Arty, bohemian Galway is one of Ireland’s most engaging cities. Brightly painted pubs heave with live music, while restaurants and cafes offer front-row seats for observing buskers and street theatre. Remains of the medieval town walls lie between shops selling handcrafted Claddagh rings, books and musical instruments and a long promenade leads to the seaside suburb of Salthill, on Galway Bay, the source of the area’s famous oysters.  This trip is not to be missed!