Galway
Travel Advice for Seniors: Galway
Anyone remember Riverdance with Michael Flatley from the mid 90’s? For those of you who may have missed it, the show featured traditional Irish music and dancing. Interestingly, Riverdance got its start with a performance during the Eurovision Song Contest! It very quickly became an international sensation and still survives today…the original show still runs at the Gaiety Theater in Dublin.
However, since our time in Dublin was going to be limited, we opted to see the Trad on Prom production in Galway. This production featured a family of very talented musicians and world-class Irish step dancers. You may think this sounds corny, but I can promise you will be tapping your foot by the time it gets going!
The logical place to start your visit in Galway is Eyre Square, a lovely patch of green in the center of the city. The banners here are of the fourteen original tribes of Galway. They represent the merchant families who dominated political and commercial life from the 13-19th centuries.
Then head straight down to the quay where the Old Quays and the Spanish Parade/Arch is located and walk a bit on the Salthill Promenade. These ancient walls were once part of the medieval city’s walls put in place to protect the ships and their cargo while they unloaded. It is said that Christopher Columbus once visited here. The Galway City Museum is also located here if you’re interested in a little history of the area.
The main shopping, bar and dining areas are on Quay Street and High Street just adjacent to the Quay as well as the Latin Quarter. Check out Lynch’s castle, still standing from the 1600’s and several quality family-run shops and pubs along the main street. If you’re looking for a unique gift or keepsake, Galway is the home of the claddagh ring. The claddagh is a traditional Irish ring that symbolizes friendship, love and loyalty as signified by the hands, heart and crown composition.
Do make time to eat at a local pub….you can’t leave Ireland without trying Irish stew and Irish Soda Bread. Of course, there are plenty of fish and chips pubs and the seafood chowder along the coast is truly exceptional! And by all means, don’t forget a spot of Irish Whiskey or a pint of Guinness!
Finally…. don’t forget to take in a Traditional Irish music and dance show either here or in Dublin! It is part of Irish culture, and it is fun to watch and if you can’t get to a show, at least go to a pub in the evening where they have step-dancing. It’s a lot of fun!
Where we stayed: Maldron Hotel Sandy Road , breakfast included. Accessible entrances, main areas and elevator. Inquire as to accessible rooms.
How we got there: Three hour and forty five minute bus ride from Belfast to Galway Fifteen-day small group tour through Scotland and Ireland.
General Accessibility Information: Most of the tourist areas were accessible, though some of the older areas of town were not accessible due to cobbled streets, street curbs and high thresholds of historical buildings. Call in advance to verify and make specialty arrangements. See our sections on specialty apps and accessible travel for more on accessibility assistance. Many newer hotels and transportation are accessible.
