Experience in Galway, Ireland by Róisín

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

I am a native to the city and I would highly recommend it to incoming Erasmus students. It is a fantastic, lively and cultural city. There is always events taking place right across the city from music and sports to culture and the arts.

What is the student lifestyle like in Galway?

The student life is I would say reasonably good. The university is located a short walk away from the city centre itself and the vibe is very relaxed and chilled out around the campus itself. Lecturers for the most part (minus a few!) are quite willing to help and arre very understanding. The college are also quite helpful and on hand for any other problems you may have regarding modules, expenses, counselling etc!

How much does it cost to live in Galway?

It is a quite expensive city to live in. Save as much as you can before coming over!

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

It can be quite difficult to find accommodation in Galway if I'm being honest. Often you might be able to find somewhere on the website www.daft.ie or Facebook groups such as "Renting for sound people in Galway". Alternatively, you could live on campus if studying at NUI Galway - they allocate so many spaces for Erasmus students on their student housing blocks.

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

The food scene is excellent in Galway. Biased being from Ireland but any place that serves Irish stew, bacon and cabbage or an Irish fry-up you can be sure they'll be good!

What places would you recommend visiting in Galway?

The city itself is steeped in history so it's the perfect place to start! But aside from that, Connemara is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Anywhere from An Spidéal to the Aran Islands have the most breathtaking views. Other places of note not in Galway directly but Cong Village (again steeped in history) and also a favourite of tourists because of it's association with The Quiet Man film that was shot there! It also boats Ashford Castle. Other places of note: Westport, Croagh Patrick (for those into mountaineering) and Keem Bay, Achill (voted the worlds number 1 beach in 2019).

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

There is quite possible every cuisine imaginable in Galway at the minute, from Chinese and Oriental to straight up American diners. My favourite spots to eat would probably be Dela for breakfast (51 Dominick Street Lower), Caprice for brunch (1 Church Ln, Galway)and then either The Cellar Bar for dinner (usually always very busy so be warned!), Seven Bar (Bridge Street Lower) or The Quay Street Kitchen! Other places deserving of a mention
BEST TO GO COFFEE: Ciarlantini's in Galway's Woodquay Village have simply the best coffee in all of Galway, you will not be disappointed.
BEST PIZZA: The Dough Bro's located on 1 Middle Street Middle Street, have crafted the art of making authentic Neapolitan pizzas using fresh, local Irish produce. Highly recommend for pizza lovers. They also do great student deals (get in)!
BEST ASIAN: Xi'an Street Food on 9 Quay St for true Asian cuisine. A delight for hungover heads in all of Galway.
BEST LUNCH: Coco Café on Shop Street, excellent service, nice menu variety and lovely coffee!
BEST TREAT YOURSELF: McCambridge's of Galway, if you're celebrating anything while on your visit to Galway and you can manage to get a seat outside McCambridges is the ultimate treat!

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

The student nightlife in Galway is probably one of the best in the country. Although Irish students are known for their drinking habits it can be done to the same affect without consuming that much alcohol! However, if you do take a drink you won't be short of a place to serve you in Galway. There is a good mix between quiet drinks and what we Irish call "out out". If it's quiet drinks you're looking for then there are plenty of places that do that just perfect - Taafe's Bar, Tigh Cóillí and Tigh Neachtain are all perfect examples of intimate pubs that also host live traditional music nearly 7 nights a week! These are just a few but the list for pubs like these in Galway is *nearly* endless! There are plenty late bars with live music also such as Buskers Brownes or the Front Door if you prefer them to the nightclub scene. Speaking of nightclubs there are 3 to choose from, Electric Nightclub and Theatre, 4/4 Nightclub and DNA Bar and Nightclub each ranging from house and techno music to all the latest hits and bops!

What advice would you give future students heading to Galway?

Try and embrace life in Galway as much as you can - whether that be participating in events run by the college's students union or by attending events held in the city - go for it! Galway is a wonderful city with wonderful people and has a brilliant atmosphere - enjoy it!