Things to do in Galway. . .
By the time you graduate you’ll have gotten used to the game of ‘Spot the American’ on campus. It’s true that Galway City and the surrounding region is one of Ireland’s tourism gems, and it’s no mystery why tourists and exchange students flock to the City of the Tribes.
I took a stroll down the old Long Walk. . .
In the city itself you find a medieval city centre brimming with music and cafés and buskers and an energy that captures you once you arrive. You’ll find plenty of nice places to have a quiet walk, a picnic or kickaround, from the Spanish Arch to Eyre Square, to South Park on the bay, to the Salthill Promenade (by the way, the tradition is to kick the stone wall at the far end of the Prom when you’re out walking off the previous night’s excesses). You can have the hours pass by as you sip on a coffee while watching the world on Shop Street.
And I lost my heart to a Galway Girl. . .
Galway is a young and vibrant city, with 20,000 students living amongst an overall population of some 75,000. Needless to say, the nightlife is second to none, and we in the SU are sure that you’ll find your way around the various pubs, clubs, cinemas and theatres in your own time! As well as the usual nightlife, Galway is Ireland’s number one spot for festivals. From the Galway Races, the Arts Festival, the Film Fleadh, and the recent addition of the Volvo Ocean Race, you’ve picked a busy and funfilled place to come to college.
Wild Wild West
Connemara and the Aran Islands are only a short journey from the city by road and boat respectively. With rugged mountains to climb, sandy beaches to stroll, and clear-blue seas to swim, the West of Ireland is at your doorstep and begging to be explored by you students. So get involved! Get a few mates together and go discover what’s on offer in and around the city.
The SU officers’ top picks for new arrivals to Galway. . .
» Head to the Aran Islands on a class trip (get the class rep to organise it!)
» Jump off the diving tower at Blackrock in Salthill
» Go surfing in Lahinch (like in that ad for Denny’s)
» Climb Croagh Patrick, just up the road in Mayo
» Visit the city museum at the Spanish Arch
» Bond with your fellow Galwegians in the soft lights of a takeaway at 3am
» Let yourself go at the Galway Races (held in July and October)
» Listen to a trad music sessions in the Crane Bar on Sea Road, or Taaffe’s, Tigh Céoilí or Neachtáin’s around Shop Street.
» Get a Claddagh ring for that special someone
» Get sick of hearing the song Galway Girl