Three years of celebrating Halloween in Ireland, and I fall in love with it more every year.
After all, did you know Ireland is the true home of Halloween?! Yes, really!
This year, we took our Halloween festivities to Galway, and I have to say, the Macnas Parade stole my heart!
Let me take you through 48 hours of adventure in Galway – a must-visit for this magical season.
Why Galway in Autumn?
Galway in the autumn is an experience in itself. The cosy vibes, the crisp air, and the buzz of the city preparing for Halloween make it a dream destination.
And the Macnas Parade? It’s an unforgettable spectacle that will make you feel like you’re part of something extraordinary. (This year, it featured Alf – a massive, 20-metre-long and 5-metre-high newt! Yes, a newt!)
If you’re planning a trip, here’s my list of absolute must-dos to soak up Galway in the autumn:
1. Dinner at Rúibín
This spot was an instant favourite – hands down, one of the best meals of the trip. From their locally sourced ingredients to the warm ambiance, Rúibín is perfect for a cosy autumnal dinner. Don’t skip this one!
Hotels in Galway
2. Go Spooky with Experience Galway
Experience Galway offers an array of tours, but for spooky season, you have to try their Dark History Tour. It’s equal parts fascinating and chilling, and it’s the perfect way to embrace Halloween vibes while learning something new.
They also offer fantastic food and drinks tours too – it’s a great way to explore the city… through a full stomach!
3. Coffee Break at Coffeewerk + Press
This spot is an Instagram dream, but beyond that, the coffee is simply amazing.
Their brown sugar syrup is a must-try. Pro tip: Grab a cup and take a stroll – autumn in Galway looks better with coffee in hand.
4. Lunch at The Skeff Bar
The Skeff Bar is a Galway classic, and their Halloween decorations this year were so fun.
The food? Delicious. The vibe? Cosy and welcoming. Perfect for a midday refuel.
5. Savor Seafood at Kirwan’s Lane
No trip to Galway is complete without indulging in some local seafood, and Kirwan’s Lane delivers every time. It’s a staple spot for a reason – don’t miss it.
6. The Magic of the Macnas Parade
The highlight of the season: the Macnas Parade. This year’s parade told the story of Alf the newt, who journeyed through Galway with the help of his human friends.
The creativity, the energy, and the community spirit were unmatched. If you’re in Galway for Halloween, the parade is a must.
7. Music and Drinks in the Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is buzzing in autumn. Grab a drink, listen to live music, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.
8. Storytelling at The Crane Bar
We ended our trip with a storytelling session at The Crane Bar with Rab Fulton. It was the perfect mix of eerie and enchanting – an autumn tradition I’d happily repeat.
Bonus: The Claddagh Ring Tradition
PS. Did you know Galway is home to the iconic Claddagh ring? Joe and I couldn’t resist picking up matching ones. A little keepsake from our Ireland journey!
Where to stay
We stayed at The Galmont Hotel & Spa. It was pretty spacious and comfortable, our room was huge! It’s also about a 10 minute walk into the city centre.
It was the perfect spot to base ourselves for our stay – and a bonus, they have a car park on site. This is great as we just left our car there during our stay until it was time to leave and continue our road trip!
Every year, Halloween in Ireland just gets better and better.
Galway, with its vibrant culture, incredible food, and spooky spirit, made this year unforgettable. I can’t wait to see what next autumn brings – but for now, I’m holding onto these memories of crisp autumn days, cosy evenings, and the magic of Galway’s Halloween celebrations.
Kelly xoxo