4 Galway County Getaways: For A Perfect Summer Staycation

Regardless of where you’re from, it is safe to say that it’s been a long winter. Spring has brought some joy, but with summer just around the corner, everyone is ready to leave the house, town, and city and go somewhere. The last year and a half has been one of the most challenging times. This summer, you deserve a getaway.

The level 5 COVID-19 restrictions have been in effect in Ireland since late December 2020. With the administration of vaccines and cases in decline, Ireland is opening for inner county travel on 7 June. Therefore, it is time to book some trips! 

So, where are you going? Where do you start planning your trip? Well, that’s what we’re here for. No matter where you’re based in Galway County, there is a seaside town with adventure and stunning views welcoming you. 

Galway City

Galway City is one of the most cultural places in the world. It has art, music, excellent pubs, wonderful people, and good culture. Known as the epicentre of Galway County, the city is a great place to experience a true Irish town. 

Galway City is esteemed for its history and rich culture. It is also known as “The City of Tribes” because Richard II gave 14 families across Galway, each a claim to the city. These 14 families can be remembered by the roundabout names in Galway or the tribe city flags that fly in Eyre Square. 

Speaking of Eyre Square, more officially known as John F. Kennedy Park, this spot is jam-packed with a history dating back to medieval times. Through the years, Eyre Square has been a meeting point, a place to lay in the sunshine, or the start of the action that the Galway streets have to hold. To understand Galway and its history, consider meeting with a tour guide to get the entire Galway history, or grab a sandwich from McCambridge’s and a blanket to picnic on the grass. Eyre Square is a great way to start your weekend in Galway. 

Something that is not to miss in Galway is the Saturday market. Filled with trinkets, freshly baked goods and produce, it’s also packed with some of the best food trucks Galway County offers – it is a must-do. Meander down the side streets of Galway and follow the aroma of vegetarian curry, the flavours of falafels, and the soft songbird voice of the “doughnut man”. The market is a perfect morning activity. Grab a burger, bag of doughnuts, or freshly made bagels and head down to the Spanish Arch. Watch the Corrib River flow into the bay, hear the seagulls in the distance, and smell the fresh sea air. Quiet and peaceful in the mornings and lively with patrons in the afternoon, the Spanish Arch is one of Galway’s prized possessions. 

Galway has so many attractions to offer, you can’t possibly get bored here. However, the best part of Galway may be hidden behind doors – pub doors, that is. While we haven’t been given a specific date on when we’ll be allowed inside again, pubs are setting up for outdoor seating, which will come into effect on 7 June. Galway has nothing but selection as pubs and restaurants open for outdoor seating. Galway County is home to around 475 pubs, and a majority of these pubs can be found in Galway City. 

Some of the best pubs are Tig Coili’s on Shop Street, where traditional Irish music played in pre-COVID times. Today, they serve takeaway cocktails, pints, and massive hot dogs. Best of all, they have outdoor seating on the busiest pedestrian street in Galway. 

If you prefer a Biergarten, the best, in our personal opinion, is An Púcán. The Biergarten is colourful, covered in different plants and provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. You’re bound to find some good people, good food, and good drinks at An Púcán. 

Galway is a bustling city, especially when it is warm. It’s the perfect place to escape for a weekend. Galway City has you covered where shopping meets the quiet bay to the best place for a pint.

Kinvara

Located on the south shores of Galway Bay, Kinvara is a beautifully set seaside town with history, a castle, and some of the coolest boats you’ve ever seen. Kinvara is great for a day trip or staying in the evening and experiencing some of the best sunsets, medieval-themed feasts, or fresh seafood. 

Kinvara is home to the Dunguaire Castle, which has been passed through more owners than one could count but has remained intact and a main attraction for tourists. The coolest part of this castle, though, is the summertime dinners. They are modelled after a tale of the High King of Connacht’s feast with his warriors, where the food flew from their plates. The castle now hosts nightly dinners with servers dressed in costume. Guests can be transported back to feast and party like the past royalty. This is a unique adventure you have to have for the books. 

However, there is still lots more to do in Kinvara besides feasts and castles. On Saturday morning, you can walk along Kinvara Bay’s trails or peruse through the Farmer’s market. In the evening, visit the ‘The Pier Head’ for fresh seafood, including garlic-buttered lobsters and oysters. Sit outside with views of the bay and the summer sun beating down. 

You can also stop for an outdoor pint at Keogh’s pub or enjoy it on the bay’s shores. Kinvara is a quaint Irish town, but with much to do and see, it is a beautiful place to visit for the day in Galway County. 

Clifden 

Nestled in Connemara National Park, near the northwest of Galway County, Clifden is action-packed and an excellent summer escape. It has it all: great hiking spots, beaches, gorgeous scenery, fantastic food, and, most importantly, fun for everyone. 

Clifden has so many things to do that narrowing down all the possibilities is challenging. From renting bikes to horseback riding to the spa or just relaxing on the beach – there is something for everyone. One of the more unique experiences is going fishing and angling on a guided tour. How about building your raft at the Delphi Adventure Resort? There are endless attractions. Plan a full day of fun, whether adventure, sports, or sunning yourself on the beach. 

Whatever the attraction, make sure also to make time for some of Clifden’s beaches and, of course, Sky Road. Best travelled by car, Sky Road takes the driver to the Connemara mountains and overlooks Clifden Bay. You can see straight into the deep Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. 

Not only does Clifden have unbelievable views and crazy adventures, but it is also home to great restaurants and pubs. At the end of your busy day viewing Clifden and the surrounding area, there are plenty of outdoor places in this Galway County favourite to enjoy a few drinks and great food. 

Like Kinvara in Galway County, Clifden also has excellent seafood spots. Try E.J. Kings, as their seafood chowder is regarded as the best in Galway or maybe even the whole of Ireland, depending on who you ask. Not only do they have delicious chowder, but they also have an array of seafood specials, all reasonably priced and paired perfectly with a local brew. 

Seafood isn’t everyone’s favourite, and there is the Carriage restaurant. Focused on locally sourced food, this restaurant provides an intimate dining experience catered to all Irish favourites. 

Fill your belly and finish the night with pints at one of Clifden’s many pubs. Most of these sports include biergarten or outdoor seating, grabbing a drink, and chatting with locals and tourists about the beauty of Clifden in Galway County. 

Clifden is the ideal getaway for anyone. It provides a bit of everything while surrounding you with the idyllic Irish west coast. 

Roundstone

Along the sea, on the way to Clifden, is the small village of Roundstone. Quiet and calm, it is often missed by tourists. This is a shame because while this town may not be as exciting or adventure-driven as Clifden, this Galway County village is a beautiful spot to spend the day. 

What better way to start a day away than with a round of golf? Roundstone is just a short distance from the Connemara Championship Golf Links. Located just before Roundstone in Ballyconneely, this stunning golf course follows the coastline. Equipped with a bar and restaurant, this is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Connemara before heading into Roundstone for lunch. 

O’Dowd’s is one of Roundstone’s best spots and most rewarding restaurants. Known for the views from the restaurant and its delicious seafood, O’Dowd’s is a great little place for lunch. 

Before you head home, walk around Roundstone and visit the local businesses. Roundstone Village is a hideaway in Galway County that you won’t want to miss out on. 

With the restrictions lifting this summer, think of a trip to one of these magnificent Galway towns. Whether for adventure, relaxation, or just an escape from the lockdown, these Galway County towns will give you all you need and more.