The 10 best things to do when visiting Galway, Ireland

MENTION Galway and the first thing that probably comes to mind is Ed Sheeran crooning about his Galway Girl.

But spending a few days in this vibrant city in the west of Ireland showed me there’s so much more to this beautiful place than a hit single.

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At the mouth of the River Corrib, Galway is famous for its authentic, bohemian vibes and busking scene which has captured the heart of many a musician over the years.

But there’s loads more than just the craic on offer.

To ease myself gently into the nightlife, I made a reservation at the critically acclaimed Kai restaurant (kairrestaurant.ie — bookings are essential for dinner).

Laidback, cosy and funky, with a cool stone floor and a bright, dazzling menu of mostly local and organic dishes cooked with a New Zealand accent, this place is full of passion both on and off the plate.

Dishes might include local lamb or seafood, with dark chocolate pud or pumpkin pie for afters. What’s not to like?

If you’re after a nightcap or two, head to the legendary Tig Cóilí venue (tigchoiligalway.com).

It’s easy to find, as it’s painted bright red, and is the perfect place to listen to traditional tunes and burn off some of your supper with a twice-nightly live ceilidh, a traditional Irish dance.

There’s plenty of colourful, local characters at the bar too.

Other cool venues include the cornflower blue Tigh Neáchtain (tighneachtain.com) which sells its own range of ales, brewed by the local Galway Hooker distillery, and has a great wraparound terrace that’s great for people watching.

Or O’Connell’s in Eyre Square which has a more traditional pub environment with a huge beer garden and cool stained glass windows.

YUMMY TRUFFLES

It’s not really worth having too much of a plan, though — as I soon discovered. The best thing to do is just go with the flow and see where the night, and the bands, take you.

Make sure you pick a central base for your visit too as you’ll want to be close to all the action in the evening. We stayed at the friendly and stylish Harbour Hotel (harbour.ie), right in the heart of the city.

After a proper Galway night out, with a slightly sore head, the only remedy was the fresh air.

And I got plenty of it on a culinary walking tour — which also provided lots of edible samples, perfect for getting a real taste of the place.

Local Sheena was the guide for our group and we had a real laugh as we browsed the colourful Galway Market and tucked into delicious cheeses and yummy chocolate truffles.

If shopping is your favourite way to meander an afternoon away then Galway has plenty to keep you busy with boutiques and artisan treats.

The Sheep (thesheep.ie) has loads of gorgeous wool-based goodies, all made with local yarns.

You’ll also spot Claddagh rings on sale everywhere, originating from a local fishing village.

These sweetheart trinkets are traditionally worn with the embossed heart faced out when you are single, then turned in when you’re taken. Who needs Tinder anyway?

This being Ireland, there’s tons of natural beauty and historical spots to visit too, if you have time.

Dunguaire Castle on Galway Bay and the cathedral are both well worth a visit, and don’t miss the Spanish Arch, a remnant of the city’s original medieval walls. And it’s not just pub grub on offer either.

If you want to go more upmarket, there’s Ard Bia (ardbia.com) with tables overlooking the River Corrib, or the Michelin-starred Loam offers a seven-course tasting menu and has recently been crowned best restaurant in Ireland (loamgalway.com).

After fitting in so much in such a flying visit, there was just time to hit the Thermal Suite at the nearby G Hotel — with interiors designed by famous milliner and local boy Phillip Treacy — for some reviving time in the hydro pool.

I might not play the fiddle in an Irish band, but after this wonderful few days in Ireland, I’ll always be a Galway girl.

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