'''Galway''' [http://www.galway-ireland.ie/], called ''Gailimh'' in Irish, with a population of over 70,000, is Ireland's fourth largest town and is a major hub for visits to West Ireland. It has long since been known as "The City of the Tribes" and this title could not be more appropriate these days, given the multicultural vibrancy of present-day Galway.
Understand
City of the Tribes
Galway, known as the _eCity of the Tribes_f is an important tourist center and a gateway to the scenic areas of the county. Beginning in the 15th century, Galway was ruled by tribes, as the leading fourteen families were called. Their names were Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'arcy, Deane, ffont, French, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, and Skerritt. The tribes built many castles through-out County Galway. These days, many streets and landmarks bear the names of these early tribes.
Galway is a bustling town with fantastic nightlife. It's short on common tourist attractions, such as museums, but the charming pedestrianised streets and numerous pubs and cafes are sure to keep you occupied.
Get in
By bus or train
'''Iarnrod Eireann''' [http://www.irishrail.ie] operates six trains per day (four on Sunday) from Dublin Heuston Station.
''' Bus Eireann''' [http://www.buseireann.ie] buses run frequently from destinations through the country.
'''CityLink''' [http://www.citylink.ie] buses provide direct service to Shannon Airport, Dublin and Dublin Airport.
'''GoBus''' [http://www.gobus.ie] buses provide direct one stop service to Dublin and Dublin Airport.
National bus and rail both arrive at the same station, just east of Eyre Square on Station Road. CityLink and GoBus buses arrive and depart from the Galway Coach Station, one block north of the CIE bus/rail terminus.
By plane
'''Aer Arann''' [http://www.aerarann.ie/] flies to nearby Carnmore Airport (IATA: GWY) from Dublin, Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle,Cork, Cardiff, Leeds Bradford, Bristol, London Luton, and Lorient (Brittany now doing Amsterdam via Waterford).
The airport is about 10km east of the town, but public transportation links are poor, with only one bus per day, departing the bus station at 12.50 and returning from the airport at 13.25. If you do take this route please let them know this is poor! There is another bus service that only goes outbound, it leaves the Central Station at 16:15. A taxi will cost about ?15 and upward to ?20, this is high as the Airport charges ?5 to taxis serving the airport. You could walk to a nearby petrol station [5mins] and call one from there, saving ?5.
Car Rentals are available.
'''Shannon Airport''' [http://www.shannonairport.com/] is the main airport serving the west of Ireland. It is an international airport with many more flights available than Galway Airport, is served by an hourly bus to Galway, car rentals are also available. It is about 1 and 1/2 hours in the bus to Galway, but about an hour by car.
By car
From Dublin, take the N4 west until the N6 splits off to the south. Follow the N6 for the rest of the trip.
As in most places in Ireland, parking is expensive. However there is long term parking next to the cathedral available ?3/day, and if you are leaving in the morning, many pay and display lots offer cheap or free overnight parking (18h-6h).
Get around
Central Galway is easily accessible on foot, but if you need to go further afield, both ''Bus Eireann'' and CityLink run local bus networks. Avoid taking the car when going to or anywhere near the town centre as parking can be expensive.
Taxis are a convenient way to get around town, although they can be a bit expensive. There are taxi ranks in Eyre Square and Bridge Street.
See
Galway is a perfect base for seeing the West Ireland, but it is also worth a visit in itself. Although it has only a few typical sightseeing spots what makes it a wonderful place to stay is the atmosphere, the culture, the people, and the events.
The pedestrian shopping area south of '''Eyre Square''', is a pleasant place to walk around. And if the traditional Irish rain starts, just visit the Eyre Square shopping center, where they have put a roof above parts of the old town wall and so included them into the shopping centre, a beautiful combination of old and new.
At the south end of the pedestrian mall, is the '''Spanish Arch''', one of the few remaining parts of the town's ancient defenses. The park adjacent to the arch is a popular place to sit and relax, while watching the Corrib flow out into Galway Bay.
'''The Promenade''' in Salthill, is a fantastic place to people watch on rare warm, sunny days. People walk and rollerblade along the prom and kids and adults alike jump off the concrete diving board into the frigid Atlantic Ocean.
Do
Check local free paper the '''Galway Advertiser''' [http://galwayadvertiser.ie] for up to date info on cultural events, concerts and plays, as well as the latest local news. Available on Thursdays it is usually snapped up quickly.
The '''Galway Atlantaquaria''', Seapoint Promenade, Salthill (''Follow the R336 (Griffin Road) southwest from the town centre''), 091 585100 (''atlantaquaria@eircom.net'') [http://www.nationalaquarium.ie], is a must see if you are interested in the sea and its inhabitants. It is not the usual tropical fish collection that you might find anywhere, but they have beautifully mirrored the life around the Irish coasts and show the animals and plants in a realistic environment, just as you might find them 50 meters outside of the building in the real sea. Be sure to ask one of the staff about the 30 cm large but harmless giant crabs on the second floor, he might just pick one out of the basin and put it into your hands, an experience you_Lll never forget! Or pet the flounders and rays in the "touch pool".
'''Galway Tours''' [http://galwaytours.ie] run scheduled walking tours of Galway City.
'''The Volvo Ocean Race visits Galway in May/June 2009'''[http://www.oceanracewelcome2galway.com]: On the 23rd of May 2009 the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) will arrive in Galway after racing from Boston and stay for a two week stopover. Visitors to Galway will get a chance to experience the spectacle of the VO70 sailing boats including in-port racing and enjoy everything special that the West of Ireland has to offer.
Buy
The main shopping area runs south from Eyre Square towards the Corrib. This pedestrian zone includes Williams Street, Shop Street, High Street, Mainguard Street and Quay Street. Along it you can find all kinds of shops, pubs and restaurants. The historical buildings and busy atmosphere also make this area one of the attractions of Galway.
Discover Middle Street, which runs parallel to Shop Street, and is the location of a range of inspiring and creative local enterprises.
You will find the Irish speaking Theater "An Taibhearc" across from the designer studio "cocoon", along with Charlie Byrne's bookstore, Kenny's gallery and a Japanese restaurant to make an interesting spectrum.
'''Eyre Square Centre''' is a modern shopping centre almost entirely hidden behind historical facades. Entrances can be found on the south side of Eyre Square and on Williams Street.
Eat
For those on a budget, there is a supermarket in Eyre Square Centre, but beware that they close at 1900. Tesco on the Headford Road, however, is open 24 hours On Saturdays, there is a small market on Churchyard Street, beside the Anglican Church, featuring locally grown produce and crafts.
Ed's New York Pizza. Prospect Hill. yre Square. 91 530-893. ttp://www.edsnypizza.com. Authentic New York style pizza using imported Italian tomatoes and fresh ingredients. Pizza sold by the slice, eat in, carry out or delivery.
'''Fat Freddy's Famous Pizziera & Bistro''', The Halls, Quay Street, 091 567279, [http://www.fatfreddys.net], One of Galway's longest established restaurants, synonymous with Quay Street in Galway city center. Known for the excellent atmosphere, service and, of course, food. Great for kids.
'''McCambridges''', 38-39 Shop Street. 00-353-91-562259 This gourmet grocers has a deli counter for take away sandwiches which is quite good.
'''Sheridan's Cheesemongers''', Kirwans Lane, 091 564829 (''fax 091 564 829, info@irishcheese.com''), [http://www.tasteofireland.com/market/sheridans/], is a great place to get wine, pates, bread, and cheese of course.
'''McDonagh's Seafood''', 22 Quay Street, 091 565001, is famous for its fish and chips, and has very good prices on takeaway.
'''McSwiggans''', 3 Eyre Street, 091 568917, Restaurant on the two floors above the bar. Open to 10.30PM, 11PM Th-Su. The food is varied, includes curries, seafood and steaks. Main courses 12-20?.
'''Oscar's Restaurant''', [http://www.oscarsgalway.com/], on upper Dominick Street looks unassuming enough from the outside, but offers some of the best food in town. Their Seafood Platter has to be seen to be believed!
'''La Salsa''', [http://www.menupages.ie/Restaurants/La_Salsa.aspx], does delicious and reasonably priced Mexican food.
Conlons Seafood Restaurant. glinton Street Galway. ff Eyre Square. 353 91 562268. Established seafood house with Art Deco ambience, great service, good food and reasonable prices.
'''Kebab House''', on Dominick Street, does extremely cheap, greasy and tasty post-pub food. A substantial feed of Guinness is recommended before consumption of Kebab House fare in order to ensure full satisfaction.
Mustard Gourmet Pizza and Buger Bar. Middle Street. 53 91 566 400. This restaurant looks tiny from the outside, but has a larger seating area downstairs. They have big burgers, made from a variety of meats, and specialty pizzas. Cozy and relaxed.
Drink
'''Galway City Pub Guide''' is a good resource to check out pubs and clubs in Galway. You view reviews, photos and videos. You can also add your comments about pubs you have visited.[http://galwaycitypubguide.com/]
Technically drinking in public is not allowed in Galway but enforcement of this rule is unfeasible during summer months and well behaved groups are usually left alone. Don't mingle too near to obviously drunk people though as the authorities will likely confiscate all visible alcohol.
'''Cookes Thatch Pub''' is one of only two remaining Thatch Pubs in Galway. Dating back to the 1600's, the trad music sessions on wednesday and Sunday night are unmissable [http://cookesthatchpub.com]
The '''King's Head Pub''' has decent prices and a nightly cover band. Popular with students and tourists alike, this place is always lively.
Near the King's Head Pub on High St. is '''Freeneys'''[http://www.galwaycitypubguide.com/all-pubs/freeneys.html]. It is a fine "old man" establishment with some of the best Guinness in town. also popular with students who want to drink a few quiet ones.
For the more traditional minded, '''Monroe's Tavern''', just south of the Corrib and visible from the '''Spanish Arch''', has traditional music every night and set dancing on Tuesdays. Highly Recommended if you're in town on Tuesday night.
'''Roisin Dubh''', [http://www.roisindubh.net], on Dominick Street, near Monroe's, is perfect for those of you who like alternative and rock music, and on Wednesdays hosts a popular comedy night showcasing local and international acts.
'''The Quays'''[http://www.galwaycitypubguide.com/all-pubs/the-quays.html] is warm and offers good live folk music and as well as cover bands.
'''Cuba''', [http://www.cuba.ie/] is the club of choice if you don't like most clubs. The lower floor is a typical night club with commercial music, but the upper floor has very good indie music and/or live bands depending on the day of week. The bar on the ground floor, '''Bar 903''', has a late licence most nights.
'''The Victoria Hotel''' once an old fogeys paradise has been an underground haunt for fans of electronica on Fridays and Saturdays for some time now. Keep your eyes peeled for the excellent '110th Street' nights.
The Crane Bar. ea Road. ttp://www.thecranebar.com/index.php. You'll find live Irish music nightly at the Crane. Take your pick from the locals playing trad downstairs or the musicians playing various types of music upstairs.
Sleep
Hostels
'''Barnacles''' [http://www.barnacles.ie/] 10 Quay Street, tel +353 091 568 644, fax +353 91 568644, email [mailto:galway@barnacles.ie galway@barnacles.ie].
'''Galway City Hostel''', Frenchville Lane, 353 091 566 959 A really nice place, with competitive prices. Straight across the train station, next to Eyre Square. Great staff. Free tea and coffee all day. Currently doesn't have the best luggage storage facilities, and the place can feel a little cramped. But it is the best hostel to meet people and party at.
'''Kinlay House''', Merchant's Road, 353 091 565244 (''fax 091 565245, kinlay.galway@usit.ie''), [http://www.kinlayhouse.ie/], on the south-east corner of Eyre Square is an affordable, clean and central hostel. Included with a bed is a breakfast of unlimited tea and toast.
'''Sleepzone''', [http://www.sleepzone.ie], Bothar Na mBan, 353 091 566 999, is a large hostel (200+ beds) in central Galway, just off Eyre Square. It is quite new and has modern kitchen facilities, and a free internet cafe (and wireless, too). It's very clean, and well-run. Everyone from school groups to backpackers to families stay here. The staff are amazing and available at all hours if you need anything. Additionally, they provide a shuttle service to their affiliated hostel in Connemara, departing at 11AM and 7PM daily, for ?5. (Note: This shuttle only runs in the summer.)
Bed and breakfasts
Even by Irish standards, Galway has a ridiculous abundance of B&Bs. Two particular clusters can be found on '''College Rd''', within easy walking distance of the centre and the train/bus stations, and in '''Salthill''', where you'll probably want your own car.
'''Ard Mhuire Bed & Breakfast''', [http://www.ardmhuire.com/], 00353(0) 91 522355. Ard Mhuire is a beautiful family run B&B a mere 5 minute walk from the famous Salthill promenade. It is ideally situated for guests who wish to tour Connemara and the Aran islands from a base close to Galway City (which is only 2.5km away). The house boasts all the modern facilities that you'd expect to find in a 4 star hotel, but still maintains the familiar charm of a home away from home, with a home cooked breakfast from fresh local produce. Ample car parking is available on site.
'''Coolin House B&B''' Coolin House, Threadneedle Road, Salthill 353 91 523 411 Coolin House is a family run bed and breakfast, just off Salthill's famous Promenade. Coolin House is close to several amenities, including Leisureland, Atlantaquaria and the bustling bars in Salthill. Private parking is available. Tea and coffee making facilities and television in all rooms.
'''Claremount House B&B'''[http://www.claremountsalthill.com], 353 091 584 741, Family run Bed and Breakfasts located adjacent to Galway Golf Club and Salthill's Promenade. All rooms are en-suite.
'''Ocean Bed and Breakfasts'''[http://www.galwaybedandbreakfast.ie/], 4 quality Bed and Breakfasts located on College Road. All rooms are spacious in these large modern homes.
Asgard Guesthouse. 1 College Road. 353 91 566855. nfo@GalwayCityGuestHouse.com. ttp://www.GalwayCityGuestHouse.com. euro;40 per person sharing. Pleasant B&B just 5 minutes walk away from Eyre Square in the city center, with a sunny dining room and impeccably clean and tasteful guestrooms. Good breakfast spread, TV in every room, free wifi, credit cards accepted.
'''Dun Aoibhinn House''', [http://www.dunaoibhinnhouse.com/], 00353(0) 87 9306167. Dun Aoibhinn House is a beautifully restored period style Guesthouse in Galway City. It is situated a pleasant 5 minute walk from the City center, National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and University College Hospital Galway (UCHG). It is also within easy walking distance of Salthill Beach and attractions. Located on St Mary's Road in the heart of Galway City, there are ample private safe parking facilities
'''Almara House''', [http://www.almarahouse.com/] 2 Merlin Gate, Dublin Road 353 091 755 435. A ten minute drive outside the city center, Almara House is winning people over with its charming hosts and classy rooms. There's a wide variety of breakfast items to choose from.
Hotels in Galway
'''The G Hotel''' [http://www.theghotel.ie/] The G Hotel, Wellpark. 353 91 865 200. A five-star hotel, just outside the centre. The interiors are swanky and decadent and the service is professional. Rooms start at ?140.
'''Park House Hotel'''[http://www.parkhousehotel.ie/] Forster Street, Eyre Square. 353 091 564 924. This ideally located hotel is just seconds away from the bus and train station. This hotel boasts clean rooms and a friendly staff. Ask for a back room, as the noise from Eyre Square can be a bit loud on weekends. Rooms start at ?80 on weekdays.
'''Galway Bay Hotel'''[http://www.galwaybayhotel.net/] The Promenade, Salthill. 353 091 520 520. Located in scenic Salthill, Galway Bay Hotel is a popular choice for tourists and conferences. The large hotel has a spa and leisure center.
'''Forster Hotel Galway'''[http://www.forstercourthotel.com/] Forster Street, 353 091 539 839. While the rooms are a bit small, the location is excellent and the staff are accommodating.
'''Crecent Close Galway City Self Catering'''[http://www.galway-selfcatering.com/] Sea Road, 3 Star Self Catering Apparments located in Galway City Centre
Learn
The National University of Ireland, Galway [http://www.nuigalway.ie/].
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway [http://www.gmit.ie/].
Get out
Galway is the ideal base for trips throughout western Ireland. Hiring a car is a good way to see attractions in the surrounding area. Alternately, day tours of '''The Burren''' and the '''Cliffs of Moher''', and of '''Connemara''' are available at the tourist office.
Several outlets around town and at the tourist office sell ferry tickets to the '''Aran Islands'''.
For hitchhikers hoping to see the rest of Connaught, the best place to catch rides is near the Galway Shopping Centre, north of the city centre. There are several roundabouts nearby, so it should be easy to pick the road heading in the same direction as you are.
Word of mouth may be useful for catching a lift to Dublin and other destinations. Ask around in your hotel or hostel.
Stay safe
Galway is safe town by any standards. It's a small town compared to Dublin, and it luckily doesn't have to deal with most of the problems big cities have.
With that said, it is a party town and the weekends can get pretty crazy. Keep your wits about you, and stay in groups if you don't know the area. Despite Galway's reputation as a safe place like everywhere Galway has a troublesome element so do bear that in mind.
Like most towns in Ireland, there are some run down areas. For its size, Galway does not have many but there are still some suburbs that are better avoided by anyone unfamiliar with the area such as ballybane ballinfoyle and westside.
The River Corrib runs through Galway. It is a very powerful river, especially after a few days of rain, and drowning deaths do occur. Use caution when walking on the river banks, especially after a night of drinking.