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...
Take Advantage of the January Sales
There's nothing like a bit of shopping to help lift the woes and improve your mood. And that starts right at home, with the decorations down and tree put away, give your home a face lift, inject some colour into the space with some seasonal flowers from Go Dutch Flowers. If you would like to give yourself a bit of a makeover, Thérapie Clinic, Ireland’s leading medical aesthetic clinic group has just launched Ireland's first ever Botox Subscription Service in response to a surge in demand for injectables nationwide. Available from €49 per month, the doctor-led subscription service is designed to ease the financial pressure of lump-sum payments for Anti-Wrinkle Treatments, making it more accessible for clients and offer peace of mind around safety and quality. For more information on how to sign up for the subscription service at Thérapie Clinic visit therapieclinic.com.
To shake the winter chills, the herbal remedies store Dr Clare Apothecary 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; stylish women's fashionwear at Nelly or Design House Barna, 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: Go Dutch Flowers
Cosy Up With An Exciting New Read
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 Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop or 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.
Get Active
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to clear your mind and step outdoors into Galway's picturesque landscape. We’ve already put together a list of some of our favourite winter walking trails, so make sure to have a peep at that before pulling your runners on, read it here. Entering the new year in the fast lane is a great way to begin 2026 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 feel the need to move away from day-to-day routines and run wild, Moycullen's Wildlands offers thrilling indoor and outdoor activities such as the challenge rooms, Zip ‘n’ Trek, fun climb, tag archery, archery and disc golf. And finally, if fitness is a priority for you this January, check out our top picks on where to kickstart your fitness journey with Galway's best gyms right here.
Relax & Have A Spa Break
Sometimes all the blues need is a little getaway and some TLC, thankfully Galway boasts some of the finest spas to help you unwind and relax. So why not start the new year the right way by pampering yourself with some restorative treatments – including massages, facials, scrubs, manicures and pedicures! Introducing The SPA at The g - A new name, a new partner, a renewed approach to wellbeing, as they welcome Ground Wellbeing as their exclusive spa partner. Dedicated, highly trained spa therapists offer guests well-being in the form of massages, facials, body wraps and other leading treatments. And, once your treatment has ended, hide yourself away for a moment of reflection (and perhaps a glass of champagne?) in their naturally lit glass pavilion, overlooking the lovely rooftop Zen bamboo terrace. For more information on where to pamper yourself this January tap here.
This year you can also embrace a new you with the help of She Kneads’ new Shamanic Counselling online sessions for those who’d like more focused one-to-one support. These sessions will blend gentle, therapeutic-style conversation, shamanic journey practices and practical guidance to help you integrate what comes up into everyday life. If you’ve ever wished for a space to talk, be witnessed, and also work with journeying in a grounded way, this may be for you. No previous experience with shamanic journeying is required, Giada will guide you step by step throughout the whole process. Visit the link here for an in-depth look at what Shamanic Counselling entails.
above: The SPA at The g
Cure the Blues with Comfort Food
Soothe any January blues you’re feeling with some amazing food. When the weather's chilly, a hot pot and a bowl of soup go a long way in helping you stay warm and toasty. The perfect soul foods at wintertime, once the temperature drops find some of our favourite spots that pack a bit of heat here. If you want 2026 to be the year that you dive fully into Galway's food scene, book your spot on a guided walking tour with Galway Food Tours. Their enthusiastic and knowledgeable team will take you on a 2-hour culinary walking tour of the city, giving you 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 the fabulous products of local artisan producers and cheese makers, while also gaining behind the scenes information about creative beer projects, artisan chocolatiers, traditional family-run businesses and young entrepreneurs you have the devotion and commitment to showcase the best of Irish produce.
Begin New Pastimes & Grow Your Hobbies
There's always a variety of fun events to choose from in Galway (regardless of time of year), whether it's catching a trad session in the local boozer or heading to the Róisín Dubh to catch the latest gig. 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 having a Dry January, 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! Get training and who knows you might see us next to you at the start line!
above: Trad Session at Carroll's on Dominick Street Upper
Feature by Chaosheng Zhang
Published on Updated on
