The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher

Ireland is, and always has been, a great location for a weekend getaway. Only a few hours’ flight from almost anywhere in Europe, and with so many flight options from Ryanair, Aer Arann and Aerlingus, it is an accessible and affordable choice.

Dublin, as the capital city, is the most popular destination among international visitors, but it’s a big and busy city with over a million inhabitants in the city’s urban area. There are many other great places in Ireland also worth a visit. If you want to see the rugged, wild landscape Ireland is known for, be surrounded by the traditional Irish arts and culture and get a taste of modern rural Ireland, I recommend you discover another side of Ireland, the west side!

Have you ever thought that you’d love to watch your favorite film again for the very first time? Experience it anew so it’s not all so familiar and you don’t know what’s coming next? Ever felt that way about a place? That’s how I feel about the city of Galway and why I’d like to share some information about it with you. I can’t go back in time and discover the magic and charm of this unique little city again for the first time firsthand, but perhaps you can.

Situated opposite Dublin city on the west coast, Galway City is in the heart of the wild west of Ireland. Surrounded by some of Ireland’s most scenic locations; Connemara to the north, the Cliffs of Moher to the south and the Aran Islands just off the coast, there are plenty of great day trips to enjoy. Galway City itself is an ideal base for your stay. When visiting the west coast, flying into Shannon airport is the most convenient option for many (Ryanair flies here from all over Europe). It is about an hour and a half from the airport to Galway City on the no.51 Bus Eireann bus, which passes through the airport terminal about once every hour. At €19.80 for an adult return and student fares available too, it’s an easier and cheaper option than hiring a car. Alternatively, Aer Arann flies into Galway airport, situated only 20 minutes from the city.

Eyre Square - the perfect spot for people watching

Once in Galway I would suggest you take the time to hang out and enjoy the city. Galway is a great place to relax, unwind and do nothing but absorb the atmosphere and take in your surroundings. The city’s central square, Eyre Square, is a top spot to chill out and do some people watching. The Square is always a hive of activity with a diverse crowd of people just doing their thing and, weather permitting, catching some rays. Next take a stroll down the pedestrianised Shop Street, which runs from Eyre Square down to the quays. There is always a great atmosphere along this street as it is alive with people and street entertainers. I suggest you give all the usual big name stores a skip and venture down the small side streets instead. Seek out local brands and little boutiques. Galway is full of small shops with quirky and fun fashions! At the end of Shop Street are the quays where you will find the Spanish Arch, another spot that people gather to sit, hang out, feed the swans and enjoy the view. This is a beautiful, scenic part of the city where the river Corrib joins the Atlantic. Looking out to sea, with mountains on the horizon and the river before you it doesn’t feel like you are in a city at all.

These areas of the city are equally as popular in the evening and well into the night. Galway has a very lively night-life and is renowned for its live music scene. Many pubs, such as Tig Coili, The Crane and Taffes, regularly host traditional Irish music sessions, which are well worth checking out – especially if it’s your first time experiencing Irish music live. It is true to say that the Irish know how to have a good time so have a Guinness…or two, get your Riverdance groove on and just let loose!

Having relaxed and absorbed the laidback ways of the city a day trip is in order. As I already mentioned the natural beauty of the west coast of Ireland offers a range of remarkable day trips readily accessible from Galway. Not only is this amazing landscape a must see in my opinion, there’s also nothing like some fresh Irish country air in your lungs to beat a hangover! Top of my list of excursions is a visit to the Aran Islands, in particular the biggest of the islands, Inis Mor. The Aran Islands are a group of three islands situated at the mouth of Galway Bay and are just a short ferry ride away from the mainland. They offer a great escape from modern life and will give you a glimpse of what Ireland was like in days past. Rent a bike and explore. You will discover several forts dating from the Iron age, small secluded beaches, breathtaking cliffs and endless rows of fields bordered by traditional stone walls that miraculously manage to stay upright.

The breathtaking landscape of Connemara

On a dry day the islands are magical…however on a wet day they are not necessarily the best idea. On a relaxing weekend away (if you are a normal sane person at least), you don’t really want to be out cycling in the cold wind and rain, followed by a stomach-churning choppy ferry ride home! If the weather isn’t on your side perhaps it is best to stick to a mainland day trip instead. The Cliffs of Moher or Connemara are alternative excursion ideas. With regular bus tours going from Galway City, these day trips allow you to experience similar scenery and natural landscape to that of the Aran Islands but with the luxury of being able to hop back on the bus should the heavens open. More information on any of these days out can be found on the Galway Tour Company’s website.

I’m always eager for people to watch my favourite film if they have never seen it before, just to share what I think is an enjoyable, worthwhile experience. It’s definitely the same way when it comes to how I feel about Galway. It’s hard not to fall in love with this part of the country. So do me a favour and keep it in mind. Next time you’re perusing the airline sites, thinking up your next fabulous weekend getaway, forget Paris, put Rome on hold and give Dublin a skip. Let the charm of the wild west work its magic on you, give Galway a go, and open your eyes to another side of Ireland!

Accommodation

Hostels are always a great and inexpensive choice especially if you are travelling with a group of friends who are looking for a cheap and fun weekend away. Some central and reasonably-priced Galway hostels include Snoozles, Sleepzone and Barnacles. If bunk beds aren’t your cup of tea, or you are looking for a private room without breaking the bank, affordable Bed and Breakfasts are aplenty in Galway City. You can expect to pay €30 – €40 per person sharing – ideal for couples on a romantic getaway.

Check out hotel websites for special offers. In the wake of the recession Irish hotels are struggling to fill rooms and so have dropped their prices or are offering deals. Take advantage of this and snag an upmarket stay-away at a fraction of the price you would have paid for the same experience a few years ago.

Places to Eat

Every second building in Galway is either a pub or a restaurant and so any visitor to this unique little city is sure to find what they’re looking for. If you’re looking for somewhere cheap and cheerful for breakfast, lunch or dinner try Riordans (Quay Street), Home Plate (St Mary’s Road) or Kellys (Bridge Street). On the more expensive end there’s The Malthouse (High Street), Oscars (Lower Dominic Street) or The Asian Teahouse (St Mary’s Road).

Money Saving Flight Tips

· Set up an Entropay online credit card and avoid paying an extra €10 handling fee per passenger. This is simply a pre-paid virtual visa card you can top up with credit to use for such purchases.

· When you search your dates for travel, and if your dates are flexible, the Ryanair website will present you with the prices for all flights for that week. When you select the flight you want, taxes and surcharges are usually then added on to this initial price, but keep in mind that this is often not the case for all flights presented. Ryanair often has special offers where the advertised price includes taxes and surcharges. A flight which initially shows up as being €2.29 could end up being about €40 including taxes, whilst another flight later that day could initially show up as being €6.99 and it is just that. Be sure to click on a few different flight options to be sure you’re getting the best deal going!

As always be aware of baggage weight restrictions as you don’t want to be hit with an extra charge at the airport. There are after all only so many pairs of shoes a girl can get through in a single weekend!