No it’s not just you - we’re all feeling those all too familiar January blues. The dreary days, diabolical weather and return to routine are all contributing factors, but this year we’re putting our foot down and saying hell no to mundane melancholy. Here are some fun ways you can too!
To help you shake off the cobwebs, we’ve gone to the ends of the earth to find the best methods of stepping out of your funk. From getting active and spending quality time with your nearest and dearest to just generally enjoying all the craic Galway has to offer - there’s plenty of options to keep you entertained. Discover it all here..
Enjoy some Retail Therapy
There's nothing like a bit of shopping to help lift the woes and improve your mood. To give your home an overall face lift, inject some colour into the space with some seasonal flowers from Yes Flowers or maybe find a new sheepish friend at The Sheep. To shake the winter chills, the herbal remedies store West Coast Herbs can offer advice and has products that cover all aspects of herbal medicine and treatments. When you're feeling the blues, a new wardrobe can be just the solution. Nothing beats browsing the rails and shopping sustainability, shop; stylish women's fashionwear at Nelly, a one-of-a-kind selection of unisex clothing at Planet Retro Vintage, and a diverse range of upcycled vintage clothes at Public Romance. After spending loads getting those Christmas pressies sorted, it's high time you hit the streets and start splashing the cash on yourself, sure don't you deserve it! If you are not sure where to start, tap here to discover some local Galway shops that are full of amazing products.
above: The Sheep
Cosy up with a good book
When venturing into the great outdoors feels to be a bit too much, settle in for a day of self care at home. The options are endless, try some relaxing yoga poses or 15 minutes of mediation and you'll feel the difference. If even that seems to be too much and you just want to cosy up by the fireplace, then do that! Curl up with a warm cuppa of hot chocolate and make a start on that book you've been meaning to read for ages. If you can't decide what to read or want to treat yourself to a new book, check out Galway's Kennys Bookshop online or instore and discover their collection comprising tens of thousands of new and secondhand books available in store, with everything from the latest bestsellers and great bargain books, to secondhand sci-fi novels and rare and signed first editions.
above: The Kennys Bookshop
Get Active
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to clear your mind and step outdoors into the picturesque surrounds of Galway’s gorgeous landscape - it won't be long before you feel your worries drift away. We’ve already put together a list of some of the very best walking routes, so make sure to have a peep before you pull your runners on, more here. Entering the new year in the fast lane is a great way to begin your 2025 and at Galway's only indoor karting track Galway City Karting you can do just that. The 20,000 sq ft indoor track has been designed and engineered so that you get maximum fun from your karting experience. GCK has karts for juniors, from 7 years and up so if you want to make a family day out of it, there's no better spot. Their neighbours VR World Galway offer a fabulous afternoon of entertainment too. Providing loads of fun for people of all ages, interests and skill levels. This spot offers custom-built virtual reality booths, Ireland’s first Katwalkers, VR Racing Cars and VR Escape Rooms which are all kitted out with the latest technology - an amazing option for catching up with friends after the Christmas break. When you need to move away from day to day routines and run wild, Moycullen's Wildlands offers both indoor and outdoor activities such as the challenge rooms, Zip ‘n’ Trek, fun climb, tag archery, archery and disc golf which are all so much fun. For some indoor activities, SWING Golf is home to the latest TrackMan technology giving you the chance to enjoy rounds of immersive golf on some of the world’s most famous golf courses all without leaving the building! And finally, if fitness is a priority this January, check out our tops picks on where to kickstart your fitness journey with Galway's best gyms right here.
above: VR World Galway, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Go on a Spa Break
Sometimes all you need is a little getaway and some TLC and thankfully Galway boasts some of the finest spas to help you unwind and relax. Start the new year the right way by pampering yourself with some restorative treatments – including massages, facials, scrubs, manicures and pedicures. GLO Spa & Wellness at Glenlo Abbey Hotel offer the perfect retreat from your busy day-to-day life. Each treatment is designed to help you relax, switch off and enjoy the sensation of escaping from the ordinary in some incredible surrounds. For more information on where to pamper yourself this January tap here. Additionally, if you want some help getting back in shape after some well deserved Christmas indulgence, She Kneads offers treatments including as body lymphatic drainage and massage therapies. Massage Therapy is a great holistic approach to enhancing physical, mental and emotional well-being, ensuring that you start your year in the best way possible. For more information on what She Kneads offers please tap here.
above: She Kneads
Savour some Comfort foods
Soothe the January blues with some amazing food. When the weather's chilly, a hot pot and a bowl of soup both go along way in helping you stay warm and toasty. These are the perfect soul foods for winter in Galway so be sure you get your hands on one once the temperature suddenly decides to drop. Find some of our favourite spots here. If you want an all encompassing intro to Galway's food scene you simply must book your spot with Galway Food Tours. Their enthusiastic and knowledgeable team will take you on a 2-hour culinary walking tours of Galway city. These tours give a great overview of the city’s passionate people and beautiful produce which combine to make Galway one of Ireland’s gourmet jewels. During the tour you will get to experience fabulous flavours artisan producers, cheese makers, creative beer projects, artisan chocolatiers, traditional family run businesses to young entrepreneurs with devotion and commitment to showcase the best of Irish produce.
above: Galway Food Tours
Entertaining Pastimes
There's always a variety of fun events to choose from in Galway, whether it's catching a trad session in the local boozer or heading to the Róisín Dubh to catch the latest gig. In Galway, the craic is always mighty, and these events make for the perfect cure for all your January blues. Keep up with everything going on in Galway right here. If you want to create some new hobbies or activities for yourself, we have the perfect list of local Galway clubs for those of you who are looking for a place to enhance your skills, try a new hobby, a change of scenery or a way to meet new people. From creative clubs to activity clubs we have it all lined out below so you can start a new year doing something you love. Check it out here. If you are partaking in Dry January this year, we have some very useful inspiration for some fab non-drinking activities right here and if you're someone who needs a challenge to motivate you into action, check out Galway's fitness events calendar right here which includes a combination of running events, fun runs, walks, marathons, 5k and 10k, obstacle courses, swimming races and more!
Feature photo by Chaosheng Zhang.
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