Autumn in Galway

By Niamh Wallace

Autumn in Galway is always full of excitement, and COVID has not dampened that. There are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy what the city has to offer. Here's our guide to enjoying the best of what Galway is offering post lockdown:

Some of Galway's best cultural hubs have reopened, with government guidelines adhered to and social distancing in place so you can enjoy these events worry free.

Events

Visit the Town Hall Theatre for Neil Delamere, beloved Irish comedian, on 30th of October where you won't be starved for laughs. The Town Hall Theatre also hosting Blindboy's Live Podcast Show on 29th of November, where the former Rubberbandits frontman satirises, philosophises and energises audiences with his wit and intelligence. The podcast has over 1 million listeners, so you can't miss out on this unique opportunity to see a coveted exclusive.

Galway City are hosting an innovative theatre experience by Macnas called Gilgamesh, a story about a young Mesopotamian king in one of the world's oldest epic tales where he questions everything in existence. The scale of the production is huge, with the event occurring across indoor, outdoor and digital platforms to create a unique storytelling experience. The event is free to attend and will be a huge talking point in Galway.

Palas arthouse cinema has also reopened, with their restaurant facilities open for bookings and showing the much-discussed Idiot Prayer: Nick Cave Alone at Alexandra Palace where his unseen performances are expertly directed to provide a moving viewing experience.

Walks

Experience the beautiful autumnal countryside in Galway while the leaves turn orange and shine at golden hour. Visit Coole Park where the autumnal foliage and misty trees look like a scene straight from Taylor Swift's Folklore album. Get your fill of the fresh air before the winter weather sets in, spot some red deer and head to the tea rooms for some hot coffee to warm up.

There has also never been a better time to visit Galway's Aran Sweater Market, this staple Irish brand provides comfort and cosiness to your wardrobe as the weather becomes more hostile.

Bars & Restaurants

Visit the iconic Galway pubs for a hearty meal and a warm whiskey, warm yourself up with the craic and ceol. The Latin Quarter is the go-to spot to find a great pub, social distancing and government rules apply but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time. Galway folk know how to host a good time. Galway's Atlantic weather can leave you with numb fingers and toes after a day out, so you will want a pub that is cosy and serving hearty food. Our picks for this are Tigh Neachtains, Dail Bar and the King's Head, these pubs all have a roaring fireplace to warm you up after your days exploring.

Galway is the western gem of Ireland, and the city is full of life all year round.