Discovering Galway: Insider Travel Tips from a Native and Local Bartender

Welcome to the ultimate guide to discovering Galway City, your insider's guide for navigating the vibrant heart of the West of Ireland. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, join us as we unveil the hidden gems and local favourites of this enchanting city, all curated by a seasoned bartender and Galway native.

In this podcast, we'll delve into everything from transportation tips, including the best routes from Dublin Airport or City, to insider recommendations for accommodations, ranging from affordable stays to luxurious retreats.

Prepare your taste buds as we explore Galway's culinary scene, from cozy lunch spots like Quay Street Kitchen to indulgent fine dining experiences at Éan and Aniar. Craving a taste of something exotic? Discover the city's best Indian, Asian, and pizza joints, or satisfy your burger cravings at Handsome Burger or BóTown.

Of course, no trip to Galway is complete without experiencing its legendary pub culture. Join us as we uncover atmospheric pubs like Tigh Neachtains and hidden gems boasting the best pints of Guinness in town. Whether you're seeking late-night revelry or a cozy spot to unwind, we've got you covered.

But the fun doesn't stop there. Dive into Galway's vibrant festival scene, from the renowned Galway Int Arts Festival to the lively Galway Oyster Festival. Rain or shine, we'll guide you through the city's top attractions, including must-visit museums, theatres, and outdoor adventures along the stunning promenade.

Join us as we uncover the soul of Galway City, where tradition meets innovation, and every corner tells a story. So grab your jacket, pack your curiosity, and get ready to fall in love with Galway, one pint at a time.

 

TRANSPORT

• Bus from Dublin airport or Dublin City: www.citylink.ie
• Train from Heuston to Galway: www.irishrail.ie

ACCOMMODATION

Affordable

• The Western Hotel - https://www.westernhotelgalway.ie/
• The Snug Townhouse - https://www.thesnugtownhouse.ie/
• Nox Hotel - https://www.noxhotelgalway.ie/

Luxury

• The Dean - https://thedean.ie/galway/
• The Hardiman - https://www.thehardiman.ie/
• House Hotel - https://www.thehousehotel.ie/

FOOD

• Lunch: Quay Street Kitchen - Bunch of Grapes - Taaffes Bar
• Take away: Xian - Supermacs - Vinnies
• Romantic spot: Trieste Café & Wine - Cava Bodega
• Sandwiches: The Centra off Eyre Square - Le Petit Delice
• Fine Dining: Éan - Il Vicolo - Aniar - Rúibín
• Indian: Kumar’s taste of Asia
• Burger: Handsome Burger - BóTown
• Pizza: Dough Bros - Pizza Napoli
• Irish Fry/Brunch: ​​Dela - Gourmet Food Parlour - Hyde - The Centra off Eyre Square - Caprice - Finnegans
• Pub Grub: Harry’s Bar (Harry's at Water Lane) - The Dáil
• Asian: Asian Tea House - Mama Rich
• Coffee: Coffeewerk - Espresso 44
• Coffee and a cake: Corrib Tea Rooms - Little Lane
• Bigger groups: Brasserie on the Corner/Blakes
• Seafood: Hooked - McDonaghs

PUBS

 

• Atmosphere: Tigh Neachtains - Bunch of Grapes
• Drink Selection: The Universal - The Dáil Bar
• Best Pint of Guinness: The Crane - Freeneys - Bunch of Grapes - Tigh Neachtains
• Late Night: Hole in the Wall - Carrolls - Blue Note - The Dáil
• Food Quality: Harry’s Bar - The Dáil -  Tigh Neachtains - Bunch of Grapes - Taaffes
• Service: Bunch of Grapes - Waslh’s
• Best Wine Bar: Trieste - Sheridans - Sangria
• Price: Bunch of Grapes - Hughes
• Seating and Comfort: Hughes Bar - The Dáil (upstairs) - Hole in the Wall
• Best Smoking Area (or outdoor space): O’Connells - Murty Rabbits - Carrolls - Taylor's Bar
• Craft Beer: Beirhaus - Blue Note
• Entertainment: Roisin Dubh
• Authenticity & Trad Music: Tigh Choili - The Crane
• Accessibility: Taylors Bar - Hole in the Wall - Sally Longs
• Our Favourite Pubs: Tigh Neachtains - Bunch of Grapes - Carroll's Bar - Walsh’s - Sally Longs

 

FUN

 

Festivals: 

• April: Cúirt 
• May: Galway Theatre Festival
• June: Galway Uke Fest 
• July: Film Fleadh -  Galway International Arts Festival
• August: Race Week 
• September: Culture Night - Galway Oyster Festival
• October: Comedy Festival - Macnas Parade
• November: Baboró Children’s Festival - Cartoon Festival
• December: Galway Christmas Market

 

Galway Food Tours: Ask for Muireann or Danny as your tour guide!

Tours: Lally Tours Luxury Small Group Tour: Galway to Cliffs Cruise, Aran Islands and Connemara Full Day Tour

Saturday: Market - make sure to hit up bagel and donut man!

Pissing rain: Galway Museum, Galway Arts Centre, Theatre Show (Town hall Theatre or Mick Lally), 126 Gallery

Sunny: Walk the Prom/Jump off blackrock

Music: Trad at the Crane/Tigh Ceoilis/Taaffes Bar/ Trad on the prom runs May - September. Follow Gerry Hanberry on facebook and ask him where he’s gigging for the week.

 

OTHER NOTES

• There’s better cities for a hen/stag but if you want to go for a hen/stag then a lot of places around eyre square cater to that.
• Nightclub reopenings: Electric and Cuba
• For events and listings check out https://thisisgalway.ie/
• The weather - it’s going to rain, bring a jacket!

FOLLOW US

Website: www.theirishpodcast.com
Instagram: @altlivin or search the irish podcast
TikTok: @altlivin or search the irish podcast
Youtube: /Altlivin  or search the irish podcast

 

ABOUT SEASON TWO

Meet Jane and Cormac, your companions on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of embracing an Irish life in Italy. Join us as we unravel the tales of our relocation, navigating life as digital nomads and bartenders, and immersing ourselves in the daily hustle of a new country.

Prepare to venture into the heart of Tuscany with us, where we'll uncover the enchanting nuances and quirks that define Italy. From awe-inspiring landscapes to side-splitting misadventures, including our memorable 'Bed Bug' experience – a story that's not to be missed!

Take a special detour with us to the Edinburgh Fringe, where we'll regale you with our escapades and encounters in one of the world's most dynamic cultural festivals.

Whether you're a seasoned travel enthusiast or simply curious about the intricacies of relocating to a new land, our podcast offers you a front-row seat to a medley of stories, laughter, and the warm embrace of Irish hospitality. So, grab your headphones, settle in, and let us entertain you! 🌍✈️

 

ABOUT US

Cormac is a professional Irish bartender having worked in the hotel and bar industry for 9 years. Originally from Leitrim, he studied Hotel Management and Business at GMIT. He was working in Galway in the bar trade for 5 years before he decided to move abroad. His original plan was to work on a vineyard in Northern Italy using WWOOF. 

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a worldwide movement to link visitors with organic farmers, promote a cultural and educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming and sustainability practices. Find out more: https://wwoof.net

Jane is a communications consultant working in the culture and energy sectors. She has previously produced and promoted international organisations including Web Summit, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and European Capital of Culture projects. After 10+ years of working in Communications & Events, Jane has transitioned to fully remote consulting work. Although regularly travelling back to Ireland for work, she is now based in Florence with Cormac.

 

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE (FREE)

Here is our day by day excel sheet of our 6 week summer trip across Italy. It includes the following categories: Dates, Transport Methods, Accommodation Links, Fun (Tours, Bars & Excursions), Food and Tips for the following cities:

• Naples
• Salerno
• Sorrento
• Rome
• Siena
• Florence
• La Spezia (and Riomaggiore)
• Venice
• Desenzano del Garda
• Sirmione
• Malcesine
• Riva del Garda

Download the travel guide for free at: https://www.theirishpodcast.com/shop