Dreaming of going to the Emerald Isle? Ireland has a lot to offer from bustling cities and charming pubs to stunning landscapes and dramatic cliffs.

In warmer seasons, there are many more sites along the Ring of Kerry, but that will have to be for another trip to the Emerald Isle.

If you don’t play Galway Girl on repeat in this city, you’re doing it wrong. Ed Sheeran filmed a video in O’Connell’s, in Eyre Square. Stay for a drink and pretend you’re in a music video too.

If you have time, go on a tour to Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled garden It has major castle vibes and is worth a day trip from Galway.

On the way back, wander the colorful streets of Galway and pop into a pub. Pro tip: if it starts to rain, just duck into the nearest watering hole ASAP, there are plenty to choose from.

Galway exceeded my expectations and was worth the round trip cross country bus ride from Dublin. You can also rent a car to drive yourself, but I enjoyed sitting back and letting a pro navigate the narrow roads and never ending round-a-bouts that my American driving skills are not used to.