Galway is a magnet for gourmets and as a base for discovering the Aran Islands too. Aran Island Ferries has just launched a frequent daily service to the islands, while Galway Bay Boat tours is a must-do. For more leisurely cruising, hop aboard the Corrib Princess which departs from Woodquay and heads out to Lough Corrib. Here’s where to stay:

Ard Bia At Nimmos

For fashion and food lovers two destinations are must-dos in Galway – Ard Bia At Nimmos restaurant which also stocks lovely jams, chutneys and chocolate – as well as The Tweed Project. The design duo have been working away on the new collection featuring bold colours and shoulders. The restaurant’s sister AirBnB is now taking bookings. It’s pretty and pared back – in keeping with the Ard Bia ethos – and allows for independence while providing inspiration for interiors fans too: www.airbnb.ie.

House Hotel

“Summer in the City” is a tempting two night offer at The House Hotel from €160 per person sharing. Comprising bed and breakfast with complimentary Cosmopolitans, it also includes €30 credit to spend on food and drink options at the popular hotel bar The Yard Kitchen. House Hotel is a great base from which to explore Eyre Square, the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Salthill – all a short walk away, as well as the iconic Latin Quarter, home to independent shops, pubs, and cafes, along with historic buildings; www.thehousehotel.ie.

The g Hotel & Spa

Luxurious and glamorous, the five-star g Hotel & Spa was meticulously designed by milliner Phillip Treacy. One of the packages it is currently offering is “The Ultimate Stay, Shop and Dine Experience”. This includes an overnight stay midweek in a superior room, a courtesy car to Brown Thomas where a personal shopper awaits, dinner for two people with a bottle of house wine in gigi’s – the award-winning AA Rosette restaurant. (Customers who spend over €100 in Brown Thomas will receive a complimentary goody bag to take home). This offer is from €160 per person sharing; www.theghotel.ie.

Glenlo Abbey Estate & Spa

On the outskirts of Galway city, the 138-acre lakeside golf estate is offering a selection of experiences this summer including the “Recapture Magic Moments” package. This is a celebratory night away during which Glenlo’s friendly team will go out of their way to ensure guests have the most memorable stay – with artisan sweet treats, a half bottle of champagne and a bouquet of flowers with personalised message upon arrival. The experience also includes à la carte breakfast in The River Room. Overnight rates are from €445 per room; www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie.

The Hardiman

A Victorian grande dame, The Hardiman Hotel combines grace and luxury, and is located in the heart of the city. Its “Sweet Summer Staycation” is a two-night stay with breakfast each morning and an evening meal on one night. Other treats include complimentary prosecco and strawberries upon arrival. From €225 per person sharing; www.thehardiman.ie.

Harbour Hotel

The Harbour Hotel has an enviable (and Instagrammable) waterfront location, just a few minutes from Eyre Square. Its “Rekindle” package includes two nights’ accommodation in an executive room, a chilled bottle of prosecco on arrival, a three course dinner for two on an evening of choice at Dillisk on The Docks, plus à la carte breakfast each morning. This experience costs from €412 per couple; www.harbour.ie.

One little book which is an invaluable guide to Galway is that produced by Galway Food Tours (devised by friends Sheena Dignam and Gosia Letowska) which launched last year. Now they’ve developed an innovative self-guided App, which has everything you need to know about the Galway hospitality scene, plus some discounts too. “Within the app there are videos chatting to all the amazing suppliers, producers and business owners we work with. Meaning that you get that real sense of place and of course that Galway buzz which is like no other,” explains Dignam. Some of the discount highlights include one of the best sourdough sandwiches in Galway from Tartare and a glass of wine at Ruibin on the docks. On Saturdays it’s Galway Market time and those world famous Boychik doughnuts. You can also enjoy vouchers when you head to Tigh Neachtains for a craft beer, or indulge in some Japanese cuisine in WA Sushi, or on gift items from Kai Restaurant (which is a must visit too). My tip? Don’t leave without a coffee at Coffeewerk + Press. The Galway Food Tours Self-Guided Pocket Book is €35 and is available to buy from McCambridges, Ard Bia Restaurant, Charlie Byrnes, Coffeewerk + Press and Tigh Neachtains. Happy exploring! www.galwayfoodtyours.com