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12/01/2018 | 8 MINUTES READ

How to Be A Temporary Galway Girl

Amanda L.

Saint Leo University | Galway

There are definitely some major ways to tell that you have become a Galway Girl. Before you know it, you’re a pro all of these things. Some of these may be cliché, but it really is part of living here and participating in the culture.

1) Wear a Claddagh ring.

The Claddagh is an old fishing village in the heart of Galway. Legend tells that the man that designed the Claddagh ring used it to propose to his awaiting love in Claddagh after being enslaved for years. 

Three hands with Claddagh rings and various nail polish colors.

Wear it pointed in and your heart is taken. Pointed out, your heart is open to pursuit.

2) Blackcurrant. Learn to love it.

I had never heard of this fruit until being here. It is used in almost anything you can imagine. I’ve seen it in jam, crackers, candy, pastries, cereal, crisps, and even traditional Irish beverages. If something needs to be sweetened, blackcurrant is the answer. 

A bottle of Mi Wadi blackcurrant juice drink on a bar counter.

Blackcurrant is definitely something I will miss when I go home.

A bottle of Mi Wadi blackcurrant juice drink on a bar counter.

3) Always have a raincoat or umbrella handy.

Even if the sun is shining and the forecast is clear, you will want to be prepared. You could be walking with sunglasses one minute and be struggling through a cold mist the next. 

Two young adults walking away from the camera on a paved path next to a modern building

You’ll thank me later.

4) Shop street: go in every door you see.

Cute specialty shops, boutiques, live music, amazing food, book stores… the hidden gems are endless. By the time you get the chance to pop in everywhere, you’ll be comforted by the welcoming Galway culture.

A bustling street in Galway, Ireland, decorated for the holidays, with people enjoying the evening atmosphere.

The hidden gems are endless.

A bustling street in Galway, Ireland, decorated for the holidays, with people enjoying the evening atmosphere.

5) Have the food delivery guy become your new friend.

Deliveroo is amazing. There are so many restaurants and cafés that deliver though it. Pro tip: use the free trial in the coldest month when you want to stay in more. 

Three delicious tacos with fresh toppings from Tolteca restaurant, accompanied by a side of limes and lemons.

Get the taste of Galway brought to your doorstep!

6) Talk the talk.

Ye means y’all. Cheers means thank you. Craic means fun. You can hear and see these all over the place, especially on restaurant signs that want you to come in for some craic!

The exterior of Tigh Cóilí, a traditional Irish pub in Galway, Ireland, lit up at night. The sign displays the pub's name and its establishment date of 1905.

"Ceol agus craic" - music and fun!

The exterior of Tigh Cóilí, a traditional Irish pub in Galway, Ireland, lit up at night. The sign displays the pub's name and its establishment date of 1905.

Amanda L.

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  • City Highlight
  • Tips