How Galway Stole my Heart

There is something indescribably beautiful in Ireland’s simple landscape. Between the lush rolling hills that seem to go on endlessly and the scattered farms intermittently placed in every direction, Ireland is nothing short of amazing.

This country is unique compared to most European destinations. Ireland is rich in its own historical past, but it just feels a lot more relaxed about it. The grand and ornately decorated cathedrals that you find in major European cities contrast against Ireland’s quaint medieval castles and fortresses. With Galway specifically, they take these characteristics to a whole new level. Sitting right alongside the Atlantic Ocean, Galway combines rugged coastlines with a lively small town atmosphere. I knew I would fall in love with Galway,  but some of the reasons surprised me.

The Food

I believe a person can learn a lot about a culture through its food. Galway’s food culture does exactly that. They are experts in serving up comfort food. From meat and potatoes to fish chowders, I felt as if I was right at home. It is simple yet familiar cuisine that makes you question if your grandmother is back in the kitchen.

One of the best meals I ate was at the Pie Maker.  They served up some amazing pot pies. This cozy joint is the size of a walk in closet with a few small booths propped up together. They have a handful of different individually sized pies, from beef and Galway Stout, to curried carrot and butternut squash. They also have great homemade desserts topped with fresh whipped cream.

Small City

There is something about traveling to a smaller city that makes you feel right at home. Wandering through the dimly lit cobble stoned streets at dusk is beautiful in this city. Although the weather may be gloomy and grey, the vividly colored storefronts and buildings brightened up the town.

Whether you’re checking out Eyre Square, Salthill Promenade or just hunting for a local pub, everything is walking distance. Inviting shops illuminate the main streets that are crowded with meandering pedestrians throughout the day and night. With Galway being the size it is, it didn’t take long before I felt like I really knew the city at a local level.

Affordability

I found that Galway had many affordable accommodations for student travelers. Whether you are looking for a hotel or hostel, their prices seemed to be considerably cheaper than in Dublin. Something else that I absolutely loved was that Galway is a very affordable city. Never did I feel like I was being ripped off by tourist prices or was overcharged for something.

My hostel recommendation: Savoy Hostel.

Nightlife

How could you not enjoy a night of relaxing with friends, listening to a live band playing rock & roll throwbacks, and sipping on a hard apple cider or a pint of Guinness. Galway has a fun and lively pub scene. These bars are a lot more kick back than your standard European clubs, which is exactly what I like. These pubs are filled with locals of all ages. It really didn’t feel like I was a tourist at all. Everyone at the pub was just there to have a good time and that’s all that mattered.

Day Trips

Galway is an ideal home base for exploring some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes. One attraction that is always on every traveler’s bucket list is the Cliffs of Moher. These cliffs are not in the city of Galway, but are about a 2 hour bus ride and costs around 25 euros for a full day trip. This is quite a deal when you compare it to trips from Dublin which take double the time and costs double the money. These 700 foot rugged seaside cliffs are quite an incredible spectacle that should not be missed and since it wasn’t too far from Galway, our trip included a few stops through small fishing villages along the way.

Another attraction that should be set high on your list of things to do in Ireland is to see a castle. Now, Ireland has plenty of castles and fortresses to choose from, however one of the most photographed and popular castles in all of Ireland is the Dunguaire Castle. It’s a simple but stunning stoned fortress that sits right on the edge of Galway Bay. Visiting this castle feels like you just stepped back in time. The castle is surrounded by rustic and modest beauty and really sets it apart from many other castles.

Other popular day trips from Galway are exploring the Aran Islands, seeing the wild landscape of Connemara National Park, and discovering Kylemore Abbey.  With only one full day for adventuring, the Cliffs of Moher was exactly what I needed.

The People

The people really set Galway apart from my other travels thus far. The locals came across as genuine, kind and good-hearted people. Everyone here spoke perfect English, which undeniably helped.  It was so nice to be back in a country where everyone spoke a familiar language. There wasn’t that barrier that immediately separates you from another person. The locals had such great hospitality, which can be hard to come by while traveling. They are what really made my time in Galway special.

Felt Like Home

Between the food, the people, and even the language, I felt like I was right where I belonged. I didn’t feel like I was just a foreign traveler discovering this unknown or different place, I finally felt like I was comfortable here. With Galway’s relaxed atmosphere, life just seemed easy. No worries about yesterday or tomorrow, just a place to fully enjoy the current moment.

This is the first destination I have visited that I could see myself living in long term. I’m not saying that tomorrow I will be packing up my bags and moving to Galway, however I did see a lot of similarities with home, which was very refreshing. There was one thing that really stood out to me about Ireland that no other destination has been able to do. Surprisingly, it wasn’t even Ireland itself but the people. This town was a home away from home for me and that is why, Galway will always have a piece of my heart.