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- Destinations
- Europe
- Ireland
- Galway
Galway
Capital of the west, Galway is one of the fastest growing cities
in Europe, which began as a small fishing village on the River
Corrib.
With its narrow streets full of vibrant pubs and old stone shop
fronts, Galway is an exceptionally enjoyable, free-spirited place
to spend a few days, especially if they coincide with one of the
cultural festivals held during various months of the year. Galway
is a very arts-oriented city, and there are many event and
festivals, including the February Jazz Festival, the Easter
Festival of Literature and the July Arts Festival, when the streets
are alive with music and dancing and the town feasts on Guinness
and oysters.
The town centre has many attractions, including the bustling
Spanish Parade, Eyre Square and the nearby medieval quarter as well
as the infamous Lynch's Castle. There are many picturesque churches
and buildings, particularly along St Patrick's Street, a
pedestrianised thoroughfare also known for its shopping.
Galway's famous bay is also a popular destination for boats with
its sailing races. Situated on the periphery of the Gaeltacht
(Irish-speaking area), Galway is an important tourist centre and
makes a good base from which to explore the magnificent scenery of
surrounding areas like the beautiful Connemara and Aran Islands. To
the East lies picturesque, rolling farmland.
Information & Facts
Climate
Like the rest of Ireland, Galway experiences year-round mild,
wet and temperate weather with changeable temperatures due to the
prevailing Gulf Stream. Extremes in temperatures are rare and
rainfall is plentiful and hail, sleet and even snow can make for
very cold winters. Galway's consistent humidity can lead to heavy
showers, and even thunderstorms occurring in late summer. Average
daytime temperatures in Galway during summer reach around 61F (16C)
while during the winter months, the temperature drops to around 41F
(7C).
Language
English, Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some Western
areas.
Money
The unit of currency is the Euro (EUR). Currency can be
exchanged at banks and bureaux de change and ATMs are widely
available. Credit and debit cards, as well as travellers cheques,
are widely accepted.
Night Life
The nightlife in Galway is renown, offering a vast selection of
pubs, bars and nightclubs to choose from. The legal drinking age is
18 and most nightclubs open at 11pm, closing round 2.30am. There is
usually a cover charge of EUR5 to EUR12 at the door but
free/reduced admission stamps are often handed out on Shop Street.
There are great traditional music sessions held at the Crane Bar on
Sea Road, Taaffes and Tigh Chóilí on Shop Street, and Western Bar
near Eyre Square. The smaller country pubs just out of town are
also very popular and a great way to experience true Irish culture.
A few trendy bars stay open till the early hours, including the
Front Door on the corner of High and Cross streets, the Living Room
on Bridge Street and the Quays (which also has a club with live
music) on Quay Street. Other good clubs are Central Park, Halo and
Karma. Cuba, on Eyre Square, is another great night spot.
Time
GMT (GMT +1 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday
before the last Sunday in October).