Hidden Gems in Galway City
Discover some hidden gems and things to do off the beaten path in Galway City; from food tours, markets and experiences that enrich and enhance your stay in Galway.
The Residence Hotelis ideally situated in Galway City Centre - located in the Latin Quarter, where you can immerse yourself in all that is Galway. We've put together some of our favourite daytime things to do in Galway.
Lose yourself in a Bookstore… Charlie Byrnes Bookshop - A hidden treasure trove full of gems to be discovered. Brimming with books on every imaginable subject, Charlie Byrne’s is Ireland’s best-loved independent bookshop, a book lovers paradise with a higgledy-piggledy layout and somewhere you may need an afternoon to browse at your leisure. You don't have to travel far, it's located just around the corner from The Residence Hotel.
Off the beaten track, located in Áras na Gael on Dominick Street, the Tiny Traders Market is not to be missed every Saturday. With a selection of vendors who stock authentic, handmade local crafts, creatively repurposed materials, and who make choices intentionally with both individual and eco-wellbeing in mind. From local Irish traditions and language to international artists sharing their skills, Tiny Traders is an amazing community of vendors, and a perfect place for a Saturday shopping trip in town. (Check in advance for opening hours - as it closes for some weekends throughout the summer)
Galway is fast becoming a mecca for foodies – with a host of new restaurants and local food producers. If you don’t have time to try them all, make sure to book in on a Galway Food Tour, which takes just 2 hours. During the tour you will get to experience a taste from artisan producers, cheese makers, creative beer projects, artisan chocolatiers, traditional family run businesses to young entrepreneurs with devotion and commitment to showcase the best of Irish produce.
Our neighbours on Quay Street, Coffeewerk + Press is well worth a visit. A quirkly little coffee shop, with a design gallery upstairs - a space created to showcase the overlap between Irish and international design and art with the perfect cup of coffee! (Check out https://artwerkpress.com/our-story/) Great to watch people go by and listen to the vibrant busker music outside.
Every Monday to Friday throughout June, July and August, 'Tunes in the Church' takes place in St. Nicholas' Church, just behind Shop St.
An acoustic, authentic and personal concert in spine-tingling surroundings. The interactive involvement between the audience and the performers is central to the experience and you get to engage with some of Irelands top traditional musicians in a unique way.
What an incredible way to discover Galway City and to fill your bellies with delicious goodies at the same time. These girls really break the stereotypes of all vegan food and persuade with local Irish products that are vegan friendly and high quality.
During Rebecca’s and Andrina’s tour, they will take you to some of their favourite vegan restaurants in Galway where you’ll indulge in a generous amount of food including desserts, chocolates, drinks and more. The purpose of the tour is to highlight an ethical, delicious and healthy way of satisfying your palette while being a fun, unique foodie experience in Galway.
The story of Ireland’s famous Claddagh ring tells of pirates, lost love and great romance. Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Ring Museumtells the story in fine fashion - it may just be the smallest museum in Ireland. They’ve also got curious exhibits of stone age axes, famine memorabilia and an interesting photographic collection of old Galway. Well worth a visit.
The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festivalkicks off in September each year. A celebration of seafood, each year this festival attracts crowds who want to get a taste of the unique Galway oysters.
The city is invaded by food lovers who come for the live cooking demonstrations, the World Oyster Opening Championships, food talks and tastings by the shuck-load. All of this with some of Ireland’s best musicians providing the soundtrack. Make sure to pack your appetite!
Just a short ferry ride from Galway Bay, the Aran Islands are made up of Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr. On the islands, the pace of life is set to leisurely. Getting around is easy, whether by foot or bicycle. With winding roads, historic ruins and cosy pubs, the islands are a little slice of Irish heaven. Whether you wish to bask on sandy beaches, sailboard, or just walk the quiet winding byways, the Aran Islands have it all.
Easily done in a day trip, with buses to the ferry port available from Eyre Square. Pop into any of the Aran Island Ferries ticket offices.
Buskers and Street Performers
The centre of Galway City is pedestrianised and the perfect to amble down if you want to experience some of the street performances and buskers. Throughout summer months, the city buzzes and its energy and creativity are evident with so much to see and enjoy.
