Did you know that Galway is known as the cultural heart of Ireland? It also happens to be the place that Overland calls home! It’s fair to say that we know this incredible city inside out, which is good news for anyone joining our small-group tours of Ireland!
One of our most popular tours is our Spectacular South and West Tour of Ireland, which ends in Galway. And because it wraps up in such a charming, vibrant destination, many of our guests stay a few extra days to explore this wonderful City of Tribes.
With this in mind, we decided to create the ultimate guide to spending 48 hours in Galway! Scroll down to find out more.
Exploring Galway City is Easy!
Galway is a very small, walkable city. Actually, by the standards of some countries, it would not even qualify as a city. But this is a typical story where quality goes above quantity, as there is plenty to explore during and after your Overland Ireland tour.
Galway was once a walled city, and no matter where you were, you could walk from one side to the other within 10 minutes. The current outline of the city has not changed that much, so you can explore pretty much everything on foot. There are a number of companies that provide excellent walking tours of Galway, including the “Welcome to Galway” walking tour, which features on our Ultimate Ireland 10-day Tour Package.
As you explore the streets and waterways of Ireland’s cultural heart, you’ll discover some interesting facts and fables from your informative guide. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore and discover some of Galway City’s hidden gems. If you want to book this tour during your time here, please just get in touch and we will arrange everything for you.
Where to Eat in Galway
When you are in such a bohemian city, you understandably expect great food! During your tour of Ireland, your guide always provides you with the best places for some excellent dining. Galway has plenty of amazing eateries which cater to all tastes and budgets.
Seafood in Galway
We would really recommend Kirwan’s Lane. This great eatery has some of the freshest seafood in Ireland. Their oysters are tasty, the lobster is delicious, and if you don’t like fish, they have great steaks as well. The wine list includes some classic pours, and the staff are super nice and always happy to offer some fantastic recommendations.
This restaurant would be on the higher side of most budgets. If you want some great seafood on a budget, McDonagh’s fish and chips shop would be your best bet as they serve up some of the best fish in chips in Ireland. But you can also order oysters, calamari, and other less traditional choices.
Meat Dishes in Galway
During each of our Ireland tours, you will see the most amazing green fields. And you would be right to assume these would produce some excellent beef! Ireland produces some of the best Angus steaks in the world, and of course, there is no better place to enjoy them than in the county where the cattle are raised.
The first place we would recommend is actually a French restaurant called Rouge. They have a very simple menu, and their steaks are definitely the star of the show.
Before we move on to more international fare, let us recommend reading our Gastronomic Guide to Ireland when you have finished here. It’s a more in-depth introduction to the kind of food you can expect here on the Emerald Isle.
International Cuisine in Galway
After all the Guinness stews and traditional fish dishes, many of our guests love to see what international cuisine Galway has on offer. One of our favorite picks is RÉ NAO, a Chinese restaurant in the heart of the city. They use the finest locally sourced produce to lovingly recreate delicious Chinese dishes that have withstood the test of time.
Another great little Asian place is Lana in Salthill. You can get take-out or take a seat inside. Their duck salad is incredible and great value for money. If you are on a budget and fancy some Mexican food, Boojum makes great tacos and really filling burritos, and you can wash your meal down with a Corona.
How to Spend a Night Out in Galway
Every night in Galway is like a Friday night. You will find traditional Irish music in many of the bars Galway has on offer. Looking for some local tips? You can catch those toe-tapping Irish tunes at An Púcán, Crane Bar, Taaffes Bar, Tig Cóilí, and many other pubs around the town.
If you want to make it a wild night out, Galway has some excellent late-night bars, too. Just some of the places worth your consideration include The Front Door, The Roisin Dubh, Massimo, or Electric.
The good news is that plenty of Galway’s establishments feature in our list of the 50 best pubs in Ireland, so be sure to use it for inspiration!
Outdoor Activities in Galway
If you want to stay active during your time in Galway, we would definitely take a kitesurfing lesson with Galway`s original and best kitesurf school, Elements Kitesurfing. These guys will take you out kitesurfing for three hours per session, and you will have an unforgettable time! All the equipment is included and you get a premium wetsuit to keep you warm.
If kitesurfing is too extreme, but you want to explore Galway Bay, stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore the area. Rusheen Bay Watersports has all the latest gear and qualified instructors any group could need. They will take you on an exciting excursion around the bay, so be ready to see all kinds of sea life under your board!
Museums and Shopping in Galway
If you want to take it easy, we would highly recommend the Galway City Museum. It’s free to enter, and there is so much to discover. During your small-group tour of Ireland with Overland, you will learn plenty about the history of our country, but within this museum, there are some great exhibits about the 1916 Rising. You can also discover a Galway Hooker, which is a traditional Galway sailing boat.
Another favorite among our guests is shopping. Bring something back for the people at home or buy yourself a little souvenir. Galway has some excellent shopping streets with traditional Aran sweaters, Claddagh Rings, and all kinds of other wonderful relics. We wrote another blog about gift ideas on our Ireland tours, so be sure to check it out.
Looking for more local tips and insights before you arrive? We think you’ll love our ultimate list of things to do in Galway!
Experience Galway on Our Small-Group Ireland Tours!
So, now you know how to spend 48 hours in Galway, let’s start planning your Irish adventure. Browse our range of small-group Ireland tours and find the perfect fit for you. And if you have any questions for the Ovelrand team, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
