Planning a romantic staycation? Head west and enjoy the perfect romantic holiday thanks to our Galway Guide to Romantic Breaks.
Dream
Maldron Hotel Oranmore
Carrowmoneash, Oranmore, H91 K7FA
The Maldron Hotel Oranmore is one of the best family friendly hotels in Galway, named in the top 10 on TripAdvisor for 2017. With a swimming pool available for all of our guests, Crafty Kids Club running throughout the holidays and an outdoor playground, there’s something to suit all the family. Our spacious family rooms are perfect for families of up to two adults and three children. These feature two double beds and a single bed. Cots are also available on request, please mention this at time of booking.
With our grain & grill restaurant, we are also the perfect choice for celebrating your family’s special occasions. From christenings to birthday party packages, communions and confirmations, we have it all covered. Our experienced staff will take care of all the details to ensure you have a memorable day.
All of our double rooms are spacious and comfortable featuring crisp white duvets, cable television and high-speed WiFi as standard. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic night away.
Check out our Romantic Couples Breaks in Galway.
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road
Headford Point, Sandy Road, H91 ET6N
When it comes to places to stay, The Maldron Hotel Sandy Road should be the only choice for couples visiting the City of Tribes.
The hotel is situated on Sandy Road, which is about a 20-minute walk from Eyre Square and Shop Street. The Maldron’s perfectly-appointed Executive Rooms are a sanctuary for those in need of rest and relaxation.
Each room boasts a king-size bed, plump cushions and sumptuously soft bathrobes and slippers. In addition, guests can also enjoy Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary chocolates.
Maldron Hotel Sandy Road is conveniently located near the city centre and is the ideal base for any group planning a trip to Galway. The hotel’s Family Rooms are a great option for groups and can comfortably sleep four people, as they’re fitted with two double beds. Additionally, the rooms come with complimentary high-speed WiFi, a flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge – ideal for chilling bottles of prosecco!
Check out our Galway Family Hotel Offers
Check out our Romantic Galway Couples Deal
Dine
Le Petit Pois
Victoria Place, The Archway, H91 TY40
Le Petit Pois serves authentic French cuisine in the heart of Galway City. The restaurant is renowned for it’s fantastic food and stellar service and regularly updates its menu to reflect the season’s best produce.
Aside from delicious food, the restaurant’s trained sommeliers will guide you through their wine menu and help you pick the best option for your meal.
Creole BBQ & Grill
49 Lower Dominick Street, H91 P08F
Creole is the ideal restaurant for fans of BBQ and the authentic flavours of the American South. One bite of the Haterich’s pork baby back ribs, drenched in BBQ sauce, will leave you wanting more.
For anyone dining out on a budget, Creole offers an Early Bird menu, available 7 days a week, as well as a great wine and craft beer menu. The restaurant serves a selection of craft beers including the popular Galway Bay Porter and Galway Hooker Pale Ale.
Cooke's Restaurant
28 Upper Abbey Gate Street, H91 HF51
If you’re looking to enjoy an evening meal in a cosy, romantic setting, then Cooke’s Restaurant and Wine Bar is the spot for you. The restaurant is a firm favourite with Galwegians and is known for serving only fresh local produce cooked to perfection.
Aside from the excellent food, Cooke’s boasts an extensive wine menu. Connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice, with 20 different wines on offer. For afters, or with a quiet glass of wine, we recommend Cooke’s artisan cheese platter – delicious!
Kai Café & Restaurant
22 Sea Road, H91 DX47
Situated near The Claddagh region of Galway City, Kai Café & Restaurant never disappoints and serves deliciously, hearty organic fare. The ideal option for either a lazy lunch or a dressed-up dinner, Kai boasts an extensive menu which will leave your mouth watering and your stomach full.
We promise that the restaurant’s Insta-perfects dishes taste as good as they look, with the dry-aged striploin, young buck butter and sprouting broccoli being particularly popular with patrons.
Drink
The Liquor Lounge
42-44 Middle Street, H91 R8W3
One of the newest bars to grace Galway’s social scene, the Liquor Lounge is a late bar promising great cocktails, great craic and bad dancing in equal measure.
The Liquor Lounge is found above The Dáil Bar, and is a fun, yet casual setting for an evening drink. The bar’s bespoke cocktail menu offers patrons a cacophony of drinks options but we’d recommend the bar’s own creation, the Liquor Lounge Julip – delicious!
Bierhaus
2 Henry Street, H91 E271
Are you, or your other half, a fan of craft beer and excellent music? If so then a night out in the Bierhaus is in order. With 20 beers on tap, more than 60 craft beers, and a wide variety of beers from Irish craft breweries, the popular haunt attracts a young, contemporary clientele.
Bierhaus also serves great pub grub, with the bar’s Banh Mi (Vietnamese Pork Sandwich) earning a legendary status amongst customers.
Hyde Gin Parlour
Forster Street, H91 PY7E
Hyde is a sumptuous gin bar in the heart of the city and is known for its stylish interior, romantic ambience and enviable drinks menu.
Hyde’s cocktails are some of the best in the county, with everything from Margaritas to Rhubarb and Spiced Apple Sours on offer. In addition, gin-lovers can enjoy the bar’s impressive gin menu, which includes both well-known brands and Irish craft gins.
McGinn’s Hop House
19 Woodquay, H91 AW2P
For the craft beer lover in your life, no visit to Galway is complete without a trip to McGinn’s Hop House. A recent addition to Galway’s pub scene, McGinn’s opened in 2015 on the centrally-located Woodquay and serves a multitude of craft beers – draught and bottled – as well as cider, wine and spirits.
To top it all off, the bar makes its own delicious wood-fired pizza, the perfect partner to your beer.
Discover
Connemara National Park
Letterfrack, H91 K2Y1
The sheer beauty of the west of Ireland can’t be over-exaggerated and there’s no better place to experience this than the Connemara National Park. Found near Letterfrack, the national park is home to stunning walks and breathtaking landscapes, which are all primed for discovery.
The park’s trails and nature walks allow visitors to explore the park, while the cafes and picnic areas provide ample opportunities for rest. However, this being Ireland, make sure to pack appropriate rain gear…just in case.
Connemara National Park is the #7 most Instagrammed location in Galway
Aran Island Ferry
37-39 Forster Street , H91 FXA6
The beauty of a trip to Galway is that there’s no shortage of options when it comes to day trips. First off, we’d recommend a visit to the Aran Islands, as no trip to the west is complete without it. The rugged archipelago off the coast of Galway, is home to three Irish-speaking islands – Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer.
The islands’ charm and raw beauty, captivates visitors leaving them completely in love with them. Daily ferry crossings depart from Rossaveal, about 40 minutes from Galway City, and cost around €25 for a return ticket.
Aran Island is the #1 most Instagrammed location in Galway
Shop Street
Shop Street
Galway’s Shop Street combines culture and retail to give shoppers an experience they’ll never forget. The sound of live music fills the air, as musicians and artists perform side-by-side. The street’s jovial atmosphere is notorious and is exactly what makes it a must-visit during your stay.
When it comes to stores, fashionistas needn’t worry. Shop Street has all your favourite high street stores, as well as a collection of local boutiques and craft stores.
Spiddal Village
Spiddal
A short drive from the city centre you’ll find Spiddal, an enchanting Gaeltacht village on the shore of Galway Bay. The pristine village has two beaches which are perfect for either swimming or fishing.
Trá na mBan holds the much-coveted Blue Flag status, while the beach near the pier is a favourite with anglers. After a dip in the sea, take a trip to the Spiddal Craft Centre, where you’ll be able to purchase hand-crafted gifts, meet the artists or just enjoy one of Ireland’s simplest pleasures, a nice cup of tea.
Do
Claddagh Museum
Quay Street, H91 CP22
Last but least on your list of things to do in Galway is the Claddagh Museum. Situated at an intersection of Shop Street, the visitor centre is a must-visit for anyone interested in the ring and its history.
Entry to the museum is free and visitors will learn how the Claddagh ring is created and the meaning behind the ring’s unique symbols.
Galway City Museum
Spanish Parade, H91 CX5P
History buffs will be glad to know that Galway City Museum is well worth a visit and is free to enter. For those looking to enhance their knowledge of Galway, they can expect to learn about the city’s history, it’s people and sporting triumphs.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10:00 to 17:00) and, from Easter to the end of September, on Sundays.
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore, Connemara, H91 VR90
Originally a castle, Kylemore Abbey was built by Mitchell Henry as a love token to his wife Margaret, before eventually becoming a home to Benedictine nuns after World War l.
Kylemore Abbey’s romantic origins and stunning landscapes make it the perfect setting for a romantic walk or evening stroll. Today, visitors can explore the restored Victorian walled gardens, as well as the enchanting woodland and surrounding lakes.
The Abbey’s beautiful Gothic Church is a short walk from the main house, and is where Mitchell and Margaret Henry are buried side by side.
Kylemore Abbey is the #5 most Instagrammed location in Galway
Druid Theatre
Flood Street, H91 PWX5
Steeped in art and culture, it’s no surprise that Galway was the first city outside of Dublin to establish a professional theatre company. The Druid Theatre is the result of this initiative and regularly hosts new plays, as well as established productions.
2018’s programme is filled with productions from Samuel Beckett and Shakespeare as well as debuts from Irish writers. With shows happening throughout the year, there’s no excuse not to book a ticket.