Galway — Ireland's cultural capital

Galway is the unofficial cultural capital of Ireland and the liveliest place on the entire west coast. This city at the mouth of the River Corrib into Galway Bay pulses with energy: In the narrow streets of the Latin Quarter, street musicians play on every corner, traditional music emanates from the pubs, and the atmosphere has something magical that is hard to put into words. Ed Sheeran busked here on the street before he became famous. The city is colorful, bohemian, musical, and deeply Irish.

The Shop Street and the adjacent lanes (Quay Street, High Street, Cross Street) form the heart of the city — a pedestrian zone full of pubs, restaurants, boutiques, and street performers. At the Spanish Arch (a remnant of the medieval city wall, named after the Spanish traders who once docked here), hundreds of people sit by the riverside in good weather and enjoy the atmosphere.

Pubs & Music: Galway has the highest pub density in Ireland, and almost every pub offers live music. The Tigh Neachtain (Cross Street) is Galway's most famous pub — a confusing labyrinth of small rooms with an open fireplace, where students, tourists, and locals mingle. The Crane Bar (Sea Road) is the best place for Traditional Irish Music — the Trad Sessions here are legendary and attract musicians from all over Ireland. At Monroe's Tavern, there is Set Dancing (Irish folk dance) on Tuesday evenings — beginners welcome!

Culinary: Galway is Ireland's oyster capital. The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (September) is the oldest oyster festival in the world. Fresh oysters are available year-round at McDonagh's (Quay Street) — from €12 for half a dozen, along with a pint of Guinness. On Saturdays, the Galway Market takes place at St. Nicholas Church — Irish cheese, smoked salmon, crepes, and the best coffee on the west coast.