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Galway Ireland |
The city centre is that of a small, coastal town with roots in the 13th century. The streets are narrow, and buildings cluster cosily together. In this area of the city, many of the buildings and architectural artefacts testify to Galway's long history. The focal point is John F. Kennedy Park, or as the locals still call it, Eyre Square. Re-named in the 1970s, JFK Park is a picture-postcard scene of greenery and trees, which contrasts with the narrow streets at its corners. Home to the old city gates and its defending cannon, the vista gives a glimpse into the Galway's less-than-peaceful past. One of the more placid residents is the statue of the renowned writer and carouser Padraig O Conaire, but it is also home to a more modern sculpture, the 'Galway Hooker', which despite its suggestive name, is none other than a type of fishing boat used in the waters around Galway Bay for over 100 years. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stacy LinDell |
 Photo: Alexandre Passant |
 Photo: Alberto Botton |
 Photo: Nancy Johnson |
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 Photo: Courtney R. Davis |
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Galway Ireland |
The Gaeltacht area is not only along the coastline. Bleak and rugged Connemara to the north and west of Galway city is also part of this culturally rich vicinity. Much of this area is included within the Connemara National Park and so is protected from unsympathetic development. From Newcastle, in the north of Galway city, the road leads towards Moycullen and on to Oughterard, where, as in its seaside relatives, the Irish language and culture still thrives. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Mac Mahon |
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 Irish traditional music by talented locals |
2 Sea Road Galway Ireland +353 91 58 7419 |
The Crane is one of Galway's leading venues for traditional Irish music; many well known Irish bands and singers have played here. On a summer's evening the sound of live music carries down the street and visitors and locals alike enjoy the atmosphere. However, parking near the premises is a bit of an ordeal. Consequently, it's usually better to park at a distance or walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ross Martens |
 Photo: Liyamu |
 Photo: Matt Van Brink |
 Photo: Ryan McCabe |
 Photo: Denis Mullane Sydney |
 Photo: Mary Longstreth |
 Award-winning specialist in fresh Chinese noodles |
Middle Street Galway Ireland +353 91 56 1443 |
Recommended as one of Bridgestone's "100 Best Restaurants in Ireland", the Da Tang Noodle House deserves its good reputation. Enjoy the best in Northern Chinese cuisine as prepared by proprietor and chef Du Han Tuo. As can be guessed from the name, the house specialty is home-made noodles, served with a variety of tasty sauces. Prices are reasonable and the small but bright room provides a cheerful atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Popular pizzeria featuring Italian-inspired food |
Quay Street Galway Ireland +353 91 56 7279 |
This popular restaurant has an intimate, relaxed atmosphere and is located in the old quarter of Galway city; note the 1816 cross carved close to the entrance. Fat Freddie's is a bistro and pizzeria specializing in seafood and Italian cuisine. It also serves a fine breakfast, and vegetarians are handsomely catered for also. It can get busy here, particularly in the summer, so booking is advised. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: William Whyte |
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Thatched-roof restaurant serving exceptional seafood |
Market Street Clifden Galway Ireland +353 95 2 1427 |
Located in busy Market Street, Fogarty's is a charming restaurant with a quaint stone facade and thatched roof. The warm and friendly atmosphere resonates in a relaxed and comfortable setting. The culinary skills of chef and owner Paul Fogarty result in real treats, with seafood a speciality. The dishes also include ingeniously prepared beef, chicken and vegetables. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Great Irish Cuisine |
Kirwan's Lane Galway Ireland +353 91 56 8266 |
Come here if you want to spoil yourself and a friend. Tucked away on the eponymous laneway, Kirwan's Lane restaurant offers excellent and innovative Irish food. You'll enjoy new combinations of specifically Irish ingredients such as black pudding, new potatoes and a variety of local seafood. However, the menu is broad enough for most palates, including imaginative vegetarian options, roast lamb and monkfish. The two rooms are warm and comfortable; the service is courteous but unobtrusive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Owen Steinberger |
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Romantic Atmosphere |
Long Walk Spanish Arch Galway Ireland +353 91 56 1114 |
Formerly an old smokehouse, this restored stone building is one of the coziest places to relax during the Galway winter. Nimmo's features creatively prepared fish and shellfish. The space also serves as a wine bar. In the summer, the view from the windows allows you to watch sunsets over the river. Beyond the stone-clad exterior and up the stairs is a lovely dining area with local artwork on display. At night the stars shine through the skylight, adding to the romantic atmosphere. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kris & Aaron Greene |
 Photo: Kris & Aaron Greene |
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Probably the best place for the black stuff |
Lower Salthill Galway Ireland +353 91 52 2672 |
P.J.'s offers a welcome alternative to the bustling pubs closer to the promenade in Salthill, which cater primarily to tourists. P.J's can get busy, especially at weekends, but you can still generally get a comfortable seat and the crowd is friendly. It's particularly cosy here in the winter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Herbert Vigl |
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Cosy restaurant serving classic French cuisine |
8 Quay Street Galway Ireland +353 91 56 6066 |
Pierre's is one of several restaurants and cafes on Quay Street, all of which vie for the hungry tourist's attention. Pierre's, however, is one of the nicer options. This cosy little bistro combines a relaxed atmosphere with attentive yet discreet service. The stone walls and candles on every table contribute to its intimate feel. Guests have the option of choosing from a reasonably priced set menu, or from the a la carte menu instead. The food is unmistakably French, with a variety of cream sauces on offer to go with the duckling, sea bass or beef fillet. While there are no surprises here, the food is well cooked and delicious. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively 17th Century Pub |
11 Quay Street Galway Ireland +353 91 56 8347 |
The Quays Bar first got a licence to serve alcoholic beverages back in the 1600s. When you enter, it initially appears that nothing has changed since then. The welcoming atmosphere and impressive embossed wooden decor have withstood the test of time. The Quays features live music most nights, ranging from good traditional bands to more mainstream covers of contemporary music. Winner of the Traditional Irish Music Pub of the Year, this pub/venue is always buzzing, and attracts tourists and locals alike. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: EndelWar/Sonsof.net |
 Photo: Katie Thompson |
 Photo: Dathon |
 Photo: Julia Puchovska |
 Photo: Amanda M. Westbrooks |
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Mediterrean cuisine in comfortable surroundings |
Quay Street Galway Ireland +353 91 56 5811 |
The River God is located above Neachtain's, the oldest pub in Galway, and commands great views of busy Quay Street. The menu is persistently eclectic, with an emphasis on southern French cooking. The starters are slightly more successful than the main courses, but usually the dishes combine surprising flavors to good effect. Yummy desserts are baked on the premises, and are well worth it. The portions are generous, the prices reasonable and the staff is attentive. The River God is highly recommended by Bridgestone's and other food guides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The best live music venue in Galway |
8 Lower Dominick Street Galway Ireland +353 91 58 6540 http://www.roisindubh.net/ |
The Roisin Dubh is internationally renowned as a live music venue.The Frames, the Handsome Family and The have all played acoustic sets here, as have various emerging singer/songwriters. The venue is intimate and atmospheric with good acoustics, and people crowd cozily into the wooden tables and booths. The outer bar is cosy and warm, ideal on a wet winter night. A fire usually blazes just inside the door, and the barstaff are quirky but usually friendly. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: radiofc |
 Photo: Chris Haines |
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Galway Ireland |
Further along the coast is the seaside resort of Salthill. Most of the development in and around Salthill took place in the last forty years, but the lengthy beaches have been an attraction for locals and visitors alike for much longer. Salthill was originally a seaside resort in the same vein as north-west England's Blackpool, although on a smaller scale. However, the last ten years has seen much investment and development in the area to ensure that it keeps right up to the mark when it comes to an enjoyable seaside holiday. The road west from Salthill leads into picturesque Barna and Furbo, villages worth visiting for their scenic qualities alone. These areas also mark the beginning of the Galway Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area). This region is steeped in old Irish culture, and the native Irish language is often predominant, with English spoken only to accommodate outsiders. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Comfortable pub with beer garden |
7 Dominick Street Upper Galway Ireland +353 91 58 7239 |
This comfortable pub is a little off the beaten track but still boasts a large and eclectic group of regulars. Taylor's interior consists of wood panelling, stone floors and one or two intimate nooks and crannies for more private conversations. Locals and visitors alike stand elbow to elbow chatting on summer nights, when Galway's only beer garden is open at the back of the pub. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: akirasek |
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Traditional Irish Pub |
17 Cross St Galway Ireland +353 91 56 8820 |
Located in the medieval quarter of Galway, this quintessentially Irish pub has a fun and fantastic atmosphere. Tigh Neachtain's is a century old family run business with a fairly regular clientele. Regulars range from the musicians who play sessions here to theater and media types to a healthy representation of Galway's gay community. Popular with visitors and locals alike, Tigh Neactain's is a great place to have a pint and a chat the night away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gina Porreco |
 Photo: Tristan Pruss |
 Photo: Mags Treanor |
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Good variety of Italian food |
12 Quay Street Galway Ireland +353 91 56 3910 |
Situated in the old quarter of the city, this is an appealing Italian restaurant. It exudes a quiet, intimate ambience enhanced by unobtrusive service. For fans of Italian food, this restaurant offers delectable pizzas, homemade pasta and more traditional Italian dishes. It has been recommended by food critics from the Irish Sunday Independent and the New York Times. Review © 2007, Wcities |