will really feel like you are drinking your coffee in a tropical garden. As for the drinks and food, you can get all you coffee and espresso drinks here, as well as fun juices, smoothies, and any other drinks they have at the time. The food menu is a bit smaller than a restaurant’s but its ok because everything is good you will have a hard time choosing between things anyway. It’s a really unique place and I think it has a lot of Galway charm.
Traditional Pubs
I am breaking my pub segment into two different parts, because Galway has two different pub cultures. There is the traditional pub culture where you go out for drinks after work or class to listen to music and that may turn into an entire evening of drinking pints, but you will see people of all ages doing this (well 18 and up). Then there is the nightlife pub culture that is like American bar culture. This is the young people getting all dressed up, drinking hard liquor, and staying out all night. First I am going start with the traditional pub culture and how to experience it like a local.
The Crane Bar
The Crane was my pub in Galway. I discovered it when joining the Trad Soc, since this is where they come to play. The pub is known for its music. Its where trad lovers come together to play and listen to music together. There are two floors to the pub, but its still fairly small. The upstairs is where you will catch the session players just at a table with the rest of the pub goers. There is a bar on both floors so its a great place to grab a guinness, take a seat in the cozy corner, and listen to some Irish music. You’ll find the Crane on Sea Road in Galway’s West End.
Monroe’s Tavern
Monroe’s Tavern is also located in the West End but its a bit closer to the bridge connecting it to the Latin Quarter. It is a much bigger pub and will have more of a medieval tavern feel than a pub but it still is a really enjoyable place to eat, grab a drink, and listen to some music. Their music is a much more formal experience as they have a stage where they have their daily music and then an upstairs for their special musical events. Its a great place for music lovers as well as anyone overwhelmed by the pub choices in Galway, because you will find all sorts of people here, all to enjoy some Irish culture.
Taaffes Bar
Taaffe’s is another great spot to listen to traditional Irish music. Its a 150 year old pub close to The Kings Head in the Latin Quarter. They have a small menu of bar food served until 5pm, but I think Taaffe’s is more known for its atmosphere than its food. You can get your pints and then take a seat at the cute little booths in the pub. In the front of the pub they have trad sessions at 5:30pm everyday. Later in the night anywhere from 9 to 10 pm, depending on the day, they have ballad sessions where you can catch local singers performing all your favorite Irish bar songs. I love Taaffe’s because of its dedication to Irish music. This is also a more family friendly place as you will see families and people of all ages here if that is what you are looking for.
O’Connell’s Bar
O’Connell’s Bar was closed when I was studying abroad so I never actually got to go inside, but I am going to suggest it anyway because it is the pub from Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl music video and I have heard great things about it. It also just looks really cool. It is located right off of Eyre Square, so if you have the chance please go and tell me how it is!
Nightlife Pubs
Now lets get into the places to have a great night out that you may or may not remember in the morning. Here are the places to get dressed up and then get a little messy.
The Skeff
Located on the other side of Eyre Square from O’Connell’s you will find the Skeff. The Skeff is a pub by day and a bar by night. It serves a wide range of foods from its kitchen during the day as well as some pints. When the evening hits though the young people come dashing in to hit the bar of one of the 5 floors. Its a huge pub and they also host lots of events. You will of course find music here just like all the other pubs in Galway. This is a great option if you often get overwhelmed with over crowded bars, because there is so much space that you have lots of breathing room.
Coyotes
Coyotes is the closest thing you will find to an American bar in Galway. This is where you are going to go if you want dancing with a DJ. The Irish aren’t really big on this in their pubs and bars. That is a big difference between Irish and American nightlife. They are only dancing if they are specifically going out to the club, but even then they still only really like to go out to talk with people and hang out with their friends. Coyotes is really fun for this kind of night out. I also like that sometimes it is only 21 and up so you will most likely only be with 20 somethings but sometimes they don’t really enforce that as long as you are 18. You’ll find Coyotes on Shop Street right next to McDonald’s which makes a great stop after Coyotes.
Róisín Dubh
Róisín Dubh is the place to go to if you are looking for a fun show or something different to do. Located in the West End near Monroe’s Tavern, Róisín Dubh offers music and comedy shows from all over the world on one of its two stages. The downside to this versus the other pubs is that these shows often cost money so you have to purchase tickets ahead of time to show at the door. It is a lot of fun though. I went to Club GASS which is their drag show they have every few months and had a blast. Its a really neat venue and the people there are great.
The Daíl Bar
Located on Middle Street just off of Quay Street you will find the Daíl Bar. They have great food so I highly recommend checking out the restaurant as well but the Liquor Lounge is the perfect place for a girl’s night and some cocktails. There are two floors with the first having the music stage that has live bands during the week and a DJ on the weekend. The second floor has another bar with some cozy spots to sit and a great view of the streets of Galway. There are also lots of great photo ops on the second floor. Its the perfect place to start the night or to just have a chill night with a small group of friends.
The Front Door
The Front Door is located in the Latin Quarter on Cross Street Upper that intersects into Quay Street. This is THEE place for a night out. They have food like a pub, but the bars and music give it more of a club feel. I think its a really unique place because there are two floors and lots of twists and turns that make it feel like there are different rooms each with their own distinct and fun style. The pub is open everyday until 2 am, so no matter what day of the week you are visiting Galway, you can find your nightlife here.
Shopping
So after all these places to see and things to do you are going to want a souvenir. Here are some of the best places to go shopping for an authentic souvenir from Galway so that you don’t have to go to a souvenir store.
Powell’s Music and Art Store
Right across from Lynch’s castle you will find Powell’s Music store. I think this is a great place to buy a souvenir from Ireland, but you have to be a music lover. Instruments are really expensive and can be a bit big to take back home, so you don’t have to buy an Irish flute like I did. You will find every Irish instrument here like the flute, tin whistle, bodhran, banjo, and so on as well as other classic and rock instruments like any other music store. You can get a tin whistle for just a few euros and they are quite small so they make the perfect souvenir. Or you can get a small bodhran! Or if you don’t want to get an instrument but you play an instrument, you can buy a book of Irish tunes for your instrument back home. I think these all make great souvenirs from Ireland.
Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold
This next thing is something you have to buy specifically in Galway: a claddagh ring. They are worn all throughout Ireland and you could really buy one anywhere if you wanted to, but they come from Galway and this is where the original maker of the claddagh ring is. If you are unfamiliar with the claddagh ring, the claddagh is the symbol of Galway which is the hands holding a heart with a crown on top. These stand for love, friendship, and loyalty. The ring featuring these are often used as a wedding ring in Ireland, but also most young adults get a claddagh ring from their family. Everyone wears them! They also signify your relationship status as the way you wear it determines if you are single, in a relationship, engaged, or married based on which hand you wear it on and which way the heart faces. The thing about the claddagh ring that makes it a tricky thing to buy as a souvenir is that according to tradition you cannot buy yourself a claddagh ring. Someone has to get it for you. My friend and I bought them together and then just bought eachother’s, so there are ways around this. Anyway in Galway you have to go to Thomas Dillon’s to buy your claddagh ring. There are a few places you get them in Galway but I think these look the nicest and they are inscribed so you know you are buying from the original maker. You’ll find the store at the end of Quay Street across from McDonagh’s and right next to my next shopping suggestion!
Aran Sweater Market
Aran sweaters make some of the best souvenirs from Ireland! The off white knitted design and tradition comes from the Aran Islands but has become a symbol of Ireland. The sweaters were knitted from unsourced sheep’s wool that made the sweaters not only warm but also water resistant. In this store you will find many of the different Aran sweater designs that range from costing a couple hundred euros to 50 euros on the clearance rack. They also offer a wide range of other wool products. I also bought a warm head band, my dad bought a blanket, and my cousin bought some socks. They have everything! This is a great place to get an authentic Irish souvenir.
The Weekend Market
Galway’s weekend market is the perfect place to find a souvenir to take home. I have bought a lot of stuff from this market. I love getting art so I have bought quite a few watercolors and photographs here. I have also bought a couple rings as well as other jewelry from the market, because I love the celtic knots as rings. I have also bought a mug painted with the long walk here as well as fridge magnets. Everything here is so great. I think its one of the better markets I have been to anywhere because everything is specially crafted by local artisans with a passion for what they do. I also think these kind of things make the best souvenirs. The market has food and drinks as well, so its perfect for getting your morning coffee and walking around. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8am to 6pm all year round. Its not hard to find as it is just a right off of shop street by St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.
Penneys
Penneys is my favorite store of all time! I always stock up on stuff from Penney’s when I visit. Penney’s is just the name for the store, Primark, in Ireland. I will say Primark is slightly different in every country and I loved the selection of clothing so much better in Ireland than anywhere else. Here you will find cheap, but quality clothing basics, going out outfits, shoes, accessories, beauty product, and home decor. Last time I was in Ireland I actually bought a little suitcase from Penney’s to take home everything I bought. The clothing here is my favorite. Everything fits so well, especially as someone who is on the curvier side. It is also super cute and there is pretty much everything you could need. I also like coming here for the beauty products, tools, and trends, because its all so reasonably priced and there are a lot of great options. All this to say you need to go shopping at Penney’s. And if clothing is not you thing they have a bunch of home goods from decor, dishes, and hot water bottle. It really has anything you could every need. Its also a great spot for finnding a cheap Ireland t-shirt or mug.
This concluded my guide to Galway! I hope you feel ready to take on my favorite city in the world. If there is something you want more information about or if you have any questions, feel free to comment or contact me. I love talking about Ireland!
If you need more inspiration for you Ireland trip, you can also check out my Ireland page for more of my travels around the island.
Slán go fóill!
The Journal of Wanderlust 