Things to Do in Galway Ireland
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Known as the ‘City of Tribes,’ Galway is a colorful port on Ireland’s west coast. From its roots as a fishing village, Galway has grown into a thriving maritime hub. Situated between the Cliffs of Moher and Connemara National Park, the city makes a great base for exploring these beautiful landscapes. Our article will help you identify the best things to do in Galway Ireland.
Galway is famous for its buskers and dynamic trad-music scene. The city’s winding cobblestone streets are lined with pubs that host live music sessions. Between venues, cozy shops sell Aran sweaters and Claddagh rings. Fresh seafood is on almost every menu and Galway’s busy calendar of festivals keeps the atmosphere lively.
Outside of the city, the magnificent natural scenery of County Galway is waiting to be discovered. Visitors can make day trips to the Aran Islands, the Burren, and the Cliff of Moher. Or to the north, the magnificent Connemara National Park awaits.
TRANSPORT & HOTELS IN GALWAY IRELAND
Located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, there is no airport in Galway. Most visitors will arrive by car or rail. There are three airports within a 1-2 hour driving distance (Shannon, Knock, and Dublin). The city also receives daily rail service from Dublin.
Here are some planning resources:
Flights to Shannon, Knock, or Dublin Airport
Car Rentals in Ireland
Train Schedules and Rates Dublin to Galway
If you are staying overnight in Galway, consider these well-reviewed hotels:
BEST THINGS TO DO IN GALWAY IRELAND
Our guide on things to do in Galway is organized in two sections: Galway sightseeing, and Galway day trips. When appropriate, we have included links to popular Galway tours.
GALWAY SIGHTSEEING
Listen to Trad Music
The City of Tribes is well-known as the cultural heart of Ireland – in large part due to Galway’s reputation as a hotspot for trad (traditional) music sessions. There are live performances in theaters and pubs throughout the year.
Drop in at a few of Galway’s favorite pubs: Tigh Neachtain (Cross Street), Taffes (Shop Street), The Front Bar at Au Pucan (Forster Street), Tigh Coili (Mainguard Street), and The Crane Bar (Sea Road in the West End).
For an evening Galway tour try:
Explore the Latin Quarter
Go to the Latin Quarter to immerse in Galway’s medieval heritage. The area’s architecture dates back to the 13th century when a band of 14 merchants ran the city as the “Tribes of Galway.” Today, the area is home to many of Galway’s best-loved shops, pubs, and restaurants. Shop, drink, and eat on narrow lanes dating back to the middle ages.
Don't miss these Latin Quarter highlights:
Quay Street – Dissecting the Latin Quarter, Quay Street is a bustling pedestrian zone. Lined with colorful shops dating back to the 1400s, the street is brimming with weavers, pubs, jewelers, and one-of-a-kind gift shops.
Galway Girl Statue– 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 sought after spot for photos.
Kirwan’s Lane – Named after one of Galway’s original ‘tribes,’ the inviting medieval lane is now home to fine gifts shops, Buster Brown’s Pub, Goyas Bakery, and Kirwan’s Seafood Bar.
Lynch’s Castle – On the corner of Shop and Abbeygate, find Lynch’s Castle. The Gothic building (now a bank) is the site of a local legend. It is said that in the 15th century when a mayor hung his own son out of a window of the castle, the term ‘lynching’ was born.
Popular Galway Tours:
Go to Galway Cathedral
Our Lady of Assumed into Heaven (Galway Cathedral) is located on the city’s west side. Completed in 1965, the church was the last large stone church to be built in Ireland. Inside the cathedral see stained-glass windows, marble floors, and a copper octagonal dome. Visitors welcome.
Popular Galway Tours:
Hang out in Eyre Square
Eyre Square is a park in Galway that originated as a medieval market. Today, the park’s monuments are a record of its history. There is a sculpture of the iron sails of a Galway Hooker sailboat, and a bust of US President John Kennedy (who gave a speech here in in 1963). See locals at play, and check out any events onsite.
Popular Galway Tour:
Eat Seafood in The Claddagh
The Claddagh is a waterfront area that was once an ancient fishing village full of thatched roof cottages and Galway Hookers (hook and line fishing boats with rusty red sails). In this district find great restaurants, quays, and shore paths. Enjoy a meal of fresh seafood. Then, shop for a Claddagh ring. The hand-and-heart ring design originated here.
Popular Galway Tours:
Visit the Galway Museum & Spanish Arch
Located at the point where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay is the Spanish Arch. The arch is the remnant of the city’s medieval wall. Next to the arches is the Galway Museum. On the first floor of this free museum see artifacts dating back to pre-historic times. On the second and third floors observe exhibits highlighting Galway’s history.
Popular Galway Tours:
Discover the Salthill Promenade
Outside of the Galway city center is the neighborhood of Salthill. The Salthill Promenade is a paved walkway that runs through the area beginning at the Blackrock diving tower and running to the quays of The Claddagh. Along the 3 km path, visitors can walk the beach, swim, explore the beach shops, and visit a pub.
Popular Galway Tours:
Stroll the West End
Next to Galway’s Latin Quarter is the West End. One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, its streets are filled with second-hand shops, book stores, and butchers. Many of the businesses here have been run by the same families for generations.
GALWAY DAY TRIPS
Connemara National Park Road Trip
Beginning in Galway, take a road trip through the rugged landscapes of Connemara National Park. Discover quaint villages, heaths, bogs, and the 12 Bens (a mountain range running through the 2000 hectare park). Stretch your legs with a hike up Diamond Hill for spectacular views.
Popular Galway Tours:
Cruise the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are three islands that sit at the mouth of Galway Bay. The islands are known for their Irish speaking population, pre-historic stone forts, pristine beaches, gorgeous scenery, and remote villages. Cruises from Galway Bay sail to the islands for bike and walking tours.
Popular Galway Tours:
Hike the Cliffs of Moher & The Burren
The Cliffs of Moher are a vast expanse of cliffs that tower over the Atlantic Ocean. At the park there is a visitor center and a series of paved paths run between viewing platforms on the cliff’s edge. The Burren is a nearby region characterized by glacier-era limestone and eerie landscapes. The area is full of caves, fossils, and hiking trails. Many visitors bundle these two sites into a day tour.
Popular Galway Tours:
Tour Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is a Victorian-era estate that sits at the edge of a lake just outside of Connemara National Park. At the estate, visitors can tour a 19th century castle, a walled-Victorian garden, and a neo-Gothic church. The exhibits and grounds are interesting and well-preserved. A trip to the Abbey makes a great half-day excursion.
Popular Galway Tours:
Walk Gurteen Beach & Dog’s Bay
A fun day trip from Galway is a scenic drive along the coast to Gurteen Beach and Dog’s Bay. Explore the villages along the 90-minute ride. Then, laze on the gorgeous white sand of one beach while gazing over at the other.
Bike the Connemara Sky Road
The Sky Road is 16 km (10 mile) loop in the Connemara region. The road skirts the coast with sweeping views of farms, fields, and the sea. We biked the Sky Road on a weekday in May. The views were phenomenal and traffic was light, but the wind was strong and we were happy that we had opted for electric bikes.
Hang Out at Ballynahinch Castle
Ballynahinch Castle is a hotel complex on a beautiful Wild Atlantic Way estate. Onsite there is a ‘castle’ hotel that overlooks 700 acres of forests, rivers, and hiking trails. Book a 2-hour boat trip on the hotel boat or a 2-hour guided walk through the estate. Before you leave, have lunch in the comfy Fisherman’s Pub.
We hope you enjoy all the best things to do in Galway, Laura and Randy
For more information on Ireland travel read our travel blog posts on:
Galway Ireland Travel Guide
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