Ireland Itinerary: Galway Walking Tour
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Galway is a rollicking little city on Ireland’s west coast. With the traditional roots of a fishing village and the soulful heart of an Irish song, the city is a gathering place for buskers, weavers, jewelers, and artists. On your Ireland itinerary, use our Galway walking tour to get to know this upbeat town full of music, great food, and fun.
Our Galway walking tour begins at the Galway Cathedral. It weaves through the colorful lanes of the Latin Quarter, and ends along the pathways of the Claddagh waterfront. Since so many areas of the city are pedestrianized, a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Galway Ireland.
IRELAND ITINERARY: A BIT ABOUT GALWAY
In the middle ages, Galway originated as a small fishing village. Over the next few centuries, the settlement grew and a protective city wall was erected. In 1369, the British crown issued a charter to 14 merchant families to run the city. The 14 tribes of Galway, as they became known, turned the city into a major trading port.
Today, Galway is a thriving port city and popular vacation destination. The city has a charming old town (the Latin Quarter) with winding medieval lanes. It also has a lively trad-music scene, talented artisans, and rich lore. Read on to discover the city’s association with claddagh rings, Aran sweaters, Galway girls, and the term “lynching.”
GALWAY CITY WALK DETAILS
Distance: 2.5 mile (4 km)
Duration: The walk would take about an hour if trekked straight through. However, plan for a half day outing as you will likely want to stop for a pint in the Latin Quarter, visit the Galway Museum, and snack on fresh seafood in the Claddagh.
GPS: Follow our Google map of the route. If you get lost, GPS the name of your next stop and follow the suggested route.
Dress: Wear sturdy walking shoes for the cobblestone streets and quays (wharves).
Churches: If you plan to visit the churches outlined on this route, dress conservatively (no bare shoulders or knees), and please don’t interrupt mass.
Planning your trip to Galway?
Consider these travel resources:
GALWAY WALKING TOUR MAP
GALWAY WALKING TOUR ROUTE
Galway Cathedral
Our Galway walking tour begins at the Galway Cathedral (Our Lady Assumed of Heaven). The church sits on Nun’s Island on the banks of the River Corrib. Once the site of a city jail, the cathedral was completed in 1965. The interior boasts stained glass windows, Connemara marble, and a 145’ octagonal dome. If open, the church is free to tour (donations welcome).
Salmon Weir Bridge
From Galway Cathedral, cross the Salmon Weir Bridge. Trekking across the bridge, you may see fisherman throwing their lines into the River Corrib for salmon and other species. From the bridge, make your way to Eyre Square.
Eyre Square
Eyre Square originated as a medieval market. Since that time, it has been a gathering place for locals. Today, the park is the site of many festivals, performances, and fairs. As you walk the green space, look for the iron sails of a Galway Hooker sailboat, a bust of US President John F Kennedy (who gave a speech here in 1963), cast iron cannons, and a fountain.
Latin Quarter
From Eyre Square take Williamsgate to William Street where the (mostly) pedestrianized streets of the Latin Quarter begin. In this walking friendly area, meander through the following streets: Shop, Churchyard, Main Guard, High, Quay, Kirwan’s Lane, and Druid Lane.
This shopping and entertainment area is famous for its brightly painted row houses. The buildings are mostly 3 to 4 stories high, with decorative store fronts, and carved signs. The avenues are busy from noon to midnight with buskers, tourists, shoppers, and workers scurrying about. On every block there is a pub, many with interiors dating back hundreds of years, and music spills into the air.
Bundle our Galway walking tour with other half-day Galway tours:
Don’t miss these Latin Quarter highlights:
Lynch’s Castle
The Lynch family was one of the original “tribes.” Their family home on Shop St. is adorned with Gothic gargoyles. Many Lynch patriarchs served as mayor of the city; one is the source of a local legend. It is said that in the 15th century when Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen hung his own son (Walter) out of a window of the castle, the term ‘lynching’ was born. The castle is now a bank. The ground floor can be visited during business hours.
St. Nicholas Church
Surrounded by the stalls of the weekend Galway Market, the St. Nicholas Church has stood since 1320. Located on Churchyard St, the medieval church is the oldest in Galway. Inside there is a memorial of Jane Eyre.
Lynch Memorial Window
Next to St. Nicholas Church is a memorial “window” with a skull and bones relief, commemorating the lynching legend of John and Walter Lynch FitzStephen.
Quay Street
The heart of the Latin Quarter is Quay Street. The lively entertainment zone is lined with pubs, nightclubs, trendy restaurants, crafters, jewelers, and quirky stores. The cobblestone streets remain busy until the early hours of the morning.
Galway Girl Statue
On Quay Street in front of Quay’s Bar is a statue of a Galway Girl (a term made popular by songwriters James Earle and Ed Sheerin). The statue is a popular spot for selfies.
Thomas Dillion’s Claddagh Ring Store
On Quay Street, the colorful shop sells Claddagh rings. The heart-and-hands motif, symbolizing love and friendship, is said to have originated in the Galway neighborhood of Claddagh (meaning shore).
Aran Sweater Market
On Quay Street, the market sells fisherman sweaters replicated from the designs of the nearby Aran Islands as well as other Irish inspired wearables.
Kirwan’s Lane
Named after one of Galway’s original ‘tribes,’ the road is thought to be one of five remaining lanes from the middle ages. The charming passageway is home to Judy Greene’s Pottery, McDonagh’s Fish and Chips, Goyas Bakery, and Kirwan’s Seafood Bar.
IRELAND ITINERARY
HOTELS IN GALWAY IRELAND
Spanish Arch, Galway Museum, & The Long Walk
Around the corner from Quay Street is the Spanish Arch. The structure is the front portion of a 16th century city wall. Originally named after the Eyre family, the dual arches commonly became known as the Spanish Arch – likely because of the city’s trading ties with Spain.
Take a photo of the arch, and then trek a bit along the Long Walk. The Walk is a road lined by row houses that face the water where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay.
Next, spend an hour at the Galway Museum (behind the Spanish Arch). The free museum features artifacts and exhibits on Galway’s seafaring heritage that date back to pre-historic times.
The Claddagh
Walk across the Wolfe Tone Bridge into the Claddagh neighborhood. Leaving the bustle of the Latin Quarter, trek the Claddagh Quay to Nimmo’s Pier. Along this stretch you will have gorgeous views of the row house of The Long Walk, and the boats that anchor in the area.
Retrace your steps to Grattan Road. Walk past the homes and inns of the Claddagh neighborhood. When you pass the Frenchville House B&B begin looking for a footpath through South Park. Take the path to South Park Beach. Then follow the path along the shoreline to the Mutton Island Causeway.
Walk the causeway for spectacular views of Galway Bay. Then, continue on the oceanfront path until you reach the Famine Ship Memorial. After taking in the monument, keep walking until you reach Grattan Beach. The wide sandy stretch of shore is perfect place to end our walk.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of the Irish be there with you, Laura and Randy
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