Galway City – what to do and what to see

Last updated on November 10, 2024

You want to visit the city of Galway. That’s great! But what are you doing there? Or rather, what can you do there?

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At Salthill Promenade (photo: Ulrich Knüppel-Gertberg)

Intro

Galway is the largest city on the west coast of Ireland. It is a young, lively, bustling university city with plenty of food, drink, live music and good humour. It’s right on the coast and has a large harbour and a wonderful seafront promenade.

And then there are all kinds of activities and sightseeing you can do there. To help you get started with your planning, I’ve put together a colourful selection of sights, cultural experiences and activities for you.

This is not an organised Galway tour, but a menu from which you can choose what interests you. I have also included web links where possible so that you can find out more.

I hope this gets you in the mood for Galway and hope you enjoy planning your Galway holiday.

Let’s get started…

At Galway harbour (photo: Rory Hennessy on Unsplash)

Things to see in Galway

Galway Cathedral: Visit the imposing cathedral with its impressive architecture and works of art. See: https://www.galwaycathedral.ie.

Lynch’s Castle: Explore this well-preserved medieval townhouse in the heart of Galway. See: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/lynchs-castle/.

Spanish Arch: Visit this historic relic of the old 16th century city wall. See: https://www.galwaytourism.ie/the-spanish-arch/.

Eyre Square: Relax in the central city park surrounded by Georgian architecture.

Galway City Museum: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city and region. See: https://www.galwaycitymuseum.ie.

University of Galway (photo: James Jones on Unsplash)

Culture and Music

Trad on the Prom: Enjoy a spectacular show with traditional Irish music and dance. https://www.tradontheprom.com.

Druid Theatre: Attend a performance at this renowned theatre. See: https://www.druid.ie.

Galway Arts Centre: Discover contemporary art in changing exhibitions. https://www.galwayartscentre.ie.

The Quays Bar: Experience live traditional Irish music in an authentic pub atmosphere. See: https://quaysgalway.ie/.

Róisín Dubh: Visit one of the best live music venues in Galway. See: https://www.roisindubh.net.

Galway nightlife (photo: Daniel Zbroja on Unsplash)

Food and local specialties

Galway Food Tours: Discover the city’s culinary scene on a guided tour. See: https://www.galwayfoodtours.com.

Sheridan’s Cheesemongers: Sample a selection of Irish cheeses. See: https://www.sheridanscheesemongers.com.

McDonagh’s: Enjoy traditional fish and chips at this popular eatery. See: http://www.mcdonaghs.net/.

Galway Market: Feast on local produce and street food at the weekend. See: http://www.galwaymarket.com/.

Ard Bia at Nimmos: Enjoy innovative Irish cuisine in a historic setting. See: https://www.ardbia.com/reservations.

At River Corrib in Galway (photo: Francesco Dondi on Unsplash)

Guided Tours

Galway City Walking Tour: Get to know the history and sights of the city. See: https://www.galwaywalks.com.

Corrib Princess River Cruise: Enjoy a boat trip on the River Corrib with views of the city. https://www.corribprincess.ie.

Galway Bay Boat Tours: Explore the coastline and possibly spot dolphins. See: https://www.galwaybaytours.com.

WeWheel ebike tours: Explore Galway by ebike on a guided or self-guided tour. See: https://www.wewheel.com/en/galway.

Self-guided Tours

Salthill Promenade: Stroll along the picturesque coastal promenade.

Latin Quarter: Explore the charming quarter with its colourful houses and boutiques.

Kirwan’s Lane: Discover one of Galway’s oldest streets with medieval charm.

The Long Walk: Enjoy a stroll along the picturesque harbour front.

Galway Street Art Trail: Follow a self-created trail to the city’s best street art works.

Hire a bicycle and explore Galway on your own. See: https://www.bikeshare.ie/.

Salthill Beaches: Enjoy the beaches and swimming in Salthill.

Barna Woods: Walk through this beautiful wooded area on the outskirts of the city.

Salthill Promenade (photo: UZlrich Knüppel-Gertberg)

Crafts and Shops

Claddagh Ring Museum: Learn about the history of the traditional Irish ring. See: https://www.claddaghring.ie.

Galway Crystal: Admire handmade crystal, see: https://www.galwaycrystal.ie.

Kenny’s Bookshop: Browse one of Ireland’s oldest independent bookshops. See: https://www.kennys.ie.

Family Activities

Atlantaquaria: Visit Ireland’s largest aquarium and learn more about marine wildlife. See: https://www.nationalaquarium.ie.

Leisureland: Enjoy swimming pools and other leisure activities for the whole family. https://www.leisureland.ie.

Circle of Life Commemorative Garden: Visit this beautiful memorial garden in Salthill.

Knocknacarra Park: Enjoy playgrounds and green spaces in this city park.

Beach at Galway (photo: Ulrich Knüppel-Gertberg)

Conclusion

So, that’s it for now. I hope I was able to help you with your Galway planning.

Maybe you were able to pick up a few good tips and recommendations for yourself. Of course, you don’t have to plan everything, but if you’ve found one or two things in this article that you’d like to see or do, then I’m delighted.

I wish you lots of fun in the city of Galway