10 Things That Make a Visit to Galway Feel Like Magic
Galway has a way of getting under your skin – in the best possible way. It’s a place where the Atlantic breeze carries music through cobbled lanes, pubs feel like living rooms, and history and wild beauty exist side by side.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, there are a few ways to up the ante on the magic that fills the the air. Coming from a local herself, these additions to your itinerary will leave you with an enduring sense of wonder.
A Stay at The Twelve Hotel Galway
You know when a hotel just gets it? That’s The Twelve in Barna, a charming little village just outside Galway City. It strikes that perfect balance of comfort and cool, with cozy rooms, gorgeous Irish-made bath products, and a staff that treats you like a friend rather than a guest. It’s got the relaxed energy of a boutique stay, but with some seriously elevated food and wine offerings.
Speaking of which, don’t miss the hotel’s Blackthorn restaurant or the Pins Gastro Bar. It’s not often you find a spot where you could just as happily spend an evening sipping craft beer and eating wood-fired pizza as you could enjoy a multi-course fine dining experience.
A stay at The Twelve is an easy bus or taxi ride into Galway City. So, you can enjoy the peace of Barna and the buzz of town in one trip. And, in addition to all this, it just so happens that The Twelve is one of our favorite dog-friendly hotels in all of Ireland.
Dinner at Aniar
If you’re looking for an incredible meal while you’re in Galway, Aniar is it. This Michelin-starred spot is all about modern Irish cuisine that feels thoughtful, exciting, and deeply rooted in the west of Ireland. Every ingredient on your plate will have a story, and the tasting menu changes with the seasons and the sea.
What makes Aniar truly magical is how it turns dinner into a memory. You can expect local seaweed, wild herbs, house-fermented everything, and dishes that are as much about texture and balance as they are about flavor. It’s a quiet, intimate experience that you’ll remember forever – just you, the food, and a chef who clearly loves this place and wants you to love it too.
A Walk to Lady’s Beach
One morning, walk with the rising sun to Lady’s Beach in Salthill – a small, peaceful stretch of sand that feels like a secret even though it’s just a short stroll from town. Early in the morning, when the light is golden, the tide is gentle, and the locals are swimming or walking their dogs, you’ll realize you’ve touched heaven.
Pack a coffee from The Twelve and savor a moment on the low stone wall to breathe in the air and watch the waves. It’s not about the beach being dramatic or postcard-perfect. It’s about the calm, the communal feel, and the way the ocean resets your headspace. We can guarantee one thing: you’ll want to come back the next morning, too.
A Further Walk to Salthill
If you’re already at Lady’s Beach, just keep going. The Salthill Promenade stretches along the coast and rewards you with uninterrupted views of Galway Bay and, on clear days, even the Burren hills across the water. The walk is flat and easy, but the sea breeze will wake you up like a double espresso.
Don’t forget to kick the wall at the end; it’s a Galway tradition. Locals tap their foot on the big black-and-white wall at the end of the prom for good luck. There are plenty of little cafes and ice cream stops along the way if you feel like lingering, and you absolutely should.