Influential website hails ‘artistic and alive’ Galway

An influential American website which attracts two million visitors monthly has given a glowing review to the city’s Latin Quarter, waxing lyrical about the buskers, shops, pubs and eateries.

Writer Patrick McDonnell advises readers on Irishcentral.com that visiting Galway is a must – and not just for a day – to see its scenic treasures in Connemara and beyond.

But Galway City brimming with artistic vibe is well worth an adventure in its own right – not least in the stone-paved Latin Quarter, which has “a cornucopia to offer especially for travellers on a tight budget”.

Lauding the “very professional” street performers and buskers, he notes that the bookstores, music stores and Claddagh ring shops are well worth checking out.

Charming hotels, B&Bs, and private homes through the website Airbnb have something for travellers on every budget, he says.

During his visit, the cheapest room in a hotel in the Latin Quarter was in Jury’s Hotel at €129 for a double room.

For hostels, he recommends Barnacles on Quay Street, which works out at €15 a night in “in a small, very clean mixed dorm bedroom” which was just €10 a night off-peak.

“The staff are super friendly and you are right there in the heart of all the hustle and bustle of Galway’s Latin Quarter,” he enthuses.

For food, he gives Gemelle’s Restaurant, Griffin’s Bakery Café, Trattoria Restaurant and Druid Lane Restaurant and Wine Bar the seal of approval.

“Indeed everywhere I went in Galway the staff seemed very pleasant and helpful,” he recalls.

“My time in the Latin Quarter came to an end but left many fond memories. When the sun shines there, the Latin Quarter comes alive with street entertainment on every corner and Galway locals and tourists alike hopping from shop to shop, cafe to restaurant, pub to pub.

“Galway City is truly artistic and alive, and not to be missed on any trip to the West of Ireland,” the review concludes.