Summer's in the Eyre
There's no better way to kick off the start of the summer than with a break away to the City of Tribes — and to ring in the good weather, that's exactly what I did when I visited the stunning Galmont Hotel for a jampacked weekend of activity, enjoying just a slice of what this bustling city has to offer.
The Galmont's location is ideal, just minutes from Galway's famous Eyre Square, with the walk from the hotel to the city's best pubs and restaurants the perfect length to whet the appetite for a good day – or night – out.
We started our trip by going on a sumptuous food tour which perfectly showcased the culinary skills of the city's chefs.
We tried sushi cooked by a Japanese immigrant who has been welcomed into the city, all washed down with pints of beer in some of the cosy local pubs.
Eyre Square on a sunny day is a special place to be, as are the iconic Spanish Arches. Seeing young people enjoying themselves in the sunshine was refreshing and would take even a cynical old soul back to their own memories of hanging out during summer.
We enjoyed a cycling tour with the brilliant guides at WeWheel who taught me more about Galway in 90 minutes than this Dubliner had learned in the previous 20 years. A stop off in the museum showed just how much history the county and surrounding areas has, and should really be an essential trip if you're paying a visit.
We then cycled out to Salthill on electric bikes, which cater to all sizes and fitness levels, and those in our group brave enough to do so dipped into the freezing cold sea.
Not typically a sea swimmer, I simply couldn't resist as the Salthill water looked too crisp to ignore, and it made the hot coffee afterwards taste all the better.
Acting the tourists, we then kicked the wall at the end of the Salthill Promenade for good luck. Some locals believe that the act of kicking the wall is often seen as a symbolic gesture, with the plaque at the end of the promenade reading: 'When you kick the wall. Make it a powerful one'.
Perhaps the highlight of the trip was our time with Tribe Gin School. This is a relatively new venue that holds up to 22 people at a time for gin classes and features an 'apothecary-style botanical pick 'n' mix area' for pupils to choose their own flavour combinations.
Over two-and-a-half hours, we learned exactly how gin is made and flavoured and we even got to distil our own unique bottle of gin, complete with personalised label.
Plus, sipping on the free gin throughout the session was a nice bonus!
The lads at Tribe were an encyclopedia on a number of topics, answering any question we had about gin or the west of Ireland in general. Well-educated and charming, it's a treat for locals that these guys' combined passion has brought them to Galway to make gin.
Whether you're part of a big group or you're in Galway on your own, I'd strongly urge you to check Tribe out. Despite not being a usual gin drinker, I loved it.
Our room in the Galmont was stunning too, and we also got to enjoy the pool and spa area, which was just the relaxing treat that we needed.
The pool was full of keen swimmers and kids having fun on our visit while the outdoor jacuzzi was pure serenity.
I sat in the jacuzzi alone and watched the sun rise — and I felt as relaxed as I have felt in a long time... all before I even got to the spa itself!
After a delicious breakfast and using the gym for a brief workout, I checked out the spa, which is simply divine. Boasting multiple treatment and relaxation rooms, my partner and I spent almost two hours just chilling out and enjoying the peaceful music and relaxing aromas.
The weekend culminated with a delicious Afternoon Tea in the hotel as the resident pianist played a mixture of classic and modern songs, with this scene topping off what was a truly enjoyable weekend.
Galway, you really are a gem.
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