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First things first: accommodations. There are two hostels in Galway that are near both the main bus station and the commercial transport services. For £8.50, the Galway Hostel offers small, smelly, cramped accommodations with various sketchy drifters. The other hostel is directly across from the various bus tours. It appears gaudy from the outside, but is larger, cleaner, friendlier, and a pound cheaper (£7.50). Please note: "cleaner" is a relative term. It is actually quite nice on the whole, just never look up in any of the bathrooms. Don't ask-I warned you!
As for Galway itself: I guess you could say it's a seaside resort town. If you need any presents with an Irish flavor for anyone, this may be the place. There are lots of small shops, jewelry stores, kiosks, and artist co-ops. Galway is also near enough to the islands that you can get famous Aran Isle wool sweaters (if you don't know what these are, you soon will).
If you would prefer to blow your money on something other than souveniers, there is a nearby casino in Salthill. Ireland is a land of 2p slot machines, so even the most broke backpacker can gamble an afternoon away.
Galway is a great jumping off point to a number of scenic regions, which can be explored one day at a time. Bus and ferry day trips can take you to the Connemara region. It's typified by ruggedly beautiful scenery, climaxing with the regal Kylemore Abbey. I still don't know how they got that statue all the way up there (you'll see). A second bus tour takes you to the impressive Cliffs of Moher, rising high above the Atlantic. Taking a ferry ride to the Aran Islands provides a rustic and scenic area to tour by bike or car. A small town at the harbor provides a small pub and restaurant for entertainment as well as the famous sweater museum and store.
Since Galway is a pretty touristy city, there are lot's of trad pubs (playing traditional Irish music). Throw a rock, anywhere in town, and you'll hit one. If you are looking for more of a meat market setting, there is a place called The Front Door along the main drag. It appears to be quite trendy and popular. For those who are slightly shorter on funds but still needing pints, an "American-style" bar called Scotty's has a £2.00 pint happy hour and cheap burgers. Many of the pubs around the main square also have cheap and plentiful pub grub, but only for lunch.
More than anything, Galway is a great city to just explore and wander through. Have fun!
-Submitted to the DFA Guide by Craig Nunemaker, December 1999
Guide Index Red words? Check the Dub Glossary!