For those who haven't read my other posts, my sister, daughters (ages 9 and 7) and I are heading to Ireland in a few weeks (August 19 - 29) for a family wedding spending the first half in the Midlands area (Westmeath) and the second half in Kerry. While in Westmeath, I was thinking we would take a day trip to Galway. I've done a ton of reading and was thinking of starting at the aquarium, exploring the Salthill Promenade a bit and then heading into town for a bit of walking / exploring / shopping. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I did consider adding a visit to the Cliffs of Mohr (looks amazing) or Connemarra, but I'm not sure I want to add another hour drive on top of the trip. I was thinking if the weather was good and we felt we were finished in Galway early we could add that on at the last minute and/or plan it the day before. Any thoughts?
Posted by
15 posts
I hate to admit it but our least favorite city was Galway. If we go back to Ireland we would skip it completely. We did go when it was the arts festival and the next week was the horse races, so the crowds were huge. Thousands of people crammed into small narrow streets. Felt like Bourbon Street New Orleans, than Ireland.
It took us over an hour to drive 2.1 miles due to the traffic and crowds. I would really reconsider the possibility of going to the Cliffs or going take a mild hike in the Connemarra national park. Those two spots were our most memorable things on our whole trip.
The people of Galway are lovely and its a nice spot, but for me it felt like a huge tourist trap.
Posted by
Alexandria, VA, USA
127 posts
I'd second the idea that Galway is expendable on the itinerary unless used for logistics to get to the Cliffs of Mohr or other sights.
Posted by
12 posts
Galway tours runs an all day tour to the Cliffs of Moher and the Inishorr that is amazing. It starts from Galway. I think that you would love it, if it is a nice day.
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
932 posts
I had quite a different impression of Galway, it was my favourite town. It was easy to get day trips to see the surrounding area, I heard (and bought) some very good traditional music in Galway, and my best shopping experience was in Galway (crystal, music, Belik, other crafts). Having said that, I don't think I would go to Galway just to see the town or shop, I would go to see what's nearby such as the Cliffs of Moher, or the Connemara area. If it were me I would most likely visit the cliffs and even the Burren. You can see aquariums, and shop in lots of other places, but you won't see things like the Cliffs of Moher or the Burren any where else.
Posted by
Tempe, AZ, USA
1266 posts
I would also recommend a tour from Galway Tour Company.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
I also skipped Galway after my first visit, but as evident above, everyone's experience and expectations are different.
I would choose the Burren over the cliffs, or if you want to do the cliffs, maybe consider doing them by boat. There are wonderful flowers in the Burren, if you get out and explore. There are also neolithic sites. And I really enjoyed a visit to the Burren Perfumery, if that might interest you; also, the perfume I got is a wonderful reminder.
One other option between Westmeath and Galway is the monastic site of Clonmacnoise. It's one of my favorite places in Ireland--beautiful and quiet with extensive remains. It's more remote than a site like Glendalough and therefore easier to enjoy (in my opinion).