The cultural hub in the west of Ireland is just waiting to be explored. Here are ten arguments for picking Galway over Dublin.
Choosing your next city break in Ireland almost invariably leads to you picking Dublin, the nation’s capital. And it is easy to see why: Dublin is a metropolis with teeming history, culture, bars, sports, and activities to take part in.
Dublin is Dublin; it truly is a superb spot to see. But it isn’t the only great city to visit across the Emerald Isle. Galway rests on the west coast of Ireland and is loaded with cultural and community gems.
If you are looking elsewhere and maybe want to expand your Irish horizon, here are ten arguments for picking Galway over Dublin.
10. Close to Connemara National Park – perfect day trip from Galway
Connemara National Park, one of Ireland’s top attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way, is only an 80-minute drive from Galway. This is the perfect day trip if you have an extended stay in Galway and want to see the rest of the county.
Connemara is home to 2,000 hectares of bogs, grasslands, woodlands, and mountains, and is a great break from the city scene.
9. Less touristy – a less crowded city break
Dublin, being Ireland’s capital and hub, will always attract more tourists than Galway. Galway will be less crowded as a result, and this factor is often a big draw for people when weighing up which destination should be their next city break.
8. Galway International Arts Festival – a summertime factor in choosing Galway
One of the top arguments for picking Galway over Dublin, especially in the summer, is the Galway International Arts Festival. It is held every July in the city.
The festival brings to Galway a litany of music and comedy acts, visual art, dance, theatre, and literary events from across the globe. It is a fantastic experience.
7. Historic sites – a different experience to Dublin
As the site of such monumental events as the Easter Rising, Dublin is, of course, synonymous with Irish history. But Galway itself has its own unique history to tell, and it’s a story you should hear and see.
Some of the best spots to experience this would include the Galway Cathedral, Galway City Museum, and the iconic Spanish Arch.
6. The atmosphere – a homely city experience
Galway is smaller and, therefore, more homely and comforting than the expansive Dublin. This creates a beautiful atmosphere throughout the city, embodied in its cobblestone streets, buskers, historic sites, and hospitality.
5. Gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way – exploring the beauty of western Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way spans 2,600 km (1,600 mi) along the west coast of Ireland. The advantageously positioned Galway is the perfect gateway to explore this.
Destinations along this route and within driving distance from Galway include the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Downpatrick Head, and the Burren.
4. A very walkable city centre – cobblestone streets to wander
Next on our list of arguments for picking Galway over Dublin is that Galway city centre is very walkable and easily navigated. Galway only covers 57.4 square km (22.2 square mi), compared to Dublin’s 117.8 square km (45.5 square mi).
Galway is more compact, lined with beautiful cobblestone streets for you to wander and sweep up much of what the city has to offer by foot.
3. Eyre Square – a gem in the heart of the city
Rooted right in the heart of Galway is Eyre Square, officially known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. The history of the site dates as far back as 1710.
Eyre Square is where the city comes to greet itself. Seasonal markets come and go, Christmas is a sight to behold here, and hotels and restaurants surround it from the flanks.
2. Access to Galway Bay and Salthill – the Atlantic experience
You don’t have to go as far as the Cliffs of Moher to experience the Atlantic Ocean from Galway, which is another of the key arguments for picking Galway over Dublin.
Galway Bay envelopes the city, providing views of the Atlantic, while Salthill is only four minutes up the road.
1. The Galway pubs and bars – the hub of traditional Irish bars
We know how good the Dublin pub and bar scene is. But what Galway has to offer is something extraordinary when it comes to Irish bars and live traditional music.
The Latin Quarter and Quay Street are awash with absolute gems, such as Tigh Choili, Taaffes Bar, and Tigh Neachtain. And there are so many more options to choose from across the city.
