Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is where most of Galway's music, food and pubs are packed into a few pedestrian streets. It is busy and social, and generally fine for women alone, with the usual caution around closing time on weekends.

The Latin Quarter is the medieval core of Galway, a network of narrow pedestrianised lanes between Eyre Square and the Spanish Arch. Quay Street, Cross Street and Shop Street are lined with pubs, cafes, bookshops and buskers, and the area stays busy from morning until late evening. That steady foot traffic makes it easy to be out on your own. Several pubs start traditional music sessions early in the evening, and sitting alone at a bar or table with a drink is normal. Late on weekend nights the crowds get louder and drunker, with some pushing and unwanted chat outside pubs at closing time, so leave before then or take a taxi from a rank. Pickpocketing is uncommon, but phones left on tables in busy pubs get taken.