Holidays Travel

New York Times review finds ‘scenic Galway may be Ireland’s most charming city'

Jockey Wayne Lordan celebrates after winning the Topaz Mile Handicap on Hint of a Tint during day two of the 2015 Galway Festival at Ballybrit on Tuesday<br />Picturw by Press Association
Jockey Wayne Lordan celebrates after winning the Topaz Mile Handicap on Hint of a Tint during day two of the 2015 Galway Festival at Ballybrit on Tuesday
Picturw by Press Association
Jockey Wayne Lordan celebrates after winning the Topaz Mile Handicap on Hint of a Tint during day two of the 2015 Galway Festival at Ballybrit on Tuesday
Picturw by Press Association
(PA Wire/PA)

GALWAY has been given a glowing review in the latest instalment of the New York Times' travel series.

In its famed 36 Hours travel series, there was high praise from the travel writer, who said "scenic Galway may be Ireland's most charming city".

Nell McShane Wulfhart described the city as "compact and walkable" and "filled to the brim with independent shops and restaurants that walk the fine line between cool and kitsch".

The New York Times has a daily circulation of around 1.8 million readers with its travel section influencing the decisions of travellers.

Some of the particular points of interest enjoyed by the the author was a visit to St Nicholas's Church as well as a coffee at Coffeewerk + Press on Quay Street describing it as "at the forefront of Galway's nascent coffee scene".

Take it slow in welcoming, walkable Galway. Posted by The New York Times - Travel on Sunday, April 3, 2016

"Cozy, old-fashioned pubs showcase the city’s ever-growing selection of craft beers, chefs serve up west-of-Ireland ingredients in creative new ways, and almost every building housing a modern cafe or new atelier has a centuries-old story behind it," the review said.

"It’s not a city in which to hustle; rather, it’s one in which to enjoy a locally brewed pint, relish the excellent seafood and get your fill of views of the rushing River Corrib as it sweeps out to Galway Bay."

Just last year the New York Times visited Belfast as part of the 36 Hours travel series and found it was "an eye-opening experience in the best possible way".

It praised the city as one that "has been coming into its own in the last few years, developing a vibrant restaurant scene, award-winning architecture...and a new cosmopolitanism"

However, it did comment that "fried breakfasts and a heightened awareness of sectarian conflict are still an integral part of most residents’ days"

"The friendliness of the people is what’s most appealing in this small and very walkable city, from smiling servers to talkative bartenders to helpful strangers on the street," the review stated.

"Visit Belfast to soak up good vibes, to eat well and to drink unstintingly. It’s a city that’s at its best when enjoyed from behind a pint glass."