Seek and find
It's no secret that I love visiting Ireland! The people, the food, the scenery; it's simply a wonderful holiday destination in any season. I've already seen quite a bit of the east coast, but the west coast—and Galway in particular—is definitely not to be missed. As a standalone city break or as a combination with DublinFrom Dublin Airport or city center, you can hop on a train or bus that takes you directly to the charming city of Galway. A city that deserves a spot on your bucket list, as it offers everything you could want in a city break to Ireland.
Why Galway, Ireland Should Be On Your Bucket List
Although you can't fly directly to Galway, this destination is definitely worth a visit. Three nights is enough to check off all the highlights and explore the surrounding area. For me, this coastal town with its colorful pubs felt like a real discovery. The locals also predominantly speak Irish, which you hear much less often in Dublin, for example. The food is fantastic, from local pubs with authentic dishes to restaurants with Michelin-starred listings.
Besides the city center, which is also popular with Irish tourists, Galway's Westend is the city's up-and-coming neighborhood that shouldn't be missed. In summer, the streets here are even closed off in the evenings, transforming into one large terrace. You can also perfectly combine a city break to this city with a few days in nature. Galway is just a stone's throw from the Wild Atlantic Way. This route along Ireland's west coast is known for its stunning cliffs, such as the Cliffs of Moher. A visit to the Aran Islands is also a must for nature lovers!
Another great thing: everything in Galway is within walking distance! That makes it such a fun city to wander around; you can get anywhere in about a 20-minute walk.
What do you want to see and do, and which restaurants are a must-try? I'll list it all for you in this new Galway Travel Guide!
© Your Little Black Book – Spanish Arches & Long Walk
6 fun things to do in Galway
Galway Food Tour
For me, a food tour is an essential thing to do when visiting a new city for the first time. During the Galway Food Tour, a local takes you to the city's best culinary hotspots to sample local dishes. I took the food tour during the day during my trip, but I also booked a tour through Galway Food Tour You can also book an evening tour or even a bike tour where you'll enjoy delicious food and drinks along the way. Those tours focus primarily on local food; other tours are more focused on drinks, and you'll sample various craft beers or Irish whiskey! I really enjoyed going with someone who knows the Galway food scene well and can tell you all about the local businesses and the must-try dishes. You'll take a pleasant walk through the city and eat enough for a light lunch during the tour.
© Your Little Black Book – Galway Food Tour
Aran Islands
A fun day trip into nature from Galway is a visit to the Aran IslandsThese are easily reached by ferry, which departs daily from Galway harbor. In about an hour and a half, you'll sail to the Aran Islands, known for their stunning scenery and dramatic cliffs. During a day trip, I visited the main island of Inis Mór, where you'll find several beautiful sights. Don't miss Dun Aonghasa (an old clifftop fort), Wormhole (a natural pool in the rocks), several historic churches, and the seal colony. Time seems to have stood still on this island. Renting an e-bike or bicycle is especially fun. During your trip, plan a well-deserved break at Teach Nan Phaidi restaurant. You can enjoy a delicious, leisurely lunch on the terrace and catch your breath before cycling back to the harbor for the ferry. On the way back, the ferry sails past the Cliffs of Moher. Stunningly beautiful to see from the water and a lovely way to end the day! Also nice when the weather is nice: there is also a glamping site on the Aran Islands where you can spend the night.
© Your Little Black Book – Aran Islands
Galway Markets
During the weekend (and in the summer months also on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) you can visit the Galway MarketYou'll find this market right outside Sheridans delicatessen, and it's a popular spot for delicious food and drinks, especially on Saturdays. This bustling market opens early in the morning with fresh produce stalls. Later, delicious food stalls open, offering fresh oysters and other treats. Tiny Traders Village is another fun market located in Eyre Square and, in summer, at the Spanish Arches. This market features mainly local artists and small businesses selling all sorts of things.
© Your Little Black Book – Tiny Traders Village
Pullman Restaurant
Looking for a special date night during your city break to Galway? At the luxurious Glenlo Abbey Hotel just outside the city center, you can dine in authentic carriages from the original Orient Express. It's a dream of mine to take such a luxurious train journey again someday! This evening was a nice preview. On board at the Pullman Restaurant Take a trip back in time. Sink into the plush seats and enjoy a sumptuous dinner. A fun detail: the carriages you dine in were also used in the original 1974 film "Murder in the Orient Express." The tartiflette and turbot are both recommended from the menu.
© Your Little Black Book – Pullman Restaurant
Galway City Museum
Right next to the Spanish Arches you will find the Galway City MuseumA free museum that's worth popping into. Here you can learn more about the history of Ireland, and Galway in particular. Discover what life was like in Galway during the Middle Ages and beyond. There are also regularly changing exhibitions with various themes.
© Your Little Black Book – Galway City Museum
The suburb of Salthill
& brunch at Blackrock Cottage
Fun thing to do on a Sunday! Take the bus or a taxi (you can easily order one through the Uber app) to the suburb of Salthill. This neighborhood is located on the beach and has a long promenade where you can enjoy a breath of fresh air. You'll instantly get that holiday feeling here when the weather is nice! So if you're visiting Galway in the summer, be sure to pack your swimwear. Have brunch at Blackrock Cottage And you have a perfect lazy Sunday. Blackrock Cottage also sells delicious pastries, which are a great option to grab before you take the train or bus back to Dublin later in the day. A nice coffee shop for the way home is Ré Coffee & Design or Kali.
© Your Little Black Book – Salthill
Food & Drinks in Galway: These 12 restaurants, coffee shops and Irish pubs you'll want to know
Kai Restaurant
Ask a local and they will tell you KAI It's one of the best restaurants in Galway. This is the place to go for honest dishes made with local and sustainable ingredients. It's precisely for this reason that this restaurant has been awarded a green Michelin star. The menu is seasonal, and what I also appreciate is that you can dine à la carte. I found the main courses quite generous, so you could share three starters, followed by one main course with some sides. Booking in advance is a must!
© Your Little Black Book – Kai Restaurant
Urban Grind
Urban Grind is a cozy coffee shop in Galway's Westend where you can also enjoy a leisurely brunch. Sample coffee from different countries, order a delicious fresh juice, and find a spot on the small terrace or in the courtyard. The menu changes weekly and always features seasonal pastries and more made with the finest local ingredients. And this is precisely what I love about all the places in Galway: almost everywhere they work with local produce!
© Your Little Black Book – Urban Grind
Daróg Wine Bar
Anyone looking for a nice wine bar in Galway should check out Sheridan's and Daróg Wine Bar Remember. This last one is also located in Galway's Westend and has won several awards for its fine selection of organic and natural wines from lesser-known wine regions. Of course, you can order various dishes and small bites to accompany the wine. We went there for an aperitif and shared two dishes. Next time, I'll go back for dinner, because this tasted great! Since the menu changes monthly, you can be surprised in the restaurant and discover what's on the chalkboard.
© Your Little Black Book – Daróg Wine Bar
Coffee work + Press
By far the best coffee hotspot in Galway! Coffee work + Press is a specialty coffee bar in the city center with a small design shop. Here you can enjoy people-watching with a coffee in hand. Tip: take a look upstairs while your coffee is being made.
© Your Little Black Book – Coffeewerk and Press
Murphy's Ice Cream
Right in the centre of Galway you will find Murphy's Ice CreamThis ice cream parlor is a must-visit, even if you're not a fan of ice cream. They have unique flavors you've probably never tasted anywhere else. All the ice cream is made with fresh ingredients from their own garden or kitchen. The menu features both classics and unusual flavors. For example, try the "Dingle Gin," "Irish Brown Bread," or the "Dingle Sea Salt." I had the Irish Brown Bread, and it was so good. You have to try it!
© Your Little Black Book – Murphy's Icecream
The Universal Bar
Want to have a drink or a bite to eat at a nice gastropub? Then you should go to The Universal Bar in Galway's Westend. A cozy café for pre-dinner drinks or after-dinner drinks. In the summer, they have a large terrace out front, but in colder weather, you can also sit inside, which is incredibly cozy and pleasant. Besides great drinks, they also serve excellent food in the evening. The bar is quite small, so book a table in advance if you want to be guaranteed a spot. We enjoyed a glass of wine there before enjoying a leisurely dinner at KAI a few doors down.
© Your Little Black Book – The Universal Bar
4 X FUN REAL IRISH PUBS IN GALWAY
An evening or afternoon in an Irish pub is a must during a city break to Galway. Locals told me you can recognize a true Irish pub by the fact that there's no TV and (usually) no food. What I really enjoyed about the Irish pubs in Galway was that there was live music almost every day. The best Irish pubs where you definitely want to enjoy a Guinness or other drink in Galway are: Taaffes Bar, Tig Cóili, Tigh Neachtain (where it is full of art) and O'Connell's BarAt this last bar you can also sit outside on the patio and there is a small stand of the pizza makers The Dough Bros. Very nice!
© Your Little Black Book – Tig Cóili
Shopping in Galway: these are the shops you'll want to visit
Galway has no shortage of shops. From souvenir shops selling items made of sheep's wool to jewelers selling the Claddagh ring. This ring is everywhere in Galway and symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. Personally, I prefer culinary souvenirs, and there are plenty of great shops for those too.
McCambridge's of Galway Ltd
At McCambridge's of Galway Ltd Buy traditional Irish beers, wines, and delicacies for yourself or those staying home. All products are sourced from local suppliers. You can also pick up delicious sandwiches if you're looking for an affordable lunch.
Kindf_olk
Kindf_olk is a beautiful concept store and a haven for men. You can buy all sorts of things in this lovely shop, from mostly Scandinavian and local brands. You can also enjoy coffee in the coffee corner. Another nice thing: this store is located right next to Magpie Bakery, a must for those who love delicious pastries and croissants.
© Your Little Black Book – Kindf_olk
Sheridan's Wine Bar & Wine Shop
Lovers of wine and matching delicacies should visit the specialty store Sheridan's Wine Bar & Wine Shop Definitely don't miss it. Here you'll find everything you need for a picnic on the beach or in the park! You'll find wine, Irish cheese, and charcuterie here, among other things. Besides the shop, the eponymous wine bar above the shop is just as charming and perfect for a late-afternoon drink. This is also the place to be on Saturdays during the Galway Market.
© Your Little Black Book – Sheridans Wine Bar & Wine Shop
The Sustainable Studio
Are you, like me, crazy about vintage designer items? Then you can The Sustainable Studio Don't miss this shop in Galway's Westend. It's small but has a great selection. You can find pre-loved shoes, bags, and accessories from brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louboutin. The great thing about vintage shopping is that you never know what you'll find. So, prepare to be surprised, and fingers crossed it's in your size!
© Your Little Black Book – The Sustainable Studio
Hotel tip: stay at the Hyde Hotel in the heart of the city center
Looking to stay in a cozy boutique hotel in the heart of Galway during your city break? I stayed three nights at the HYDE Hotel, and the location is truly perfect. From this boutique hotel, you're less than a ten-minute walk from Shop Street and the Latin Quarter, full of cozy pubs. The famous Eyre Square is just down the street, and on weekends, you'll find lively markets with food stalls and local businesses. The rooms at HYDE Hotel The rooms are colorful, comfortable, and have a wonderfully luxurious bathroom. The beds are very comfortable, there's a Nespresso machine in the room, and the à la carte breakfast is also delicious. Fancy a drink after dinner? You can at the Hyde Bar! Another plus: this hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the train station and buses to Dublin.
© Your Little Black Book – HYDE Hotel
More travel guides for Ireland?
Tip: Also check out the travel guides for other destinations in Ireland here:
Have fun planning your trip to Ireland!
© Your Little Black Book – Daróg Wine Bar
WITH LOVE,
ANNE
Follow @yourlbb on Instagram
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟲, 𝟭𝟳, 𝟭𝟴 & 𝟭𝟵
Your Amsterdam weekend, sorted. 🖤
Baby lambs, spring markets, new restaurant openings and more events not to miss, this week's Amsterdam Weekend Guide is packed.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 81 tips straight to your DMs.
Have fun making plans!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
| PS: Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
PUUR YONNIE, an ode to Jonnie Boer.
Today I had the honor of being at @delibrijezwolle for the book launch of @jonnie_en_therese.
I spent the whole evening reading and flipping through the pages.
WHAT A BOOK.
What stories.
WHAT AN ODE.
Love, Nature, Pioneer, Fatherhood, Music, Jonnie's Foundation, Friendship, Suppliers, Local products, Relaxation, Entrepreneurship, Humor & The pure human being.
Everything passes by, beautifully written by @joel.broekaert.
With contributions from, among others, @nelsontanate, @rekkebus, @ronblaauwtje, @jorisbijdendijk, @sidney_schutte & @hvw043.
Thanks for the lovely afternoon @jonnie_en_therese 💚
PURE JONNIE,
From 14 April
at your local bookstore
(and online)
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is your ticket to Japan without taking a plane 🥢
@tewatashi.ams in De Pijp serves an authentic Edo-Mae Sushi Experience and is super consistent in their quality.
It's the place we keep going back to when we have something to celebrate <3.
In this video I'm sharing the 2 hour experience in 60 seconds.
Still dreaming about the buttery ika nigiri. 🤤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
{ one of the best authentic Japanese restaurants in Amsterdam serving premium sushi omakase in De Pijp }
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟵, 𝟭𝟬, 𝟭𝟭 & 𝟭𝟮
This is one of those weekends that's packed with cool events!
Catch the last cherry blossoms, hunt for vintage treasures or feast on oysters.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 71 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… vintage, culture, markets or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Follow @yourlbb for the best Amsterdam hotspots, new restaurants, weekend tips and travel inspiration in the Netherlands and beyond. Only Amsterdam tips? Then check out @yourlbb.amsterdam.
𝗔 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗳𝗲́ 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆?
@eetcafe_de_reiger is the spot to remember.
Cozy, casual, and a seasonal menu. This one was on my list to share for a year and finally it's (almost) asparagus season again! 🤤
Another plus? Prices are very reasonable here!
📍 Eetcafé de Reiger
Jordaan, Amsterdam City Centre
Save this spot for when you're craving warm Dutch traditional dishes in the heart of Amsterdam.
And did you hear the same team took over Eetcafé van Beeren? I can't wait to go there too!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
A cookbook from Grandma. Three Michelin stars. And a beautiful 70s villa in a quiet neighborhood in Bangkok, where you are welcomed as if you were at the chefs' home.
The Sühring brothers do not cook based on trends; they cook from memories. Of their grandmother's farm, of the flavors of their youth in Germany, and of techniques passed down through generations.
@relaischateaux invited me to experience Sühring during a solo lunch, and this is truly my ultimate definition of culinary self-care.
This was a surprising afternoon in Bangkok, where I ate the best German food I have ever tasted. And that in a city where I normally avoid European restaurants. Well, for @restaurant_suhring, you really want to make that exception.
Signature dishes that I still think back to regularly?
🍴 Labskaus with caviar
🍴 Enleta waffle with Pfalz vinegar
🍴 Game pie
🍴 Dry aged Duck
TIP: If you go to Sühring, reserve the seats at the kitchen bar so you have a view of the chefs at work!
Follow @yourlbb for more tips you can trust.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#prinvited #bangkok #michelin #relaischateaux
In this reels I take you along for fine dining in Bangkok at the three Michelin starred restaurant Sühring.
This is one of the nicest free outings in the spring! Did you know that you can gather (or pick, for the connoisseurs 😉) oysters yourself in various places in the Netherlands? I’m in Zeeland for a bit this weekend, and if we can, we’ll go again.
📍In this video, I show where you can fill your bucket.
Comment oester for the comprehensive guide with all details about all 8 locations + handy tips and rules.
Important to know:
– Max. 10 kilos per person (≈ 1 bucket)
– For personal use only
– Do not scoop or scrape the soil
– Go at low tide
Handy to take with you:
Bucket, screwdriver, boots, work gloves, tea towel, clean clothes and garbage bags (for the oysters and dirty clothes).
And of course: also bring an oyster knife, lemon and champagne 🍋🥂Because you want to taste something right away!
The oyster season runs from September to about April / early May, so now that the water isn't so cold, this is the perfect outing.
In the full guide, I share exactly where you can easily find them without much effort. Leave a comment and I'll send it to you right away!
Who do you want to go oyster collecting with soon?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Happy weekend in Amsterdam! I made a list with 79 (!) fun 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟯, 𝟰, 𝟱 & 𝟲. This week's guide is packed because of Easter weekend and I saved the best tips for you in the guide on 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲.
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with all 79 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend? Markets, Easter lunches, or a festival?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
This is the time to make plans for Easter in Amsterdam 👀🐣🐰
Are you team lunch or dinner?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Ps: More tips for Easter in Amsterdam, from restaurants to markets, on WWW.YOURLITTLEBLACKBOOK.ME
Anti-Guide, going around to God that a good thing is!
So close and perfect to go by train, with endless great places to visit.
Think: delicious food, nice hotels, coffee shops for your matcha ;-) and wine bars you actually don't want to leave. During our last trip, we added a few new favorites to the Antwerp Little Black Book once again.
Save this guide for your next city trip to Antwerp. Have fun!
**
⦁ @osakaantwerp
⦁ @mea.antwerp
⦁ @glouglouborgerhout
⦁ @le_pristine_antwerp
⦁ @hertog_jan_at_botanic
**Illegible**
⦁ @hotelfranq
⦁ @viaantwerp
⦁ @hoteldewittelelie
𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦
⦁ @millesime.antwerp
⦁ @dogmacocktails
⦁ @cafe.bobby
⦁ @cafezeezicht
⦁ @billiesbierkafetaria
𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 & 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ @bakkerijfunk
⦁ @polly.antwerp
⦁ @cafe.betty
⦁ @tinsel_antwerp
⦁ @caffenation_coffee
I
⦁ Roof farm @paktantwerpen
⦁ For thrift store finds: Antwaarpe Goeiemorgen
⦁ Shop at @frnchparisofficiel
⦁ For all fashion lovers @momuantwerp
⦁ Must-visit museum @rubenshuisantwerpen
💌What is your favorite hotspot in Antwerp that I absolutely have to visit next time?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
These are those few magical weeks each year when the city suddenly feels different. Everything is in bloom and all you want to do is be outside. Coffee to-go in hand, and just head out as soon as the sun shows up.
𝗕𝗹𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺
📍 Bloesempark – Amsterdamse Bos (the classic, yes it gets busy, but totally worth it)
📍 Rijksmuseum
📍 Fruittuin van West
📍 Westerpark
📍 Jozef Israëlskade
📍 WG grounds
📍 Nelson Mandela Park
📍 Bos en Lommerplantsoen
📍Amstelpark
By mid-April most of the sakura will already be gone, so if you want to catch it: this is your moment.
I'll definitely be doing a few more rounds before it's over.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
_____________________________________________
🌸 Discover the best places to spot cherry blossom in Amsterdam and enjoy the sakura in full bloom. 🌸
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟲, 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟴 & 𝟮𝟵
This is one of those weekends where your only problem is how you're going to fit everything into this last weekend of March (yes already?!).
From a free event to try new Limited Subs at @ijveramsterdam to slow mornings, a market stroll (or two), maybe finally ticking off that new restaurant that's been on your list for weeks… and ending somewhere with a good glass of wine while telling yourself “just one more” 😉
𝗡𝗲𝘄-𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺:
📍 @caferestaurant.meyer
📍 @kamer.bar
📍 @rondo.restaurant
📍 @weinlokalstern
📍 @enotecadeolyphant
📍 @tonton.noord
📍 @yusu.coffee (centre)
📍 @eetcafe.vanbeeren
📍 @kidamsterdam
💬 Comment 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞𝗘𝗡𝗗 and I'll send you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide with 47 tips straight to your DMs.
What's your vibe this weekend… markets, cocktails or a new hotspot?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
In collaboration with Ireland Tourism
Discover more tips in the
Ireland Little Black Book
Click here
Travel Tips
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