Síle Seoige explains why there’s no place like her hometown of Galway
Fluent Irish speaker Síle Seoige has been working in TV and radio for 17 years.
Recently she’s added another string to her bow by becoming a certified yoga teacher.
A native of Spiddal in Connemara Co. Galway and the youngest of four children, Seoige is extremely connected to her roots, and her passion for her home county is visceral.
This, is her Galway.
“My first realisation that I came from Galway was when any rich dark, red colour was known as Maroon, not burgundy or berry or wine. It’s MAROON!
“Being a Galwegian defines me in many ways, but mostly because I like a large chips in SuperMac’s.
“The place I find solace in every time I visit is walking the Salthill prom.
“When I am away for a long period of time, I crave delicious seafood fresh from the Atlantic while the sun sets.
“The most unique thing about Galway, and the thing that sets it apart from all others, in my opinion, is the warmth and humour of the people. Galway is famous for its great food, and rightly so.
"There are too many gorgeous places to recommend just one, but I would say you won’t go far wrong if you stick to produce from the sea.
“A perfect day for me to spend in my county would start with an early morning walk along on the beach to build up an appetite for breakfast.
"I would gather together my family and friends and tour around Connemara, stopping off in Gaynor’s pub in Leenane for a pint and a before watching the sun set on the sky road in Clifden.
“The place that takes my breath away is Dog’s Bay in Roundstone. It’s magic. On a sunny day, you could be on a beach in the Caribbean
“When I need a culture fix I head straight to any of Galway’s theatres, The Town Hall, Druid or An Taibhdhearc. Galway is one of the country’s greatest cultural centres, and our theatres are an excellent example of the arts that are celebrated throughout the year.
“The best live music can be found in Galway’s West End. Choose from Monroe’s, Róisín’s and The Crane Bar, the list goes on, and each one is better than the next.
“I don’t know a better place to have some wine and a gossip than Sheridan’s wine bar, just above their cheesemongers. Such a great spot for delicious wines, chats, craic and even the occasional singsong late in the night.
“When I want to unwind, no place calms me like being beside the sea. Galway is home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, and the Atlantic Ocean has a particular resonance for me.
“If you visit one place in Galway, make it Connemara Or the Aran Islands!”
1. Settle in for a pint and a good old trad session at Tig Coili on Mainguard Street every Monday night.
2. Blow off the cobwebs by jumping off the Blackrock Diving Tower at Salthill. Just make sure to check the tide tables first.
3. Buy a coffee and soak up the atmosphere at the Spanish Arch – preferably on a Saturday.
4. Head on a day trip to the Aran Islands. The boat may be slightly rocky, but it is worth it. Bring rain gear, and prepare to bike around the island for the day, before settling in one of the local pubs for a pint and a feed.
5. Walk The Connemara Way. The walk extends from Galway city along the shores of Galway Bay through An Spideal (Spiddal), An Cheathru Rua (Carraroe), Ros Muc and Carna, then northwards to Letterfrack and Glen Craff to join up with the Western Way.
It’s quite long, at 77km but there are lots of Irish-speaking B&B’s to bunk in along the way.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
