Galway

Friday, midday

Check into the Park House Hotel (doubles from £162, www. parkhousehotel.ie), right in the buzzing heart of lively Galway.

1pm

Tartare (http://tartarecafewinebar. business.site) is a bright new seafood eatery from the people behind the Michelin star restaurant across the road. Irish oysters are spiced with creative garnishes and the bone dry white wines are spot on too.

2pm

Take the pulse of Galway on Eyre Square. Sit on a bench in Kennedy Park and listen to the buskers in a green oasis that is always bustling.

3pm

Head to the Galway City Museum (www.galwaycitymuseum.ie) to learn more about the rich story of the city and the county beyond.

6pm

Hook up with Galway Food Tours (www.galwayfoodtours. com). Sheena will take you for an aperitif at America Village (www. americavillage.com), a cross between an apothecary and an understated cocktail bar with all manner of ultralocal foraged herbs and botanicals thrilling the senses.

7pm

Sheena can then take you on to The Universal (http://theuniversal. business.site), a hipster haunt that offers tapas style dishes (with seafood to the fore) along with local craft beers.

Saturday, 10am

The Fisheries Watchtower (tel: +35391 564946) hosts a modest museum collection, but the real star attraction are the views out over the city’s waterways.

Midday

Enjoy Galway produce and inventive cooking at Kai (www. kaicaferestaurant.com). Savour the likes of west coast crab salad with poppyseed, cucumber, avocado mayonnaise and a cheddar scone.

1.30pm

Check out the colourful Galway Market where you can pick up quality arts and crafts, plus meet food producers from all over County Galway.

7pm

The Kasbah Wine Bar (www. kasbahwinebar.ie) is a glorious gem tucked away from the chaotic buzz of Saturday night Galway. Live music and delicious small plates await.

Sunday, 9am

Head out of the city to Silverstrand for a head-clearing stroll along the Blue Flag certified pristine sands. ■

Robin Mckelvie