Walking through the cobblestone streets of Galway is like going back in time. The medieval influence is very prevalent through the stone architecture of these ancient streets and in parts of the city. Sections of the original wall they built to protect the city in the 13th century still stands today. The Latin Quarter and shopping district is everything you picture Ireland to be - colorful storefronts housing restaurants, music shops, wool items, and of course lots of pubs. Irish flags and banners are strung across the streets to show national pride and add to the charm of the city.
At every turn there is live music by way of street performer. It really makes you feel like you are walking through a movie with your own soundtrack - I mean, who doesn't love that?! From Irish music, to 90s classics, to one guy that just hooked up his own karaoke machine and started jamming out (he sounded pretty terrible, actually). It reminds me of New Orleans. And they have a similar music scene here as in New Orleans - where in pubs and restaurants anyone can join in and play, there's no set band playing each night. The small streets come alive around 10am and staying lively well into the night.
Galway, a town of about 75,000, is Ireland's third largest city. The city, like Ireland in general, has gone through many ups and downs throughout its history. Due to its location on the west coast and access to a port the city endured several invasions, infighting and power struggles. Now a hub for tech businesses and a main stop for tourists its economy is quite strong. The city has a lot of young people as there are two universities, so it seemed to always be a buzz. Now it is considered to be one of Europe's fastest growing cities.
On my second day in the city I did a free walking tour which helped me to get a feel of the city, it's history and things to do here. One of which included a pub crawl...quite the experience! Everyone on the crawl was American except for my French roommate. They took us to the local pubs which were all playing traditional Irish music (and one band that had non-stop 90s hits!). It's exactly as you picture - everyone in the pubs were drinking Guinness and singing along. It was glorious. Not so glorious was how I felt the next day. They sure know how to drink here in Ireland!
My walking tour guide also suggested to visit the local museum, where I learned more about Galway's history. I also visited one of the local Clauddagh cottages which portrayed how people lived in the area over 200 years ago.
My favorite thing to do in this city was just wander. I wandered around the Latin Quarter with all the shops and restaurants, went down by the water and to the beach, listened to music on the street, went to the farmers market, and enjoyed the good weather. They had a great path that ran along the river right through town that I frequented as well. I was lucky enough to have an extended stay here - four days - and then Amanda and I also had a quick visit on our way up North from the Cliffs of Moher.
Even though I spent a lot of time here, I would come back! It was quintessential Ireland - the city was a good size, it wasn't too touristy, the people were friendly, and it felt lived in. A real Irish experience.
Highlights:
- Walking Tour - it was a great way to hear the history of the city and find other things to explore.
- Beer and pub crawl - I had my first Guinness and boy have the Irish been holding out on us - it was soooo good - way better than Guinness at home. It was also a great place to see the Irish pub experience.
- Live Music - it was everywhere and amazing (minus the karaoke guy).
- Farmers Market - I happened to be here at the right time and got to go to the market. Local food and arts and crafts were being sold. So cute!
- Wandering and people watching - the best thing to do in this small town!
Lessons Learned:
- When the sun is out, no matter the temperature, the Irish head outside. It was maybe 50 degrees (but sunny) and people had their shirts off and were wearing bikinis!
- The Irish can really drink.
- Ed Sheeran had a song named Galway Girl (yes, I should have know this...showing how un-hip I really am...) and his music video was just released - it shows some great areas of Galway!
- There are a lot of Americans visiting Ireland!
The waterfront in Galway.
One of the adorable streets!
One of the street performers - Irish to a tee.