48 hours in Galway

Russell Shortt

Weathered mountains, sheep studded hills, bogs and remote villages; all jaggedly sewn together by stonewalls and pounded by the mighty Atlantic forms the spellbinding beauty of Galway. Carved out of this tremendous landscape is legendary Galway City itself. Bohemian, funky and laid-back – revellers drink, sing and dance themselves around the curved, cobblestone lanes of this city steeped in history.

Galway is special, simple as that. Amidst a pulsating knot of winding, cobbled streets a carnival atmosphere is created every day. Enchanting street performers spout poetry, juggle fire and beat bodhráns while the sound of fiddles, bagpipes and harps spill from the open doors of its medieval taverns. Galway is an ideal city for seeing on foot, it is small and compact with pedestrianised thoroughfares and walkways weaving through the centre of town. Wander around the tangle of cobblestone streets window-shopping, stopping for snacks and the odd pint of Guinness, before following the riverbank footpath trickling along the thundering River Corrib. Visit Spanish Parade, Salmon Weir Bridge and Galway Cathedral. Whittle away the afternoon wandering around Galway City Musuem, the Kenny Gallery and Nora Barnacle House. Hit the town that evening and sample half a dozen (or so!) of Galway's finest taverns, pausing along the way to marvel at the fantastic street acts performing marvels. Kick start the following day with a walk along the Salthill promenade, before catching mass and an organ recital in St. Nicholas‘. Grab a tasty lunch in one of the many colourful cafes dotted along Shop St. and watch the world pass by. Poke your head into a pub or two to listen to the best of Irish traditional music before dragging your way to one of Galway's fine theatres to enthrall your senses.

Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source: http://www.exploringireland.net

Article submitted Friday, October 10, 2008
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