Whether you’re a Galway native or just passing through, there are certain things that everyone has to tick off their bucket list before leaving the West. How many can you tick off?
1. DIVE OFF BLACKROCK DIVING TOWER
This legendary structure dates back centuries and Galwegians have been diving off it for generations, so rain, hail or snow, grab your togs and towel and head on up.
above: photo courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang
2. KICK THE WALL AFTER A WALK IN SALTHILL
Originating from the prospect of bringing good luck, kicking the wall in Salthill has become a tradition for locals and tourists alike. Does a walk on the Prom even count if you don't kick the wall?
3. PEOPLE-WATCHING OUTSIDE TIGH NEACHTAINS
Located right on the corner of Galway's busiest streets, Neachtains is a prime people-watching location. So grab an eye full of locals and tourists all living their Galway fantasy.
4. PICK UP A BOOK IN CHARLIE BYRNE’S
Charlie Byrne's Siopa Leabhar has become ingrained in the bloodstream of Galway city, with people coming from far and wide to wade through the many interwoven rooms lined with over 100,000 books. You won’t be able to pull yourself away.
5. BOP YOUR SOCKS OFF AT THE RÓISÍN DUBH’S SILENT DISCO
Whack on a pair of headphones and scream out the lyrics of all your favourite tunes into a sea of like-minded people. It is an experience you've gotta cross off your bucket list. Bonus points if you avail of the summertime GIAF street party silent discos.
6. GIVE SOME CHANGE TO A BUSKER
Galway's streets are dotted with some of the most talented street performers in all the land. They create the perfect ambient background for while you're enjoying a pint outside or wandering through the streets.
7. GET INEVITABLY RAINED ON AND CONTEMPLATE LIFE WITHOUT AN UMBRELLA
Let's be honest, our weather is extremely unpredictable. It's always best to pack a pair of sunnies, a brolly, a raincoat and some sun cream. Better to have it than be looking for it!
8. WANDER THROUGH THE GALWAY MARKETS
Every weekend, St. Nicholas' Church Lane is filled with the hustle and bustle of shoppers browsing through the various stalls. From curry and crepes to crafts and ceramics, you can spend hours visiting the different vendors. Do yourself a favour and get yourself a Boychik donut.
above: photo courtesy of Galway Food Tours
9. THROW THE SWANS SOME GRUB AT THE CLADDAGH
If you're packing a picnic to enjoy in the sun, you may as well throw in some seeds to feed the swans.
10. WATCH A CLASSIC FILM IN PÁLÁS
Pálás serve up some of the best cinematic classics to grace the big screen, from The Goonies to The Life of Brian. An afternoon reminiscing on some of your favourite flicks doesn't sound too shabby.
11. AN EVENING AT THE THEATRE IN AN TAIBHDHEARC
An Taibhdhearc - the Irish language theatre of Ireland - showcase live music, drama, film, comedy, conferences, seminars, workshops and launches in their state-of-the-art theatre. They have something for everyone so you betta check it out.
12. ADMIRE THE SKYLINE CREATED BY THE CATHEDRAL
Dating back to 1958, the Cathedral is one of the most impressive looking buildings in the city. The dome is visible from miles away, creating an incredible skyline and the interior is even better. Intricate murals and exquisite stained-glass windows ensure an unforgettable visit.
above: photo by Chaosheng Zhang
13. GET SOME DOUGH BROS PIZZA ALL OVER YOUR FACE
Dough Bros have grown from their street food truck to become a much-loved restaurant in the heart of the city. Joining the queue for some world-class pizza and a home-brewed beer is essential when passing through Galway.
14. A BAG OF FISH AND CHIPS (EXTRA VINEGAR) IN MCDONAGH’S
Established in 1902, McDonagh's fish and chips have been making mouths drool for generations. A vinegar-soaked bag of chips enjoyed out in the sun creates a utopia like no other.
15. DANCE UNTIL YOUR FEET HURT IN THE BLUE NOTE
This boozer is the beating heart of Galway's Westend, offering up the very best in Electro, Soul, House and Disco tunes by some of the best local and international DJs. The dancefloor of the Blue Note is exactly where you want to be on a Saturday night.
16. SOAK UP THE BEAUTY OF O’CONNELLS’ BEER GARDEN
Be prepared to feel like you're on the set of a movie in this beer garden. The mock street will transport you to Harry Potter's Diagon Alley while you snuggle into a cosy nook, heated by their overhead lamps.
17. GET A CHEESE BOARD AND A GLASS OF RED IN SHERIDAN’S WINE BAR
We've all got notions, and a cheese board accompanied by a glass of red is the perfect way to embrace them. Grab a seat beside a window to watch the passersby dodge the raindrops.
18. GET SCREAMED AT (AND MAYBE EVEN ATTACKED) BY A SEAGULL
If you're trying to enjoy any type of food outside, be prepared for squawking overhead. The seagulls in Galway are not afraid to swoop down and try to grab a bite, but stand tall and don’t give in!
19. GET SOME INK AT AWOL
If you want to commemorate your time in Gaillimh with a bit of ink, AWOL Tattoos is the place. This family-run studio has some seriously sound professionals to ensure your tat is just how you want it.
above: photo courtesy of AWOL
20. SINK A PINT IN TIG CHÓILÍ
Known for its legendary live trad music sessions played twice daily, Tig Chóilí pour some of the best pints around.
21. DEVOUR A DRUNKEN BURGER IN SUPERMACS
Nothing rounds off a night out like a huge burger and chips from Galway’s own fast food restaurant Supermacs! Whatever you get you know it's fresh even at 2am!
22. INDULGE IN THE FINEST IRISH PRODUCTS AT MCCAMBRIDGE’S
McCambridge's supply some of the very best Irish and International produce around. Bread, cheeses and meat this is the place to head for some lunch. You can also put together a custom hamper of some delicious bits unique to you or send a hamper to friends abroad to share a taste of Ireland.
23. HEAD OUT TO THE ARAN ISLANDS
The incredibly authentic Irish experience provided by the Aran Islands is something truly special. Surrounded by native Irish speakers, saints and scholars, you'll have plenty to see and do. You can even rent a bike to travel around and be your own tour guide.
above: photo courtesy of Aran Island Ferries
24. GET A PASTRY IN MAGPIE BAKERY
Grab a freshly made pastry from the guys down in Magpie, you will not regret it. With their amazing flavour combos you’ll be coming back time and time again.
25. EAT A BOOJUM AND DRINK A CAN AT THE SPANISH ARCH
Once the temperature rises above 10 degrees, you best believe Spanish Arch will be filled with can-drinkers and boojum-eaters alike. Join them.
26. WANDER THE GROUNDS OF UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY
From the Quadrangle to Concourse, the university's beautiful buildings are worth a visit. Wading between weary students will make you glad 9 am lectures are a distant memory.
27. GRAB A COFFEE IN ONE OF THE MANY SPECIALITY COFFEE SHOPS
Galway is decked out with the most amazing coffee shops, so have a coffee crawl and pop by as many of them as you can.
28. CATCH A PERFORMANCE BY MACNAS
This very special group of performers stage unforgettable spectacles in diverse and unexpected locations. Their creative and incredibly unique displays feature audience interaction, world-class theatrics and insane visuals. You'll be left speechless.
29. CATCH A SHOW IN THE HEINEKEN BIG TOP AT GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
This annual cultural festival covers a range of art forms, including theatre, dance, music, opera, street spectacle, visual arts, discussion and comedy. In the past, it featured performances from Bon Iver to Elvis Costello!
30. GO SHOPPING
Galway has amazing places to grab some vintage goodies. Planet Retro and Public Romance have you covered for all your funky vintage needs.
above: photo courtesy of Planet Retro
Feature photo courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang
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