Guide to Galway

Anything you wish to know about the places I've been/ seen around Galway! Restaurants, Pubs, Clubs, attractions-it'll be here (in the order that I visit them).

Cafe Roscoe

A nice little cafe right on the way to Shop Street (but not on it) with a few seats outside and quite a few options for its size.





The Cellar

A wide menu to fit many tastes, fair pricing, and a nice small bar--all in all a nice place to go just slightly apart from Shop Street.

The King's Head

Very cool pub in a building that (inside) does look slightly reminiscent of a medieval hall. They will often have live music, will show sporting events on screens throughout the place, and have multiple levels to fit more people in.



Spanish Arch (Area)
The river Corrib runs throughout Galway, and the area known as the Spanish Arch is a prime spot to visit the river area. With shops and restaurants just behind you, the river in front of you, and the stone arch (dating back to the late 1500's), this is a nice area to sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city.


National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) 
My current college! I can't say enough about it. From the landscaping and areas on the River, to the interesting and varying building designs and lecture halls, to the fantastic College Bar-- this is a great place to get an education as well as to enjoy oneself on off time.


Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven
It's claim to fame is that it is the largest Catholic church in Galway. Lovely setting right on the river (where the old jail actually used to be), made from beautiful stone with an architecturally eclectic design, this cathedral is certainly worth a visit (or multiple.)


St. Nicholas Collegiate Church
Finished in 1320, this church is "the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship." Gorgeous inside and out, and very satisfying for History geeks such as myself.

The Front Door 
Good food, good drinks, good conversation, TV's for sporting events, and live music can all be had here. Also open late, the front entrance says "Sonny's," but it's all the Front Door to us.

Hole in the Wall
Cheap drinks, tons of college students, a cozy, simple atmosphere with an energetic dance floor and DJ, and an outdoor area--what more could you ask for?



Electric 
A favorite club among the college students here. Sometimes can be more difficult to get into, but the music and the general vibe of it seems to be worth it.

The Quays
No matter what we do, we always end up here. One of the pubs that is open late, usually has pretty good live music or a fun playlist to keep you entertained while hanging out and grabbing a drink.


Galway Farmer's Market 
An absolute MUST on Saturdays (with a smaller one on Sundays). Great local products, friendly vendors, and fresh food that is simply incredible (example: fresh doughnuts and crepes.) If I could bottle a smell and keep it forever, it would be the smell of this farmer's market.


The Galway City Museum 
A small, sweet museum featuring history as well as art. You can learn more about the city, about Ireland, and check out some great exhibits along the way--plus it's free, so why not!



Charlie Byrne's Bookshop 
A book-lover's dream. Barely an inch of wall is not covered with rows upon rows of second-hand books (including the outside walls). It smells fantastic (I like the smell of books, ok). It's slightly overwhelming when you first walk in, but in the best way possible.


Karma
Cool club, lots of different levels and interesting decor--but it can get way too packed, which makes it less enjoyable for sure.



Four/ Four
Smaller (brand new) club. Nice vibe, many different areas to hang out and escape the dance floor--including a classy upstairs bar area--pretty good time.


The Secret Garden
Small quiet tea room/ coffee
shop with a nice garden area out back and a comfy, homey sitting area (complete with books and games for rainy days) inside.


Salt Hill
The perfect place to go on a nice day. Lots of places to sit and enjoy the outdoors, soft grass and a park area, rocks leading to the ocean, and (when the tide is low) a sandy beach as well. Lovely to just sit, people watch, wave to the boats sailing by, and soak up the sun while you can.



Tig Coili
Great time for anyone seeking some good old Irish music. They sometimes host Ceilis (traditional social gatherings with Irish music and dancing) and their musicians are usually really good.




McDonagh's 
I don't even usually eat fish, but McDonagh's fish and chips is the absolute best fish in chips in Galway, in Ireland, and probably most other places as well. Seriously not to be missed, fantastic food for cheap, I will be going here often, I assure you. 







Monroe's 
If you want a traditional Irish dance/ music night--this is a great way to get it! They have wonderful live bands, and a very cool venue to go and hang out in.

Griffin's Bakery
This place is not only an adorable bakery right on Shop street (I mean, look at it!) but it also has some of the best Full Irish Breakfast, and some of the best Hot Chocolate (Belgian, mmm) you can get in Galway. And if you aren't into that...well, it is a great bakery, and their pastries are also fantastic.

Scotty's Steakhouse
Do I even need to say anything when I have that picture right there? This place is a burger heaven. It may be a very Americanized restaurant (I got a burger called "The Obama Burger" yup, it's a thing), but the menu is huge and the food is oh-so good.

Penny's
A staple here in Ireland--Penny's is the go-to clothing store for most students. Tons of clothes to look at, and all very very cheap.

The Scholars Rest
I have had many a great night here. It seems like just another out-of-the-way, quiet, older pub, but it is right around the block from NUIG--and many students will have nights where they swarm the place and have a grand old time.

The Roisin Dubh 
Fun fact: Roisin Dubh translates from Irish to English as "Black Rose." This is a great bar that has a nice outdoor area, a fairly large dance floor, and multiple bars and sitting areas (plus a photo booth!) They also host a silent disco every week! Fun times to be had.

Coyote's Late Bar
The phrase that comes to mind is "excessively American." This ultra-stereotypical-America bar is free to get in, and seems to play host to many hen and stag parties, live bands, and dancers, but it is certainly not the greatest place in Galway to go...