I lived in Galway city for about a year! Definitely the best waste of time of my life… I wouldnt trade the experience for anything!! I went to NUIG for a semester which was pretty interesting going to college with all Irish folk but soon all of my friends were Irish and I was even beginning to question going home at all. I stayed on for several months waitressing and promoting a club… a real experience! The weather is shit but you learn to live with it. Nothing that a drink in a pub or a dance in a club cant fix… Let’s see…
Galway is a very different place depending on when you visit. During the summer months (June-Sept) it is basically filled with tourists and ppl just walking about taking pictures and filling the “old man pubs” to capacity. Ugh! That is with the exception of the Galway Races (last week of July) when the entire population of Ireland crowds into this city and makes it into a madhouse. But pretty fun if you can find a place to stay… During the months when college is in session Galway is a great place to be if you are young. The average age in town is something like 23 and college students basically own the city. The clubs are vibrant and fun and give loads of discounts on covercharge if you get stamped in the street. The pubs are great for a pint and good conversation and of course the best part is hearing a good music session. These can be found in Tig Coilis, Taaffes, The Crane Bar, and several other little pubs found about town. Galway has a great alternative scene with tons of Spanish hippies and such and awesome live music all the time at the Roisin Dubh!! Highly recommended!
Staying in Galway is easy. Preferably toward the centre of the town near Shop Street and the like. Eating is decent. If you like pub grub then the Front Door (Sunnys) on shop street is good or the Quays, or for fish and chips MacDunnas comes highly recommended. For “drunk food” one must try the Charcoal Grill. Every student at NUIG or GMIT will tell you where this is. There is also a good chipper across from the Roisin Dubh across the bridge from shop street.
For things to see in Galway: NUIG quad; the spanish arch (bring a beer and sit there for a couple hours on a nice day to people watch); the pubs and clubs; Salt Hill; the Cathedral; take a walk along the prom; go to the aran islands and connemara from Galway… and most importantly just relax while you are here. It is a city with great people and an amazing atmosphere! Sit down and have a pint with the locals or join in a song or a dance. I may be biased but I think this is the one place you cannot miss when you visit Ireland!
