We simply love Galway. It’s a quaint city with real charm. The people are some of the friendliest in the world. The bars are lively and, even though it’s small in comparison to other cities, there’s plenty to see and do.
Visitors on a day trip to Galway and Ireland, in general, must be prepared for the wet weather when planning their trip! There’s always a chance of a rainy day or two even if you’re visiting during the summer (our apologies but that’s also the reason that we’re so green!)! To make sure you get to make the most of your trip to this beautiful city on the west coast, we’ve compiled a list of the top five things to do in Galway when it rains!
1. Experience a traditional Irish music session
You haven’t experienced Galway until you’ve experienced a traditional Irish music session in one of its many great bars! Irish pubs are always a great place to hide away from the rain and the atmosphere in Galway’s bars is second to none!
• We love Tig Cóilí Pub which you’ll find at the end of Galway’s main shopping street.
• We like Neactains for its music but also its homely vibe and its lovely fireplace beside which you can dry off after getting drenched in the rain.
• Taaffes Bar, located in Galway’s Latin Quarter, is another great option – trad music is played every day there from 5 to 9pm. They also have a delicious food menu which allows you to try a variety of different dishes. If you do happen to pass by in the morning their traditional Irish breakfast is a top recommendation.
• We also like Monroe’s Tavern where a number of famous musicians have played including Christy Moore and Paul Brady. Again great food, friendly staff, live music; we’re starting to see a pattern emerging here among Galway’s pubs…
2. Go on – have a cup of tea!
The Irish are famous for their love of a good cup of tea. Enter any house in all of the country and that will be the first thing on offer. So it’s a great thing to do in Galway as you wait for the rain to pass! We love the ever so homely tea shop An Cupan Tae (Gaelic for – you guessed it – a cup of tea). They have such a great variety of teas and their menu for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner is amazing! For sweet lovers, we highly recommend their Toffee Popcorn Panna Cotta Teacup.
The Secret Garden Galway is also a gem of a cafe. They offer another great selection of teas and to-die-for desserts. If you’re not sure what to order the warm and friendly staff will help you choose something to suit your taste buds!
3. Explore the museums
We’re huge fans of free activities and that’s one of the reasons we couldn’t leave Galway City Museum out of our list! As things to do in Galway go, we love the ones this museum covers medieval to contemporary Galway, check out their interesting artefacts or visit one of their great exhibitions throughout the year. It’s particularly a winner for history buffs!
Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Ring Museum is also a great free museum to visit. Although it may be one of the tiniest museums you ever visit, it’s the perfect place to learn about the history of the Claddagh ring and also buy one for yourself or as a present for a friend. The rings they sell are original, reasonably priced and well made!
4. Visit Galway Atlantaquaria
Galway Atlantaquaria is another great thing to do in Galway while sheltering from the rain for an hour or two! Here you have the opportunity to learn about fish that can be found in Irish waters (makes a change to just eating them!)! The staff are great and eager to share lots of information with you and answer any questions you might have. It’s possible to get involved in activities such as ‘Feeding Time’ which makes it an interactive visit. It’s particularly a great place to have a whale of a time if you’re travelling with a family! Admission fees for adults EUR12, children EUR7, seniors EUR8.50, students EUR9. Family tickets are also available.
5. Visit Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral, which was dedicated in August 1965, is the most recently built of Europe’s great stone cathedrals and is located on the banks of the River Corrib. Its dome and pillars are reminiscent of a Renaissance style and its Christian rose windows and mosaics are simply beautiful. Well worth a visit – especially on a rainy day!
Make the most of your visit to Galway with our two day Galway city and Aran Island tour from Dublin. Book your ticket today.