Photos by © Brandon Elijah Scott / Eye & Pen
Ireland recently opened its green gates to host its first ever City of Culture event in Limerick city, and just a further one hour 20 minute jaunt along the west coast, is the “city of the tribes” that is Galway. One of the largest cities in Ireland, Galway is an area that continues to offer lots of entertainments for guests throughout the year. Ireland is on many a wide eyed travelers list of places to visit, but it seems recently (through huge events like The Gathering); Ireland has stepped up a notch. With so much going on up and down the country, Galway is shining bright and has plenty for visitors to see and do this year. Below we take a look at 4 reasons to visit Galway in 2014.
Enjoy the great local food
Galway is a celebrated food and drink haven and from the 17th – 21st of April 2014, you can experience this first hand as Galway hosts it’s the 3rd annual Galway food festival. Baking demonstrations, open air food stalls (promoting local produce), craft beers and wine tasting, food trains, food talks and lots of amazing family friendly events make this festival a must see for everyone. If you’re curious to know the scale of the event, last year over 50 restaurants, food producers and outlets proudly participated and as a result, more than 70 different food demonstrations and talks were held both in the city and across the county.
Visit a traditional pub
If it’s a drink or two you’re after, Galway is renowned for its welcoming pubs, traditional music and warm, hospitable atmosphere. The city is lined with plenty of traditional Irish pubs that boast great historical and cultural significance to the city; many are traditional Irish speaking pubs. Monroe’s Tavern and An Pucan feature traditional Irish music every night and also have Irish set dancing on various nights, with locals and visitors alike choosing this pub for an evening drink. If you’re seeking accommodation close to the heart of Galway city centre, there is something to suit every budget, whether you’re a backpacker looking a bargain, or you’re travelling with the family and looking for something more upmarket; Galway has it all.
Arts Festival
Make the most of early bird deals and book for summer 2014 and enjoy one of Ireland’s premier arts festivals; the Galway Art’s Festival. This event draws crowds from all over the world, and with the recent headliner announced as Brooklyn based band The National, we’re sure this year will be as successful as ever. Previous artists include David Gray, Walker Evans and Blondie; to name but a few. Josh Ritter, Glen Hansard and Imelda May are amongst other confirmed performers. Father Ted star Ardal O Hanlon is also at the festival, presenting his latest stand up comedy. If you’re planning a trip to Galway, this is a festival not to be missed.
Discover the Shannon
At 240 miles long, the River Shannon is the longest in Ireland and it brings with it a wealth of nature, wildlife and action packed things to do and see. Top favorite pick the thrill seekers among you is Zipit forest adventure, Ireland’s first aerial trial activity course! History comes to life in the area of the Shannon, and one area to include on your list of places to visit is Portumna Castle; a great semi fortified house built before 1618 that is situated in middle of Shannon. Another must see attraction is Portumna Workhouse which is located in lower Shannon. This workhouse tells the story of a real workhouse and is the only centre in Ireland dedicated to telling the story of the Irish workhouse.
As a city, Galway has it all; entertainment, culture, history and lots of great things happening for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend break or a city break with lost to see and do, Galway offers something for us all. Other things happening in Galway in 2014 to keep an eye on include the Galway Races Festival, the Galway Sea Festival and the Galway International Oyster Festival. Make 2014 the year you see Galway, you won’t regret it!
Galway is a celebrated food and drink haven and from the 17th – 21st of April 2014, you can experience this first hand as Galway hosts it’s the 3rd annual Galway food festival. Baking demonstrations, open air food stalls (promoting local produce), craft beers and wine tasting, food trains, food talks and lots of amazing family friendly events make this festival a must see for everyone. If you’re curious to know the scale of the event, last year over 50 restaurants, food producers and outlets proudly participated and as a result, more than 70 different food demonstrations and talks were held both in the city and across the county.
Visit a traditional pub
If it’s a drink or two you’re after, Galway is renowned for its welcoming pubs, traditional music and warm, hospitable atmosphere. The city is lined with plenty of traditional Irish pubs that boast great historical and cultural significance to the city; many are traditional Irish speaking pubs. Monroe’s Tavern and An Pucan feature traditional Irish music every night and also have Irish set dancing on various nights, with locals and visitors alike choosing this pub for an evening drink. If you’re seeking accommodation close to the heart of Galway city centre, there is something to suit every budget, whether you’re a backpacker looking a bargain, or you’re travelling with the family and looking for something more upmarket; Galway has it all.
Arts Festival
Make the most of early bird deals and book for summer 2014 and enjoy one of Ireland’s premier arts festivals; the Galway Art’s Festival. This event draws crowds from all over the world, and with the recent headliner announced as Brooklyn based band The National, we’re sure this year will be as successful as ever. Previous artists include David Gray, Walker Evans and Blondie; to name but a few. Josh Ritter, Glen Hansard and Imelda May are amongst other confirmed performers. Father Ted star Ardal O Hanlon is also at the festival, presenting his latest stand up comedy. If you’re planning a trip to Galway, this is a festival not to be missed.
Discover the Shannon
At 240 miles long, the River Shannon is the longest in Ireland and it brings with it a wealth of nature, wildlife and action packed things to do and see. Top favorite pick the thrill seekers among you is Zipit forest adventure, Ireland’s first aerial trial activity course! History comes to life in the area of the Shannon, and one area to include on your list of places to visit is Portumna Castle; a great semi fortified house built before 1618 that is situated in middle of Shannon. Another must see attraction is Portumna Workhouse which is located in lower Shannon. This workhouse tells the story of a real workhouse and is the only centre in Ireland dedicated to telling the story of the Irish workhouse.
As a city, Galway has it all; entertainment, culture, history and lots of great things happening for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet weekend break or a city break with lost to see and do, Galway offers something for us all. Other things happening in Galway in 2014 to keep an eye on include the Galway Races Festival, the Galway Sea Festival and the Galway International Oyster Festival. Make 2014 the year you see Galway, you won’t regret it!
(This post was written by Nial Toner)
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