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Trip Report
Halloween break in Galway City - Bohemian and Vibrant city in Ireland
Galway is a unique city in the west of Ireland full of cobbled and medieval streets, great cafes, restaurants, pubs and it has the beach ! All in all a great city break in Ireland
EuropeIreland3 days / October 2018
Highs & Lows
Pub hopping to experience traditional Irish music, dance, fun and Guiness sampling
Can rain a lot so dress appropriately
Itinerary Overview
Direct Bus from Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport - Or even better hop on a train. Tickets can be bought online and times are frequent to support reasonable travel times. Stay at one of the many top rated city hotels that are within walking distance of all the cities amenities. Flannerys Hotel is 1-2km from the centre and is an enjoyable walk or Jurys Inn at the bottom of shop street will eliminate the walk and will cost slightly extra. A 3/4 night stay is appropriate.
When visiting in October you have to make sure you plan for the Macnas Halloween parade. The largest free event for Halloween brings thousands of people to the street to see the best parade in the country. See https://www.galwaytourism.ie/event/macnas-halloween-parade/
Galway City Break
Charming Irish city filled with bohemia vibes and friendly folk. A great city to pub crawl through and sample all the local beers - Galway hooker being one of the standout breweries. Guinness sampling is a must. The pub hopping will bring you through the main streets and you will see the music, dance, singing of Irish culture to have the "craic" - meaning "fun" in the native language. Pubs such as Taafes, Kings Head, The hole in the wall, O'Connells and Roisin Dubh are a great start. Dont forget the Macnas parade and the try the array of excellent Gastro pubs - Keoghs being a personal favourite.
Salthill City Break
Whilst visiting Galway - take an afternoon strolling along the Salthill promenade. You will get amazing views of the beach and of the city from the coastal walk. Sit on a promenade bench with a hot drink and small bite from one of the many bakeries such as Urban Grind ! It has an aquarium and you will see many people enjoy the fresh costal air and roller blading along the new pathways.
Cliffs of Moher City break
This day trip wont disappoint ! County Clare is Galway's neighbour and they share stunning scenery of Irelands rugged coastline. You can book with a tour operator that will take you by bus (https://www.paddywagontours.com/). It is a short bus ride away 1.5 hrs approximately. Along the way you will see the Irish countryside with its Stoney walls and thatched cottages. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most visited attractions in Ireland and an outstanding coastal feature of Ireland. Where Rocks meet the wild Atlantic is raw beauty and nature and you can just appreciate the wonder of the world from the cliff point. Be careful stay behind the guidelines, people have fallen off :(
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Pack a Rain Jacket ! - and I would book my accommodation more in advance and things book fast around this time (Halloween City Break)Anything go wrong during the trip?
More Rain than usual so again Rain jacket !Restaurant recommendations?
https://www.kairestaurant.ie/Tips you would give a friend?
Rain Jacket !Packing tips?
Rain Gear and quick drying clothes. One warm jacket/jumper Ireland is on the edge of western Europe - you need to keep warm.Transportation Tips?
Book tickets online - they are usually a little cheaper and there is less risk of the being sold out while trying to pay on the busAny surprises?
How much you will like the Guinness and the friendly pub atmosphere where anyone and everyone is a friend no matter age /race/gender.Booking details?
Use Booking.com and Ryan Air to book accommodation and flights. If you want to book a train use : https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
Lodging
Flannerys Hotel : Good value for money with pub and restaurant onsite. City centre is a bus ride right outside the hotel or a medium walk.