Galway

Galway waterfront

The drive from Dingle to Galway is about 3.5 hours. Our hotel, Radisson Blue, is a good option in a convenient location. It has parking and you can walk to everything from here. Galway is a great city that has lots of college students, international travelers, and bachelor/bachelorette parties. All of the main pubs are crowded with shoulder to shoulder standing room only. It’s definitely a party scene. Maybe not the best place to bring your mom. 

Galway is a special city for me because everyone in my family has been to this town and visited O’Connell’s Pub (obv). My sister studied abroad in Galway and my Dad flew over with her to get her settled. My brothers went on a month-long road trip in Ireland and of course stopped into this bar. And now, Mom and I were completing the tradition by stopping in for a Guinness. The thing about sharing the same name as the bar is that you feel super special, but let me tell you, the people at the pub don’t care. It’s kind of like when you tell anyone in Ireland that you are Irish, they aren’t impressed. Unless you are JFK, then they are super excited about that.  I’ve never seen more pictures of JFK until I visited Ireland. 

Me and Mom at O'Connell's Bar

Other must see places

Shop Street and Quay Street- The bustling pedestrian-only roads of Galway full of the pubs, stores and street performers. 

The King's Head- A boisterous pub for a rowdy crowd. 

Taffees Pub- A Shop Street establishment. Beer is cold, music is great!

Richardsons- Pub on Eyre Square. Just getting off of Shop Street meant the pub was less crowded. We were able to listen to great music and have a seat. 

O’Connells Bar- Pub on Eyre Square with a great open air patio off the back. And of course, best name!

Corrib Princess River Cruise- A peaceful boat ride that travels the Corrib. The boat is comfortable with indoor and outdoor seating. There's a bar on board and the narrator has some great stories to share about the history of the area. 

Bottom line

You won't be bored in Galway. There are endless shops and pubs to help you pass the time!