We’ve all heard about Dublin. As the capital city and a shining example of how pretty a crowded city can be, it’s certainly worth a visit. Once you check Dublin off your list, we have to mention another big city on the West Coast – about two hours away. The size is relative, as it has about half a million people less than Dublin.
But, boy, does it have it all. Its roots remain deeply tied to the rich history of Ireland – from the folk tales and fairy stories to the music. The culinary scene is off the charts; the locals are friendly; and the views out of the harbor are staggering – especially at sunset. Are you ready to take one of the most spiritually and culturally enriching trips of your life? Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Fly Into Shannon Airport
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If possible, book a flight into Shannon Airport. It’s the West Coast’s airport and about an hour’s drive from door to door. While you can hire a car service or take a bus, what we’re about to propose really does require the use of a car. So, if you’re brave enough to drive on the other side of the road – and the other side of the car – you’re opening yourself up to a world of additional opportunities, outside the pretty gates of Galway City.
Stay at the Leonardo Hotel Galway
With your car secured, plug the Leonardo Hotel Galway into your GPS. This is the best place to stay for many reasons. First, it’s right at the foot of Quay Street, a pedestrian-only lane that we’ll talk about in just a moment. Second, there’s a car park right next to the hotel. Everything about the location is the pinnacle of perfection. There’s a lovely lounge downstairs when you’re ready for a pint and a bite to eat, as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast every morning.
Shop on Quay Street
Once you’re settled in, washed up, and possibly even had a quick nap, it’s time to take on the city. Quay Street is a wonderful starting point for multiple reasons. As soon as you step out the front doors of the hotel, you’ll see a shop called the Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Company.
It’s run by the sweetest couple, and you’ll be so happy to patronize them as you pick up a piece of solid gold jewelry or a stunning piece of artwork. There are plenty of shops along Quay Street to purchase a Claddagh ring, the trademark piece of jewelry for the region. But, we can’t recommend this shop highly enough. We go back every year and add a small piece of gold to our collection each time.
Dine On Quay Street
When it’s mealtime, the options are endless here. Just a few doors up from the Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Company, you’ll find the Quay Street Kitchen – pretty as a picture with its purple facade. They have a lovely menu, filled with delicious wines, full pints, and a lovely array of options. We almost always go for their steak in peppercorn sauce. Once you’re well-fueled, it’s back to Quay Street.
Listen to Music on Quay Street
When the sun goes down, something really special happens. You’ll start to notice more and more musicians carrying their instruments down Quay Street. You’d almost think they stow their fiddles and flutes under their desks at work and then head down to the pub come five o’clock. Like the shops and restaurants, the options for live Irish music on Quay Street are endless.
The King’s Head is a popular one. Technically, it’s on High Street, but Quay Street easily forks into it; you can’t miss it. Nearby Taaffes Bar is another great choice for authentic, talented musicians. Back down on Quay Street, proper, Tigh Neachtain is another great option. It’s a nice spot any time of day, really, with its cozy booths and free-flowing pints. Truth be told, all you have to do is follow the music notes floating through the air, pull up a barstool beside a peat fire, and prepare to be enchanted.
Stroll Through the Claddagh Region
The next morning, stroll through the Claddagh Region. Depending on which way your hotel room is facing at the Leonardo, you’ll see the fast-flowing River Corrib. It leads to a lovely stretch of land called the Claddagh Region. You can walk alongside the river as it whispers all its secrets to you. Depending on your stamina, you could take it all the way down to Salt Hill, a lovely neighborhood with sought-after apartments and magnificent sunsets.
Drive to The Burren
Now, it’s time to put that lovely rental car to use. The Burren is an expansive stretch of land dappled with unique flora, fauna, and limestone formations. There are so many things to see and do here, it would require its own, separate article. But, some quick suggestions that come to mind are Poulnabrone Dolmen, Newtown Castle, and The Burren Perfumery. The drive alone to each of these locations will fill your soul with wonder and mystery.
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a portal tomb that scientists say dates back 5,800 years. Newtown Castle is a 16th-century tower house that’s as authentic as can be. People use it for weddings from time to time. But, you can walk inside, climb up the winding staircase, and marvel at how the aristocrats used to live while you take in the views from the top. Finally, The Burren Perfumery is a nice opportunity to patronize a local artisan. All the soaps, lotions, teas, and perfumes are inspired by this special land. After you try their decadent products, it’s more than likely you’ll be ordering from them online, even when you return back home again.
Drive to Doolin
If you enjoyed your night of music in the pubs in Galway, you’ll be blown away by what you’ll witness in Doolin. In terms of enchanted lands, Doolin has it in spades. It’s one of the smallest little villages, with a population of only about 300 people. But, somehow, it’s become a mecca for artists and musicians. There’s almost always a festival of some sort on and you can catch live Irish music, or trad, performed by people who’ve had musicians in their family for centuries.
Plan to stay at least a night here because it’s about an hour’s drive from Galway and you don’t want to be driving home on those winding roads late at night. The main hotel, Hotel Doolin is a lovely place to stay for the night and you’ll have easy access to their pub downstairs, Fitz’s, which always has music on at night. Then, there are three other main pubs that will have those music notes filling the night air: Gus O’Connor’s, McGann’s, and McDermott’s. If you happen to stay in a B&B instead of the hotel, you can see which one is within walking distance. As you walk home at night under a blanket of stars, you’ll know you reached heaven’s gates.
Walk to the Cliffs of Moher
There’s another good reason to stay the night. Before you head back to Galway, you can visit the ever-popular Cliffs of Moher. They’re not the highest cliffs in the country, but they may be the most dramatic, with their sheer dropoff into the Atlantic Ocean. From Doolin, there’s a cliff walk that will dazzle and delight you – if you’ve brought your hiking boots. Otherwise, it’s a short drive and there’s ample parking by the entrance. However you arrive, once you feel those ancient winds comb through your hair, you’ll feel as though you’re united with all those artists and musicians who have gone before.
Take the Ferry to the Aran Islands
This is a special add-on that would require some serious commitment (and an extra night in Doolin). The Aran Islands are a trio of islands that bob peacefully in the Atlantic. You can even see them from the Cliffs of Moher. In order from largest to smallest, there’s Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr. Although Inis Mór is popular for all the right reasons, we actually like visiting Inis Oírr. Each of these islands are, for the most part, without car traffic. So, all you need are your two feet or a bicycle.
On Inis Oírr, you can visit a sunken church that dates back to the 10th century and the ruins of O’Brien’s Castle – dating back to the 15th century. Then, there’s an old shipwreck named Plassey. It’s just a rusted-out old hull now. But, it used to be a steam freighter, carrying goods like yarn, stained glass, and whiskey before it got tossed ashore by a bad storm in the 1960s. You can wave hello to her as you continue on your way to the lighthouse. As you ferry back and forth to the islands, you’ll know you’ve been a part of something very historical, unique, and transformative.
Spend One More Night on Quay Street
Before you head home, be sure to spend one more night out on Quay Street. Staying at the Leonardo is so wonderful because you couldn’t be better-positioned to stroll the streets, with or without purpose. Check out another restaurant. Try some seafood, since you are in a harbor town, technically speaking. Go back to the pub you first fell in love with or try one of the other ones on the list. It’s a lovely way to close the book on your chapter in this enchanting city before heading back to Shannon Airport.
Was It Just a Dream?
Consider yourself warned: after you’ve turned in your rental car and taken your seat on the plane, you may wonder if it was all just a dream. We can assure you it was every bit as real as you are, but you’ll officially have touched magic and wonder during your time on the West Coast.
For more Irish itineraries, be sure to check out our destination guides. We’ll help you explore the entire country, from coast to coast, as you weave yourself into the golden fabric of the land.