Travel Guide: Galway, Irish living experience
Galway, Ireland, with its unique charm, has become a popular destination for students studying abroad. The city's vibrant arts and cultural scene, historic yet intimate city atmosphere, and the presence of the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), make it an ideal location for students seeking a rich cultural environment.
Nestled on the west coast, Galway boasts cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and a river flowing to the sea, creating an aesthetic appeal that feels both historic and welcoming. With around 80,000 inhabitants, the city offers the convenience of a bustling city alongside the charm of a smaller town, allowing students to enjoy both dynamic city life and a close-knit community vibe.
The National University of Ireland, Galway, is a major contributor to this atmosphere. Ranked among Europe's most beautiful campuses, the university attracts students from over 100 countries. It emphasizes volunteerism, enhancing social engagement and local integration for international students. The university's reasonable living costs, compared to bigger cities, and the scholarships it offers for international students, add to its attractiveness.
Galway's proximity to stunning natural attractions like beaches, the Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara National Park provides ample opportunities for relaxation and exploration outside academic life.
Abigail Clark '26, a student at Holy Cross, shares similar sentiments about exploring and immersing in the everyday life of Galway. She is the News Editor at Holy Cross and is involved in SGA, Club Running, Pax Christi, Hanify-Howland Lecture Committee, and Gateways Orientation. Caroline Kramer '26, also a student at Holy Cross, is currently studying abroad in Galway for the Spring 2025 semester. She is majoring in English and Sociology and is involved in Gateways Orientation, Spring Break Immersion Program, College Choir, Hall Council, and The Spire at Holy Cross.
Everyday moments, both exciting and mundane, hold value during the study abroad experience. The author's first impression of Ireland was the charm of its people and architecture. Gaelic is present around the city, with signs, bus stops, and elevators having Gaelic as the first language. The author attended Sunday Mass at the Galway Cathedral and heard the "Our Father" recited in Gaelic.
The Aran Islands, particularly Inishmore, have a peaceful atmosphere with a population of 820 and only one grocery store. Galway is a small, united city with a unique Irish culture where people celebrate each other's company. The city's lively traditional music, colorful cafes and pubs, eclectic street performers, and world-class arts and entertainment create a rich cultural environment ideal for students.
In brief, Galway stands out for students studying abroad because of its rich cultural life, welcoming university environment, scenic beauty, and vibrant yet manageable urban experience that balances tradition with contemporary student needs.
- Beyond its historic charm, Galway, a city in Ireland, is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, making it an appealing location for students seeking a rich cultural environment.
- NUIG, with its beautiful campus, attracts students from over 100 countries and promotes volunteerism and integration for international students.
- The city offers a unique blend of dynamic city life and a close-knit community vibe, with natural attractions like beaches, the Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara National Park providing opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
- Abigail Clark '26, a student at Holy Cross, and Caroline Kramer '26, also a student at Holy Cross, share similar sentiments about exploring and immersing in the everyday life of Galway.
- The author found the charm of the Irish people and architecture enchanting, and Gaelic, which is present around the city, added to the cultural experience.
- Galway's small, united city character, unique Irish culture, lively traditional music, eclectic street performers, and ornate cafe's and pubs create a rich, vibrant environment perfect for students.
