National Geographic Traveler has named Galway among the best places in the world to visit this year.

The influential US magazine recognised the Irish city alongside the likes of Cairo and the Peruvian Amazon in its annual comprehensive travel report featuring 28 of the most exciting destinations for 2019.

National Geographic judges noted that this year will be a brilliant time to visit the city on the Wild Atlantic Way, as it marks the run-up to Galway’s time as the European Capital of Culture 2020.

“Galway may sit at the far western edge of Europe,” the magazine states, “but lately the ‘City of Tribes’ has been the centre of attention. Named a 2018 European Region of Gastronomy, Ireland’s fourth largest city (population 80,000) is gearing up for the next big thing: Galway 2020, European Capital of Culture.”

The publication also cites new community heritage and arts projects “such as pop-up culture cafés and funambulism (tightrope walking) workshops” that throughout 2019 “will be rolling out in conventional and unexpected venues (beaches, fields, remote villages and rivers) across Galway city and county.”

Galway Harbour

Galway is one of Ireland’s most engaging cities. Cultured, artsy and bohemian, its brightly painted pubs pulse with traditional and live music.

Michelin-starred restaurants and cosy cafés dot the city centre, melding with a lively farmer’s market and craft shops. Bridges arch over the River Corrib and a long promenade leads to the suburb of Salthill on Galway Bay.

In the spring, St Patrick’s Day (17 March) and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, one of the oldest and most recognised literature festivals in Europe (8 – 14 April), are fine times to go.

Summer and autumn also see the artistic, creative and fun qualities Galway is renowned for come to life in a blaze of superb international festivals ranging from the arts and food to film and horse racing.

Alongside the festivals, shows and events there is a thriving gastronomic scene to check out. Galway is especially known for its oysters and Ireland’s longest running and greatest gourmet extravaganza – the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival.

The Hills of Connemara, County Galway

There is much more to uncover around County Galway, where the hills of Connemara, all sorts of sights and activities on the wild Atlantic coastline or the rustic lifestyle of the Aran Islands are among the attractions that make the area one of the world’s best.

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, said: "Galway is a wonderful city at any time of year, with such a great culture and arts scene, and some of the most delicious fresh, local food. Nestled, as it is, on the Wild Atlantic Way, it is the perfect starting point for a wider tour of the region, or indeed as a must-see destination on any tour of Ireland."

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of Ireland, taking in the sights and sounds of Galway, please do contact our friendly team today.