Galway is (without a doubt) the best county in the west.
The county's medley of metropolitan stylings with a bohemian vibe brings tourists from all around the world, but true Galwegians know the city best.
1. No better place to be than the Spanish Arch
Was it even a sunny day if there weren't about 45,000 people at the Spanish Arch?
Sparching is a national hobby when it comes to Galwegians, and sipping cans in the sun surrounded by approximately everyone you ever have known, do know or will know again is considered a great pleasure.
Seriously, you'll probably run into your dentist, your ex-boyfriend and your coffee barista on a sunny day at the Sparch.
2. McDonaghas chips will never be beaten
McDonagh's fish and chips are world renowned, and no other chip shop has managed to replicate the amazing taste of this Galway treasure.
Perfect for a quick bit of soakage during a day at the aforementioned Sparch or for a proper sit down plate of fish, chips and mushy peas at the weekend.
3. Peter Pan Land was what dreams were made of
Peter Pan Land was the place you went, ages 3 through to 12, if you wanted to have the best birthday ever.
You usually went there at least once a month anyway for classmates parties seeing as it had the monopoly on being the only kids play place in Galway at the time.
The major challenge? Convincing the moody teenager in charge of the Coca-Cola slide that you were 10 years-old (when you weren't) and thereby old enough to go down the slide. You rebel you.
4. Supermacs, obviously
We all know that club Supermacs is the absolute place to be at 3am, and the place is like a scene from the apocalypse.
If someone hasn't shimmied up a lamp post, started a riot and stolen your Fanta by the time your taxi arrives, it wasn't a successful night.
5. Blackrock, Salthill on a fine day
The walk of shame has a different meaning in Galway.
For most it means heading home, high heels in hand, after a night of fun with a potential love interest.
In Galway, the ultimate walk of shame involves going to the top of Blackrock to jump off and chickening out. Amateur.
6. Kicking the wall
And while were on the topic of Salthill, a walk on the prom isn't complete without kicking the wall at the end.
It's unnatural not to.
7. Festivals galore
There are festivals every other week during the summer in Galway.
Whether you're into arts, music, literature or culture, there is a festival for you. And come winter? It's all about the Christmas market.
8. The rainbow of colourful characters
Galway has more colourful characters than you could shake a stick at.
Whether it's Warty Nora or Seamy, the eccentric people of Glaway are and integral part of the fabric of it's society.
9. Biteclub slushies are dangerous. You have been warned.
They might look sweet and innocent at a glance, but Biteclub's famous Watermelon Gin Slushies are absolutely lethal. Lethally delicious and lethally strong.
The scary part is that at a taste you'd never even think there was alcohol in them. Kudos to Galways' only street food discotheque.
10. The struggle is real to get a reservation at Tribeton
One of Galway's newer eateries, not ever Kim Kardashian could get a reservation at Tribeton last minute.
While you might have to wait to get your mitts on some of Galway's best grub, Tribeton is always worth it. And the champagne cocktails are a sure fire way to get merry AF.
More of a coffee drinker? Coffewerk + Press is your spot.
11. Buskers make the city sing
It's rare to strut your stuff down shop street without hearing some hair raising talent omitting from a street performer.
Galway's buskers are some of the best, and keep the city lively all 12 months of the year.
12. Race Week is MENTAL
Ok, we all love heading out to the Galway Racecourse for a day of people watching, style spotting and, of course, horse racing.
While it's all a big facade for day drinking in a fancy setting, Race Week in Galway is sheer madness.
The crowds, the litter, the rioting in the streets. Ah it's all harmless fun really.
13. Donegal Tuesday… escapes description
For those not in the know, RAG week was oulawed many years ago in Galway after years of messy drinking in a small city with a massive student population.
However, the band doesn't stop revellers on Donegal Tuesday, the busiest day of Unofficial RAG Week, which pops up on Facebook every year.
The day turns Eyre Street into an impassible fiesta as student's fun spills out onto the street as they drink from dawn (literally, people queue up at 7am) till dusk.
14. Your choice of nightclub will define your night
Galway nightlife is divided up into different cultures based on which nightclub you go to.
Jagerbomb lovers looking for the shift head to Carbon, those with a penchant for prosecco or a hint of hipsterism head to Electric Garden, and Karma will do as the happy medium when your group just can't decide.
Gaillimh Abú!
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