The Great Galway Weekender

In need of a staycation? Galway calling your name? Well pack a bag and get over to the west for a jam packed weekend. We here at This Is Galway want to make everything as easy as possible, so to save you the hassle of planning your trip, we have done it for you! So grab a raincoat and a pair of sunnies (because you can never be too safe) and head west to the city of tribes!

Friday

Once you land head over to The Stop B&B to drop your bags. This amazing family run boutique B&B is halfway between the city and Salthill, so it’s the perfect location for all your galavanting. With cosy rooms and freshly made breakfasts, using local products, this is the perfect place to rest your head at night.
Photo courtesy of The Stop B&B

Once you’re settled in it's time to head out on the town, and first port of call is to The Crane Bar in the Westend for some trad music and a lovely pint of Guinness. This intimate pub is the perfect setting for engrossing yourself into the culture of the west.

Saturday

Weather permitting the next stop is a brisk walk on The Prom, knocking off any hangover that you might have. This lovely easy walk lets you take in the beauty of the west coast. If you’re brave enough, bring your swimming togs and take a dive off the Blackrock Tower. When in Galway!

After your chilly dip, you’ll need a hot drink to warm you up, so head to one of the many beautiful coffee shops in Galway for a caffeine fix. Plámás is a great option, and you can also rub up on your Irish, with a 10c discount when you order in Irish! Once you've grabbed your coffee, head to The Spanish Arch and take a seat for some people watching. But beware of the seagulls!

Photo courtesy of Stephen Duffy 

After you’ve taken in the roaring River Corrib, head up town for some retail therapy. Galway is full of cute shops with handmade goods as well as vintage shops, helping you be more sustainable. Once you’ve shopped till you drop, have a relaxing night in at the Pálás Cinema. With a great range of movies from new to classic they’re sure to be screening something new and different for you. But before you head in be sure to grab a drink in their bar!

Sunday

The perfect morning includes a wander through the market, this amazing market showcases local handmade crafts and serves a wide array of amazing foods. This is the perfect place for a stroll and a bite to eat. Don’t miss out!

Before you head off pop into Charlie Byrne’s bookshop, this is a book lovers paradise. With floor to ceiling shelves packed full of every genre of book imaginable. The cosy, old fashioned vibe of this bookshop will have you in a trance and make you never want to leave the West, and we don’t blame you!

Feature image courtesy of Stephen Duffy