Ireland Itinerary: What to See and Do in Galway
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From its medieval arches to its trad-music scene, Galway Ireland is bursting with Gaelic culture. A vibrant mix of old and new, Galway is known for its talented musicians, energetic pubs, fresh seafood, and proximity to natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park. Use our Ireland itinerary to learn what to see and do in Galway over 5 amazing days.
Our Galway itinerary brings you to the winding streets of the Latin Quarter and soaring Galway Cathedral. Follow our route to explore the waterfront neighborhoods of The Claddagh and Salthill. Then, get outside of the city to see the heaths, cliffs, and hills of Galway County.
Read our article to discover the best things to do in Galway Ireland.
HOW TO GET TO GALWAY
On Ireland’s west coast, the city of Galway began as a fishing village between the River Corrib and Galway Bay. Located about 143 miles (230 km) west of Dublin, the 12th century settlement has grown into one of Ireland’s largest cities. There is no airport in Galway, and most visitors arrive by car or train. Here are some transportation resources for travel to Galway:
HOTELS IN GALWAY IRELAND
When traveling to Galway, we suggest choosing a hotel in the city center. From this location, you can walk to most heritage sites and there is access to lots of restaurants, shops, the waterfront, and Galway’s famous pub scene.
TIP: Most hotels are in centuries-old buildings. Expectations should be adjusted accordingly.
Here are a few well-reviewed hotels to consider:
IRELAND ITINERARY – GALWAY IN 5 DAYS
Day 1: Latin Quarter & Galway Center / Eve: Pubs in the Latin Quarter
Begin your day in Eyre Square. The green space is the site of many festivals, markets, and events. As you walk the park keep an eye out for the iron sails of a Galway Hooker (a tribute to the city’s eponymous sail boat), and a bust of US President John F Kennedy (who gave a speech in the park in 1963).
Next, take Williamsgate Street to Galway’s old town, the Latin Quarter. The neighborhood is a maze of medieval lanes lined with buildings that date back to the 13th century. Many of the roads are pedestrianized which make for a fun stroll. In this area the “Tribes of Galway” – 14 merchant families who ran the city – did business in the middle ages.
Today, the district is full of colorfully painted pubs, shops, and restaurants. There are weavers, jewelers, potters, and artisan shops to peruse. Buskers play on corners and music from the pubs spills into the street. Take your time exploring the area between Abbeygate Road, the River Corrib, and Galway Bay. Don’t miss Quay Street with its Galway Girl statue, Kirwan’s Lane, and Lynch’s Castle.
From the Latin Quarter, walk across the Salmon Weir Bridge to the Galway Cathedral (Our Lady of Assumed into Heaven). If no mass is in session, tour the inside. Then, continue to walk through the West End to the University of Galway campus. In the school’s main quadrangle is the stately Harry Potter-ish Great Hall. The area is always brimming with energy.
Tonight, sample Galway’s traditional “trad” music scene. Try the Tigh Neachtain pub on Cross Street and Taffes on Shop Street.
If you prefer guided excursions, try these Galway Tours to these attractions:
Day 2: Connemara National Park & Kylemore Abbey / Eve: Kirwan Lane
Take a road trip through the moors, woodlands, and mountains of western Ireland. Connemara National Park is a vast 2000 hectare park that stretches from Galway to the Atlantic Coast. See the 12 Bens Mountain range and picturesque Irish villages along the route.
After a 90 minute ride, arrive at Kylemore Abbey. The Victorian-era estate sits on the banks of Pollacapall Lough (lake). On the grounds visit a 19th century castle, meander through an expansive walled-garden, and hike to a neo-Gothic church.
Next, head to Diamond Hill mountain for a 3.7 km hike to panoramic views of the 12 Bens and Kylemore Abbey. Or, drive through the village of Letterfrack to the Killary Sheep Farm. The working farm features mountain pastures overlooking the Killary Fjord. At the sheep farm visitors can watch sheep dog demonstrations, sheep shearing, and feed baby lambs.
After a long day on the road, spend the evening on charming Kirwan Lane in the Latin Quarter. Have dinner at Kirwan’s Seafood Bar, stop in at Judy Greene’s Pottery, then end the evening with a pint and some Irish music at the Front Door Pub.
These Galway Tours include transportation and guides:
Day 3: The Claddagh & Salthill / Eve: Trad on the Prom Show
Start your morning with a walk to the Spanish Arch; a remnant of the Galway’s medieval wall. Next, explore the free Galway museum. The exhibition halls are full of maritime heritage artifacts that span from pre-historic times to the modern era.
Later, cross the Corrib River and enter The Claddagh neighborhood to explore Galway’s waterfront. Walk along the Claddagh Quay to Nimmo’s Pier. Look across the river to ‘The Long Walk’ with its bright red row house. Continue on through South Park, and trek the road to Mutton Island for great city views. Then, check out the nearby Famine Ship Memorial. Fun Fact: The Claddagh is the neighborhood where the Claddagh ring originated.
From here, you can walk (or grab a cab) to the Salthill neighborhood. The 2.4 km stroll will take you along the Salthill Promenade, a paved walkway that runs parallel to the North Atlantic Ocean. On your way to Salthill, discover its beaches, seawalls, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
Tonight, get tickets for Trad on the Prom at the Leisureland Theater in Galway. The show combines talented Irish musicians and singers with world-champion Irish dancers. The popular production runs every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday (adjust itinerary accordingly).
Try these Galway Tours to enjoy Galway night time activities:
Day 4: The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren / Eve: Pubs in the West End
Leave the city and journey to the gorgeous Cliffs of Moher. The cliffs tower over the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see. At the national park entrance there is a Visitor Center that leads to a series of paved paths the run between viewing platforms on the cliff’s edge.
From the Cliffs, have lunch in the small town of Doolin. Then, head to The Burren region for a hike through its rocky landscapes. The area’s glacier-era limestone trails are full of caves, fossils, and pre-historic huts.
Tonight, head back to the pubs of Galway City. Look for live performances at Tigh Coili on Mainguard Street.
TIP: If you are short on time, bundle the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren with the Day 5 excursion to the Aran Islands.
These Galway tours get out of the city:
Day 5: The Aran Islands
About 30 miles off the coast, at the mouth of Galway Bay, are the Aran Islands. The three islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer) are known for their Irish speaking population, untamed geography, stone forts, and pristine beaches. Ferries, cruises, and tours depart to the islands daily. Take a biking and walking tour of one or more of the islands to immerse in some authentic Irish culture.
Tonight, venture into the West End. One of Galway’s oldest neighborhoods, the area is known for its vintage shops and great seafood restaurants. Have dinner, and then enjoy a pint and some live music at the Crane Bar on Sea Road.
Consider these Galway tours on the sea:
Slán go fóill (Goodbye for now), Laura and Randy
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