Arcadia Ireland

As our National University of Ireland students settle into life in Galway we picked out five things for them to do in gorgeous Galway!

Buy a Claddagh Ring

The ‘Claddagh’ is an island part of Galway city, where the Claddagh rings were first made. The ring contains a heart (for love) and crown (for loyalty) being held together by hands (for friendship). Also known as the ‘Irish wedding ring’, how you wear the ring (either pointed in or out) is a sign of your availability. Ranging in price from €10 to €200 they make a nice souvenir.

Visit the Aran Islands

One of the last inhabited islands around Ireland, and one of last places were Irish is commonly spoken; a trip to Inis Mór (big island) is a serious cultural experience. The trip takes a full day, and involves a bus and then a ferry but it’s well worth it! This Fall Arcadia are organizing a trip to Inis Mór so students can engage with the ‘real’ Ireland.

Music

Galway is known as the arty music cool part of Ireland, and it does live up to that reputation. There are literally dozens of pubs in Galway and you can find live music any night of the week. The pedestrianised Shop Street is always teeming with people and buskers, and the cráic (fun!) is mighty!

The Cliffs of Moher

If you haven’t got enough of Cliffs on the Aran Islands you can head south to the famous Cliffs of Moher. The coast drive down is incredible and takes just under two hours. Lots of tour companies run day trips from Galway with commentary (whether you like it or not!) along the way.

Eat some seafood

Even if you THINK you don’t like fish, just try it here. Galway is absolutely one of the best places in the world for local fresh wild seafood. Fisheries are a primary industry in the area and Galway’s seafood produce is exported all over the world it’s so good. This semester we are running a Seafood cookery class for the NUI Galway students to test their cooking skills and taste buds! If you really can’t stomach fish, try a seaweed bath - you will never feel so good!