Galway is the oldest and largest city on Ireland’s famous Wild Atlantic Way, with a soul that comes to life in its pubs and quaint squares.

Once a small fishing village, Galway grew in strength in the 13th century to become a prosperous walled town ruled by 14 merchant families, known as the Tribes of Galway. Today, the city is one of the most enchanting in Ireland.

While the city is steeped in history, it also buzzes with an innovative vibe thanks partly to students who make up a fifth of the population.

With its vibrant atmosphere and versatility, the city can effortlessly captivate visitors, whether they are passionate culture enthusiasts or seeking exploration and adventure.

We’ve driven the Galway part of the Wild Atlantic Way many times over and for a good reason, as here every meter of the road brings you closer to wonderful vistas and picture-perfect coastal villages.

Read More: A Short Guide To Visiting Wonderful Eagles Flying In Sligo, Ireland

When we agreed to spend our combined birthdays in Galway, I knew we’d enjoy the time spent there, but didn’t quite expect the weekend to be such a perfect way to become more deeply acquainted with this part of Ireland.

Although the sun never made an appearance and the gusty winds had knocked off all the leaves from the trees, we were stupefied by the splendour we encountered there.

We were grateful for a chance to discover a different side of Ireland that won us over many times before.

Galway is a beautiful city, and for a change, it was refreshing to enjoy somewhat loose planning and let the cobbled streets lead us wherever they wished.

Read More: Ireland travel guide: Top 9 things to see and do in beautiful Connemara

Ireland travel guide: 12 fun things to do in beautiful Galway city

Colourful even on a cloudy day, Galway –  known as “The City of the Tribes” – is bursting with charm, art, local legends and music.

Are you making plans to visit Ireland and take a trip to the wonderful West? A visit to Galway should definitely be on anyone’s travel list. 

And once you visit, you’ll see for yourself that it’s pretty hard not to fall under Galway’s spell.

Here you can relax at Eyre Square, wander around Galway University grounds, go on brewery tours and step inside Lynch’s Castle (now AIB Bank), situated between Shop Street and Abbeygate Street.

In this blog post, we would like to share some of the best things to do in the city

Read More: A local’s guide to Sligo: 7 amazing things to do on a Lough Gill loop drive

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#1. Wander Around the Latin Quarter: A Historic Gem

Situated on the left bank of the River Corrib, the Latin Quarter, a hook-shaped district of cobblestone streets,  is a popular place to grab a bite, capture colourful facades or just simply stroll through it.

In the lively Latin Quarter, you’ll find cities best-known pubs,  affordable, yet a tad noisy traveller hostels,  independent stores and various attractions.

Galway’s Latin Quarter is a cultural part of the city, and its little side streets are great for a little wander while you enjoy the street artists, known as buskers, playing fantastic music.

The main street is called Quay Lane, and you can’t beat the amazing energy bouncing from the area. Take time to chill out with a pint in one of the outdoor seating areas and enjoy people-watching.

*Fun Fact – look out for  Lynch Castle, located on the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street – it’s an old castle that has now been transformed into a bank. 

Read More: A local’s guide to visiting iconic Kylemore Abbey in Connemara

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#2. Take a Boat Trip For a Nature Connection

If you are looking for a relaxing way to explore Galway and its surroundings, why not jump on a boat?

The Corrib Princess is a cruise boat that departs from Woodquay and takes you for a ride along the River Corrib and onto Lough Corrib.

The cruise offers daily guided sightseeing trips with live commentary about Celtic mythology, Galway’s ancient past, and stories of Galway’s feuding families.

You will also get a chance to see some of the castles, including the ivy-covered remains of Menlo Castle, that were once homes to some of Galway’s most unique characters.

The Corrib Princess operates from May to September and offers a knowledgeable captain, a heated indoor cabin for those rainy days, a venue for a private party and full catering facilities.

• Prices for the river cruise are Adult €17, Family (2 Adults and up to 3 Children under 14) €40, Student / Senior €15.

Read More: Your Guide to Exploring Burren National Park in County Clare, Ireland

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#3. Go on a Hunt For the Best Irish Arts and Crafts

Some of the city’s best handmade crafts can be found in a handful of shops. Galway has it all if you are looking for quirky jewellery, Aran sweaters, artisan brews, or the famous Claddagh Ring.

Check out the beautiful Wooden Heart shop, packed full of wooden toys, books, incredible dollhouses and early learning toys.

Make your way to Galway’s Farmers Market located by St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church for vintage jewellery, a great variety of food, handmade soaps and rare books.

Stop at Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold to learn the story behind the ring and travel to Roundstone Music and Craft Shop, located in Roundstone and run by master craftsman Malachy Kearns, who makes a one-sided drum known as the Bodhrán (Bow-Rawn).

Read More: 11 Amazing Things To Do In Beautiful Sligo That Will Make You Stay For More

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#4. Walk Around the Salthill Promenade For A Coastal Escape

Salthill, with its beautiful promenade, is a lovely seaside town situated 10 minutes away from Galway city. Throughout the year, you can see locals jumping off the Blackrock Diving Tower.

Here, you’ll find lots of restaurants, cafes and plenty of wide spaces to enjoy. On a clear day, it’s even possible to see the peaks of Connemara and an outline of The Burren.

Galway Atlantaquaria, run by the National Aquarium of Ireland,  is located in Salthill too. It’s a fairly small aquarium, but it focuses on displaying a wide variety of Indigenous Irish fish and invertebrates.

Top things to do along Salthill Promenade:

• Walk or cycle along the promenade.

• Stop for seafood at one of the local restaurants.

• Swim or dive at Blackrock Tower.

Read More: How To Spend a Brilliant Weekend in Beautiful Killarney, Ireland

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#5 Visit Charlie Byrne’s Bookstore for Serendipitous Discovery

If you are a fan of independent bookstores, where the rooms are stacked floor to ceiling with books, then you have to pay a visit to Charlie Byrne’s Bookstore.

In a labyrinth of cosy rooms, you’ll be able to find any genre imaginable, all for very affordable prices. Wandering through the shop is one of the best free things to do in Galway, as there are well over 100,000 second-hand, new and bargain books.

There are so many books that in fact they are even stacked at the entrance of the shop, making it look even more appealing.

It’s easy to get lost browsing the shelves for a couple of hours, and it’s impossible to leave empty-handed, as some of the books cost as little as 3 euros, a must-go for a bookworm!

• Address: The Cornstore, Middle St, Galway

Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 7 Fantastic Things To See And Do In County Cork

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#6. Pay a Visit to the Galway City Museum

Located beside the Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum is a well-kept and comprehensive museum and makes for a great place to spend an hour or two during a visit to Galway.

The museum was originally founded in the mid-1970s, but a few decades later, a new purpose-built museum was opened.

Various exhibitions are laid out through the museum’s three floors, each dedicated to different subjects such as cities’ prehistoric pasts, artwork and marine life.

Among the highlights, you’ll find a Galway Hooker boat, named ‘Máirtín Oliver, the Civic Sword dating from the time of the Charter of King James I, as well as a fascinating collection of artefacts dating back to Prehistoric and Medieval times.

The museum also boasts fantastic views of the River Corrib, Galway Bay, the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh.

• Admission – The entry to Galway City Museum is free

• Opening hours | Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am -5pm (12pm on Sundays)

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#7. Snap a Photo of Fishery Watchtower

Built in 1852/53 by the Ashworth Brothers, the Fishery Watchtower is one of Galway City’s landmarks.

The yellow tower’s purpose up until the 1970s was to keep an eye on the fishing boats operating on the river.

Nowadays, you’ll find a small museum with fascinating photographs, memorabilia and artefacts from the rich history of river fishing along the River Corrib.

The museum also offers wonderful views of The Claddagh and the River Corrib.

• Opening Hours – while the tower is closed temporarily, you can still go on guided tours.

• Address: Wolfe Tone Bridge, Galway

Read More: Ireland Travel Guide: 9 Memorable Things To Do In Beautiful County Clare

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#8. Stop By The University of Galway

Located on University Road, a stone’s throw away from the city centre, the University of Galway is a landmark attraction and a must for visitors to the city.

As one of the oldest and largest universities in the West of Ireland, it has one of the most photogenic campuses I’ve visited.

As the crisp air of autumn settles in, late September would be a perfect time to catch the ivy creeping up the old stone buildings, turning to a fiery red. The colour really pops against the cold grey stone of the quad.

• Famous past alumni of the university include the former president Michael D. Higgins, Henry Arthur Blake (who served as governor of Hong Kong), and Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Read More: Check Out This Amazing 2-week Road Trip Itinerary Through Ireland’s Southwest

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#9. Admire Galway Cathedral: A Masterpiece of Architecture

Designed by J.J.Robisnon and built in the 1950s, Galway Cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, is one of the youngest stone cathedrals in Europe.

The cathedral can be found on Nun’s Island, near Salmon Weir Bridge, on the site of the former city jail.

Galway Cathedral is one of the city’s largest buildings, and its dome can be seen for miles around.

The cathedral houses an impressive dome, stone walls and beautiful rose windows crafted by George Campbell.

The floor of the cathedral is made from Connemara Marble, and the light flowing through the windows creates a wonderful atmosphere.

If you wish, you can join the daily mass to hear one of the finest pipe organs in the country. Mass times on weekdays are as follows – Monday – Friday:  11:00 & 18:00.

• Admission: The cathedral is free to visit

• Opening hours for visitors are from 8:30am – 6:30pm

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#10. See the Spanish Arch – A Reminder of the City’s Medieval Past.

Dating back to pre-medieval times, the Spanish Arch has two remaining arches on the Ceann a Bhalla.

Located on the left bank of the Corrib River, right beside Galway City Museum, it’s one of Galway’s historical gems that, back in the day, used to house soldiers who manned cannons on the roof.

The simple arch, once partially destroyed by the tsunami in the 1800s, was originally constructed by William Martin and built in 1584.

As the arch is located at the point where the river meets the sea, it makes for a wonderful place to take in the beauty of the old Claddagh area of the city.

You can walk around and see if you can spot the Galway Hooker boats heading out in the bay, or listen to buskers playing down under the arch.

Read More: A Short Guide to Visiting Beautiful Clare Island in County Mayo, Ireland

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#11. Go on a Day Trip 

Road trips in the West are always a very good idea, as this part of Ireland is renowned for its wonderful scenery.

Travelling to Galway and not taking advantage of nearby world-class attractions would be a foolish thing to do.

If you are staying in Galway for longer, you could embark on great day trips, and some of the best include the astounding Cliffs of Moher, beautiful Connemara, remote Aran Islands, Kylemore Abbey and Burren National Park.

For those exploring Ireland by car, some of the best scenic drives we would recommend:

• Cliffs of Moher and Burren National Park trip to see the world-famous, 700ft high jagged seaside cliffs and rare flora.

• Connemara Day trip to experience the unspoiled natural beauty and rugged landscapes.

• Aaran Island Day Trip

Read More: 8 Amazing Things To See And Do On A Trip Around Inishowen Peninsula, Donegal

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#12. Visit Galway for Christmas Magic

You’ll love seeing Galway dressed up for the Christmas season, looking stunning with beautifully decorated shop windows and twinkling street lights.

The annual Christmas Market is the main event taking place at Eyre Square with a traditional carousel, plenty of market stalls, a 32-meter-high wheel, Santa’s Express Train and carol singing on display.

Don’t be put off by travelling to Ireland in winter, even on the coldest and darkest days, there’s something to see and do.

Read More: How to visit Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal: The Ultimate Guide

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Where to Stay in Galway

If it’s your first time visiting Galway, I recommend staying in the centre of the city.

It’s an area full of top attractions, dining establishments, traditional pubs, and plenty of wonderful accommodations like my favourite place, Hyde Hotel, which is modern and stylish.

On our last trip to Galway, we decided to stay outside the city in a hotel with fantastic ocean views.

We ended up choosing the wonderful Connemara Coast Hotel for a relaxing family break and couldn’t be happier to recommend it to other travellers.

Best Areas To Stay In Galway:

• The city centre is best for first-time visitors: Kinlay Hostel Eyre Square, and Skeffington Arms Hotel

• Salthill, situated 2 kilometres southwest of the city centre, is best for beach access: the Galway Bay Hotel and the Black Cat

• Terryland is located to the north and is best for reasonable rates:  The Huntsman Inn  and The G Hotel & Spa

• Newcastle is located near the University of Galwayis best for quiet stays:  Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate and The Brook Lodge

Read More: 7 Stunning Sligo Beaches To Visit When You’re In Need Of a Breather

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How To Get To Galway

Galway is well-connected to other cities in Ireland and can be easily accessed from all airports in the country. 

The closest airports to Galway are as follows:

• Shannon Airport is approximately 86 km  and it takes around 1 hour to drive to Galway 

• Knock Airport is approximately 88 km away, and it takes around 1hr 15 minutes to drive to Galway

• Dublin Airport is 213km away, and it takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to drive to Galway

• By bus | You can also reach Galway by bus from all the biggest cities and airports.

• By train | You can travel from Dublin’s Hueston station by train and be in Galway in 2 hours and 30 minutes

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And there you have it

Just a few of the many things to do in the city.

As you can see, Galway is a city that offers something for every traveller. Whether you’re a lover of history, nature, or culture, there are endless things to see and do.

As this is my last blog post of the year, I wanted to take a minute and wish my wonderful readers Merry Christmas!

 May your days be filled with love, laughter, and moments that bring you peace and happiness ❤

I wish everyone health, happiness and hope in 2026. With lots of love, Aiva xx

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Galway? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Galway and have travel-related questions!

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