When I first planned my independent journey to Galway, I underestimated how much the city — and the West of Ireland in general — would challenge and delight me at the same time. The cobblestones of Shop Street, the salty breeze along Salthill Promenade, the sudden bursts of rain that appear out of nowhere — all of these experiences quickly taught me that traveling freely in Galway requires preparation. Over time, I’ve built a list of essentials that I never travel without. Each one comes from a moment of realization: sometimes humorous, sometimes frustrating, but always memorable.

For anyone heading to Galway for the first time, I want to share this list of must-have items. They’re not just about convenience; they’re about making sure you can embrace the spontaneity and beauty of this city without unnecessary stress.

1. A Reliable Rain Jacket

The weather in Galway has a personality all its own. I’ve experienced sunshine, rain, and strong winds all within the span of an hour. Carrying a sturdy, lightweight rain jacket is my golden rule. An umbrella might seem logical, but in Galway’s gusty winds, umbrellas are more of a liability than a help — I’ve had two flip inside out within minutes on Quay Street.

A good rain jacket keeps me dry while allowing me to keep moving, whether I’m exploring the Spanish Arch, strolling through Eyre Square, or joining locals for a late-night music session at The Crane Bar. It’s the difference between cutting a day short because I’m soaked through, or simply laughing as the rain passes and the sun peeks out again.

2. Comfortable Walking Shoes

Galway is best explored on foot, and every step through its winding streets feels like a discovery. The city’s charm is in its cobblestoned lanes, the hidden courtyards, and the small details you notice only when you wander without a fixed destination. But without the right shoes, that joy quickly turns into discomfort. Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are absolutely non-negotiable.

I learned this lesson the hard way on my very first visit. I thought a new pair of sleek leather boots would make me look the part of a stylish traveler. By the end of the day, after hours of strolling through Eyre Square, weaving in and out of shops in the Latin Quarter, and detouring along the River Corrib, my feet were aching and covered in blisters. It was a miserable walk back to my hotel, and I swore I’d never make that mistake again.

Now I pack with practicality in mind. Cushioned trainers or sturdy, well-broken-in boots are my go-to choices. They’re designed for long hours of walking, and they handle Galway’s occasional puddles without complaint. Thanks to them, I can take my time exploring without being distracted by sore feet. When I head out toward Salthill Promenade, I can walk the entire length, soak in the views of the Atlantic stretching endlessly ahead, and kick the wall at the end — a quirky local tradition — before turning back with ease. Those comfortable shoes transform exploration from a chore into pure enjoyment.

3. Layered Clothing

Galway’s weather keeps you on your toes. Traveling in October, I realized within hours that the city can’t be trusted to stick to one mood. Mornings often start with a crisp chill in the air, afternoons may surprise you with a mild warmth, and evenings bring back a brisk coolness that sinks into your bones if you’re unprepared. Layers, I discovered, are everything.

My usual packing list now always includes light sweaters, breathable long-sleeved shirts, and a warm scarf. With these, I can easily adapt to the shifting weather without the burden of carrying a heavy coat. On bright afternoons, I peel down to a simple shirt as I wander through Shop Street, pausing at a café terrace to sip coffee while listening to a busker’s fiddle tune. When the temperature drops, I slip a sweater back on, and with a scarf tucked around my neck, I feel perfectly snug.

Evenings in Galway pubs are another test of layering. Inside, with the crowd pressed close and music spilling through the air, it gets surprisingly warm. Being able to shed a layer or two makes the difference between staying comfortably for hours or slipping out early. With layered clothing, I move seamlessly between the chill of the streets and the warmth of a packed music session, never missing a moment of the city’s lively rhythm.

4. Portable Power Bank

With so much to see and do, my phone is constantly in use — snapping photos of colorful storefronts, navigating with Google Maps, and booking tickets online. Galway drains my battery faster than any other city, simply because there’s always something I want to capture or share.

Carrying a portable power bank has saved me countless times. Whether I’m heading out to Connemara for a day trip or lingering at Galway Market to photograph the food stalls, I never have to worry about running out of charge. And when I’m using apps like Booking.com or GetYourGuide.com to confirm last-minute reservations, that extra battery life feels essential.

5. A Small Daypack

I’ve learned to carry a compact backpack that’s big enough for essentials but small enough to keep close in crowded areas. In it, I stash my water bottle, rain jacket, snacks, and any purchases I pick up from markets or shops.

Walking through Galway’s Latin Quarter, it’s easy to be tempted by handcrafted jewelry, wool scarves, or books from independent shops. Having a daypack keeps my hands free and makes wandering through lively streets effortless. It also helps when I decide, on a whim, to take a walk along the River Corrib, where carrying too many loose items would be inconvenient.

6. Travel Insurance Documents

It might not be the most exciting thing to pack, but travel insurance has brought me peace of mind more than once. Galway is safe, but independent travel always comes with surprises — a sprained ankle on a slippery path, or a delayed flight from Shannon Airport.

I keep my insurance details accessible, either printed or stored on my phone. That way, I can focus on enjoying a spontaneous busker performance in Eyre Square or a plate of oysters at McDonagh’s without worrying about “what if” scenarios.

7. A Guide to Local Music and Events

Galway thrives on its cultural calendar. The first time I arrived without checking events, I nearly missed the Galway International Oyster Festival. Now, I always carry a mental or written guide to local festivals, music gigs, and markets.

Websites like DiscoverIreland.ie and local listings give me a clear picture of what’s happening, and booking platforms like Viator.com sometimes include festival tours or special access passes. Being prepared lets me stumble into live sessions in pubs, outdoor theater performances, or craft fairs that give me a deeper sense of Galway’s personality.

8. Snacks for the Road

Between hearty Irish breakfasts and seafood dinners, I often forget how much walking I do in Galway. I always keep a few snacks — granola bars, fruit, or something I’ve picked up at Galway Market — in my daypack. These small bites keep my energy up while I explore, especially when I’m too enchanted by street performers to stop for a proper meal.

When venturing beyond the city, snacks are even more crucial. On a bus ride to the Cliffs of Moher, having something to nibble on while the scenery rolled past made the journey more comfortable.

9. Camera or Smartphone with Extra Memory

Galway is endlessly photogenic. The colorful shopfronts along Quay Street, the sweeping views of Galway Bay, the stone ruins scattered across the countryside — I always find myself taking more photos than expected.

Carrying extra memory cards or ensuring plenty of storage space on my phone prevents that sinking feeling when I see the dreaded “Storage Full” notification just as the perfect sunset lights up the River Corrib. For me, Galway is a place where every corner holds a photograph waiting to be taken.

10. A Sense of Spontaneity

This might not fit neatly in a backpack, but it’s the most essential thing I bring to Galway. Independent travel is about embracing the unexpected. The busker I stopped to listen to turned into a conversation about Irish folk traditions. The quiet café I ducked into for shelter from the rain became a place where I discovered the best apple tart I’ve ever tasted.

Spontaneity transforms Galway from a destination into an experience. It’s what allows me to linger longer at the Spanish Arch, to follow music into a pub I hadn’t planned to visit, or to join a group heading to Salthill just because the sun came out.

Booking Flights, Stays, and Dining for Galway

Packing the right essentials makes independent travel smoother, but booking wisely does too. I rely on platforms like Skyscanner.net and AerLingus.com for flights into Ireland, as they give me the best overview of schedules and fares. For accommodation, I rotate between Booking.com, Expedia.ie, and Airbnb.ie, depending on whether I’m craving a boutique hotel, a trusted chain, or a quirky local stay.

Dining often requires planning in Galway, especially during weekends. Platforms like TheFork.ie or OpenTable.ie help me secure a table at popular restaurants like Ard Bia or Kai. For attractions and day trips, I use GetYourGuide.com and Viator.com, which often include skip-the-line tickets or bundled tours — saving me both time and money.

Why These Essentials Matter

Each item on this list comes from experience — sometimes from mistakes, sometimes from little victories. My rain jacket saved me during a sudden October downpour on Salthill Promenade. My power bank kept me connected when I wandered into Connemara and spent hours capturing landscapes. My layered clothing let me enjoy an outdoor music session well into the evening without shivering.

For first-time travelers to Galway, these essentials aren’t just practical; they’re what allow you to experience the city fully. With them, you can focus on savoring a plate of oysters, listening to street musicians, or watching the sunset over Galway Bay — without being distracted by discomfort or unpreparedness.