Stay:

The Hardiman Hotel – Eyre Square

Located right in the heart of the vibrant city centre, The Hardiman Hotel offers understated luxury within walking distance to Galway’s finest bars, restaurants, shops and sights.

Breakfast/Brunch:

Ard Bia – Spanish Arch

My go-to order is the Buttermilk & Orange pancakes, but for those who favour a savoury dish, you can’t go wrong with Shakshuka or Pork Belly! Artisan brunching at its finest.

*pop into the Galway City Museum right beside it afterwards to get up close to the famous Galway Hooker boats and to learn more about Galway’s history and heritage.

Lunch:

Blackrock Cottage – Salthill

With breath-taking views of Galway Bay and an extensive, creative menu. This café and restaurant has been growing in popularity and prestige ever since opening its doors in late 2022. You’ll enjoy it even more after a seaside prom walk – don’t forget to kick the wall!

Dinner:

O’Grady’s on the Pier – Barna

Tasting the fresh Atlantic seafood from Galway Bay is imperative, and this idyllic seafood restaurant by the sea is one of the best places to do so!

Drinks:

The Universal – The Westend

I’m a big Margarita fan and one of the best Spicy Margs I’ve ever had was in The Universal in The Westend. A cosy bar that offers drinks and small plates. The perfect date night option or cocktails with the gals!

Pub:

O’ Connors Famous Pub – Salthill

Live music, creamy pints of Guinness, cosy open fires and the most iconic trad pub interior, O’ Connors is not one to miss. You may recognise this pub from Ed Sheeran’s “Galway Girl” music video.

Wellness:

A sea swim

(or jump for the brave) at Blackrock Diving Tower, Salthill, before or after your Yoga Mara yoga class at the Old Driving Range;)

Atmosphere:

Connacht Rugby game – Dexcom Stadium.

Hail, rain or shine, the Connacht fans turn up and support their boys in green and the atmosphere of home games is always electric. Be a part of the magic.

Stay:

The Twelve Hotel – Barna

Located in the heart of the charming seaside village of Barna and just minutes from the city centre. This hotel is where luxury and style meet and is on the doorstep to stunning Connemara.

Breakfast/Brunch:

Alainn @ Blackrock Cottage – Salthill

Alainn at Blackrock Cottage for their delicious acai bowls after a lovely walk on the prom in Salthill.

Lunch:

Kai – Sea Road

My favourite feature of this restaurant is that they are constantly changing their menus and every dish is bursting with flavours that always leaves you wanting more! Their sweet treats are also mouth-watering!

Dinner:

Ruibín – The Docks

The setting of this restaurant alone is stunning as you dine by the water looking out onto the beautiful boats. This is my favourite place to go for dinner in Galway. The food is of such high quality and my favourite would have to be the dumplings and their artichoke dish.

Drinks:

Bierhaus – Westend

I love a good spicy marg and this place knows how to make them! The atmosphere is so good that it makes it very hard to leave. This is a great spot to meet with your mates, their long tables offer a very cosy set up for drinks and chats.

Wellness:

Galway has so many beautiful walking trails and hikes that you can enjoy. Some of my favourite places to walk my dog (apart from the obvious Salthill promenade) are along Dangan river which can take you all the way to town, through the woodlands in Rusheen and Barna and down to the wild Atlantic spray in Silverstrand Beach.

Atmosphere:

International Arts Festival, Galway

Galway during the Arts festival is one of my favourite times of the year. Everywhere in town is full of life and energy and Quay street is always buzzing with people. If the weather is nice, it feels extra special.