Here’s How to Have a Great Weekend in Galway for only €20
With a buzzing culture and arts scene, a variety of delicious eateries to choose from (for the foodies), and lots of spectacular sandy beaches, Galway is definitely a must destination for locals and tourists alike. Fall in love with this beautiful bohemian city on a budget. Here is a list of things to do and see in Galway for an affordable price.
1) Pay a visit to the Galway market
Open all year round on weekends and bank holidays, the famous Galway street market has been trading on Church lane in the city centre for centuries. A city staple to the locals, expect to find hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce, locally handmade crafts and a sea of friendly faces.
Whilst shopping, if you’re a bit peckish there’s a great variety of food to choose from. Madras curry, delicious crepes, and Japanese sushi are just a handful of the many foods and cuisines that you can find there.
And for the holidays, they run a traditional Christmas market every day 9 am to 6 pm from the 14th to the 24th December.
2) Visit Claddagh
This historically fishing village is well-known to some as the birthplace of the ‘Claddagh Ring’. Although to others, it is regarded as the old fishing village in the country. Claddagh is also home the newly built Claddagh Arts Centre – a showroom for local arts and design, and the Claddagh Ring museum – where you can view some of the first Claddagh rings made.
3) Pick up a slice from Dough Bros
From humble beginnings as a pop-up restaurant, this family-run Neapolitan pizza place has flourished into a popular dining space. At the Dough Bros, everything is handmade from their pizza bases to the delicious homemade sauce with the freshest ingredients. You can also observe your dish being made in their big pizza oven if you like.
Situated on Middle Street, this family-friendly and quirky-styled restaurant has extensive seating over 3 floors as well as outdoor seating. And best of all, you can get a soda and pizza for under €10.
4) Walk along Salthill Promenade
This 2-kilometer walk on the outskirts of the city is a sight to see indeed. Stretching around the scenic shores of Galway Bay and right next to the Atlantic Ocean, you’ll have a great view of the Aran Islands. Take a lovely evening seaside stroll, or even a swim if you’re feeling brave.
5) Visit the Galway City Museum
Travel back in time and explore Galway’s prehistoric and medieval history at the city’s museum for free. Overlooking the Spanish Arch, this modern building houses everything you need to know about Galway’s fascinating past.
The museum also runs a calendar of free events throughout the year for anyone and everyone to attend such as children’s art classes and talks.
6) Sit in on a Traditional music session
If you’re visiting Galway for the first time, you’re in luck as this city lives and breathes music. Galway is one of the best traditional Irish music hubs on the island. There’s a great selection of pubs and bars which showcase traditional music and local talent nightly such as Taaffes bar, Tigh Coili, and Monroes Tavern to name a few.
So sit in on a traditional music session and tap your feet to the buzzing sounds of the fiddles and banjos. And if you are a fellow musician yourself, feel free to join in. Although the sessions are free, the memories you’ll make are priceless.
7) Visit Galway Cathedral
Known as one of the city’s most distintive landmarks, Galway Cathedral is a popular attraction for visitors due to its exquisite architecture. At almost 45 metres tall, it is a prominent feature of the city skyline and has beautifully stained glass windows. Another striking feature are the exceptional mosiacs and intricate floor patterns.
There is no admission fee and visitors are welcome, although they are asked not to walk around during church services.
