Vibrant, artistic and breath-taking. Galway offers the complete package for a weekend away. With a melting pot of medieval architecture, traditional Irish culture, and ancient landscapes, doesn’t this just sound like the idyllic city for a mini-break?

To celebrate the launch of Travelodge Ireland’s Instagram page, this month Travelodge Ireland is offering a FREE 2-night stay in this picturesque city, with an excursion to the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher, with breakfast added in.

To be with a chance to win simply follow us on Instagram

Check out some of our top recommended places to visit in Galway whilst here!

1. Galway Harbour

Once breakfast has settled, head straight down to the water’s edge at Galway harbour, a quiet port lined with beautifully coloured houses. This is the perfect picturesque spot to take in the boats as they come and go, with the morning light giving you the opportunity to take that stunning holiday snap.

2. The Fishery Tower Museum

Whilst exploring the port, pop in to one of Ireland’s smallest and most interesting museums. Right on the waterfront, the Fishery Tower Museum is one of Galway’s quirkier attractions. This tower was originally built to aid fishermen, who secured their nets to the tower whilst they rowed their boats into the port to catch fish, a process known as draft netting. No longer in use, the tower contains a range of memorabilia and vintage photographs.

3. The River Corrib

No better way to let lunch settle than a gentle walk along the River Corrib. The soothing sounds of the gently winding river are perfect on a summer’s day. Stroll up the river to Galway Cathedral, an impressive stone building with a 145 foot dome. Then saunter back through the canals as you head into the city centre to explore the streets of Galway.

4. The Latin Quarter

Hours can be spent pottering up and down the Latin Quarter, arguably Galway’s most beautiful area. You can pick up some traditionally made clothes and jewellery here like Aran knit jumpers and Claddagh rings. Or, you can fill up on some free entertainment, as Galway’s street performers are out in force in the Latin Quarter. From music to magic, there’s a show for everyone in the streets of Galway.

5. The Salthill Promenade

The Salthill Promenade is a beautiful 2km stretch along the northern shore of Galway Bay. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands to the right, Galway city to the left, with the rugged Burren and mountains of Connemara lining the background. Tradition dictates that once you reach the end of the walk, at Blackrock point, you kick the wall, thought to bring good luck. As the locals will attest, no trip to Galway is complete until you’ve kicked the wall. After booting a stone wall you’ll probably want to give your feet a rest, so unpack that delicious picnic food you bought from the market and pitch up on Blackrock Beach for some lunch.

6. Cruise to Aran Islands

09:00

The tour starts with a pick-up from Galway. Hop on the coach and head down the coast along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll be taken through the beautiful countryside of County Clare as you weave down to Doolin – a colourful little village known as the gateway to the Aran Islands. From Doolin, you’ll hop on the ferry to explore the Island of Inisheer and feel first hand the mythology and ancient traditions of the Arans. Windswept and rugged, the Aran Islands sit in the mouth of Galway Bay, taking the brunt of the Atlantic’s fierce weather. Even more windswept and rugged than the Islands themselves are the 1,200 inhabitants. People have lived on the Aran Islands for thousands of years, and now they’re as tough and hardy as their famous jumpers.

13:00

Before you get the boat back to the mainland, stop off for a bite to eat at Tigh Ned, a lovely pub with daily fish specials, caught fresh by the owner just off shore.

14:30

The ferry ride back takes you along the base of the towering Cliffs of Moher, before you make your way up to the peak. One of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher attracted over 1.5 million visitors last year. And for good reason. Standing atop the cliffs, you’ll be over 700 feet of sheer drop from the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This stunning structure was formed over 300 million years ago, and the sheer size, beauty, and diverse wildlife have earned the Cliffs status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. A haven for bird life, over 30,000 breeding pairs of birds including puffins, razorbills, and peregrine falcons visit the cliffs. Bring your binoculars. Or at least some loose change and catch a glimpse of a puffling through the coin-operated talking telescopes.

19:00

The ferry ride back takes you along the base of the towering Cliffs of Moher, before you make your way up to the peak. One of Ireland’s top tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher attracted over 1.5 million visitors last year. And for good reason. Standing atop the cliffs, you’ll be over 700 feet of sheer drop from the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This stunning structure was formed over 300 million years ago, and the sheer size, beauty, and diverse wildlife have earned the Cliffs status as a UNESCO Global Geopark. A haven for bird life, over 30,000 breeding pairs of birds including puffins, razorbills, and peregrine falcons visit the cliffs. Bring your binoculars. Or at least some loose change and catch a glimpse of a puffling through the coin-operated talking telescopes.

Travelodge Galway City

Travelodge Galway City is in a great location, within easy reach of both the buzzing city centre and beaches along Salthill Promenade. Featuring our luxurious SuperRooms™, carefully designed to make your stay as comfortable as possible, and a stylish new Bar Café where you can unwind with a drink or meal, Travelodge Galway City is the perfect choice for a perfect city break.