In 2020 I was in my third year of university and had the opportunity to study abroad. After considering my options in the months prior to that semester I decided on Galway, Ireland. I had never been to the city or the country, I didn’t know anyone there, and no one from my home university was going either–but something about Galway intrigued me. After packing as much of my closet into one suitcase and getting all of my ducks (and stacks of important paperwork) in a row, I set off on January 6th of that year.

When I first stepped foot in Galway, I was unsure of how I would fare being away from home for several months for the first time. I was nervous about everything– how to get around, how to meet friends, how to avoid seeming overly American, etc. Once I left the airport and made the 3-hour trip from Dublin to Galway via bus, I finally made it to the coach station in Eyre Square. From there I hailed a cab, and made it to my accommodation. Once the jetlag had subsided, I set out on my first walk into town to pick up some groceries. I was immediately hooked.

The general atmosphere of the city put my worries at bay immediately. The mild air, the smell of peat burning in the surrounding homes, and even the distant caws of seagulls in the background. This feeling never waned as the months went on.

In the middle of my stay, the pandemic struck and put a bit of a damper on what had been the best time of my life. But even with the ominous threat of COVID-19, I decided to stay in Ireland for the last two months of the semester. While this time was rather lonely at points– campus had practically cleared out– I still had the most amazing experience just living day-to-day in Galway.

When it was time for me to finally head home to the states, I was a bit heartbroken, but knew I would make it back eventually. When you get to know Galway, it sticks with you and draws you back. Fortunately, I was able to return two years later to receive my master's degree at the local university.

The city I learned to love during my time in undergrad, was the same city I returned to years later. When I left the coach station after arriving in September, all of the emotions surrounding Galway returned, and a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.

It’s a bit difficult to put into words but I will explain a few reasons as to why Galway has such a special charm to it.

The one thing many folks will tell you about Galway, and Ireland in general, is that the people are extremely friendly. This is very true– Irish people’s ability to strike up banter regardless of the environment is unmatched. Whether you’re at a bar or simply on a walk, there is a good conversation to be had. They are also some of the funniest people you will ever meet- with every other sentence being an extremely witty quip.

Galway also provides the best of both worlds when it comes to small city living and proximity to nature. While Galway is nowhere near the size of cities like New York City or Boston, the size of it still gives you plenty to do. The nightlife is fantastic, the shops are plenty, and the streets are always active with musicians and chatter. Galway lies next to Galway bay, and neighborhoods like Salthill and Claddagh are located right on the coastline. A walk along Galway’s promenade at sunset or sunrise is sure to warm your heart.

In addition to the people and the physical environment, the way of life in Galway has this light air around it. Coming from the northeast of the United States, I tend to rush, scramble to meet deadlines, and talk too fast, but in Galway everything moves slower. Yes, receiving a package a few weeks later than you usually would in the states can sometimes be frustrating, but the slower pace of life in Galway allows you to embrace every day to the fullest. The twisty and turny cobblestone streets of the city center allow you to meander aimlessly for hours. The pubs and restaurants are plenty, giving you a myriad of places to catch up with friends or meet new ones.

Overall, Galway has the ability to make a fantastic impression on anyone who visits, regardless of your connection to the city. You don’t need months to fall in love with it here, but I would recommend your next trip to the small city that has stolen so many hearts.