Why clients should check out Ireland's buzzing County Galway
County Galway on Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way is famed for its lively atmosphere thanks to its excellent bars, brightly painted pubs, and many talented buskers who bring music to Galway’s city streets.
And this student city will no doubt be even more abuzz with excitement and creativity this year as it celebrates being named a European Capital of Culture.
Galway’s jam-packed 2020 events programme kicked off earlier this month and lasts until the end of January next year, in line with the ancient Celtic calendar and structured around its four fire seasons – Imbloc, Bealtaine, Lughnasa and Samhain.
In total, there will be more than 1,900 events ranging from music and theatre to film and architecture, with most activities free to enjoy.
For clients visiting on St Patrick’s Day this year (17 March), make sure they see light installation Savage Beauty by Finnish artist Kari Kola, which will light up the rugged Connemara Mountains along the West Coast, once dubbed a place of “savage beauty” by Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde.
Clients and agents can visit galwaytourism.ie to find out more about the year of events.
With or without its European Capital of Culture status, Galway has long been recognised for having a lively events calendar, with crowds gathering for the annual Galway International Arts Festival (13-26 July), Galway International Oyster Festival (25 September) and Macnas Halloween Parade to name a few.
Several tour operators have launched new Ireland tours this year which include time in Galway, such as National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures’ Iconic Ireland trip, while small-group UK specialist Rabbie’s has increased its five-day Escape to the South West tour to depart seven days a week from Dublin.
Meanwhile, a new tour from Viator celebrates Galway’s exploding food and drink scene. On the three-hour Galway Food and Drink Walking Tour, clients can tuck into salty-fresh seafood, slurp on Irish stew, sip a pint of creamy Guinness and, of course, enjoy the “craic” with locals.
Essential information
Getting there: Galway is easily accessible from Dublin, Shannon, Knock or Cork airports, located about an hour or two away from each airport destination.
Getting around: The city’s bike-share scheme has 16 stations around town. The first 30 minutes of each hire is free; up to two hours is €1.50 (bikeshare.ie/galway).
When to visit: Tell clients to be prepared for rain throughout the year. However, the mildest months are June to September.
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