Staycation: How to have the best weekend in Galway

Pack your bags, we're heading out Wesht.

If you're planning a weekend break in Ireland this year then you better put Galway at the top of your list. The historic little city is a great place to spend a weekend shopping, exploring or going out for a few ''quiet ones''. Here's everything you need to know before you go to the City of the Tribes. Where to stay The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to stay on your Galway trip. Just two minutes away from the bus station and five minutes away from the train station, its picturesque location along Lough Atalia is the ideal place to explore Galway from. The hotel recently underwent some renovations and is looking very slick. If you do decide to stay make sure you visit their amazing thermal suites and rooftop Canadian hot tub.

A post shared by Radisson Blu Galway (@radissonblugalway) on Jun 6, 2017 at 2:13pm PDT

What to do Eyre Square You can't go to Galway and not visit Eyre Square. Take a quick stroll through the grassy area which was officially renamed John F. Kennedy Memorial Park following the former president's speech there in 1963.

A post shared by Mark McGann (@markmcgann) on Jun 9, 2017 at 5:39am PDT

Shop street Spend a few hours wandering in and out of the shops and cafes along Shop Street. Make sure you pop into Treasure Chest, one of Galway's oldest running shops. The entrepreneur behind the business Mary Bennett has been running the store for 50 years and takes particular pride in her year-round Christmas shop on the third floor. Don't be a grinch and go visit.

A post shared by Pat Trudeau (@paddyriffs) on May 29, 2017 at 2:58pm PDT

Salthill If you have some time take a spin out to Salthill for a nice walk along the promenade. It's the perfect place to get an icecream on a sunny day.

A post shared by Kate Jones (@katejo9) on Jun 3, 2017 at 3:45pm PDT

Galway Cathedral The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed Into Heaven and St Nicholas (yes, that's actually its name) is one of Galway's most iconic buildings. Finished in 1965, the cathedral isn't very historic but its stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit.

A post shared by Heather Simmons (@travelin_ginger) on May 27, 2017 at 9:01am PDT

Where to eat Caprice Café Marble tables, colourful lunches and amazing cakes, Caprice on Church Lane is every Instagrammer's dream. It's the perfect place to grab a coffee while you're shopping.

A post shared by Caprice Cafe (@capricecafegalway) on Aug 2, 2016 at 8:00am PDT

Biteclub Biteclub is a self-proclaimed 'Streetfood Discotheque' on Abbeygate Street Upper. It's the perfect place to go for Sunday brunch. They've got great tunes, amazing slushie cocktails and a tasty menu with everything from mac and cheese to falafel.

A post shared by Biteclub Galway (@biteclubgalway) on Nov 27, 2015 at 7:12am PST

Ard Bia Nimmos Sitting right beside the Spanish Arch, you won't be able to miss Ard Bia Nimmos. The little restaurant serves up a fantastic selection of seasonal dishes from around the world with everything from Mediterranean to Lebanese cuisine. The restaurant has won a slew of awards in recent years and is a favourite among locals.

A post shared by Ard Bia (@ardbianimmos) on Jun 9, 2017 at 6:10am PDT

Where to drink  Taaffes Bar Taafees is one of Galway's best-known bars and a big hit with tourists. They have trad sessions on 7 nights a week so try catch at least a few tunes during your visit.

A post shared by Jeltus (@dexter_und_co) on Mar 27, 2017 at 3:16am PDT

An Púcán An Púcán is a huge bar just of Eyre Square. They've got a decent menu and great beer garden too if the weather is nice. Sure you can't go wrong.

A post shared by An Pucan (@anpucan) on May 12, 2017 at 4:08am PDT