Galway: Do, Eat, Sleep

Eat

McCambridge’s of Galway deli and restaurant has been around since 1925 and serves a changing menu of modern Irish cuisine in the bright and airy cafe upstairs. It’s perfect for a spot of brunch. The cosy Martine’s Restaurant and Wine Bar on Quay Street is a family-run affair (open since 1902), renowned for its focus on local produce and delicious desserts (think vanilla ice cream topped with hot espresso).

The aroma wafting out the door is enough to entice anyone into Sheridans Cheesemongers. The deli offers a great selection of local and international cheese. Upstairs in the cosy wine bar, sample from an extensive wine list and the best cheeses from below. Meanwhile, at Kai Cafe + Restaurant, the bright and rustic setting is perfect for a leisurely lunch. The menu is updated daily and includes fresh delights such as west coast crab salad and spicy beef.

Do

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop is a Galway institution. Its open, sprawling rooms are stuffed floor to ceiling with a collection of new, second-hand, discounted and out of print books. Be prepared for hours of browsing, with helpful staff willing to hunt out that obscure title you’re after. For a traditional pub experience, it has to be Tigh Neachtain. Over 120 years old, it’s one of the city’s best-loved pubs. The open fires, cosy snugs and quirky oddities adorning the walls (including several Festival posters) add to its throwback charm.

The perfect day trip comes courtesy of Kylemore Abbey. This 19th-century neo-Gothic castle is run by Benedictine nuns and even has its own tragic love story (we won’t spoil it). The price of admission includes a walk through the extravagant six-acre Victorian walled gardens, set dramatically against the wilderness of Connemara.

Sleep

The Connacht Hotel is a family-friendly affair, offering plenty of facilities and a dedicated kids’ club, while the Rueban’s Restaurant offers up fare such as hay-smoked Irish pork fillet and fresh fish. Nestled in the leafy suburbs of Galway, The Ardilaun Hotel is surrounded by lush gardens. It’s a haven for leisure lovers with a spa bath, sauna, steam room and a range of massages.

Salthill Hotel sits right on the promenade, so you know the views are first class. Pair that with their internationally inspired cuisine and you’ve got a 4* stay. There’s something for those on a budget too - Sleepzone Hostel offer free wi-fi and even a pool table. Galway Tour Company leaves from the hostel every morning for tours with discounted tickets available from Reception.