Calling all Galway students - the 23/24 Academic year is here! There are so many exciting activities and events going on this year, so we put together a must-do bucket list for students. Check out these 20 things every student in Galway should experience.
Walk the Prom
Spending your free time outdoors and getting a walk in is the perfect way to unwind after lectures. Going on a walk along the prom alone or with friends, you’ll be met with beautiful views of Galway Bay, and the chance to reset. The start of the semester is always a great time to set up good habits, so take advantage of this beautiful walk and dedicate some time to yourself!
Jump off Blackrock Tower
Blackrock Diving Tower is a favourite spot for many students. You’re encouraged to jump off the tower at least once during your years studying in Galway! Located at the end of the prom in Salthill, students flock to this spot to get a sea-swim in, even in the winter months. University of Galway student-run charity, Coldvember, gather at Blackrock everyday throughout November to brace the frigid waters, and raise money for charity. Be sure to check out their socials for any information for this academic year!
Photo by @chaoshengzhang
Sit at Spanish Arch
When the weather is good, spend an afternoon or evening after classes at Spanish Arch with some friends! Spanish Arch is an ideal spot to gather with your pals. Overlooking the Claddagh, the views are spectacular. On a nice day, you’ll find people gathered on the green, enjoying all Galway has to offer.
Discover ways to stay active
A great way to clear the head is by remembering to be active throughout the school year. Galway has so many fun and budget friendly ways to keep on top of fitness. Galway Bay Brewery Running Club is a free social club that gathers twice a month. On the second Sunday and last Monday of the month, the group will go on a social run, and end the gathering with a free Galway Bay Brewery beer! If being active is important on your bucket list, there are also a number of great Galway gyms that have affordable student membership options!
Post class student luncheon
In between lectures or during a study break, you don’t have to stray far to grab a delicious lunch. Right across the University of Galway, you’ll find some great spots for some fuel. Wards Corner is a student favourite, serving up made to order sandwiches and wraps for takeaway. Matt’s Sandwiches are also beloved by students, and offer great and quick lunch options. If you’re spending time on University of Galway’s campus, these are must try places.
Take an Ice Cream study-break
One of my favourite ways to break up the student day is with a lil’ treat. Incentivising is the way to go. When those lectures are a bit too much, there’s nothing wrong with going on a walk to unwind and get that treat. The aforementioned Wards Corner Store serves a delicious 99 - always opt for the flake! Another favourite spot in Galway is Murphy’s Ice Cream on High Street, our advice here is go for the cone.
Try an Escape room
If you’re looking for unique activities to fill up your free time, Galway’s escape rooms are an exciting and fun way to spend time with your friends. Team bonding is on the table for this one. Great Escape Rooms on Dominick Street puts your problem solving skills to the test, and is a fun way to spend the afternoon and use that University level brain power of yours.
Check out Pure Skill
Pure Skill Galway is a great way to spend time with your friends, and spur on a bit of competition! A state of the art indoor sport destination, you can compete against your pals in an indoor circuit arena that features 10 major sports. Pure Skill is a unique way to hang out with your friends, making it an ideal place for Galway students looking for different activities.
Have a laugh at Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club
If you’re looking for a place to grab a pint and see a show, Ireland’s Smallest Comedy Club runs every Thursday night out of The Dew Drop Inn. With live stand-up performances, this is a great way to spend an evening. With top-notch comedians coming in to perform, the comedy club is a fun and hilarious event that you should try to see at least once, but we have a feeling you'll come back for more.
Discover the Little Cinema
The Little Cinema is an open mic night for filmmakers. Showcasing short films monthly, The Little Cinema is a great event to attend if you’re a film lover! If you’re a student who is interested in film, this is a great way to get exposure at grassroots levels! You can learn more about The Little Cinema at their website here!
Have a movie night
Galway’s cinemas have great student budget friendly options. With incredible screenings of blockbusters, and classics, Pálás Cinema is a great place to unwind and immerse yourself in another world. You can even bring a friend for free on Mondays, making it a great place for students. Eye Cinema is another winner, with their 'Ruby Tuesday’ deal. All students with valid college ID can purchase a cinema ticket for only €6!
Check out Outset Gallery
Galway is home to an incredibly curated and unique gallery, Outset Gallery. A distinctive collection of art is showcased here, and it is a great place to spend your free time. The gallery is a cultural hub in Galway, and is definitely worth seeking out if you’re a student interested in contemporary art and the world around you. The exhibitions change monthly, so there is always something new being shown! The exhibition will also run alongside an after-hours education and event program.
Explore Galway City Museum
Galway City Museum is a fun and free way to enrich yourself in Galway’s history. Located right by the Spanish Arch, the museum curates an amazing selection of exhibitions central to Galway. Visiting the museum solo or with friends is a great way to spend your free time as a student.
Drift through the Galway Markets
There are so many incredible markets to visit this year as a student. Popping up all over the city, you’ll always be able to come across some good finds at these markets. The iconic Galway Market is every Saturday, and has some well known and beloved traders. Grab a bagel sandwich and a fresh BoyChik doughnut and wander through the different stalls on Church Lane. The Flea Style Market in Áras na nGael runs monthly and is home to vintage and preloved clothes. This is known as Galway's longest running in-door style market, and you’re sure to find some gems here!
Student night at the Crane Bar
One of Galway’s best known traditional music pubs, The Crane Bar on Sea Road hosts a student trad night on Tuesdays. Whether you play an instrument, or just love to listen to the music, this is a vibrant night with students all across Galway pouring into the Crane.
Ar Ais Arís
Ar Ais Arís is a vibrant and electric party night in Aras na nGael. Emphasising big sound and safe spaces, Ar Ais Arís has quickly become a student favourite event. The collective brings in distinctive and incredibly talented DJs to Galway, and is a highly sought after late night. This is a must attend party in Galway - tickets sell fast to be sure to follow their socials to stay up to date.
Photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Róisín Dubh Open Mic Nights
On Sunday evenings, The Róisín Dubh’s stage hosts an open mic night. From 9pm, you can sign up to perform if you’re interested in getting up on the stage. Entry is also free for those who want to come and just listen to the artists! This is an incredible platform for Galway’s musicians, and a great way to spend the evening listening to some tunes.
John Conneely Inc. Róisín Dubh
Following the open mic, John Conneely Inc. takes over the stage. This is an iconic late night event where you can sing and dance ‘til dawn to some jazzy tunes. The crowd fills up quickly, making this a hoppin’ event you have to attend at least once, but we’re sure once you get a taste you’ll keep coming back for more!
WOMP Common Knowledge Quiz Nights
If you’re looking to spend the night with your pals testing each other's knowledge, sign up for one of WOMP’s common knowledge quizzes. Hosted in The Ol’ 55, the common knowledge quizzes are a Galway favourite. This is a great way to spend the evening, with pints, prizes, games, and more pints, you’re sure to have a blast. WOMP also hosts some exciting and distinct events all over the city. Their events range from custom themed nights, to zany and wacky quiz nights. See more at their website here.
Photo courtesy of WOMP
Karaoke Nights
This is definitely one to add to the bucket list. Why not get up on stage and perform your best rendition of Shallow, or even Wonderwall? Galway’s pubs offer some exciting karaoke nights throughout the week, so you will have a chance to sing your heart out, solo or with friends! Massimo’s hosts a karaoke night every Thursday evening. The slots fill up quickly so be sure to get there early and sign up if you want your chance on the stage. Coyotes also hosts a karaoke night. From 8pm, you can sign up for the chance to win a €100 bar tab!
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