Never seen nothin' like a Galway getaway

Stay

Irish Country Living stayed as a guest of the four-star Galway Bay Hotel, which boasts an enviable location facing the famous Salthill Promenade, where you can stretch your legs and “kick the wall” for good luck.

Catering for everything from family and couples’ breaks to weddings and bus tours, it’s a busy spot, but it’s clear that the staff take the hotel motto “all taken care of” to heart, and service is sincere. Rooms are comfortably appointed (ask for a sea view if you can) and the buffet breakfast generous. Dining options range from the Bay Brasserie to the more informal Atlantic Bar, with featured suppliers including the Galway Goat Farm, Waldron Meats in Roscommon and Kilbeggan Porridge.

However, our highlight was afternoon tea taken in the recently renovated Seascape Lounge, with a selection of sandwiches including home-baked ham with spring onion and relish, chicken with red roast pepper and sriracha coleslaw, smoked salmon and cucumber and goats cheese with carmelised red onion and balsamic reduction, as well as sweet treats from scones to the simply divine Oreo cheesecake. Great value at €19 per person, booking in advance is recommended.

Current offers include a November midweek over-50s break, which includes two nights’ bed and breakfast with a two-course meal each evening in the Bay Brasserie from €145pps, as well as complimentary activities such as wine tasting and aqua aerobics and discounts to many local activities such as day trips, guided walking tours and beauty treatments.

For further information, call 091-514645 or visit www.galwaybayhotel.com

Explore

Galway is a city that is made to be explored by foot; whether it’s salivating over the local produce on sale at the Saturday farmers’ market on Church Lane, swooning over the antique and unique jewellery at Cobwebs on Quay Lane, grabbing a spot of lunch at McCambridge’s on Shop St, or browsing the shelves at Charlie Byrne’s bookshop on Middle St before popping into Hazel Mountain Chocolate nearby for a decadent treat.

If you fancy a tour with a twist though, Sheena Dignam runs Galway Food Tours, which includes seven to eight food and drink stops – from sushi to strawberry tarts – plus a goodie bag. Tours are €50 plus booking fee and run 10.30am Wednesday to Saturday and 11.30am Sundays. Pre-booking essential on www.galwayfoodtours.com

For another perspective on the city, however, we were treated to a 90-minute cruise on Ireland’s second-largest lake on board the Corrib Princess, passing sights such as Galway Cathedral, NUI Galway and Menlo Castle, as well as enjoying an Irish coffee-making demonstration and heart-thumping Irish dance performance.

Fun fact: several of the staff on the Corrib Princess actually performed in Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl music video, so if it’s good enough for Ed! While this tour runs from April to October, you can find out more on www.corribprincess.ie

Learn

While even the rain is unlikely to put a dampener on your time in Galway, if a shower does strike, why not dodge the downpour at the Galway City Museum near Spanish Arch?

Admission is free to explore the seven permanent and two temporary exhibitions, ranging from prehistoric and medieval Galway to GAA and the “Great War”, but we were particularly taken with the tales of local characters like Nan O’Toole, who lived in The Claddagh area of the city and was said to have cures for many ailments; for instance, if a baby was experiencing bowel problems, Nan would prescribe that dust from burnt turf and holy water be added to their bottle.

She was also apparently the woman to call if you had an eye infection… though you’ll have to visit to discover that particular remedy for yourself. Open Tuesdays tp Saturdays, 10am-5pm all year round and Sundays 12-5pm from Easter to the end of September.

Visit www.galwaycitymuseum.ie

Treat

During the weekend, Irish Country Living also enjoyed a “Voya Mini Facial” at Cuan Atlantic Beauty at The Galway Bay Hotel, using award-winning products from the Irish organic seaweed-based skincare range.

Therapist Alanna tailored the treatment to nourish our summer-parched skin, starting with a double cleanse to wipe away impurities and exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation. This was followed by a facial massage and Voya seaweed mask to hydrate, soothe and heal the skin. This was all finished with a scalp massage and application of serum, eye cream and Pearlesque moisturiser to leave skin soft and supple.

The 40-minute treatment costs €50 and is the perfect option for anybody who wants a treat while making the most of their short break in Galway.

Call 091-518-359 or visit www.cuanatlanticbeauty.ie

Maura Canning: County Secretary of Galway Ploughing

Sheena Dignam: Galway Food Tours

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