Galway is Ireland's little bohemian gem. Its cosmopolitan city centre thrums with life and on the beaches, the atmosphere is decidedly seaside. It's a joy to wander through this town, threading your way through labyrinthine cobbled streets and multicoloured facades. Café-bar culture runs deep here, and Galway is equally passionate about festivals. Throughout the year, events and competitions follow one another, with visitor numbers peaking during the Galway Arts Festival in July. Traditional Ireland also features prominently, with folk music concerts held regularly in the pubs. At sunset, stroll along the long Galway Promenade, watching the return of the salmon fishermen on the Corrib.

History

The small fishing village established at the confluence of the Corrib River and Galway Bay, in the region of the Spanish Arch of Claddagh, became a fortified town in 1232 under Anglo-Norman rule. In 1396, King Richard II approved the charter transferring full powers to 14 merchant families known as the "14 Tribes of Galway". The town nevertheless maintained close ties with the British Empire.

Galway's position on the Atlantic, on Ireland's West Coast, favoured maritime activities for the trade of fish, wine and spices with various European countries, including Portugal and Spain. Foreign ships paraded along the city's quays. Legend even has it that Christopher Columbus passed through Galway during his legendary voyage to the New World in 1492. But Cromwell saw things differently. From 1651 onwards, the region fell into decline, overshadowed by East Coast ports such as Dublin and Waterford.

Discovering Galway

When the sun shines, things to do in Galway are boundless. Swimmers flock to the splendid beaches of Salthill, while street concerts enliven the city. Time passes unnoticed when you settle on the Salmon Weir Bridge to watch the parade of fishermen on the Corrib below. The river meets the luminous waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the area of the Spanish Arch of Claddagh, where small boats and seabirds compose an idyllic tableau at sunset over Galway Bay. Should the weather cool or rain fall, the national aquarium and Galway's museums keep their doors wide open.

Connemara is not far away, along the route of which you can take a detour to Ashford Castle or Kylemore Abbey. The surrounding mountains and lakes deserve a photograph. The Burren plateau also makes for a pleasant excursion. The region's stark karst landscape preserves fragments of Ireland's distant past: ringforts, sacred wells, stone cairns, megalithic tombs and underground ruins stretching into the distance.

Nightlife in Galway

Night and day, Galway always has something to satisfy your desires. The buzz continues in the streets and programming is diverse in cultural venues. Head to the Town Hall Theatre to discover dramatic performances. Those keen on nightclubs will find their happiness at Eyre Square. For more Old Irish ambiance, make your way to the Latin Quarter near Quay Street where peat fires warm the lively atmosphere of the bars.

The Climate in Galway

Galway enjoys a mild and temperate maritime climate, with recurring showers throughout the year. It rarely gets very hot. In summer, daytime temperatures are generally below 25°C, peaking in July. In winter, the minimum temperatures recorded in January hover around 5°C or 6°C. It doesn't snow much. To make the most of your vacation in Galway, choose dates in June or July. Summer days are longer than winter ones.

Flying in

The closest airport is Charlestown, in County Mayo, about an hour's drive from Galway. You can also arrive via Knock Airport, then drive on National Route 17 heading south, passing through the village of Knock, the towns of Claremorris and Tuam to reach Galway. Shannon International Airport in County Clare is another option for travellers from Dublin, the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, the United States or Canada.

Travelling by train

Galway's main railway station is Ceannt Station, located near Eyre Square. It receives daily trains connecting with Ireland's capital Dublin, as well as Ballinasloe, Tullamore and Kildare. Remember to book your seat in advance as services are highly sought after.

Driving

Car rental providers are available at all airports and at Eyre Square in Galway. Note that in Ireland, you drive on the left. Leaving Dublin, take the M6 motorway heading west. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. National Routes 20 and 18 connect Galway to Cork, Blarney, Buttevant and Limerick.

Coming by bus

Quality buses run regularly between Galway and Dublin, Cork, Letterfrack, Limerick and Cork. They stop at Ceannt Station.

Of modest size, Galway can easily be explored on foot. But buses are also a fine option for traversing the entire city and neighbouring suburbs. There are special tickets covering all your travel throughout the day or week. The Galway bus network accepts LEAP cards. Cycle touring is becoming increasingly popular. Bike rental services abound in the city. As for taxis, fares are steep.

What to Do in Galway?

• Stroll along Galway Promenade
• Enjoy the beach pleasures at Salthill
• Tour the city's museums (Galway City Museum, Computer and Communications Museum of Ireland, James Mitchell Geology Museum, Claregalway Museum & Forge, etc.)
• Experience a cultural interlude at Town Hall Theatre
• Take a boat trip on the Corrib, etc.