Experience in Galway, Ireland by Naomi

What is it like to live in Galway? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I have lived in Galway for 15 years. Galway is a beautiful substantial sized city that is full of young people but also people of every age. Galway is known for its nightlife with plenty of pubs and night clubs to choose from all closely located together. There are also many restaurants ranging from traditional to Italian to fast food to pub food to dishes all over the world. There is also a lot of history and tours that will take you outside of Galway and more into the country but Galway is an ideal location if you want to explore the historical side of Ireland or even the landscape.

What is the student lifestyle like in Galway?

Student lifestyle is very good in Galway. Because I am from Galway myself I am used to it but many students who come to Galway from other places in Ireland think it is amazing. Many people around Ireland describe Galway as the 'student city' or the 'nightlife city'. There are many restaurants, cafes, pubs, groups, museums, nightclubs to choose from. The prices vary but it is nothing too wildly expensive for a student budget.

How much does it cost to live in Galway?

As I am from Galway I live at home with my family. I have many friends that live in student accommodation linked with NUI Galway (the main university) Prices are expensive to live there but if you want to find an apartment or more often than not a house to share with friends, prices are average. Although much less expensive to other parts of Ireland for example Dublin.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Galway? Is there any advice you can give?

It isn't difficult to find accommodation. Once you type in accommodation in Galway you will be directed to many helpful sites but I would recommend viewing the property before paying as many locations are deceiving and are not as close to the city centre as you may think.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is very good in Galway, on shop street which is located in the city centre down from Eyre Square there are many pubs, cafes, restaurants to choose from and nothing is overly expensive. There is a lovely latin quarter located at the end of shop street that has many restraunts including Italian and also a famous fish and chip shop. My favourite dishes would be pastas or chicken dishes, I also love chips. There are lots of student friendly menus almost everywhere even to get a nice bowl of soup or salad for lunch.

What places would you recommend visiting in Galway?

You should visit:

• The Spanish arch located at the end of shop street (especially during the summer)
• Salthill is beautiful and the main beach in Galway
• Eyre Square and Eyre Square shopping centre
• NUIG university
• Spiddal for a traditional Irish feel
• The Cathedral located beside NUIG
• Connemara
• Quay Street

Is it good to eat out in Galway? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, it is very good to eat out in Galway.

• The Cellar bar is very nice as it has a range of dishes and value for money.
• There is a lovely Chinese restaurant right beside the Cellar called the Ming Garden.
• Milanos is a lovely Italian restaurant near Quay Street.
• Lynches café is good for students, especially for lunch.

Is the nightlife good in Galway? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is very good in Galway. It really depends on your style. The main nightclubs in Galway are:

• Carbon
• Electric
• Karma
• 44
• Coyotes
• Club K.

Carbon, Electric and Karma would be my favourite. Carbon is cheap and very fun but does not have great music and is very small. Karma is small but good music. Electric is more expensive but very beautiful inside and very fun. There are also a lot of good pubs and clubs for example:

• Quays
• Front Door
• Kings Head

They might be a little more popular with older people (mid 20's) although it doesn't matter what age you are as long as you like the place. There is a bar called the Roisin Dubh that is more casual but holds a silent disco on Tuesday nights which is fun.

What advice would you give future students heading to Galway?

See as much as you can, try and pick accommodation as close to the city as your funds allow you to. It will save you a lot of money on transport (buses). Experience the nightlife as much as possible, try do as much tours as you can because everyone loves to have nice photos. It rains a lot so be sure to pack warm clothes.