Fiona’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Grab the Rossaveal ferry to the largest of the Aran islands and an unforgettable day out
81 locals recommend
Inishmore
Grab the Rossaveal ferry to the largest of the Aran islands and an unforgettable day out
Diamond Hill
Family friendly walk with incredible Connemara views
Unique sand-dune lined beach in the heart of Connemara situated along the wild Atlantic way
52 locals recommend
Dog's Bay
Unique sand-dune lined beach in the heart of Connemara situated along the wild Atlantic way
Take a step back in time with a scenic day trip to Connemara's biggest and most famous town
90 locals recommend
Clifden
Take a step back in time with a scenic day trip to Connemara's biggest and most famous town
Blackrock Beach
Salthill Road LowerGreat spot for a swim anytime of the year!
Towering heights and crashing waves, ageless legends and endless flurrying birds: the Cliffs of Moher are a natural masterpiece.
556 locals recommend
Cliffs of Moher
Towering heights and crashing waves, ageless legends and endless flurrying birds: the Cliffs of Moher are a natural masterpiece.
Prepare for the best way to travel to all 3 Aran Islands as you board the Aran Island Ferries vessels from the sheltered fishing harbour of Rossaveel in Connemara, Galway. Check out their website to find the best time to sail: aranislandferries.com
6 locals recommend
Aran Island Ferries Ros a' Mhíl Terminal
R372Prepare for the best way to travel to all 3 Aran Islands as you board the Aran Island Ferries vessels from the sheltered fishing harbour of Rossaveel in Connemara, Galway. Check out their website to find the best time to sail: aranislandferries.com
Along with being the best place in the world to purchase a Claddagh Ring, claddagh Jewellers are part of a family run jewellery manufacturers.
Claddagh Jewellers
25 Mainguard StAlong with being the best place in the world to purchase a Claddagh Ring, claddagh Jewellers are part of a family run jewellery manufacturers.
Historic shop in Galway city centre stocking the West's largest range of crystal and silver giftware, figurines and tableware.
9 locals recommend
Treasure Chest Ltd
31 William StHistoric shop in Galway city centre stocking the West's largest range of crystal and silver giftware, figurines and tableware.
Ireland's premier up-market department store with its Galway branch located in the heart of Galway's city centre.
6 locals recommend
Brown Thomas
1-29 William StreetIreland's premier up-market department store with its Galway branch located in the heart of Galway's city centre.
The Aran Sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the West coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands lie at the mouth of Galway Bay, at the mercy of the relentless Atlantic Sea. The Islanders were fishermen and farmers whose lives and livelihoods were deeply intertwined. The Aran Sweater was born of this environment, passed down from generation to generation, and has since become the ultimate symbol of Irish Clan heritage.
Aran Sweater Market
23 Quay StThe Aran Sweater takes its name from the set of islands where it originated many generations ago, off the West coast of Ireland. The Aran Islands lie at the mouth of Galway Bay, at the mercy of the relentless Atlantic Sea. The Islanders were fishermen and farmers whose lives and livelihoods were deeply intertwined. The Aran Sweater was born of this environment, passed down from generation to generation, and has since become the ultimate symbol of Irish Clan heritage.
Food scene
A local favourite where you can grab a casual lunch while shopping for local artisan foods and crafts........Sheridans cheese mongers & wine bar close by if you're looking for something a little more UP market!
53 locals recommend
Galway Market
7 Lombard StA local favourite where you can grab a casual lunch while shopping for local artisan foods and crafts........Sheridans cheese mongers & wine bar close by if you're looking for something a little more UP market!
Award winning seafood restaurant located right on the pier in idillic Barna
54 locals recommend
O'Gradys on the Pier
Award winning seafood restaurant located right on the pier in idillic Barna
Head to the Twelve hotel gastro bar for an authentic West of Ireland culinary experience in the center of Barna. Its menu provides a casual yet upscale dining experience and its bar boasts local beers & innovative cocktails - what's not to love!
The Pins GastroBar featuring Pizza Dozzina
Head to the Twelve hotel gastro bar for an authentic West of Ireland culinary experience in the center of Barna. Its menu provides a casual yet upscale dining experience and its bar boasts local beers & innovative cocktails - what's not to love!
Situated in the heart of Galway the restaurant and bar overlook the city's historic docklands. Their ethos is focused on creating delicious inventive meals using local seasonal Irish ingredients.
10 locals recommend
Rúibín Bar & Restaurant
1 Dock RdSituated in the heart of Galway the restaurant and bar overlook the city's historic docklands. Their ethos is focused on creating delicious inventive meals using local seasonal Irish ingredients.
Kai is the Maori word for food and in 2011 they opened the door with a simple formula — high-quality produce, preferably organic or wild, sourced locally and cooked intelligently.
123 locals recommend
Kai Restaurant
22 Sea RdKai is the Maori word for food and in 2011 they opened the door with a simple formula — high-quality produce, preferably organic or wild, sourced locally and cooked intelligently.
Local favourite restaurant with a creative menu utilising Galway produce from local farms. Often regarded as the best Brunch in the West!
52 locals recommend
Dela Restaurant
51 Dominick St LowerLocal favourite restaurant with a creative menu utilising Galway produce from local farms. Often regarded as the best Brunch in the West!
Handsome burger has been voted best burger in Ireland & a local favourite.
16 locals recommend
Handsome Burger
49 Dominick St LowerHandsome burger has been voted best burger in Ireland & a local favourite.
One of Galway’s most enduring restaurants, housed in one of the city’s most iconic locations right beside the Spanish arch.
97 locals recommend
Ard Bia at Nimmos
The Long WalkOne of Galway’s most enduring restaurants, housed in one of the city’s most iconic locations right beside the Spanish arch.
Award winning casual Pizza restaurant in Galway city centre named one of the best pizzerias in Europe!
62 locals recommend
The Dough Bros
1 Middle StAward winning casual Pizza restaurant in Galway city centre named one of the best pizzerias in Europe!
Award-winning, family-run seafood restaurant & fish market. Located at Seapoint, Barna Village centre.
Hooked Barna
Award-winning, family-run seafood restaurant & fish market. Located at Seapoint, Barna Village centre.
Local cafe situated in Barna village serving high quality food and coffee in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Ground and Co.
Local cafe situated in Barna village serving high quality food and coffee in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Traditional Irish Pub
Local favourite & great spot to sit outside and soak in the unbeatable atmosphere on quay street while enjoying one of the city's best pints of Guinness!
131 locals recommend
Tigh Neachtain
17 Cross Street UpperLocal favourite & great spot to sit outside and soak in the unbeatable atmosphere on quay street while enjoying one of the city's best pints of Guinness!
Tig Coili
Mainguard StreetTourist favourite with traditional Irish music
Best pint of Guinness and unbeatable atmosphere and location for Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl video!
72 locals recommend
O'Connors Pub
Upper Salthill RoadBest pint of Guinness and unbeatable atmosphere and location for Ed Sheeran's Galway Girl video!
Also featuring in Ed Sheeran's Galway girl, this bustling pub boasts a large themed beer garden with some of the city's best pizza
51 locals recommend
O'Connell's Bar
8 Eyre SquareAlso featuring in Ed Sheeran's Galway girl, this bustling pub boasts a large themed beer garden with some of the city's best pizza
Golf Courses
Lahinch Golf Club
Home to the 2019 Irish Open
Galway's only True Links...Connemara Championship Golf Links, is nestled between the scenic splendour of the 12 Bens mountain range and the rugged wild Atlantic way
28 locals recommend
Connemara Golf Club
Galway's only True Links...Connemara Championship Golf Links, is nestled between the scenic splendour of the 12 Bens mountain range and the rugged wild Atlantic way
Designed by Sir Alister MacKenzie, this course is a local favourite and is nestled along Galway's iconic Salthill promenade
18 locals recommend
Galway Golf Club
BlackrockDesigned by Sir Alister MacKenzie, this course is a local favourite and is nestled along Galway's iconic Salthill promenade
Essentials
SuperValu Barna - Clarke's
Local supermarket in the heat of Barna
Matt O'Flaherty Chemist
Local Pharmacy
Haven Pharmacy - Barna
Local Pharmacy
Traveler advice
Don't miss
Watch the locals busking on shop street!
See the buskers anytime of day and soak up some of Galway's unique busking culture