The weekend rain seems to be a thing of the past today, the sun is shining the bands are on the the stage and the boats racing in the Volvo Ocean Race are due to arrive in the next 24 hours some say late tonight, others early tomorrow, whatever the case the festival season has well and truely kicked off here in Galway, and for the next 4 weeks we have one festival after another. The Ocean race is special to us here at The Grapefruit as it was our second ever post way back in May 2009. Some things have changed in the meantime many a wine has been drunk but we still stock the Winery of Good Hope wines and they’re as good as ever. Here are somethings you may need to know about Galway:

“Galway, Ireland’s third largest city, is celebrated in song and story throughout the world and takes centre stage on Ireland’s western seaboard. With spectacularly beautiful scenery, it offers a medley of contrasts – the wildest and remotest of countryside teamed with one of Europe’s most vibrant and popular cities.Dubbed ‘The Cultural Capital of Ireland’, the city is famed for its vibrant music, arts and events scene.

For an evening’s entertainment there are a myriad of options on offer. The oldest part of the city, known as the ‘Latin Quarter’, is hive of old, cobbled streets that house some of the best pubs and restaurants in Galway. As you walk through the tight and crowded streets you meet jugglers and performers of all kinds, threading their way through the pavement tables of the bars and cafes.

If you’re looking for something edgier, head over the bridge to the ‘West End’, which offers a grittier ambience, characterised by its contemporary bohemian and eclectic music scene. All manner of musical taste is catered for in Galway, with a strong tradition music presence kept alive by street performers and in bars across the city.

Once voted the 8th ‘Sexiest City in the World’, Galway is an unmissable destination.”

Source: volvooceanrace.com