Things to do in County Galway
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A
Primary Shopping Street
Running west from the grassy Eyre Sq, the city's pedestrianised primary shopping street starts as Williamsgate St, becomes William St and then Shop St, before forking into Mainguard St and High St.
reviewed
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B
Inisheer Heritage House
West of the small, sandy beach next to the pier, Inisheer Heritage House is a traditional stone-built thatched cottage with some interesting old photographs. It also has a craft shop and café.
reviewed
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Bar No 8
Bentwood chairs and overstuffed sofas provide comfort in this at once funky and stylish bar overlooking a harbour. Art by patrons is on display; order from the long drinks list and debate the merits.
reviewed
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D
Druid Theatre
This renowned, long-established and award-winning theatre is famed for staging experimental works by young Irish playwrights, as well as new adaptations of classics. Its home is in one of the oldest parts of Galway, in an old tea warehouse, which was renovated in 2009.
reviewed
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E
Tig Cóilí
Two live céilidh (traditional music and dancing sessions)a day draw the crowds to this authentic fire-engine-red pub, just off High St. It's where musicians go to get drunk or drunks go to become musicians…or something like that. A gem.
reviewed
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F
Murphy’s
A complete anomaly amongst the partying throngs in the centre, Murphy’s is a timeless haven where locals still explore the limits of the art of conversation. The sign on the door says it all: ‘No hen parties’.
reviewed
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Mary O'Flaherty
Visit Mary O’Flaherty for heavy, hand-knitted Aran sweaters. Chances are you’ll see Mary knitting when you call in. Expect to pay around €100 for a genuine hand-knitted sweater.
reviewed
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Mitchell's
Seafood takes centre stage at this elegant spot. From a velvety chowder right through a long list of ever-changing specials, the produce of the surrounding waters is honoured. The wine list does the food justice. Book for dinner. (Lunch specials include sandwiches and casual fare.)
reviewed
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Scuba Dive West
If you’re drawn to the beauty of the water, Scuba Dive West based at Glassillaun Beach runs highly recommended courses and dives around the surrounding coastlines and islands. Rates span the gamut.
reviewed
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Heritage Museum
Just behind the pier, the small but comprehensive museum gives an overview of the island's history. Displays include the contents of a pre-Famine house, photographs, and traditional farming and fishing equipment.
reviewed
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Áras Éanna
Inisheer's large community arts centre sits out on an exposed stretch of the northern side of the island, a 15-minute walk from the village. It has visiting artists programs through the summer and various cultural programs and performances.
reviewed
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Pier Head
Popular with yachties who tie up out front, this modern restaurant and pub has views over the brine. Food includes local lobster cooked in garlic, mussels and oysters – lots of oysters. The pub has live music at weekends.
reviewed
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Le Journal
Lined with leather-bound books and decorated with painted quotations of the opening phrases of classic novels, this chef-run place is an inexpensive café by day and a très elegant bistro on summer nights.
reviewed
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H
Abalone Restaurant
This place has a relaxed feel to it. There’s very fine dining in this tiny yet elegant storefront. As you’d expect from the name, seafood is the star here, but you’ll also find vegetarian treats, steaks and various global mains.
reviewed
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Off the Square
Mediterranean flavours make an appearance at this excellent restaurant, which serves meals throughout the day. Casual fare at lunch gives way to superb meals at night. Local meats star; we had a satiny bacon and cabbage special.
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pony traps
To see the island at a gentler pace, pony traps with a driver are available for trips between Kilronan and Dún Aengus. If the pony traps are not waiting by the pier, walk to the tourist office to ask where they're stationed.
reviewed
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O’Grady’s on the Pier
The village of Barna is home to some of greater Galway area’s best seafood at O’Grady’s on the Pier. Daily specials include many ocean-fresh catches. Long, lazy Sunday lunches attract legions of locals; book ahead.
reviewed
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Keough's
This friendly local, where you'll often hear Irish spoken, serves up a fresh battered cod; specials are more ambitious and allow the kitchen to show off its considerable talents. Traditional music sessions take place on Mondays and Thursdays, while Saturday nights swing with old-time dancing.
reviewed
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Tig Congaile
Not far from the pier, Guatemalan-born Vilma Conneely adds unexpected diversity to the local dining scene, making the most of limited local ingredients. She does a fine sea vegetable soup and her vegetable-and-herb quiche is wonderful.
reviewed
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Best of Western Ireland
8 days (Galway)
Experience the best of Ireland's north west coast on foot.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,290 Advertisement
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Ireland Cycle Explorer Guided
8 days (Galway)
Small group guided cycle along the backroads of Irelands stunning Connemara region.
Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,320 -
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Kettle of Fish
The sparkling Kettle of Fish is the sort of joint that reminds you how good expertly prepared fish and chips can be.
reviewed
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Lowry's Bar
A time-worn local, Lowry's has traditional pleasures, ranging from the age-old, unadorned look of the place to its céilidh sessions, which take place at least a couple of nights a week. The food is 'unpretentious Irish' (eg bangers and mash).
reviewed
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Mary O'Flahrety
Shops around Kilronan mostly sell machine-knitted Aran sweaters. For a much heavier, hand-knitted version, visit Mary O'Flahrety. Chances are you'll see Mary knitting when you call in. Expect to pay around €100 for a genuine hand-knitted sweater.
reviewed
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Kiltartan Gregory Museum
Lady Gregory is honoured in full at this small museum close to Coole Park. Housed in an old schoolhouse, it traces the literary patron's life.
reviewed