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A famous Irish drinking song describes seven drunken nights - and I was lucky enough to experience one recently in the small seaside city of Galway. It was my first time in the country, having driven from the airport in Dublin westwards with friends. The amusingly named Snoozles Hostel was our base, as we explored the medieval trading hub turned student haunt.

Before us were ancient cobbled streets, and a flat, grey estuary of river and seawater, upon which a couple of swans swam. Where wine and goods from the Iberian Peninsula, France and Newfoundland once flowed, many tourists now walk, exploring a place renowned around the world for its culture. A small group of musicians played soft tunes, creating the ambience visitors expected.

Before our financial donation to the city's pubs was made (rounds were refreshingly cheap - €27.20, or £23.53 at O'Connells Bar in Eyre Square) we dropped by Boojum, a Mexican food chain.

If you get the chance, go; my chicken burrito was gorgeous. £12.46 with a drink, for the record.

I actually had two, as we returned the next day prior to travelling to our next destination.

Quay Street, draped in tricolours, is where I would recommend starting - we began at Tigh Neachtain, if I remember correctly.

We also dropped by the Front Door, across the road was Busker Brownes - more of a bar.

I won't bore you with the rest of the crawl, which later included a cash-only venue full of students.

Upon entering, I felt extremely old at 28.

We had nowhere near enough time to try out all of what Galway had to offer, but what we did comprised my favourite ever pub crawl, and what I believe must be the best in Europe.

You'd have to go a very long way to beat it, and I simply cannot see that happening in any other city on the British Isles, which does pubs best, or on the continent.

What was most impressive was the concentration of them, how parties can more or less weave in and out of venues as they make their way up the street.

On the way, much music, art and history can be enjoyed.