Like it or not, Autumn is upon us! With leaves falling, the cool breeze making your ears tingle, everything that goes with the season is becoming more and more prominent. Instead of trying to hide from the magic, we say embrace it! Galway’s got all the antics that will have you feeling more Autumnal than a pumpkin spice latte. So, pull on a hat and get out and about...
Complete a Hot Chocolate Crawl
Warm not only your hands, but your stomachs too as you tour the chocolate world in Galway. Explore the cosy cafes such as Hazel Mountain Chocolate or Truffle who can satisfy your hot chocolate cravings. If that’s not your thing there are plenty of other options on the menu to choose from that will do the same trick. If you’re lucky and it isn’t raining, you could take it away and walk through the city until you need your next refill.
Photo courtesy of Truffle
Soak Up the Culture
An evening at Town Hall Theatre is good for the soul and operating with reduced capacity and limited events, you'll feel safe and sound. Their upcoming events include informative talks, concerts and some special events. Pálás is another great spot to escape from the cold. Screening new releases, cinematic classics and retrospectives of beloved directors, there’s always something going on in this arthouse cinema and cultural space. They’ve even got a bar and restaurant to boot, so you can set up camp for the whole day.
Venture into the Woods
A fairy trail, an idyllic river and a vast woodland? You can’t get more Autumn-y than that! Kilcornan Woods, located just outside of the village of Clarinbridge, has recently created more trails to follow. With the two new 2.5km and 6km routes, there are plenty of opportunities to walk or stroll through the woods as the leaves change for the season. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you could trek the pre-existing trails made by the locals. Just be careful not to get too lost.
Get Retro Sweater Weather Ready
With a wide selection of sweatshirts, fleeces, knitwear, coats and jackets, Public Romance is the perfect place to update your Autumn wardrobe. Clash patterns or just go with the simple Grandad jumper and you’ll be sure to stand out against the grey skies of our lovely Galway weather.
Photo courtesy of Public Romance
Grab Ingredients to Bake a Cake
Visit the Kinvara Market on Fridays from 10am-2pm to gather your local produce and get baking yourself an Autumn treat. A warm carrot cake or a cinnamon roll could definitely combat the blues. If that’s not your style you could always leave it to the professionals and buy their bakes which are ready to eat right off the stalls.
Watch a Scary Movie
(Or just a normal movie!) The Eye Cinema has movies for all occasions. Student Tuesdays, parent and baby mornings, family combos and Wednesday madness. Watch the latest releases and escape the dark Autumn evenings, losing yourself in the big screen.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
Halloween is just around the corner, but while you wait for the 31st fill your bag at Aunty Nellies. Pick ‘N’ Mix to your heart's content from their trays and tubs, or pick up a pre-made bag from the shelf. With vegan and gluten free options available there’s options for everyone to enjoy the sugar and sweetness at Aunty Nellies.
Get Ahead of the Christmas Curve
If you’re feeling festive and organised this Autumn there is a chance for you to beat the frantic shoppers who emerge in December. With all of the jewellery shops in Galway there are plenty of options available, even for the pickiest gift receivers, and you’ll be sure to find something pretty. Go traditional at Silverwood Jewellers or Blacoe Jewellers, contemporary at Ór Jewellery, or there’s the antiques range at Cobwebs. Get ahead and reduce the stress.
Watch the Sun Go Down on Galway Bay
With Autumn comes the darker evenings, but these too come with a silver (or orange) lining. Grab your coat and a blanket and head out to watch the sun go down around 6 or 7 in the evening. The Turlough in Killeeneen, Blackrock in Salthill or The Pier in Kinvara are all picture worthy destinations to check out. No matter whether it’s from your own back garden or one of the many beaches, you’re sure to have a perfect view.
Will you be heading to Galway this Autumn? Book your trip HERE and choose from loads of great offers
Photo by Boyd Challenger
Introduction and 'Soak Up the Culture' by Sarah Gill
