Better than Dublin? According to the Irish Star, that’s what some travelers are raving about after their current trip to among Ireland’s biggest surprises.
If you have had the chance to go to Dublin before, you have actually likely been in the middle of the city’s bustle.You know …
people scampering around trying to make it to deal with time and all the usual sights, sounds, and aromas of the world’s renowned metropolises.
While there aren’t lots of household names in Ireland from an international point of view, current travelers have nothing but glowing things to state about the coastal charm, genuine nature, laid-back vibes for pub-hopping, and buzzing arts and music scene of this underrated trip. Not to point out, there are postcard-worthy castles to go to speckled throughout the county.
Sure, you might cap off summer with an epic trip, or you can patiently wait ’til fall rolls around.
That’s when this coastal gem really shines with fun-filled celebrations and fewer crowds before the winter chills make the vibrant city of Galway far less preferable till the spring sunlight shows up.
Dublin In Decline: Unveiling Ireland’s Bright Area
Ireland is truly a container list destination for travelers, though 2025 hasn’t exactly been peaches and cream for what’s usually one of Europe’s a lot of in-demand destinations. A recent report claims Ireland’s tourism is at a’ tipping point ‘, however that doesn’t appear to be discouraging travelers from going to such locations as Galway.
Dublin, nevertheless, is another story …
We at Travel Off Course in fact covered Dublin’s lack of appeal previously this year, mostly due to increasing rates, particularly in terms of air travel.
The paradox being Dublin is home to possibly Europe’s most popular (for much better or even worse) budget airline company, Ryanair.
Nevertheless, those reluctant to cross Ireland off their travel wishlist today should not be discouraged. There are numerous Irish airports to fly into from the U.S, including close-by Shannon, where you can capture a $ 10 bus trip into
the city. Best of all, you can take on Galway on a budget plan while Dublin finds out how to better technique 2026.
Ireland’s Liveliest City
Somehow, Galway has actually mastered being both easygoing and dynamic at the very same time, with captivating Boho vibes and music echoing from seemingly every corner in the heart of town.
Galway is understood for buskers. You’ve most likely seen them in America from time to time, however our culture does not constantly welcome them as Galway does, where it’s completely regular to see street performers with Euros overflowing open guitar cases.
All while New york city’s train stations seem to only invite rats … Buskers are the backbone of Galway’s home entertainment, even standing outside in the fall’s nippy air, vocalizing their preferred tunes, both Irish hits and indie rock. There’s no need for festivals here, though the city’s event calendar is loaded throughout the fall.
Quay Street is one of the best areas to take in live music totally free (but sparing a couple of bucks is encouraged).
Obviously, it’s no trip to throughout Ireland without snagging a barstool at an old-timey bar and gracing your lips with a pint of Guinness.
Clubs abound here and a great method to join friendly locals, delighted to welcome you to their highly underrated hometown. Here are a few of Travel Off Course’s favorites for both Guinness and music:
Swap Coastlines For Castles: Fulfill Your Fairytale Dreams
Galway is among Ireland’s many beautiful seaside locations. In truth, you might be shocked to understand Galway is home to a pair of Blue Flag-certified beaches.
The downside is that the window for summer sun is dwindling quickly! Fall brings chilly weather, not suitable for what you ‘d picture for an ideal beach day, though the views are spectacular year-round, particularly the Cliffs of Moher.
Instead, load a coat and meet your fairy tale dreams. There are countless castles to check out on the borders of the city, many of which will be backdropped with a natural curtain of lush, beaming tree zone showing vibrant fall colors.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 5 castles to check out in Galway in 2025:
- Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden (visualized above)
- Aughnanure Castle
- Portumna Castle
- Clifden Castle
- Dungaire Castle
< img alt="" src="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/08c30d164f9b659d2258bb1df532a7153a2fdf08581e0a371bce68ef1667c7a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g"height =" 96 "width ="96"/ > Sam Sears Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 nations and edited 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
The Travel Off Course Benefit: Your Travel Toolkit