22 Best Things To Do In Galway, Ireland in 2024

Galway’s glorious location on the western coast of Eire is among the important causes for the town’s reputation with guests. With easy accessibility to the best beaches and pure landmarks of Eire, the checklist of issues to do in Galway is neverending. 

I’ve managed to slim it right down to 22 of the most effective sights in and close to the Irish metropolis. From historic landmarks within the coronary heart of city to unbelievable pure sights simply outdoors the town, this checklist covers every part of curiosity in Galway. 

Whether or not you’re seeking to uncover Irish tradition and legends or spend your journey exploring Eire’s prettiest landscapes, Galway delivers. And it doesn’t matter for those who’re on the town for a few days or a few weeks as a result of there’s no method you can be bored right here!

Better of Galway, Eire Fast Information

• Should See: Galway Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lough Corrib, Salthill Promenade, Quay Avenue, Eyre Sq.
• The place To Keep: Woodquay Hostel, The Hardiman, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate – the place we stayed
• Enjoyable To Do: Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip, Pub crawl, Galway Races, Connemara Nationwide Park 
• Day Journeys: Aran Islands, Canine’s Bay, Cliffs of Moher 
• Should-Attempt Meals: Irish stew, soda bread, seafood, Colcannon, Barmbrack.

Finest Issues to Do In Galway, Eire

Fabulous seashores, mesmerizing Irish castles, and quaint outdated city buildings are a few of the issues that may enchant you in Galway. I’ve coated all the town’s best-known landmarks and sights, in addition to all of the unbelievable locations value visiting which might be solely a brief drive away from the port metropolis. 

1. Strolling Tour of Galway Outdated City

A walking tour of the old town of Galway is one of the best ways of getting acquainted with the Irish metropolis. Uncover the medieval buildings, see the colourful storefronts within the cobblestone alleys, and attempt to spot as many statues as you may alongside the way in which. 

Guided strolling excursions of medieval Galway are nice for first-time guests as a result of you may study lots in regards to the metropolis’s wealthy historical past. Native guides will let you know in regards to the tales and legends of Galway whereas taking you to all the most effective spots within the metropolis. 

A self-guided tour can be a great way to see the town. You possibly can hit all the principle spots, and for those who learn up on the native historical past, it is going to be nearly as for those who have been guided round by knowledgeable. The Latin Quarter, Lynch’s Citadel, Eyre Sq., Quay Avenue, Store Avenue, and Galway Cathedral are sights to not miss in Galway Outdated City. 

Sensible Info: Strolling excursions of Galway take between 1 and three hours. 

2. Tour To Aran Islands 

Aran Islands are a bunch of three limestone islands simply off the west coast of Eire. They’re simply accessible by ferries from Galway County, and even by scenic helicopter flights from Connemore Worldwide Airport. 

Touring to the Aran Islands gained’t be a bit of cake if it’s important to depend on buses to get you round, and I might suggest arranging a guided tour in case you are on this scenario. We went to the Aran Islands by airplane, and that’s the quickest and best. However you may take a ferry as properly.

Inishmore is the most important of the three islands, and as such is house to probably the most historic ruins and the most effective 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. 

Sensible Info: A ferry from Galway Metropolis 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 within the River Corrib, simply northwest of Galway’s historic centre. The huge constructing dominates the northern a part of the river island. Because it ought to, because it is among the most necessary landmarks in all the metropolis. 

The cathedral’s inside is much more grand than its exterior. With beautiful stained glass home windows, ornate ceilings, and beautiful work and statues on the partitions, it’s straightforward to see why that is an important spiritual constructing within 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. 

Sensible Info: Galway Cathedral is open each 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 within 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’s little to no proof to assist this story, but it surely’s one of many best-known tales of Galway. The Lynch Memorial Window, which was uncovered at a home on Lombard Avenue the place the homicide happened, serves as a reminder of the story. 

The stones have been displayed at Dublin’s Nice Industrial Exhibition within the mid-Nineteenth century, and after they have been moved to their current location on the boundary wall of St. Nicholas Collegiate Church. 

Sensible Info: The Lynch Memorial Window is a free attraction to go to at any time. 

5. Day Journey to Connemara Nationwide Park

Spanning an space of seven,000 acres, Connemara Nationwide Park is the most effective vacation spot for all out of doors lovers in Galway. With mountain climbing paths, scenic views, mountains, and wildlife, that is by far the most effective place for nature excursions near Galway. And if in case you have a automotive in Eire, it’s going to take you lower than 90 minutes to succeed in the nationwide park. 

Connemara is widespread for birdwatching, principally due to its puffin inhabitants. Their breeding season is from March to August and it affords the most effective probabilities to see the lovable creatures. 

The nationwide park has some unbelievable hikes and you’ll select from quite a lot of trails ranging in issue from straightforward to extraordinarily difficult. Kylemore Abbey is among the nationwide park’s greatest historic buildings, providing free excursions of its Victorian gardens. 

Sensible Info: Connemara National Park is roughly an hour and a half from Galway by automotive, however practically 4 hours away by public transport. 

6. See The Ruins of Merlin Citadel 

The japanese fringe of Galway Metropolis is house to the Merlin Citadel ruins. The tower is in an enormous park, which affords 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 great. 

Come right here to find the pure great thing about Irish landscapes, and roam across the expansive woods so near the town. Merlin Citadel 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. 

Sensible Info: Merlin Citadel is accessible in roughly 40 minutes by bus from Galway metropolis centre.

7. An Night 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 an effective way to conclude a day crammed with exploration of the town’s historical past and pure magnificence. 

Pub tradition is massive in Eire, so you continue to get to take part in actions conventional within the metropolis. Quay Avenue homes a few of the greatest and oldest pubs in Galway, and it’s an ideal vacation spot for a enjoyable night time out. 

Sensible Info: Many pubs in Galway are open till 2 AM. 

8. Sundown Stroll 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 ample alongside the way in which. 

Funfair and Leisureland are each reverse Palmers Seaside on the Salthill Promenade. Leisureland has a mini-golf course and an indoor pool, however Funfair affords theme park rides. A Ferris Wheel trip with scenic views is the proper detour throughout walks on Salthill Promenade. 

Sensible Info: It takes roughly 45 minutes to stroll all the Salthill Promenade, from Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock diving tower.

9. Stroll Underneath The Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch is a historic metropolis landmark located subsequent to the Galway Metropolis Museum. The arch was added onto the Sixteenth-century metropolis partitions within the 18th century, and it’s one among solely two remaining arches of Galway’s Entrance Wall. 

Though the Spanish Arch stays an necessary historic landmark within the metropolis, there’s not a lot else to do right here apart from stroll below the arch and perhaps discover the quayside promenade. The Galway Metropolis Museum was housed inside part of the Arch for some time, but it surely was relocated to a separate constructing again in 2006.

Sensible Info: The Spanish Arch is accessible by public transport at any time of the day, freed from cost. 

10. Discover Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church

Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is the most important medieval parish church nonetheless in use in Eire. The church is known for a neighborhood legend, which states that Christopher Columbus worshipped there throughout his go to to Galway within the fifteenth century. 

Anybody can go to this church for a small entrance payment. Go inside to see the beautiful stained glass home windows and exquisite art work. Additionally, the church units up a farmer’s market each Saturday, which is a superb alternative to purchase some native souvenirs to take house. 

Sensible Info: Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is open from 10 AM till 4 PM. The doorway payment is €5 or €4. 

11. Go to Galway Metropolis Museum 

Galway Metropolis Museum is the most effective place on the town to study in regards to the historical past and custom of this Irish metropolis. The museum displays inform the story of Galway from prehistoric to trendy instances, with a particular exhibit on the town’s historical past throughout World Warfare I. 

One other 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 necessary metropolis occasions, notable individuals, and the lives of locals by the ages. What’s most spectacular is that there’s no entrance payment for the Museum, however guests are inspired to depart a small donation (not more than €5) in the event that they benefit from the exhibit. 

Sensible Info: Galway Metropolis 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 within the Atlantic Ocean. You possibly 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 well worth the stroll. Particularly in good climate. 

Mutton Island is house to Galway’s sewage remedy plant, which is among the the reason why it’s off-limits to most people. However the causeway continues to be highly regarded for strolling, biking, and even proposals and dates!

Sensible Info: Strolling the Mutton Island Causeway could be completed at any time, freed from cost. 

13. Stroll Down Quay Avenue

Quay Avenue stretches by the Latin Quarter in Galway’s historic centre and it’s probably the most necessary streets within the metropolis. Lined with eating places and pubs on both facet, it’s the most effective place in Galway for purchasing, drinks, and people-watching. 

Any tour of Galway’s outdated city will take you thru Quay St., but it surely’s a spot you need to go to greater than as soon as. Come right here at night time for a relaxed night at an Irish pub, or within the afternoon to see the road performers and uncover the road artwork on the medieval buildings. 

Quay Avenue turns into Excessive Avenue, which turns into Store Avenue, which then turns into William Avenue main onto Eyre Sq.. Strolling all the size of this cobbled avenue is a should and one of many highlights of journeys to Galway. 

Sensible Info: It’s accessible at any time freed from cost. 

14. Tour to Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher is among the most well-known pure landmarks on Eire’s west coast. Along with Burren, the 2 landmarks type the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO World Geopark, which spans an space of greater than 530 sq. kilometers. 

Come right here to admire a few of Eire’s most breathtaking surroundings. On clear days you may get pleasure from views of Aran Islands within the distance. Strolling paths within the space mean you can expertise a number of views on the Cliffs of Moher, however the viewpoint close to O’Brien’s Tower is among the greatest. 

I like to recommend combining this visit with the journey to the Aran Islands as a result of the ferry at Doolin Pier is barely a 15-minute drive from the UNESCO web site. This highly rated trip from Galway takes you to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren which is a wide ranging vacation spot in Eire.

Sensible Info: Cliffs of Moher are 90 minutes by automotive or two and a half hours by bus from Galway. 

15. Attend Galway Races

Galway Races are the preferred occasions in all the County Galway in the summertime. Galway’s Ballybrit Racecourse is house to the longest horse-racing pageant in Eire, which kicks off on the final Monday of July. 

That is an iconic occasion within the metropolis, which attracts as many outsiders because it does locals from Galway. Wednesdays and Thursdays are notably busy days on the observe; Wednesday for the  Galway Plate, and Thursday as a result of it’s Girls’ Day. 

Sensible Info: The Races are accessible in 45 minutes by public transport from the town centre. 

16. Christmas at Eyre Sq.

Visiting Galway within the winter permits you to expertise the Galway Christmas Market. The primary space for the occasion is about up at Eyre Sq. within the metropolis centre, reworking the Irish metropolis right into a winter wonderland. 

William Avenue to Quay Avenue is adorned all through, showing much more magical than it often does. Christmas is actually a particular time in Galway, and visiting the town in the course of the holidays affords a singular perspective on native traditions, one which is able to make you need to come right here each following December.

Sensible Info: Eyre Sq. is on the heart of Galway’s outdated city, accessible by strolling paths and public transport. 

17. Wild Atlantic Manner Highway Journey

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 Eire’s western coast. Should you’re staying within 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 a few of the high sights of Eire’s greatest street journey. Galway is on the midway level of the route with easy accessibility to a few of the high sights alongside Cliff Coast. Learn extra: Where to Stay on the Wild Atlantic Way

Sensible Info: Wild Atlantic Manner is a street journey route 1600 miles (2600 km) lengthy. It’s divided into 14 levels, and levels 8 and 9 could be completed from Galway. Compare car rental prices here.

18. Historical past Lesson at Dunguaire Citadel

Set on the rocky shores of Galway Bay, Dunguaire Citadel is a historic constructing in Kinvarra. The O’Hynes clan ordered the development of the fortress within 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 Citadel is open for visits in the summertime, and it’s even attainable to attend a banquet dinner contained in the fortress. It’s a superb method of experiencing this Irish historic landmark with its picturesque environment. 

Sensible Info: Dunguaire Citadel 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 within the Republic of Eire. The southern shore of the lake could be very near Galway and simply accessible by strolling paths from the city. In the summertime, it’s even attainable to guide a river cruise from Galway to the lake. 

However the higher components of the lake are much more enjoyable, which is why I like to recommend occurring proper tours 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 using on the shore.

Sensible Info: Public transport from Galway to Lough Corrib is restricted. Driving is the most effective and quickest mode of journey. 

20. Swim at Canine’s Bay

Canine’s Bay is one among Eire’s greatest seashores and it’s solely an hour and a half outdoors Galway. The horseshoe-shaped seashore is understood for pristine white sand and a peaceful sea. It’s appropriate for swimming, and a preferred spot for some water enjoyable in the summertime. As a result of there aren’t any massive waves right here, Canine’s Bay is nice for kids and inexperienced persons at swimming. 

The seashore is most simply accessible by cars and excursions from Galway due to restricted public transport entry, so it’s hardly ever very crowded. And smaller seashores within the space are accessible through mountain climbing paths, the place you may have a complete slice of paradise all to your self.

Sensible Info: Canine’s Bay is a 90-minute drive from Galway. The closest bus cease is at Ballinafad, a 20-minute drive from Canine’s Bay. 

21. Tour Glengowla Mines

Simply 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 summertime months. A small museum with mining instruments can be out there on-site. 

This is among the most attention-grabbing excursions to be completed from Galway. Along with the strolling excursions of deserted mines, guests to the household farm may witness demonstrations of conventional Irish turf chopping and sheep herding. 

Sensible Info: Glengowla Mines are accessible by automotive and bus from Galway. 

22. Marvel at Menlo Citadel

Menlo Citadel is a 10-minute drive from Galway metropolis heart and among the best close by historic landmarks. The riverfront fortress ruins are coated with ivy in pristine pure environment. Should you ever really feel like you could escape the town crowds, Menlo Citadel is a superb vacation spot for a break. 

Pack a picnic basket and are available right here for a relaxed afternoon in lush greenery. Benefit from the sounds of the speeding river and chirping birds, whereas admiring the Sixteenth-century fortress and its ivy-covered partitions. 

Insider Tip: Be at liberty to leap the fence to get nearer to the fortress if you’d like, everybody does it. 

Sensible Info: Menlo Citadel is accessible by automotive and bus from Galway Metropolis. 

FAQ

Is Galway Value Visiting in Eire? 

Sure, Galway is value visiting in Eire. The medieval metropolis affords historic landmarks, a wealthy historical past, and a few of the greatest surroundings on the western coast of Eire. 

What’s Galway in Eire Well-known For? 

Galway is known for its energetic nightlife, glorious tradition, and beautiful landscapes. With easy accessibility to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, Galway is the gateway to a few of Eire’s prettiest nature. 

How Many Days in Galway is Sufficient? 

Three days must be sufficient for Galway. It’s sufficient time to see all the highest sights within the metropolis and make a fast day journey to the close by landmarks. 

Why is Galway Metropolis so Common? 

Galway Metropolis is widespread for its distinctive tradition and glorious location on the western coast of Eire. Among the nation’s best-known sights are most simply accessible from Galway.

Suggestions and Info For Visiting Galway

Finest Time To Go to

Any time of the 12 months is an efficient time to return to Galway. Summer season is the most effective 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 efficient time for heat climate, the Galway races, and beautiful autumnal landscapes. 

Getting There

Because it at present stands, flying to Dublin after which taking a bus to Galway is the most suitable choice. There are 4 important airports in Eire, and the one in Dublin has probably the most worldwide connections, so chances are high 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 possibility provided that you propose to remain within the capital metropolis for a day or two. Moreover, Shannon Airport northwest of Limerick is nearer to Galway, but it surely’s serviced solely by Ryanair and Aer Lingus. 

Getting Round 

One of the simplest ways to get round Eire is by automotive. You can compare care rental prices here. Eire has an honest railway community, but it surely’s not that useful for exploring Galway and its environment. It’s not an enormous metropolis and far of it’s walkable, with buses to take you to the sights outdoors the town heart. 

Nonetheless, if you wish to go on day journeys and discover extra of Eire’s west coast, renting a car is the most effective answer. Positive, organized excursions to close by sights are all the time an possibility, however driving is best for exploring at your most popular tempo and having the final word freedom. 

How A lot Time Do You Want

How a lot time you want for Galway relies upon enormously on what you need to do. If you wish to go to the town landmarks and do one or two day journeys, three days is loads of time. 

Alternatively, if you wish to discover extra of the west coast of Eire and probably even attempt to observe the trail of the Wild Atlantic Manner street journey, you may keep in Eire for 2 weeks or extra. 5 to seven days is the candy spot for seeing the most effective of Galway and discovering all the most effective sights on the western coast of Eire. 

The place To Keep In Galway

Keep in Galway metropolis heart for straightforward strolling entry to the entire metropolis’s greatest landmarks. For an extended keep within the metropolis and entry to different areas of Galway County, contemplate staying on the shore of Lough Corrib and even nearer to Connemara Nationwide Park. 

Among the greatest accommodations in Galway for all budgets are: 

• Woodquay Hostel is a finances hostel near the outdated city of Galway. 
• The Hardiman is a cultured 4-star lodge set in a Nineteenth-century constructing on Eyre Sq.. 
• 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 may have it. All the data you could plan a visit to Galway in Eire. That is actually a magical vacation spot that may be a trip by itself or on a extra in depth Eire street journey.