Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Culture and Cuisine A Week-Long Getaway to Galway
Ireland
Begin with a bang as you dive straight into a walking tour of the city, then take to the water to see the city from the sea. Then it’s all about the culinary delights as you sample some local delicacies and learn to make popular Irish dishes.
It’s back to culture next with a deep dive into Galway’s heritage and traditions and a day in the countryside, where you’ll have the chance to visit an iconic castle and soak up the fresh Irish air.
Your final day in Ireland is spent by the sea, foraging for food along the shoreline and (hopefully) tucking into hand-picked oysters for lunch. Finally, head to a perfumery to create your own scent to take home with you – holiday souvenirs don’t come much better.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your trip to Ireland begins today, so head to the airport, speed through security and settle into the lounge for a spot of breakfast. The flight to Galway takes around an hour and a half – perfect for making a start on your holiday read.
When you land, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel. Check in, freshen up and then head straight out to kick off your Galway adventure with a whistle-stop walking tour of the city.
With a local guide, saunter along the cobbled streets, visiting a mix of trendy spots and hidden neighbourhoods. Along the way, stop at sites such as Lynch's Castle, which dates back to the 14th century, and the Latin Quarter, home to the Spanish Arch, an extension of the city's 16th-century defensive walls.
After seeing the sites on land, it’s time to take to the water in a traditional Galway Hooker boat, once used for fishing and transportation by the Claddagh Boatmen. Tuck into a delicious picnic as you sail past the rolling hills of the Irish coastline, then cruise back into the bay, taking in the iconic Salthill Promenade as the sun sets across the horizon.
As if its rich culture wasn’t enough, Galway has also become a haven for food lovers. Ranging from traditional cuisine to modern gastronomy, there’s truly something for every palate.
This morning, you’ll be taken on a private food tour around the city. Along the way, taste-test goodies from the best of the city's artisan producers, with handmade cheeses, single-origin chocolate, fresh pastries and Irish whiskey on the menu. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a Saturday, the Galway Saturday Market is a must-do.
You might want to give lunch a miss today as you continue the food theme into the afternoon with a private cooking class from a Michelin-starred chef. After time spent as the student, learning about current foodie trends and traditional cooking methods, it's time to turn back to being the taster, ending your day with a memorable meal at Galway's first Michelin-starred restaurant.
Today, head out to discover more of Galway’s cultural heritage with a private guide. Galway has a truly special atmosphere, with streets lined with talented musicians, warm pubs and vibrant foodie spots. Be sure to wander Shop Street, a long pedestrian thoroughfare bustling with locals and tourists alike, to browse fashion boutiques, book shops, art galleries and traditional Irish souvenir shops.
Then, spend the rest of the day wandering the streets of Galway and living like the locals do. That means at least one pint of Guinness is required…
As night falls, venture to the Quay Street district, where you can enjoy an unforgettable Irish evening filled with the sounds of fiddles among its Medieval remains.
This morning, you’ll be collected by your private driver to head out of town and into the countryside surrounding Galway. First on the agenda is Dunguaire Castle, a majestic building overlooking Galway Bay. Dating back to 1520, this visit will be of particular interest for any literature fans, as its owner, Oliver St John Gogarty, used the castle as a meeting place for literary greats (including the iconic poet, Yeats).
Next, stop at the nearby Burren Nature Sanctuary to stretch your legs. Stroll through ancient ash and hazel woodland, discovering the magic held within its leafy landscapes.
Finally, continue to the timeless town of Ennistymon. Enjoy lunch at a charming Irish pub before heading across the road to treat yourself to some of Ireland's best cheese and locally roasted coffee. While here, chat to the shop's owner to learn all about the history of Irish cheese – a fascinating (if hunger-inducing) topic.
After a light breakfast this morning, meet an expert guide for a dive into the wild and wonderful world of foraging, learning about the distinctive flora and fauna that flourish in this part of the world.
Armed with your newfound knowledge, explore the life of the jewels of the ocean – oysters. With an experienced marine biologist, learn about their history in this region and the science behind how the tides provide the ideal conditions for them to thrive. You’ll then be taught the art of shucking (opening) the oysters before finally settling down for a tasting.
This afternoon, it’s time for a change of pace as you swap the sea for a visit to an artisan perfumery. Drawing inspiration from the otherworldly nature of the Burren landscapes, this family-run apothecary handcrafts every single product in small batches. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at processes used to produce these lotions and potions, then try your hand at crafting your own scent – a fragrance that can be re-ordered again and again, creating memories for life.
This morning, it's time to say slán (goodbye) to Ireland as your trip to Galway comes to an end. After one final breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel by your private driver and taken to the airport for your journey home. The flight takes around an hour and a half – time best spent scrolling through your camera roll and dreaming up your next trip…
Why visit Ireland with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Ireland
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
