THIS WEEK, HUNDREDS of people will descend upon Galway as the annual race meeting takes place.

They’ll have a great time, of course, but only true Galwegians know the real ins and outs of what many say is the best city in Ireland.

Here are thirteen things you know for sure if you’re from Galway.

Avoid town during race week

Unless you’re a lover of the races, in which case it’s the best time of year of course.

You either love or hate the races. There is no middle ground.

Photocall Ireland

The walk of shame is what you do after chickening out of jumping off the Blackrock diving board

Shutterstock.com

You can’t walk the Prom without kicking the wall

You just can’t. It’s the rules.

Flickr/Niall McAuley

The best fish and chips in the world is from McDonaghs

Flickr/thumeco

This is a truly glorious sight

The first time you see the Galway Arts Festival big top each Summer, you will probably feel a thrill.

Facebook/Galway Arts Festival

The donuts from the donut man in the market are the best

Via ThisBlonde

Supermacs Eyre Square at 2AM is the most terrying place on Earth

YouTube/mickynua

If you want tea and cake, you want to go to Goyas

Facebook/Goyas Cafe & Bakery

If it’s not raining, and it’s not winter, you should be enjoying a beverage by the Spanish Arch

Even if it’s freezing.

Flickr/beamillion

You know you’re home when you can hear drumming

There’s always drumming.

Flickr/bobbygreg

Never go near the swans at the Claddagh, they’ve been known to kill people

Or at least that’s how the story goes.

This man is dicing with danger. Flickr/phalinn

For a decent pint and people watching, Neachtains is your only man

Facebook/Tigh Neachtain

You may travel, but there’s no place like home

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