Galway. Oh Galway. Multiple songs have been written referencing this quaint Irish town, and when you visit the cobblestone streets you understand why. The city is on the coast, with long stretches of beach. I’m not a beach fan usually, but even the beaches in Ireland are unique.
The real attraction in this town is known as The Latin Quarter, where Galway comes alive. With shops and restaurants around every corner you’ll want to spend an entire day here. And that’s just what we did.
Where to stay: Abbeylee B&B. The hosts of this B&B were wonderful. The bedrooms were clean and felt like home. And the breakfast. Yup. The location was perfect, just a 35 minute walk to The Latin Quarter.
We stayed here two nights, and I met the most adorable American couple that was on their honeymoon. We became instant friends. Have I mentioned how much I love traveling? Those that travel have unique spirits, and it’s easy to make new friends this way.
With a belly full of a traditional Irish breakfast, we took the beach path to the heart of the city. Walking into the entrance of The Latin Quarter is something I cannot put into words. Any thoughts, worries, or unpleasant emotions are quickly erased and replaced by feelings of joy, excitement, and enthrallment.
Not that I was worried or upset at all on this trip, but you get the idea.
I can still hear the sounds reverberating off the stone walls. Musicians played everywhere you turned. Galway made you feel like nothing was impossible, that as long as you believed it, you could be whoever you wanted.
Spoiler alert: this is actually how life works, we just get so caught up in thinking we “can’t” and where our minds go, we follow.
It was here in Galway we had planned to spend an evening at a local pub to be serenaded by the sounds of the locals. It was here I decided I wasn’t living my life the way I wanted. It was here I fell so deeply in love with a culture that was not my own, but that I longed to be a part of.
It was here that I gave myself a permanent reminder of my first trip abroad, a trip that broke my soul and rebuilt it into something new.
Our tattoo artists name was Charlie, and he was equal parts rigid as he was sweet. His lady friend worked alongside him and she had a strong resemblance to Anne Heche in Six Days, Seven Nights.
They were adorable, and not in the sickly kind of way.
The original plan was to get a four leaf clover. Because we’re basic. Alas, Anne Heche schooled us on Irish culture and advised the clover was not native to Ireland, but the shamrock was. So shamrock it was. I didn’t even need a Guinness before being inked.
Thanks Charlie, I hope you and Anne Heche live happily ever after.
Where to eat: The Kings Head is the oldest pub in the area, racking up over 800 years of existence. We ate lunch here and also spent the final stretch of our day here listening to local Irish men sing American songs. Go figure. I’ll never hear Ring of Fire the same again.
Nothing like grown men referencing explosive diarrhea through a Johnny Cash song.
I was on a mission to find the best mushy peas in Ireland.
Fat Freddy’s Restaurant -I didn’t come to Ireland planning to find good pizza, but I assure you I found it. As always, potatoes as a topping is a must.
Murphy’s Ice Cream – I can’t remember the last time I had “real” ice cream, but #wheninGalway. In all honesty this was a bit much for me, and I realized I might have been going a wee far with eating all the things I typically avoid, but for the sake of transparency I’ll share it.
What sold me was the fact that they hand make the ice cream nearby, and one of the flavors showcases sea salt from the Dingle peninsula. When you can see the cows roaming free and grazing on grass it makes the decision of taking a lick much easier. Alas I’m becoming an expert at the whole, “listen to your body” concept.
Body said no mas ice cream.
Sitting in this city, surrounded by people from all over the world I felt at peace. These are the moments and memories that stick with you forever. Besides, even if I tried to forget I’m reminded every time I put on socks and see my tattoo.
I smile every time.
Travel Tip: When wandering a larger city (think Dublin, Galway, Cork) go into a pub if you need to use the toilet. Otherwise you will likely be charged around 20 cent.
Blissfulbritt 
48 thoughts on “The Latin Quarter, Galway”
Anthony
Love the tattoo–so much better than a T-shirt.
Brittany
Such a valid point! I never wear the t-shirts anyway!
Caitlin Milligan
Your smile in the last picture says it all!
Brittany
CAITLIN!!! Oh girl, this day was so magical I loved reliving it through this post. ❤❤
rootchopper
Great post. Reminded me of the Thai singer doing Johnny Cash songs in a Phuket restaurant. Felt a bit like going over to him and joining in. Couldn’t have made things worse.
Brittany
It was so funny, I loved every minute of that performance.
Shawna
This is totally making me want to go to Ireland! So glad you had such an amazing trip.
Brittany
GO GO GOOOO.
elliewick
I love how happy you look!
Brittany
Thank you, I loved how happy I felt!
Angie
I love Galway! We had a blast there too, spent some time in a pub talking to some locals and met an American couple as well. I noticed you collected some of the Guinness signs as well. Love them. We have a bunch from different areas we had visited.
Brittany
I loved the Guinness signs! It was like seeing an angel at the end of a long day. Where there is a Guinness sign there is a pub, and where there is a pub there is FOOOOOD.
RhapsodyBoheme
So amazing and what a beautiful place, it makes me want to travel there and get my own permanent reminder of the trip. 🙂
Brittany
Please go, it’s a must!
RhapsodyBoheme
I agree without ever been there. It just calls my name somehow. 😉
hangoutspace
Thanks for sharing.
Brittany
Thanks for reading. 🙏🏻❤
dave379
I love all the Galway colors in the pictures, and the shamrock 🙂 a nice black and white touch
Brittany
Thank you friend!
Alicia
Love it! The colors, the music, the food – and I’m thinking I might get a tattoo while I’m over there, too…Keep up the reporting!
Brittany
I think my new plan is to get a small tattoo in all the big ticket places I travel. A mountain range in Switzerland, a tree in New Zealand, a chocolate croissant in France…HA just kidding on the last one. It’s such a fun way to remember the trip.
An Unrefined Vegan
Look at that smile!! Is it me or does every place in Ireland look like a movie set :-)?
Brittany
I think you’re right, it’s THAT magical.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’m so glad you got a tattoo. My girl Lucie gets a tattoo on every trip. She is literally a wall of memories and it’s beautiful.
This place looks amazing, and I’m so glad you had a fantastic time here and on your entire trip. It makes me happy seeing you this happy.
P.S. I’ll eat your ice cream for you. 🙂
Brittany
That’s my plan too!!! Tattoos every trip. It’s such a fun idea.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
YOU EATING THAT PIZZA is everything to me. EVERYTHING I tell you. And you want to know why? Because I can tell you do not have a single care in the world! 🙂
Brittany
This made my heart happy, and it’s true. I can still feel the emotions sitting in that chair watching people as I ate!
simplywonderfullymade
Beautiful! This makes me miss living and traveling in Europe so much! the pizza and gelato is the best!!!! Eat it all!!!!
Brittany
ALLLL THE FOOD.
P
I love the last picture of you as much as how that pizza looks, haha! Still think the tattoo is an awesome memento!
Brittany
Ohh that pizza. Swoon.
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Rach
I love that you got a tattoo while you were there! We nearly got ones in Italy, but then changed our minds (neither of us have tattoos at all so it would be a HUGE first step). But I love the idea of it! 🙂
Brittany
My friend got one too, and it was her first! She loves it. 😝 What were you guys thinking of getting?
Heather
I’m so happy you’re happy! Love the tattoo, too! I don’t have any. Did it hurt really bad or were you just dreaming of delicious potato pizza to get your mind off of it?
Brittany
If wasn’t bad! I had gotten one like a week prior back home that hurt way worse lolol. The shamrock was so small it was over before I knew it.
Angela
GALWAY stole my heart a long time ago and this post just amplifies everything I remember from there! I really wanted to get a tiny tattoo when I visited places but again I was not brave enough, so happy you did though, its so awesome!!!
Brittany
I miss Galway daily!
Josh dV
Oh you look so happy.
Brittany
Sooo happy was I.
Josh dV
You being happy makes me happy.
stateeats
So much yes here. I love that Galway spoke to your soul. I also love your expression as you are getting tatted. -Kat
Brittany
Hahaha I’m a goob.
ktkickass
man, you look like you’re having soooo much fun! love the photos!!! 🙂
Brittany
One of the best days I’ve had in a while!
Kayse
Potatoes on pizza?!?! What could be a happier combo?! Love your new tattoo. What a wonderful reminder to live like you lived on this trip.
Brittany
I smile so hard every time I look at it. I love it. And potatoes on pizza ALWAYS.
Kayse
I haaaave to try it now!