Galway city is well known for it’s relaxed vibes and is often compared to the west coast of the united states, because of its laid back atmosphere. It is well known for being home to a variety of artists including singers, dancers, painters and authors. The main thouroughfare “Shop Street” is filled with tourists and locals and a different type of busker can be seen approximately every 100 yards. Because of this laid back feel, Galway often draws cultural comparisons to Portland Oregon and Seattle Washington, but rest assured Galway is a great place in its own right, as it gives a strong sense of feeling of Irishness.
Galway is home to some of the best pubs and restaurants in Ireland, if not Europe. During the famous Galway race week in August, Shop Street will be teaming with people spilling out from the many great pubs that exist in the city, with The Quays bar being a personal favourite of Executive Travel Solutions, due to the great variety of music at the venue. Music can be found in a lot of the pubs pretty much 7 days a week, with a variety of traditional Irish Music and rock and roll available to help make you feel at home.
Besides drinking and eating there is plenty for visitors to Galway to explore. There is many options for shopping as well as a wide variety of sporting events. The local rugby team Connaught play in the Pro 14 Rugby competition and the atmosphere at their stadium is well renowned. On top of that the local Irish sport of GAA (Gaelic Football and Hurling) has strong representation from the county of Galway. Galway are the current champions in hurling (2017) with Joe Canning in particular being lauded as one of the best players in the country.
Outside of the city of Galway there is plenty points of interest. In terms of size Galway is the second largest county in Ireland so there is a lot to explore! The town of Portumna is located near where the river Shannon enters Lough Derg, with a large forest park and a number of harbours, Portumna is a great place to visit if you enjoy the great outdoors. Another point of interest in Galway county is Connemara which is located west of Lough Corrib in Galway county. This rugged terrain made up of multiple peninsulas is remote and beautiful. It’s also famous for being a Gaeltacht (pronounced either “gayle-tuckt” or “gwale-tuckt) so is a great place to visit if you have an interest in languages, particularly the Irish language! The main town in Connemara is clifden, an area which is surrounded by Megalithic tombs. Peter O Toole the famous Irish actor was born in Connemara in 1932 as was Boston based boxer Sean Mannion who fought for the WBC title. The 12 Bens pub in Dorchester which is still run by his family is named after the famous mountains in the area. Kylemore abbey which is often seen in various tourist brochures and websites (including this one) is also located near this area and a short trip from Galway city centre.
Back in the city centre the Spanish Arch is often known to be full with people in the summer time on any particularly nice day and is a great place to mingle with the Galway locals and other tourists alike.
If you’re planning on visiting Galway and need assistance with your travel while you are here, whether that’s an airport transfer, a day tour, a private tour in one of our cars, mini buses or buses then contact Executive Travel Solutions today to organise your trip! We look forward to servicing your needs and helping you make the best of your time while in Galway.
