Galway 2 Day Itinerary

Two Days in Galway: A Tourist’s Guide

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the highlights of Galway City, with options for both cultural exploration and enjoying the vibrant city atmosphere.

Day 1:

Morning:

  • 9:00 AM: Arrive in Galway City (by bus, train, or car).

  • Things to Know:

    • Galway is a pedestrian-friendly city, but be prepared for some hills! Wear comfortable shoes and consider the weather as it can be unpredictable.
    • The city center is compact and easy to navigate on foot.

  • 9:30 AM: Start your day with a hearty Irish breakfast at one of these popular spots:

    • Ard Bia at Nimmos: Known for its delicious, locally sourced ingredients.
    • The Full Breakfast: Enjoy a classic Irish breakfast experience with stunning views of the River Corrib.
    • McDonagh’s Seafood Restaurant: Yes, they do a great Irish breakfast too!

  • 10:30 AM: Explore Galway City Center: Stroll down Shop Street, the heart of Galway, and soak in its charming atmosphere. Admire the street performers, colorful buildings, and browse the unique shops. Don’t miss the cobblestone streets, historic architecture (like Lynch’s Castle!), and a visit to the bustling Galway Market for local crafts and produce.

  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Galway Market: Enjoy fresh seafood, locally made pastries, or artisan cheeses and bread from one of the many stalls.

  • Afternoon:

    • Immerse yourself in history: Visit the Galway City Museum to learn about the city’s rich history through interactive exhibits and artifacts. For a deeper dive into Galway’s past, explore the Lynch’s Castle, the Galway Cathedral, or take a walking tour of the historic city walls and architecture.

  • Things to Know:

    • The museum showcases the history of Galway City, from its prehistoric origins to modern times.

    • Lynch’s Castle is a fascinating historical landmark with exhibits on the city’s archaeology, history, and social life.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Ard Bia: This restaurant offers a contemporary Irish menu in a stunning setting overlooking the Claddagh Rings, a historic symbol of Galway’s love for its heritage.
    • Enjoy live music: Galway is known for its vibrant music scene. Head to a pub like The Crane Bar or Tigh Neachtain for a traditional Irish music session.

Day 2:

  • Morning:

    • Take a day trip: Explore the beauty of Connemara with its breathtaking scenery, including the Connemara Mountains, Kylemore Abbey, or a ferry to the Aran Islands.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at The King’s Head Tavern: Enjoy a casual lunch and explore the charming pubs and shops in this historic area.
    • Experience Galway’s culture: Explore the Connemara National Park, wander through the quaint streets of Clifden, or visit the traditional Irish village of Connemara.

  • Things to Know:

    • Check the weather conditions before heading out, as they can change quickly in the west of Ireland.
    • Wear layers: It’s a good idea to have multiple layers of clothing for unpredictable weather.
    • Bring waterproof gear: The weather in Galway is famously fickle. Be prepared with an umbrella or raincoat and comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Evening:

  • Dinner at a local restaurant: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant like The Cellar Bar, Kai Restaurant, or Ard Bia at Nimmos.

  • Other Activities:

    • Explore the Galway Arts Festival (if visiting during July) - a world-renowned arts festival with theatre, music, and visual arts events.
    • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife - experience live music pubs like The Crane, Tigh Neachtain, and The Cellar for traditional Irish music, food, and craic.

  • Things to Know:

    • Enjoy a pint at a pub: Galway is famous for its lively pub scene, so enjoy a final night out with a taste of local culture!
    • Check the weather: As mentioned before, be prepared for anything!

  • Explore the Connemara countryside: Hike or bike through the stunning landscapes, visit the charming villages, and experience the rugged beauty of the Connemara Mountains.

  • Enjoy a traditional Irish experience: Visit Galway City Museum to learn about the history of Galway.

  • Wander the streets of Salthill: This seaside village offers beautiful views, beaches for walking, and a vibrant atmosphere.

  • Visit the Galway Arts Festival: The Galway Arts Festival is a world-renowned event with a variety of performances and exhibitions.

  • Enjoy a pint at a pub: Galway is known for its vibrant pubs.

  • Live music: Many pubs in Galway have live music every night.

  • Look up local events: Check out the Galway Advertiser or Galway Now for information on upcoming gigs, festivals, and events.

Accommodation:

  • For a charming, traditional experience:

    • The House Hotel: This stylish hotel offers modern comfort with a touch of history.
    • The Galmont Hotel & Spa: A luxurious hotel with stunning views and a convenient location.
    • Galway Bay Hotel: A great option for families, this hotel offers a variety of amenities and activities.

  • For something unique:

    • Stay in a yurt or cottage:

Things to do:

  • Visit the Galway Arts Festival (if visiting during July): This annual festival is a must-see for any art lover.

  • Explore the Aran Islands: These beautiful islands offer a unique glimpse into traditional Irish life and stunning scenery.

  • Take a tour of the Galway City Museum: Learn about the history of Galway city, from its prehistoric past to its modern-day charm.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

Food & Drink:

  • The Claddagh Ring: The iconic image of a Claddagh ring is a symbol of love and loyalty, representing friendship, love, and loyalty (the three things it symbolizes).

  • Explore the Galway City Market: This bustling market offers a variety of stalls selling fresh, local produce like fresh seafood.

  • Enjoy traditional Irish food and drink:

    • The Seafood Pubs in Galway:

      • **Ard Bia at Nimmos is known for its delicious, locally-sourced dishes and charming atmosphere.

  • The Galway Market is a great place to get a taste of local Galway culture with fresh fish and seafood caught daily off the coast of Ireland, along with traditional Irish cuisine.

  • Explore the Galway City Market:

    • Take a trip to the Galway Bay:

Enjoy the stunning views and explore the rich history and culture of Galway City. * Visit a local pub in Galway: This is a must-do for any visitor to the city. Experience the traditional Irish atmosphere and enjoy a pint while listening to live music.

Things to know:

  • Galway’s weather:

Be prepared for Ireland’s unpredictable weather, even in the summer. * The Galway Market: This is a great opportunity to experience the local culture. *

Enjoy the “craic” (fun) at The Crane Bar, a popular spot with live music and traditional Irish dancing.

  • Take a traditional Irish music session:

Visit a pub with a lively music scene. *

Embrace the Galway culture:

Catch a show at the Galway Arts Centre: This is a great place to experience local art.

Other things to consider:

  • Transportation: While Galway is walkable, it’s a good idea to check the weather and plan your outfit accordingly.
  • Weather:

Remember that the weather in Galway can change quickly, so pack a raincoat just in case.

Currency: The currency used in Ireland is the Euro (€).

Budgeting:

Allow for €50-70 per person per day for food and drinks, as they are generally more expensive than the mainland.

  • Transportation:

  • Galway City is pedestrian-friendly, so walking is a great way to get around. There are also plenty of buses and taxis available.

  • The city of Galway is relatively small, but it’s still a good idea to plan your route before you go out.

  • Accommodation:

    • The Galway City Museum: This is a good option for finding out about the history of the museum and the exhibits they have on display.

  • Public Transport:

You can easily explore Galway by bus, taxi, or foot.

  • Budgeting:

Consider getting a Leap Card, which offers discounts on public transport fares.

  • Local Culture:

Immerse yourself in the vibrant streets of Galway city and its traditional music scene.

  • Traditional Music Sessions:

Many local pubs host live music sessions, often with traditional Irish musicians playing for hours.

Weather:

Remember that Galway is in Ireland, so pack a raincoat! The weather in the city can be unpredictable, even in summer.

  • Food & Drink:

Galway’s food and drink scene offers something for everyone. Enjoy traditional pubs and restaurants with delicious options like Irish stew, seafood chowder, fresh oysters, and Guinness.

Enjoy a traditional Irish meal:

The Galway City Market is known for its delicious and affordable pub fare.

  • Transportation:

Be prepared for the weather to change unpredictably.

  • Enjoy a pint of Guinness:

It’s a good idea to try a pint of Guinness (or two!) while in Galway, as it’s a local specialty. * The King’s Head Pub is a great option for a traditional Irish pub experience.

Traditional Irish Music:

You can enjoy a variety of music styles in Galway, but the city is particularly known for its vibrant and traditional music scene.

**Don’t forget to visit the Galway Arts Centre!

Enjoy the views: The Cliffs of Moher are a stunning natural attraction that offers breathtaking views from the top of the cliffs.

  • Budgeting:

It’s best to have a little extra cash for any unexpected expenses, as prices in Galway can be higher than other parts of Ireland.

  • Explore the Galway Bay area:

This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and experience the local culture.

Things to keep in mind:

  • The weather: Always check the weather forecast before you go out for food and drinks, as the price of alcohol can vary greatly depending on the location.
  • Enjoy a variety of Irish experiences: Ireland has a lot of history and culture to offer, and many places offer a “traditional Irish experience” with music, dancing, and storytelling.

Budgeting:

The cost of drinks in Galway is higher than in other parts of Ireland, so it’s important to budget accordingly.

  • Accommodation:

You can expect to pay around €50-70 per night for a basic hostel bed or a pub meal.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife: Remember that Galway has a lot of traditional music venues, and you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and experience a variety of Irish culture.
  • Pack layers:

Dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing weather patterns.

  • Try “The Clifden Inn:

This is a great place for a traditional Irish pub meal.

  • Enjoy the nightlife:

Walk along the streets of Galway and experience the vibrant nightlife.

Enjoy the pubs: You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in Galway by enjoying the local pubs with their live music, but remember that prices are generally higher there than they are at other restaurants and pubs.

Consider these options:

  • The Galway City Museum: This option is a good idea for exploring the city’s history and culture.
  • Enjoy the traditional Irish music: It’s important to be aware of the cost of living in Ireland and factor this into your budget.

Guinness is expensive:

Remember that the price of food and drink can vary greatly depending on the location.

  • Enjoy a pint of Guinness

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and experience the variety of music venues (like pubs with traditional Irish music) in Galway, but remember to enjoy it responsibly.