Galway is a wonderful city but just like any city it can be expensive. But you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy what this bustling city has to offer! Here are a few activities that won’t cost the earth.
- Walk down Shop Street
- Galway is a medieval city with lots of pedestrianized streets and lanes to explore. As you take a wander around don’t forget to look up! A lot of the architectural gems are to be seen when you look at the stonework above the doorways. As you walk around listen out for some of the wonderful free entertainment. There are usually lots of buskers along the way. You could join in for a song!
- Visit Galway Market
- The weekend market is a Galway institution. Even if you don’t buy anything, it is a lovely place to ramble around. Tempt yourself with all the lovely food stalls and artisan produce.
- Visit Galway Cathedral
- The Cathedral is in a prime location on the west bank of the river Corrib, just a 5 minute walk from Bridge Mills. It was built on the site of the former city jail in 1965, making it the youngest stone cathedral in Europe. Take some time out to reflect and to admire the beautiful stained glass windows and the locally sourced Connemara marble.
- Visit Saint Nicholas Church
- Just across the river from the school is Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. Constructed from the distinctive grey limestone of Galway, it is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers. In fact, one of the most famous seafarers visited the church in 1477 – Christopher Columbus! The church has a rich history dating back to the 1300s, when it served as the main cathedral for the city of Galway. Today, it remains an important religious and cultural centre in Galway.
- Visit University of Galway
- Queen’s College Galway first opened its doors in 1849. The Quadrangle or ‘the quad’ was modelled on Christ Church at the University of Oxford and has a Hogwarts feel to it! It has had several names since then but is now University of Galway and it is a lovely campus to walk around.
- Enjoy some traditional music
- Galway is known the world over for its music and pub culture. For the price of a pint or a sparkling water you can immerse yourself in a hugely important Irish tradition.
- Visit the Hall of the Red Earl
- The Hall of the Red Earl is a 13th century historical landmark located in Galway City. It features 11,000+ artefacts from everyday life and evidence of what life was like here over eight centuries ago. The building is now open to the public as a tourist attraction and is one of Lonely Planet’s top attractions in Galway City.
- Walk the Prom
- Get your walking shoes on and walk the prom. Be sure to take in the views of the Burren hills in the distance. When you get to the end of the prom take part of a long standing tradition of kicking the wall. Nobody seems to know when or why this tradition started but it has to be done to feel like a local!
- Take up Sea Swimming
- Once you have walked the prom, you might feel like a dip in the sea! Lots of locals swim all year round and swear by it, talking about the physical and mental benefits of sea swimming.
- Have a chat with your schoolmates
- After all that exploring why not hang out in the student zone at the school? Read a book, challenge someone to a game of chess or a foosball tournament or just have a chat with some of the other Bridge Mills students. It’s a great opportunity to meet some of the students we have from around the world and to develop your speaking skills. And yes, it’s free!
