A Local’s Guide to Staying in Galway: Galway’s Hidden Gems
Galway is more than just the Spanish Arch and Shop Street. While the city bursts with well-known attractions, the real magic lies in the tucked-away cafés, intimate music venues, coastal hideaways, and historic corners that locals quietly cherish. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer stay, this insider’s guide reveals the best hidden gems in Galway – the ones you won’t always find on the first page of a travel brochure.
1. Jazz Night at Queen Street – Galway’s Soulful Side
When the sun sets and the streets quiet, locals in the know head to Jazz Night at Queen Street. This intimate music spot combines smooth live jazz, candlelit corners, and perfectly mixed cocktails. It’s the kind of night out where the musicians chat with the crowd and every song feels like it’s played just for you.
2. Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop – A Labyrinth for Book Lovers
Before your next pint, step into Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, a sprawling maze of over 100,000 titles. Hidden courtyards, old wooden shelves, and handwritten recommendation cards make it a bookworm’s dream. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth wandering in just for the atmosphere.
3. Brunch at Eyre Square Hotel – Comfort in the City’s Heart
Tucked just steps from Galway’s bustling Eyre Square, this brunch gem offers a calm escape from the crowds. The Eyre Square Hotel brunch menu is generous—think locally sourced eggs, fresh-baked breads, and strong coffee—served in a cosy, welcoming space that feels like a friend’s kitchen.
4. The Crane Bar – Where Trad Music Lives
For an authentic taste of Galway’s music heritage, The Crane Bar in the West End is unmatched. Upstairs, traditional Irish musicians gather in a relaxed session where locals swap tunes and stories until the early hours.
5. Coffee at Salthill Hotel – Coastal Calm with a Caffeine Kick
Just outside the city centre, the Salthill Hotel offers coffee with a view worth lingering over. Overlook the Atlantic, watch walkers pass along the promenade, and breathe in the salty sea air while enjoying expertly brewed coffee and pastries.
6. Nimmo’s Pier – The Perfect Sunset Spot
A short stroll from the Latin Quarter, Nimmo’s Pier rewards visitors with panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Claddagh. It’s a quiet, locals’ choice for sunset, away from the crowded prom.
7. Silverstrand Beach – The Beach You’ve Never Heard Of
If Salthill’s sands are too busy for you, head to Silverstrand Beach, a small, sheltered spot just east of the city. It’s ideal for a peaceful walk or a quiet picnic, with views stretching across the bay.
