Galway’s wonderful location on the western coast of Eire is without doubt one of the fundamental causes for town’s reputation with guests. With quick access to the very best seashores and pure landmarks of Eire, the record of issues to do in Galway is neverending.
I’ve managed to slim it all the way down to 22 of the very best points of interest in and close to the Irish metropolis. From historic landmarks within the coronary heart of city to unbelievable pure points of interest simply outdoors town, this record covers every little thing 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 should you’re on the town for a few days or a few weeks as a result of there’s no approach you could possibly be bored right here!
Better of Galway, Eire Fast Information
- Should See: Galway Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lough Corrib, Salthill Promenade, Quay Road, Eyre Sq.
- The place To Keep: Woodquay Hostel, The Hardiman, Glenlo Abbey Resort & Property – the place we stayed
- Enjoyable To Do: Wild Atlantic Means Highway Journey, Pub crawl, Galway Races, Connemara Nationwide Park
- Day Journeys: Aran Islands, Canine’s Bay, Cliffs of Moher
- Should–Strive Meals: Irish stew, soda bread, seafood, Colcannon, Barmbrack.
Finest Issues to Do In Galway, Eire
Fabulous seashores, mesmerizing Irish castles, and quaint previous city buildings are a few of the issues that may enchant you in Galway. I’ve lined all town’s best-known landmarks and points of interest, in addition to all of the unbelievable locations price visiting which might be solely a brief drive away from the port metropolis.
1. Strolling Tour of Galway Outdated City
A strolling tour of the previous city of Galway is one of the simplest 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’ll be able to alongside the best way.
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. Native guides will inform you concerning the tales and legends of Galway whereas taking you to all the very best spots within the metropolis.
A self-guided tour can be a great way to see town. You possibly can hit all the principle spots, and should you learn up on the native historical past, will probably be nearly as should you have been guided round by knowledgeable. The Latin Quarter, Lynch’s Fortress, Eyre Sq., Quay Road, Store Road, and Galway Cathedral are sights to not miss in Galway Outdated City.
Sensible Data: 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 you need to depend on buses to get you round, and I’d advocate arranging a guided tour if you’re on this scenario. We went to the Aran Islands by airplane, and that’s the quickest and best. However you’ll be able to take a ferry as nicely.
Inishmore is the biggest of the three islands, and as such is residence to essentially the most historical ruins and the very 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 areas for the Banshees of Inisherin movie.
Sensible Data: 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 without doubt one of 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 without doubt one of the most necessary landmarks in your complete metropolis.
The cathedral’s inside is much more grand than its exterior. With gorgeous stained glass home windows, ornate ceilings, and lovely work and statues on the partitions, it’s simple 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 Data: Galway Cathedral is open day by 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 may be little to no proof to assist this story, nevertheless it’s one of many best-known tales of Galway. The Lynch Memorial Window, which was uncovered at a home on Lombard Road 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 Data: 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 very best vacation spot for all outside lovers in Galway. With mountaineering paths, scenic views, mountains, and wildlife, that is by far the very best place for nature excursions near Galway. And when you have a automobile in Eire, it’s going to take you lower than 90 minutes to achieve the nationwide park.
Connemara is well-liked for birdwatching, principally due to its puffin inhabitants. Their breeding season is from March to August and it presents the very best probabilities to see the cute creatures.
The nationwide park has some unimaginable hikes and you’ll select from quite a lot of trails ranging in problem from simple to extraordinarily difficult. Kylemore Abbey is without doubt one of the nationwide park’s finest historic buildings, providing free excursions of its Victorian gardens.
Sensible Data: Connemara Nationwide Park is roughly an hour and a half from Galway by automobile, however practically 4 hours away by public transport.
6. See The Ruins of Merlin Fortress
The japanese fringe of Galway Metropolis is residence to the Merlin Fortress ruins. The tower is in an unlimited 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 via the park’s strolling paths is simply as great.
Come right here to find the pure fantastic thing about Irish landscapes, and roam across the expansive woods so near town. Merlin Fortress itself shouldn’t be an astonishing attraction, however the sight of the historic landmark is rewarding after a few hours of roaming across the forest paths.
Sensible Data: Merlin Fortress 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 full of exploration of town’s historical past and pure magnificence.
Pub tradition is huge in Eire, so you continue to get to take part in actions conventional within the metropolis. Quay Road homes a few of the finest and oldest pubs in Galway, and it’s an amazing vacation spot for a enjoyable evening out.
Sensible Data: 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 charming views of the ocean on one aspect 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 best way.
Funfair and Leisureland are each reverse Palmers Seashore on the Salthill Promenade. Leisureland has a mini-golf course and an indoor pool, however Funfair presents theme park rides. A Ferris Wheel experience with scenic views is the right detour throughout walks on Salthill Promenade.
Sensible Data: It takes roughly 45 minutes to stroll your complete 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 certainly one of 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 in addition to stroll underneath the arch and possibly discover the quayside promenade. The Galway Metropolis Museum was housed inside part of the Arch for some time, nevertheless it was relocated to a separate constructing again in 2006.
Sensible Data: 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 biggest medieval parish church nonetheless in use in Eire. The church is known for an area 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 price. Go inside to see the gorgeous stained glass home windows and delightful 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 residence.
Sensible Data: Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is open from 10 AM till 4 PM. The doorway price is €5 or €4.
11. Go to Galway Metropolis Museum
Galway Metropolis Museum is the very best place on the town to study concerning the historical past and custom of this Irish metropolis. The museum displays inform the story of Galway from prehistoric to fashionable occasions, with a particular exhibit on town’s historical past throughout World Conflict 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 contemporary fiction in Irish.
Come to this museum to find out about necessary metropolis occasions, notable folks, and the lives of locals via the ages. What’s most spectacular is that there’s no entrance price 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 Data: 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 best way are completely well worth the stroll. Particularly in good climate.
Mutton Island is residence to Galway’s sewage remedy plant, which is without doubt one of the explanation 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 Data: Strolling the Mutton Island Causeway will be carried out at any time, freed from cost.
13. Stroll Down Quay Road
Quay Road stretches via the Latin Quarter in Galway’s historic centre and it’s some of the necessary streets within the metropolis. Lined with eating places and pubs on both aspect, it’s the very best place in Galway for purchasing, drinks, and people-watching.
Any tour of Galway’s previous city will take you thru Quay St., nevertheless it’s a spot you must go to greater than as soon as. Come right here at evening 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 Road turns into Excessive Road, which turns into Store Road, which then turns into William Road main onto Eyre Sq.. Strolling your complete size of this cobbled road is a should and one of many highlights of journeys to Galway.
Sensible Data: It’s accessible at any time freed from cost.
14. Tour to Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher is without doubt one of the most well-known pure landmarks on Eire’s west coast. Along with Burren, the 2 landmarks kind 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’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 without doubt one of 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 barely a 15-minute drive from the UNESCO website. This extremely rated journey from Galway takes you to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren which is a panoramic vacation spot in Eire.
Sensible Data: 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 preferred occasions in your complete County Galway in the summertime. Galway’s Ballybrit Racecourse is residence 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 Women’ Day.
Sensible Data: The Races are accessible in 45 minutes by public transport from 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 ready up at Eyre Sq. within the metropolis centre, remodeling the Irish metropolis right into a winter wonderland.
William Road to Quay Road is adorned all through, showing much more magical than it normally does. Christmas is really a particular time in Galway, and visiting town throughout the holidays presents a novel perspective on native traditions, one which is able to make you wish to come right here each following December.
Sensible Data: Eyre Sq. is on the heart of Galway’s previous city, accessible by strolling paths and public transport.
17. Wild Atlantic Means Highway Journey
Wild Atlantic Means is without doubt one of the world’s longest coastal highway journeys. Stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula all the best way to Kinsale in Cork County, the epic route follows the whole lot of Eire’s western coast. In case 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, unimaginable seashores, and lighthouses are a few of the high sights of Eire’s finest highway journey. Galway is on the midway level of the route with quick access to a few of the high sights alongside Cliff Coast. Learn extra: The place to Keep on the Wild Atlantic Means
Sensible Data: Wild Atlantic Means is a highway journey route 1600 miles (2600 km) lengthy. It’s divided into 14 phases, and phases 8 and 9 will be carried out from Galway. Examine automobile rental costs right here.
18. Historical past Lesson at Dunguaire Fortress
Set on the rocky shores of Galway Bay, Dunguaire Fortress 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 Fortress is open for visits in the summertime, and it’s even attainable to attend a banquet dinner contained in the fortress. It’s a wonderful approach of experiencing this Irish historic landmark with its picturesque environment.
Sensible Data: Dunguaire Fortress 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 biggest lake within the Republic of Eire. The southern shore of the lake may 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 happening 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.
Sensible Data: Public transport from Galway to Lough Corrib is restricted. Driving is the very best and quickest mode of journey.
20. Swim at Canine’s Bay
Canine’s Bay is certainly one of Eire’s finest seashores and it’s solely an hour and a half outdoors Galway. The horseshoe-shaped seashore is understood for pristine white sand and a relaxed 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 huge waves right here, Canine’s Bay is nice for kids and freshmen at swimming.
The seashore is most simply accessible by automobiles 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 mountaineering paths, the place you’ll be able to have a whole slice of paradise all to your self.
Sensible Data: 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 accessible on-site.
This is without doubt one of the most fascinating excursions to be carried out from Galway. Along with the strolling excursions of deserted mines, guests to the household farm also can witness demonstrations of conventional Irish turf reducing and sheep herding.
Sensible Data: Glengowla Mines are accessible by automobile and bus from Galway.
22. Marvel at Menlo Fortress
Menlo Fortress is a 10-minute drive from Galway metropolis heart and probably the greatest close by historic landmarks. The riverfront fortress ruins are lined with ivy in pristine pure environment. In case you ever really feel like you have to escape town crowds, Menlo Fortress 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 in order for you, everybody does it.
Sensible Data: Menlo Fortress is accessible by automobile and bus from Galway Metropolis.
FAQ
Is Galway Value Visiting in Eire?
Sure, Galway is price visiting in Eire. The medieval metropolis presents historic landmarks, a wealthy historical past, and a few of the finest surroundings on the western coast of Eire.
What’s Galway in Eire Well-known For?
Galway is known for its vigorous nightlife, wonderful tradition, and gorgeous landscapes. With quick access 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 Well-liked?
Galway Metropolis is well-liked for its distinctive tradition and wonderful location on the western coast of Eire. A number of the nation’s best-known sights are most simply accessible from Galway.
Ideas and Data For Visiting Galway
Finest Time To Go to
Any time of the yr is an effective time to return to Galway. Summer time is the very 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 delicate (however moist) climate and fewer vacationers. Early fall is an effective time for heat climate, the Galway races, and gorgeous autumnal landscapes.
Getting There
Because it at present stands, flying to Dublin after which taking a bus to Galway is the best choice. There are 4 fundamental airports in Eire, 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 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, nevertheless it’s serviced solely by Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
Getting Round
One of the simplest ways to get round Eire is by automobile. You possibly can examine care rental costs right here. Eire has an honest railway community, nevertheless it’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 points of interest outdoors town heart.
Nonetheless, if you wish to go on day journeys and discover extra of Eire’s west coast, renting a automobile is the very best resolution. Positive, organized excursions to close by points of interest are all the time an possibility, however driving is healthier for exploring at your most popular tempo and having the last word freedom.
How A lot Time Do You Want
How a lot time you want for Galway relies upon tremendously 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.
However, if you wish to discover extra of the west coast of Eire and presumably even attempt to comply with the trail of the Wild Atlantic Means highway journey, you’ll be able to keep in Eire for 2 weeks or extra. 5 to seven days is the candy spot for seeing the very best of Galway and discovering all the very best 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 finest landmarks. For an extended keep within the metropolis and entry to different areas of Galway County, take into account staying on the shore of Lough Corrib and even nearer to Connemara Nationwide Park.
A number of the finest lodges in Galway for all budgets are:
- Woodquay Hostel is a funds hostel near the previous city of Galway.
- The Hardiman is a sophisticated 4-star lodge set in a Nineteenth-century constructing on Eyre Sq..
- Glenlo Abbey Resort & Property 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’ve it. All the data you have to 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 highway journey.
Plan extra of your Irish trip with these detailed journey guides