Best Things To Do in Galway

Galway is one of the most important cities on the west coast of Ireland, not only because of its medieval heritage, but also because of the natural beauty of the surrounding region, which includes national parks, islands and meadows that can be explored at any time of the year.

Some of the best things to do in Galway include walking around Eyre Square, strolling through the Latin Quarter, discovering the local cuisine, visiting Kylemore Abbey and crossing the Spanish Arch, one of the city's remaining remnants of the old medieval city walls.

Eyre Square is Galway's mile zero and a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike in the city. At the centre of this landmark stands a sculpture of The Browne Doorway, an original doorway from the home of a prominent Galway family that reflects Galway's medieval architecture, as well as an iron figure of the Galway Hooker, a fishing boat that pays homage to Galway's maritime heritage.

The Eyre Square area is also strategically located and surrounded by several points of interest, such as the Brown Thomas department stores', a great place for exclusive shopping.

Just a few steps away is the iconic Shop Street, a pedestrianised street lined with shops, but also the epicentre for buskers and local products such as handicrafts and souvenirs.

Aside from its commercial offerings and importance as a meeting place, Eyre Square is within easy reach of important cultural attractions such as the Galway Museum, which features exhibitions exploring the city's history and its connection to the sea. It is also often the starting point when booking a guided tour of Galway.

If you want to get to know the commercial heart of Galway you can't miss the popular Shop Street, which is one of the most famous and lively streets in the city. This pedestrianised promenade is lined with shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes, making it a magnet for locals and tourists alike.

One of the main attractions of Shop Street is its varied shopping offer. Here you can find everything from big international brands to local shops selling traditional Irish goods, such as Celtic jewellery and handicrafts. A highlight is Brown Thomas, an upscale department stores', perfect for those looking for exclusive products. If you prefer something more affordable, you'll also find small boutiques offering independent designer clothing.

As well as its shopping, the street is full of history and architectural charm. Along Shop Street you'll see historic buildings such as Lynch 's Castle, a former medieval tower house which now houses a private bank, but whose façade retains its original design. Nearby is also St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, Ireland's largest medieval church, which is still in use today

Shop Street is also known for its vibrant social life. Traditional pubs, such as Tigh Neachtain and The Kings Head, offer live music and Irish food, making it a great place to relax after a day of exploring. It's also easily accessible and can be reached by booking tickets for the Galway hop on-hop off sightseeing bus, which has a stop in the area.

One of the best ways to get to know a destination is to dive into the local cuisine, and in Galway you'll find a perfect fusion of fresh local produce and modern culinary creativity. And because the city is located on the west coast, many of its dishes are based on fresh seafood from the Atlantic. Oysters, mussels and salmon are some of the stars of the local menu.

On the other hand, one of the highlights of the city's gastronomic calendar is the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, which takes place every autumn. During this event, visitors have the opportunity to sample oysters of all kinds, along with a variety of seafood prepared in different ways.

However, you don't need to wait for the festival to savour the best of the sea, as you can also do so on your own in the city's restaurants or by booking a food tour of Galway.

As well as seafood, Galway is also known for its high quality lamb and beef from animals reared on nearby Connemara farms . As such, you can try the traditional Irish stew, a lamb stew simmered with vegetables and potatoes.

Galway's Latin Quarter is one of the city's most popular areas, known for its bohemian atmosphere and cultural heritage. Situated along the cobbled streets surrounding the River Corrib, this district has long been home to artists, writers and musicians, dating back to medieval times when Galway was an important trading port and melting pot of cultures.

The influences the Latin Quarter received from all corners of the world can still be felt in its architecture, street art and thriving social life. In addition, here you will find the Spanish Arch, one of the few extensions of the old city wall, which was built in the 16th century to protect the port, still standing. All this contributes to the discovery of Galway's most authentic profile.

The Latin Quarter is also a stronghold for street music, especially in places like Kirwan's Lane, where local and international artists perform for passers-by, bringing out the spirit of the district and bathing the streets in colour. You can visit this district on your own or you can book a guided tour of Galway.

One of Galway's main landmarks is the Spanish Arch, which stands on the banks of the River Corrib and is a reminder of the region's medieval history. Built in 1584 as an extension of the original defensive walls, this arch served to protect ships moored in the harbour. Its name derives from the trading relationship that existed between Ireland and Spain when the city was a thriving port exporting furs, wool and fish.

The Spanish Arch is one of the few remaining remnants of Galway's ancient city walls, which once surrounded and protected the city.

Originally, the arch was part of a larger defensive system that included towers and other gateways. Although many of these structures were demolished or absorbed by urban growth, this monument has survived as a testament to the city's medieval heritage and can be visited if you choose to book a guided tour of Galway.

In addition to its historical value, the area around the Spanish Arch is a vibrant space that blends history with modern life. Just a short walk away is the Galway Museum and also the busy streets of the Latin Quarter, which is one of the most eclectic, bohemian and picturesque spots in Galway.

Galway Museum is one of the city's most visited cultural destinations and offers a comprehensive insight into local history, art and culture, so don't leave it out of your Galway itinerary. Here you'll find a variety of exhibits spanning from prehistoric times to the present day, showcasing the maritime history of western Ireland and highlighting its ancient communities and contemporary life.

One of the museum's main attractions is its section dedicated to the port of Galway, which highlights the city's importance as a trading epicentre in the Middle Ages. Here you can find old maps, scale models of ships and artefacts recovered from the sea, including weapons and artefacts from ships that once wrecked on the coast.

The museum also houses a collection of archaeological artefacts, such as Stone Age tools and medieval ceramics that illustrate how the region's first inhabitants lived.

There is also an important focus on the city's modern history, with interactive exhibits that allow you to explore how the War of Independence and the Irish Civil War impacted on Galway.

One of the best natural attractions to visit in Galway is Connemara National Park, located about an hour's drive from the city centre. This site encompasses around 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs, meadows and forests in the Connemara region and its history is intrinsically linked to the land, having been inhabited for centuries by local farmers.

In this park you will have the opportunity to enjoy the scenery through the various trails, which offer views of rugged mountains, serene lakes and heather fields. The most popular hike is the climb up Diamond Hill, from the top of which you can see panoramic views of the Atlantic coastline, the islands of Inishbofin and Inishturk, as well as the Twelve Bens, a mountain range characteristic of Connemara.

Booking a trip to Connemara National Park from Galway will also allow you to discover its biodiversity. Its ecosystems are home to numerous species of flora and fauna, including the Connemara pony, a native breed that breeds in the region. You'll also find birds of prey such as hawks and eagles, as well as a variety of butterflies and plants that thrive in the park's acidic soils.

The Aran Islands are one of the most fascinating destinations to visit in the west of Ireland. Made up of three main islands (Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr), this place will allow you to discover the ancient traditions of the region and the surrounding nature. From Galway you can take a ferry and join a tour led by local guides to learn about Gaelic culture and historical monuments.

On Inis Mór, which is the largest of the three islands, you can visit Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric fort perched on a cliff over 100 metres high. Dating back to the Iron Age, this stone structure overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and provides a glimpse of the ingenuity and resilience of the islands' ancient inhabitants.

In addition, the islands are dotted with other ruins such as medieval churches, stone cottages and Neolithic tombs that contribute to the reputation of the wild beauty that distinguishes Galway and the whole of the west of Ireland. The wilderness here can be discovered on a cycling or walking tour along the coastal paths.

The Aran Islands are also known for their traditional culture. The Gaelic language is still spoken by many of the islanders, and visitors have the opportunity to experience authentic local life. In addition, Aran jumpers, known for their intricate knitted patterns, are handmade there and are available in shops at very affordable prices.

If you want to see one of the main landmarks of the west of Ireland, then the Cliffs of Moher are one of the country's most striking natural wonders and a must-see for any tourist. These rock formations stretch for eight kilometres out into the Atlantic, reaching a maximum height of over 200 metres.

From the top of the cliffs you can enjoy unparalleled panoramic views, which on clear days include the Aran Islands and the Connemara Mountains. Their majesty has made a visit to the Cliffs of Moher one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions, attracting over a million visitors each year.

At the cliffs, you can also walk along the footpaths along the coastline. Along these paths you can stop at various scenic points to take in the vastness of the landscape. Also, at the northern end of Moher you'll come across O'Brien's Tower, a small stone structure built in the 19th century which provides an additional viewing platform.

The Kylemore Abbey, located in the centre of Connemara, is one of Ireland's historic destinations and can easily be reached on a tour from Galway. This abbey was built as a private residence for Mitchell Henry, a wealthy English politician and businessman, and is now a Benedictine monastery. Surrounded by mountains and on the shores of a lake, its neo-gothic architecture makes it the centrepiece of the landscape.

At the abbey, you can also visit the complex's Gothic church, which was built in memory of Henry's wife, who died tragically at a young age. On the property you can also visit the mausoleum where the remains of both Henry and Margaret are laid to rest.

Kylemore's Victorian walled gardens are another major attraction. These six-hectare gardens have been restored to their original splendour and are an example of 19th century Victorian style. Stroll through colourful flowers, exotic plants and herbs from around the world while enjoying the tranquil surroundings.