The 18 Best Things To Do In Galway, Ireland

You’ll find the lively city of Galway along the west coast of the ‘Emerald Isle’. Famous for its Irish folk music and traditional Irish pubs, Galway is also known as the festival capital of Ireland so it has a lot to offer.

Although relatively compact, this city is full of life and there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. Thanks to the city’s location in County Galway, there are endless day trip opportunities too.

In this guide, we’ll cover the very best things to do in Galway. We’ll also outline some of the most popular day trips and tour options so you can really make the most of your itinerary!

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The Best Things To Do In Galway, Ireland

1. Head to the Galway City Museum

Visiting the Galway City Museum is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Galway, Ireland. This museum allows you to take in the city’s history, archaeology, and culture, so offers the perfect introduction.

There are three different floors here – each one exploring different themes. Various permanent and temporary exhibitions are held at this museum, covering everything from the Claddagh village to sea science.

Highlights include a 17th-century altarpiece, the Great Mace, and the Galway Civic Sword (which dates back to the Charter of King James I). The museum also houses plenty of artefacts which date back to Medieval and Prehistoric times, so you won’t be short of things to see!

The Galway City Museum is typically open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm. Entrance to the museum is free although a donation is always welcomed. Allow at least 1-2 hours for your visit or you can opt for a guided tour (but these must be booked in advance).

2. Visit Galway Cathedral

Galway Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven & St Nicholas, this building is situated along the bank of the River Corrib.

As one of the largest buildings in Galway, this cathedral is a must-visit. Construction started in 1958, but it wasn’t finished until 1965 – 7 years later. The cathedral is also set on the site of a former city jail.

Galway Cathedral boasts an impressive dome that is approximately 44 metres (145 feet) tall. Inside, you can appreciate the building’s marble floors, rose windows, and stone arches. The interior is also adorned with intricate sculptures and wall paintings, as well as the crucifixion mosaic which is found behind the altar.

Galway Cathedral is free to visit although again, you can leave a donation. Just be aware that you can’t enter during daily mass so you’ll need to check the times in advance.

3. Drive part of the Wild Atlantic Way

Although there are many incredible things to do in Galway City, we’d highly recommend driving part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Thanks to Galway’s location, you can easily explore some of this iconic road trip route!

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world’s longest coastal routes with a length of 2,600 km (1,600 miles). The full route runs along the west coast between the Inishowen Peninsula and Cork.

From Galway, there are two main sections of this coastal route which you can visit. You can either head west to explore Connemara or drive south to take in the beauty of West Clare.

Connemara is a beautiful region with highlights including Clifden Castle, Dog’s Bay, Roundstone, and the Sky Road. Those exploring West Clare should head to the Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, and Dunguaire Castle. However, you’ll need to hire a car if you’ve decided to fly over.

4. Wander along the Salthill Promenade

If you’re planning to stay in Galway, take some time to wander along the Salthill Promenade. This promenade covers approximately 3 km (1.85 miles), stretching from Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock Diving Tower.

The walk offers stunning vistas of Galway Bay and if it’s a clear day, you might even get views of the Aran Islands and the Burren. There are plenty of benches along the way too making it a great spot for a picnic! There’s also a local tradition of ‘kicking the wall’ for good luck as you take in the views.

Although the Salthill Promenade starts from Galway (near the Galway City Museum), this walkway will take you through the coastal suburb of Salthill. If you time your visit with pleasant weather, you can relax on Salthill Beach, take a dip in Galway Bay, or grab some freshly baked goods at Ground and Co.

5. Take a day trip to the Aran Islands

The Aran Islands are undoubtedly one of our favourite places in Ireland. Located in Galway Bay, there are three islands in total; Inishmore (Inis Mór), Inisheer (Inis Oírr), and Inishmann (Inis Meáin) – and each one has something special to offer.

If you have some extra time, we’d suggest spending a day on Inishmore which is the island we visited. We hired a bicycle which allowed us to visit some of Inishmore’s popular attractions. Highlights include Kilmurvery Beach, Dún Aonghasa, Na Seacht dTeampaíll and the island’s thriving seal colony.

To reach the Aran Islands, you can travel by air or ferry. Alternatively, you can hop on this full-day tour from Galway which includes a visit to Inis Oirr and the Cliffs of Moher, as well as your ferry tickets. This way, you’ll get fantastic views of the cliffs as well.

6. Explore Galway’s Latin Quarter

If you’re wondering what to do in Galway, Ireland, we’d highly recommend exploring the Latin Quarter. As it’s the cultural heart of the city, you’ll find an endless array of restaurants, bars, and museums here.

The Latin Quarter is also a must-visit for shoppers. This area of Galway is home to a selection of unique retailers, including boutiques and small family-run businesses. It’s a great place to pick up handmade souvenirs – whether you’re after local crafts or antique jewellery.

Quay Street is one of the most popular streets in the Latin Quarter. This pedestrianised street is famous for its brightly coloured houses, lively atmosphere, and traditional pubs.

You’ll also find a variety of dining options in this part of Galway including The Dough Bros, Cava Bodega, Kirwan’s, and more. No matter what type of cuisine you fancy – there’s something for everyone!

7. Go on a boat tour of Galway Bay

Going on a boat tour is one of the best things to do in Galway! As the city is located along the River Corrib (which runs into Galway Bay), heading out on the water is the perfect way to explore your surroundings.

Galway Bay Boat Tours is one of the city’s most popular operators when it comes to boat trips! This family-run business has been operating trips since 2012 and has generations of sailing and fishing experience. They offer several tours as well as private boat hire – it all depends on what you’re after!

The company’s traditional ‘Galway Bay Boat Tour’ lasts for approximately 1 hour. On this trip, you’ll join a local fisherman where you’ll learn all about the city’s maritime history. They’ll also share insights into the life of a local fisherman so it’s a really unique experience.

Not to mention you’ll get fantastic views of Galway City and the Burren if it’s a clear day!

8. Visit the Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch is undoubtedly one of the top things to see in Galway. This iconic landmark is located on the bank of the River Corrib – just a short walk from Quay Street.

Dating back to 1584, the Spanish Arch is one of Galway’s most historical gems. It’s an extension of a 12th-century town wall where soldiers used to keep watch and man cannons!

The Spanish Arch was built by Wylliam Martin who was the 34th mayor of Galway. Christopher Columbus even visited in 1477 so this place has quite the history. Unfortunately, this historic landmark was partially destroyed in 1755 by a tsunami, but you wouldn’t think that when looking at it today.

The Spanish Arch is located in a scenic location making it a great place for a leisurely stroll. It’s also just a short walk from the Galway City Museum (which actually used to be located within the arch).

9. Listen to traditional Irish music

Galway is famous for its traditional Irish music – there’s no better place to take it all in! In fact, some of the country’s most famous traditional musicians are from here.

Taking in the city’s vibrant music scene is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Galway City, Ireland. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of options. Throughout the city, there are various theatres, cultural venues, and pubs which all offer live performances. Galway is also well known for its lively street performance scene.

Tigh Coili is one of the most famous music venues in Galway. Located in the Latin Quarter, this pub hosts traditional Irish music sessions every day – one is typically at 6/6:30 pm and another session takes place later on in the evening.

Other popular venues include The Crane Bar, Taaffes Bar, Tigh Neachtain, Garavans Bar, and Monroes Tavern. Honestly, there are so many amazing places where you can listen to traditional Irish music!

10. Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous attractions in Ireland. These rugged cliffs stand at an impressive 214 metres (702 feet) at their highest point.

Not only are the coastal vistas breathtaking but you’ve got a chance of spotting local marine life below. The Cliffs of Moher are also home to large colonies of nesting sea birds so we’d recommend packing binoculars!

Thanks to the city’s location, you can take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway! These cliffs are just under a 1.5-hour drive from Galway if you have a car. Alternatively, you can take the 350 bus service between the two or opt for a day tour.

This full-day tour will see you spend approximately 2 hours at the Cliffs of Moher. You’ll pass by other iconic landmarks and even stop off at Dunguaire Castle and Doolin Pier! There’s also this popular Cliffs of Moher tour which includes a visit to Aillwee Cave, Doolin, and Dunguaire Castle.

11. Go on a walking tour

There are plenty of awesome things to do in Galway – many of which can certainly be explored independently. However, if you’re looking to learn more about the local area why not go on a walking tour?

There are some fantastic walking tours on offer in Galway. Not only will you be exploring with a local guide, but you’ll also learn all about the city’s history (and get some fantastic tips and recommendations along the way).

This ‘welcome to Galway’ tour lasts for approximately 75 minutes. From your expert guide, you’ll learn all about the area’s culture, heritage, and local life. You’ll also get to hear stories about people who’ve lived in the city.

After something more unique? This dark history guided tour will see you explore the city after dark, where you’ll learn about the origins of Halloween in Ireland and listen to gristly tales of murder, mystery, and hauntings.

12. Have fun at a local pub

If you’re wondering what to do in Galway City for a day then we’d suggest heading to one of the local pubs. Trust us – you’ll have plenty to choose from as there are over 400 pubs in the city!

The Front Door Pub is one of Galway’s most famous pubs and it’s not hard to see why. Not only are there plenty of drink choices, but this place serves some tasty pub grub – the shepherd’s pie is especially popular. The Front Door also boasts a fantastic whisky selection.

Along Eyre Square, you’ll find the iconic O’Connell’s. Here, you can enjoy delicious food from The Dough Bros, live DJs, and a charming outdoor space known as ‘Gin Lane’. Alternatively, head to O’Connor’s which is where Ed Sheeran recorded ‘Galway Girl’.

Planning to spend an evening relaxing in Galway? Then pick a pub, try some Guinness, and reminisce about your time in Ireland so far!

13. Enjoy one of Galway’s festivals

As Galway is known as the ‘Festival Capital of Ireland’, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

If you’re planning to visit Galway in March then there’s no better place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. This multiple-day celebration showcases the very best of Irish culture, including a parade, outdoor concerts, entertainment, and traditional Irish music.

There’s also the Galway International Arts Festival which is one of the city’s highlights. This festival typically takes place for 2 weeks in July and showcases a variety of comedy, music, theatre, art, and dance. Culture buffs can take in performances from Ireland and afar, so it’s a great time to visit.

Seafood lovers can visit during the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. As the world’s longest-running oyster festival, this event is pretty popular. As well as sampling local oysters (obviously), you can enjoy food talks, live music, food tours, and cooking demonstrations.

14. Watch a popular Irish dance show

Watching ‘Trad on the Prom‘ is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Galway! This unique cultural performance is Ireland’s top Irish music and dance experience and it’s not hard to see why.

Trad on the Prom has been running since 2005 and is one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most popular cultural experiences. Here, you’ll enjoy authentic Irish music and traditional dancing while taking in electrifying personal performances. This show has some fantastic vocalists, too!

You can purchase your Trad on the Prom ticket on GetYourGuide. Your seats will be pre-assigned at the time of booking but make sure you book in advance. The shows only take place on select days – typically Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30 pm.

Afterwards, you might have the option to meet some of the show’s performers. CDs and DVDs are also available to purchase if you love the show that much – which we’re sure you will!

15. Explore the region of Connemara

Connemara is one of our favourite regions in Ireland. Located in a particularly scenic area of County Galway, Connemara is famous for its striking landscapes, cultural traditions, and local wildlife. This region also speaks Gaeltacht – the traditional Irish language so you’ll get a real feel for the local culture.

From Galway, head along the N59 if you want to explore this part of Ireland. There’s plenty to see in this region, but Connemara National Park is certainly one of the highlights. Kylemore Abbey is another must-visit, as well as Killary Harbour, Clifden, Dog’s Bay, and Roundstone.

You can either hire a car and explore Connemara independently or head on a guided tour. This full-day tour from Galway runs for approximately 8 hours and will allow you to appreciate the beauty of this region. There’s also this popular Connemara tour which will see you visit Kylemore Abbey, Killary Fjord, and more!

16. Try traditional Irish cuisine

In our opinion, Irish cuisine is seriously underrated. Meat-eaters can enjoy a traditional Ulster fry (which often comes with soda or potato bread) and Irish stew. Ireland is also a great place to try fresh seafood, especially oysters and smoked salmon – or you can opt for a tasty seafood chowder.

Luckily, there are so many fantastic restaurants in Galway where you can sample the local cuisine. Some popular spots include Finnegans, Murty Rabbitt’s, An Púcán, and The Dáil Bar.

Alternatively, you can explore the city on this Galway food tour. This food tour lasts for around 2.5 hours, and you’ll learn all about local ingredients and dishes from your expert guide. You’ll also get to taste beer at one of the city’s oldest pubs so there’s something for everyone.

Trying delicious local dishes is one of the best things to do in Galway so don’t miss out!

17. Visit The Fishery Watchtower

Visiting the Fishery Watchtower is another of the best things to do in Galway. This iconic tower dates back to the 1850s and is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

The Fishery Watchtower was originally built to be a draft netting station. As the name suggests, draft netting was a process used to catch fish where a rowboat and long net were used. The tower was also used to monitor fish stocks and look out for any illegal fishing activity that was taking place in the area.

Today, the Fishery Watchtower houses a small museum and exhibition. Here, you’ll learn all about the tower’s history through photographs, artefacts, and other memorabilia. You’ll also get fantastic views of the River Corrib.

Unfortunately, the tower is temporarily closed but guided tours are available in advance. It’s hoped that the museum will re-open during the summer too!

18. Take a day trip to the Burren National Park

Finally, if you have a couple of days in Galway, then we’d suggest heading to the Burren National Park. The Burren is famous for its unusual rock formations and archaeological sites. As such it’s been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark and a Special Area of Conservation.

Burren National Park is the perfect destination for hikers with walks of varying difficulty. This park also boasts over 70% of the country’s native flowers as well as a variety of fauna, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

The Burren is around an hour’s drive from the city so it makes the perfect day trip. There’s also a free park-and-ride service which runs from Corofin during the summer months if you’d prefer to park there instead.

If you’re short of time, you can hop on this full-day tour from Galway. You’ll enjoy striking views of the Burren and head to the Cliffs of Moher (although be aware that you won’t stop off there).

Helpful information for visiting Galway

How to get to Galway

When travelling to Galway, you have a few different options.

Although there aren’t any direct international flights to Galway, there are multiple airports nearby. Depending on traffic, Dublin Airport is under a 2.5-hour drive away and there are plenty of direct flights serving Ireland’s capital. Two domestic airports are also located relatively close by in Knock and Shannon.

Hiring a car in Ireland is also very popular, so you can always fly into Dublin and then rent a car. As Galway is located along the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s a popular road trip route and the drive is incredibly scenic!

Daily train services from Dublin also run into Ceannt Station. Alternatively, you can take advantage of Ireland’s coach and bus system, with regular express services running from Ireland’s capital city.

If you’re already travelling around Ireland, Citylink provides bus services to Galway from multiple destinations including Clifden, Cork, and Limerick.

How to get around Galway

Galway City is relatively compact so you’ll have no issues getting around. Due to its size, many of the iconic tourist spots are located close together, so you can explore the majority of the city on foot.

Walking around Galway allows you to take in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, and there are plenty of traditional pubs and quirky restaurants where you can stop along the way (for those who need a pit stop).

If you’d prefer to get around more quickly, bicycle rentals are available in Galway. Thanks to the TFI Bike Share scheme, you can pick up a bicycle from multiple bike racks across the city. There are some fantastic bike shops too if you’d prefer to rent from an actual company (West Ireland Cycling is a popular option).

Several bus routes also service Galway and the surrounding area. These are run by Bus Éireann with many of the services departing from Eyre Square in the city centre.

The best time to visit Galway

Galway can be visited year-round with the high season falling in July and August. Travellers can expect average temperatures of 16°C (60.8°F) and long days – perfect for exploring. Unfortunately, these favourable weather conditions (and the summer holidays) bring larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

During the shoulder season (April to May and September to October), you’ll experience fewer crowds and will likely get better deals when it comes to hotels! If you don’t mind cooler temperatures, Halloween is a great time to visit as the famous Macnas Halloween Parade takes place.

Although the weather may be dreary, travellers will still have a fantastic time during the winter season. If you visit during late November/December, you can take advantage of Galway’s Christmas markets and festive activities.

As Galway is Ireland’s festival capital you can also time your visit with some of the city’s iconic events.

Exploring Galway by tour

Many of the exciting things to do in Galway can be done independently but there are some great tour options too if you’d prefer to take in the city with an experienced local guide.

Here are some popular tours in Copenhagen:

• Welcome to Galway walking tour – This walking tour will see you explore Galway with an expert guide, who will cover the local culture and history as well as offer insider tips.

• Galway food tour – This 2.5-hour walking food tour will allow you to learn all about the local dishes. It includes food tastings and you’ll get to take home a goodie bag so the tour offers great value for money.

• Galway: City sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour – Explore Galway on this 24 or 48-hour bus ticket, which includes onboard audio commentary and stops near all the city’s iconic sights.

Where to stay in Galway

There are so many awesome things to see in Galway, Ireland. As there’s so much to do, you’ll need the perfect base. Luckily, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses to choose from in the city.

Here are some popular accommodation options:

Budget: The Eyre Square Townhouse

The Eyre Square Townhouse is one of the more affordable properties in Galway. This property is just a short walk from the train station and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops nearby.

The townhouse offers a variety of stylish rooms, sleeping between 1-4 people. These rooms offer plenty of amenities including free WiFi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and ensuite facilities (including a power shower).

Mid-range: Leonardo Hotel Galway

Set along Quay Street, Leonardo Hotel Galway is in a great location for exploring the city, especially as Galway Cathedral is nearby. This hotel also overlooks Galway Bay, so many of the rooms offer superb views.

Guests can dine at the in-house restaurant, relax in the outdoor beer garden, or grab a Guinness at the on-site bar. Buffet breakfast is also available here so you can fuel up for a full day of exploring!

Luxury: The g Hotel & Spa

The g Hotel & Spa is one of Galway’s most luxurious hotels. This 5* hotel offers over 100 stylish rooms, where you can enjoy 24-hour room service, original artworks, high-speed internet, and plush bath robes.

With an on-site cocktail bar, AA Rosette restaurant, and ESPA spa, The g Hotel & Spa offers the ultimate luxury getaway. They even offer various afternoon tea packages where you can indulge in delicious sweet treats.

Frequently asked questions about Galway

How many days do you need for Galway?

We’d recommend spending at least 2 days in Galway. There are plenty of things to do in Galway and this will give you enough time to see the highlights and enjoy some of the city’s local experiences.

Thanks to Galway’s location along the Wild Atlantic Way, there are endless day trip opportunities too. If you spend 3-5 days in the city, you can head to the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, Connemara, and more!

What is a good budget for Galway?

We’d recommend a budget of £50-£70 per person per day if you’re planning to visit Galway. Unfortunately, Ireland isn’t a cheap destination, and accommodation can be especially costly!

This kind of budget will be enough for a cheap hostel stay, public transport, and a few attractions. If you can, we’d suggest a higher budget of around £70-£90 as this will give you much more flexibility.

Is one day enough for Galway?

We only spent one day in Galway and found that this just wasn’t enough. However, if you’re short of time, one day is better than no time at all, and it’s still enough to visit the highlights such as Galway Cathedral.

If you can, allow at least 2-3 days in Galway. This will give you more time and you’ll be able to visit some popular spots along the Wild Atlantic Way – one of our favourite places has to be the iconic Cliffs of Moher!

Is Galway a walkable city?

Galway is a relatively compact city so it’s certainly very walkable. Many of the popular spots are located close together, including Galway City Museum, Quay Street, the Latin Quarter, and the Spanish Arch.

As Galway is so easy to get around, walking tours are very popular! Bicycle rentals are another great option and there are local bus services run by Bus Éireann that will help you get around.

Final Thoughts on The Best Things to Do in Galway

As you can see, there are so many incredible things to see and do in Galway, Ireland. Whether you want to take in the lively nightlife scene, embrace the city’s culture, or visit nearby attractions you’ll have a fantastic time!

Depending on the time of year, you can also take advantage of Galway’s many festivals. No matter when you choose to visit, make sure you allow plenty of time to take in everything that this city has to offer.

If you have further questions about the best things to do in Galway, don’t hesitate to contact us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments below!

Here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• Visiting The Cliffs Of Moher
• Ultimate Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
• The Best Things To Do On The Isle Of Man

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