Galway’s glorious location on the western coast of Ireland is among the fundamental causes for town’s reputation with guests. With quick access to one of the best seashores and pure landmarks of Ireland, the record of issues to do in Galway is neverending.
I’ve managed to slender it all the way down to 22 of one of the best points of interest in and close to the Irish metropolis. From historic landmarks in the guts of city to improbable pure points of interest simply outdoors town, this record covers every part of curiosity in Galway.
Whether you’re trying to uncover Irish tradition and legends or spend your journey exploring Ireland’s prettiest landscapes, Galway delivers. And it doesn’t matter in case you’re in city for a few days or a few weeks as a result of there’s no method you may be bored right here!
Best of Galway, Ireland Quick Guide
Must See: Galway Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lough Corrib, Salthill Promenade, Quay Street, Eyre Square Where To Stay: Woodquay Hostel, The Hardiman, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate – the place we stayed Fun To Do: Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip, Pub crawl, Galway Races, Connemara National Park Day Trips: Aran Islands, Dog’s Bay, Cliffs of Moher Must-Try Foods: Irish stew, soda bread, seafood, Colcannon, Barmbrack.
Best Things to Do In Galway, Ireland
Fabulous seashores, mesmerizing Irish castles, and quaint outdated city buildings are among the issues that can enchant you in Galway. I’ve lined all town’s best-known landmarks and points of interest, in addition to all of the improbable locations price visiting which might be solely a brief drive away from the port metropolis.
1. Walking Tour of Galway Old Town
A strolling tour of the outdated city of Galway is one of the simplest ways of getting acquainted with the Irish metropolis. Discover the medieval buildings, see the colourful storefronts in the cobblestone alleys, and attempt to spot as many statues as you’ll be able to alongside the way in which.
Guided strolling excursions of medieval Galway are nice for first-time guests as a result of you’ll be able to study rather a lot concerning the metropolis’s wealthy historical past. Local guides will let you know concerning the tales and legends of Galway whereas taking you to all one of the best spots in town.
A self-guided tour can also be a great way to see town. You can hit all the primary spots, and in case you learn up on the native historical past, it will likely be virtually as in case you have been guided round by an expert. The Latin Quarter, Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square, Quay Street, Shop Street, and Galway Cathedral are sights to not miss in Galway Old Town.
Practical Information: Walking excursions of Galway take between 1 and three hours.
2. Excursion To Aran Islands
Aran Islands are a gaggle of three limestone islands simply off the west coast of Ireland. They’re simply accessible by ferries from Galway County, and even by scenic helicopter flights from Connemore International Airport.
Traveling to the Aran Islands gained’t be a chunk of cake if it’s a must to depend on buses to get you round, and I might advocate arranging a guided tour in case you are in this case. We went to the Aran Islands by airplane, and that’s the quickest and best. But you’ll be able to take a ferry as effectively.
Inishmore is the most important of the three islands, and as such is residence to essentially the most historic ruins and one of the best dramatic landscapes. Dun Aengus is on this island, the prehistoric ruins that overlook the Atlantic Ocean and which served as one of many filming places for the Banshees of Inisherin movie.
Practical Information: A ferry from Galway City to Inishmore takes roughly 90 minutes. One-way tickets for adults are €35.
3. Tour Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral is among the metropolis’s most imposing buildings and a worthy cease on any metropolis tour. It’s located on Nuns Island in the River Corrib, simply northwest of Galway’s historic centre. The huge constructing dominates the northern a part of the river island. As it ought to, because it is among the most essential landmarks in the complete metropolis.
The cathedral’s inside is much more grand than its exterior. With beautiful stained glass home windows, ornate ceilings, and lovely work and statues on the partitions, it’s straightforward to see why that is an important spiritual constructing in the Irish metropolis. There’s even a mosaic of John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway for a short while about 5 months earlier than his assassination.
Practical Information: Galway Cathedral is open every day from 8:30 AM till 7-9 PM relying on the day. Entrance to the church is free.
4. See The Lynch Memorial Window
Legend has it that James Lynch fitz Stephen, the mayor of Galway in the late fifteenth century, hanged his son from a window in his home. Supposedly, the son had killed a Spanish soldier, and when the mayor discovered about this, he hung him from the window.
There is little to no proof to help this story, however it’s one of many best-known tales of Galway. The Lynch Memorial Window, which was uncovered at a home on Lombard Street the place the homicide befell, serves as a reminder of the story.
The stones have been displayed at Dublin’s Great Industrial Exhibition in the mid-Nineteenth century, and after they have been moved to their current location on the boundary wall of St. Nicholas Collegiate Church.
Practical Information: The Lynch Memorial Window is a free attraction to go to at any time.
5. Day Trip to Connemara National Park
Spanning an space of seven,000 acres, Connemara National Park is one of the best vacation spot for all out of doors lovers in Galway. With mountain climbing paths, scenic views, mountains, and wildlife, that is by far one of the best place for nature excursions near Galway. And when you’ve got a automobile in Ireland, it is going to take you lower than 90 minutes to achieve the nationwide park.
Connemara is standard for birdwatching, principally due to its puffin inhabitants. Their breeding season is from March to August and it presents one of the best possibilities to see the cute creatures.
The nationwide park has some unbelievable hikes and you’ll select from quite a lot of trails ranging in problem from straightforward to extraordinarily difficult. Kylemore Abbey is among the nationwide park’s finest historic buildings, providing free excursions of its Victorian gardens.
Practical Information: Connemara National Park is roughly an hour and a half from Galway by automobile, however almost 4 hours away by public transport.
6. See The Ruins of Merlin Castle
The japanese fringe of Galway City is residence to the Merlin Castle ruins. The tower is in an enormous park, which presents a plethora of superbly landscaped strolling trails. And though the fortress tower is the spotlight of the park, the expertise of discovering it whereas weaning by the park’s strolling paths is simply as fantastic.
Come right here to find the pure great thing about Irish landscapes, and roam across the expansive woods so near town. Merlin Castle itself is just not an astonishing attraction, however the sight of the historic landmark is rewarding after a few hours of roaming across the forest paths.
Practical Information: Merlin Castle is accessible in roughly 40 minutes by bus from Galway metropolis centre.
7. An Evening At The Pub
Spend a night listening to conventional Irish music whereas sipping on a pint or two of Guinness. It’s virtually a ceremony of passage in Galway and a good way to conclude a day stuffed with exploration of town’s historical past and pure magnificence.
Pub tradition is large in Ireland, so you continue to get to take part in actions conventional in town. Quay Street homes among the finest and oldest pubs in Galway, and it’s an ideal vacation spot for a enjoyable evening out.
Practical Information: Many pubs in Galway are open till 2 AM.
8. Sunset Walk Down Salthill Promenade
Salthill Promenade is a seaside strolling path in Galway Bay. With fascinating views of the ocean on one facet and Galway on the opposite, it’s one of many metropolis’s most romantic locations. And with loads of alternatives for detours, leisure is plentiful alongside the way in which.
Funfair and Leisureland are each reverse Palmers Beach on the Salthill Promenade. Leisureland has a mini-golf course and an indoor pool, however Funfair presents theme park rides. A Ferris Wheel trip with scenic views is the proper detour throughout walks on Salthill Promenade.
Practical Information: It takes roughly 45 minutes to stroll the complete Salthill Promenade, from Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock diving tower.
9. Walk Under The Spanish Arch
The Spanish Arch is a historic metropolis landmark located subsequent to the Galway City Museum. The arch was added onto the Sixteenth-century metropolis partitions in the 18th century, and it’s one in every of solely two remaining arches of Galway’s Front Wall.
Although the Spanish Arch stays an essential historic landmark in town, there’s not a lot else to do right here apart from stroll below the arch and possibly discover the quayside promenade. The Galway City Museum was housed inside part of the Arch for some time, however it was relocated to a separate constructing again in 2006.
Practical Information: The Spanish Arch is accessible by public transport at any time of the day, freed from cost.
10. Explore Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church
Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is the most important medieval parish church nonetheless in use in Ireland. The church is known for a neighborhood legend, which states that Christopher Columbus worshipped there throughout his go to to Galway in the fifteenth century.
Anyone can go to this church for a small entrance charge. Go inside to see the beautiful stained glass home windows and delightful paintings. Also, the church units up a farmer’s market each Saturday, which is a good alternative to purchase some native souvenirs to take residence.
Practical Information: Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is open from 10 AM till 4 PM. The entrance charge is €5 or €4.
11. Visit Galway City Museum
Galway City Museum is one of the best place in city to study concerning the historical past and custom of this Irish metropolis. The museum reveals inform the story of Galway from prehistoric to fashionable instances, with a particular exhibit on town’s historical past throughout World War I.
Another a part of the museum’s assortment is devoted to Pádraic Ó Conaire. The Irish author was born in Galway and his novel Deoraíocht is acclaimed because the earliest piece of recent fiction in Irish.
Come to this museum to study essential metropolis occasions, notable folks, and the lives of locals by the ages. What’s most spectacular is that there’s no entrance charge for the Museum, however guests are inspired to go away a small donation (not more than €5) in the event that they benefit from the exhibit.
Practical Information: Galway City Museum is open from 10 AM to five PM, Tuesday to Thursday. It’s free to enter.
12. Cross The Mutton Island Causeway
The Mutton Island Causeway connects mainland Galway with Mutton Island in the Atlantic Ocean. You can’t truly make it onto Mutton Island as a result of there’s a locked gate on the finish of the causeway, however the views alongside the way in which are completely definitely worth the stroll. Especially in good climate.
Mutton Island is residence to Galway’s sewage remedy plant, which is among the the explanation why it’s off-limits to most people. But the causeway remains to be extremely popular for strolling, biking, and even proposals and dates!
Practical Information: Walking the Mutton Island Causeway might be accomplished at any time, freed from cost.
13. Stroll Down Quay Street
Quay Street stretches by the Latin Quarter in Galway’s historic centre and it’s one of the crucial essential streets in town. Lined with eating places and pubs on both facet, it’s one of the best place in Galway for procuring, drinks, and people-watching.
Any tour of Galway’s outdated city will take you thru Quay St., however it’s a spot it is best to go to greater than as soon as. Come right here at evening for a relaxed night at an Irish pub, or in the afternoon to see the road performers and uncover the road artwork on the medieval buildings.
Quay Street turns into High Street, which turns into Shop Street, which then turns into William Street main onto Eyre Square. Walking the complete size of this cobbled road is a should and one of many highlights of journeys to Galway.
Practical Information: It is accessible at any time freed from cost.
14. Excursion to Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher is among the most well-known pure landmarks on Ireland’s west coast. Together with Burren, the 2 landmarks kind the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, which spans an space of greater than 530 sq. kilometers.
Come right here to admire a few of Ireland’s most breathtaking surroundings. On clear days you’ll be able to take pleasure in views of Aran Islands in the space. Walking paths in the world let you expertise a number of views on the Cliffs of Moher, however the viewpoint close to O’Brien’s Tower is among the finest.
I like to recommend combining this go to with the journey to the Aran Islands as a result of the ferry at Doolin Pier is just a 15-minute drive from the UNESCO web site. This extremely rated journey from Galway takes you to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren which is a wide ranging vacation spot in Ireland.
Practical Information: Cliffs of Moher are 90 minutes by automobile or two and a half hours by bus from Galway.
15. Attend Galway Races
Galway Races are the most well-liked occasions in the complete County Galway in the summer time. Galway’s Ballybrit Racecourse is residence to the longest horse-racing competition in Ireland, which kicks off on the final Monday of July.
This is an iconic occasion in town, which attracts as many outsiders because it does locals from Galway. Wednesdays and Thursdays are notably busy days on the monitor; Wednesday for the Galway Plate, and Thursday as a result of it’s Ladies’ Day.
Practical Information: The Races are accessible in 45 minutes by public transport from town centre.
16. Christmas at Eyre Square
Visiting Galway in the winter lets you expertise the Galway Christmas Market. The fundamental space for the occasion is about up at Eyre Square in town centre, remodeling the Irish metropolis right into a winter wonderland.
William Street to Quay Street is adorned all through, showing much more magical than it normally does. Christmas is really a particular time in Galway, and visiting town in the course of the holidays presents a novel perspective on native traditions, one which is able to make you wish to come right here each following December.
Practical Information: Eyre Square is on the heart of Galway’s outdated city, accessible by strolling paths and public transport.
17. Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip
Wild Atlantic Way is among the world’s longest coastal street journeys. Stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula all the way in which to Kinsale in Cork County, the epic route follows the whole lot of Ireland’s western coast. If you’re staying in the nation for some time and Galway is simply one of many locations you’re visiting, discovering even a bit of this route is an epic expertise.
Towering cliffs, unbelievable seashores, and lighthouses are among the prime sights of Ireland’s finest street journey. Galway is on the midway level of the route with quick access to among the prime sights alongside Cliff Coast. Read extra: Where to Stay on the Wild Atlantic Way
Practical Information: Wild Atlantic Way is a street journey route 1600 miles (2600 km) lengthy. It’s divided into 14 phases, and phases 8 and 9 might be accomplished from Galway. Compare automobile rental costs right here.
18. History Lesson at Dunguaire Castle
Set on the rocky shores of Galway Bay, Dunguaire Castle is a historic constructing in Kinvarra. The O’Hynes clan ordered the development of the fortress in the Sixteenth century, and it comprised a defensive wall and a tower.
The tower and the wall have since been reconstructed and opened to the general public. Dunguaire Castle is open for visits in the summer time, and it’s even potential to attend a banquet dinner contained in the fortress. It’s a superb method of experiencing this Irish historic landmark with its picturesque environment.
Practical Information: Dunguaire Castle is accessible by bus (60 minutes) and boat (half-hour) from Galway. Tickets begin at 6€ for adults.
19. Sail on Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib is the most important lake in the Republic of Ireland. The southern shore of the lake could be very near Galway and simply accessible by strolling paths from the city. In the summer time, it’s even potential to e-book a river cruise from Galway to the lake.
But the higher components of the lake are much more enjoyable, which is why I like to recommend occurring correct excursions of Lough Corrib. See the castles on the northern lake shore, boat to the island with a temple, and go to one of many equestrian facilities for horseback driving on the shore.
Practical Information: Public transport from Galway to Lough Corrib is restricted. Driving is one of the best and quickest mode of journey.
20. Swim at Dog’s Bay
Dog’s Bay is one in every of Ireland’s finest seashores and it’s solely an hour and a half outdoors Galway. The horseshoe-shaped seashore is thought for pristine white sand and a relaxed sea. It’s appropriate for swimming, and a well-liked spot for some water enjoyable in the summer time. Because there are not any large waves right here, Dog’s Bay is nice for kids and rookies at swimming.
The seashore is most simply accessible by vehicles and excursions from Galway due to restricted public transport entry, so it’s not often very crowded. And smaller seashores in the world are accessible through mountain climbing paths, the place you’ll be able to have a complete slice of paradise all to your self.
Practical Information: Dog’s Bay is a 90-minute drive from Galway. The closest bus cease is at Ballinafad, a 20-minute drive from Dog’s Bay.
21. Tour Glengowla Mines
Just half-hour northwest of Galway you’ll discover the Glengowla Mines. The deserted silver and lead mines are on a farm, and open to the general public for excursions in the summer time months. A small museum with mining instruments can also be obtainable on-site.
This is among the most attention-grabbing excursions to be accomplished from Galway. In addition to the strolling excursions of deserted mines, guests to the household farm can even witness demonstrations of conventional Irish turf reducing and sheep herding.
Practical Information: Glengowla Mines are accessible by automobile and bus from Galway.
22. Marvel at Menlo Castle
Menlo Castle is a 10-minute drive from Galway metropolis heart and among the best close by historic landmarks. The riverfront fortress ruins are lined with ivy in pristine pure environment. If you ever really feel like you could escape town crowds, Menlo Castle is a good vacation spot for a break.
Pack a picnic basket and are available right here for a relaxed afternoon in lush greenery. Enjoy the sounds of the dashing river and chirping birds, whereas admiring the Sixteenth-century fortress and its ivy-covered partitions.
Insider Tip: Feel free to leap the fence to get nearer to the fortress in order for you, everybody does it.
Practical Information: Menlo Castle is accessible by automobile and bus from Galway City.
FAQ
Is Galway Worth Visiting in Ireland?
Yes, Galway is price visiting in Ireland. The medieval metropolis presents historic landmarks, a wealthy historical past, and among the finest surroundings on the western coast of Ireland.
What is Galway in Ireland Famous For?
Galway is known for its full of life nightlife, glorious tradition, and beautiful landscapes. With quick access to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, Galway is the gateway to a few of Ireland’s prettiest nature.
How Many Days in Galway is Enough?
Three days must be sufficient for Galway. It’s sufficient time to see all the highest sights in town and make a fast day journey to the close by landmarks.
Why is Galway City so Popular?
Galway City is standard for its distinctive tradition and glorious location on the western coast of Ireland. Some of the nation’s best-known sights are most simply accessible from Galway.
Tips and Information For Visiting Galway
Best Time To Visit
Any time of the yr is an effective time to return to Galway. Summer is one of the best season for heat climate and the Galway Races, however winter is most magical due to the Galway Christmas Market and snow-covered enchanting landscapes.
Spring and autumn are each equally nice for gentle (however moist) climate and fewer vacationers. Early fall is an effective time for heat climate, the Galway races, and beautiful autumnal landscapes.
Getting There
As it presently stands, flying to Dublin after which taking a bus to Galway is the best choice. There are 4 fundamental airports in Ireland, and the one in Dublin has essentially the most worldwide connections, so likelihood is you’ll land there. A bus will take you from Dublin Airport to Galway in roughly two and a half hours.
Trains run from Dublin solely and are an choice provided that you intend to remain in the capital metropolis for a day or two. Additionally, Shannon Airport northwest of Limerick is nearer to Galway, however it’s serviced solely by Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
Getting Around
The finest approach to get round Ireland is by automobile. You can examine care rental costs right here. Ireland has a good railway community, however it’s not that useful for exploring Galway and its environment. It’s not a giant metropolis and far of it’s walkable, with buses to take you to the points of interest outdoors town heart.
However, if you wish to go on day journeys and discover extra of Ireland’s west coast, renting a automobile is one of the best resolution. Sure, organized excursions to close by points of interest are all the time an choice, however driving is healthier for exploring at your most popular tempo and having the last word freedom.
How Much Time Do You Need
How a lot time you want for Galway relies upon drastically on what you wish to do. If you wish to go to town landmarks and do one or two day journeys, three days is loads of time.
On the opposite hand, if you wish to discover extra of the west coast of Ireland and presumably even attempt to observe the trail of the Wild Atlantic Way street journey, you’ll be able to keep in Ireland for 2 weeks or extra. Five to seven days is the candy spot for seeing one of the best of Galway and discovering all one of the best sights on the western coast of Ireland.
Where To Stay In Galway
Stay in Galway metropolis heart for simple strolling entry to all the metropolis’s finest landmarks. For an extended keep in town and entry to different areas of Galway County, contemplate staying on the shore of Lough Corrib and even nearer to Connemara National Park.
Some of one of the best accommodations in Galway for all budgets are:
Woodquay Hostel is a price range hostel near the outdated city of Galway. The Hardiman is a elegant 4-star lodge set in a Nineteenth-century constructing on Eyre Square. Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate is a high-end lodge in an 18th-century abbey, nearer to Lough Corrib than the Galway metropolis heart. We stayed at this lodge and it was merely divine.
So, there you will have it. All the data you could plan a visit to Galway in Ireland. This is really a magical vacation spot that may be a trip by itself or on a extra in depth Ireland street journey.
Plan extra of your Irish trip with these detailed journey guides