Top 22 Attractions and Activities in Galway, Ireland for 2025

Galway’s excellent location on the western coast of Ireland is one of the main reasons for the city’s popularity with visitors. With easy access to the best beaches and natural landmarks of Ireland, the list of things to do in Galway is never-ending.

I’ve managed to narrow it down to 22 of the best attractions in and near the Irish city. From historic landmarks in the heart of town to fantastic natural attractions just outside the city, this list covers everything of interest in Galway.

Whether you’re looking to discover Irish culture and legends or spend your trip exploring Ireland’s prettiest landscapes, Galway delivers. It doesn’t matter if you’re in town for a couple of days or weeks; there’s no way you could be bored here!

Best of Galway, Ireland Quick Guide

• Must See: Galway Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lough Corrib, Salthill Promenade, Quay Street, Eyre Square
• Where To Stay: Woodquay Hostel, The Hardiman, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate – where we stayed
• Fun To Do: Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip, Pub crawl, Galway Races, Connemara National Park
• Day Trips: Aran Islands, Dog’s Bay, Cliffs of Moher
• Must-Try Foods: Irish stew, soda bread, seafood, Colcannon, Barmbrack.

Best Things to Do In Galway, Ireland

Fabulous beaches, mesmerizing Irish castles, and quaint old town buildings are some of the things that will enchant you in Galway. I’ve covered all the city’s best-known landmarks and attractions, as well as fantastic places worth visiting that are only a short drive away from the port city.

1. Walking Tour of Galway Old Town

A walking tour of the old town of Galway is the best way to get acquainted with the Irish city. Discover the medieval buildings, see the colorful storefronts in the cobblestone alleys, and try to spot as many statues as you can along the way.

Guided walking tours of medieval Galway are great for first-time visitors because you can learn a lot about the city’s rich history. Local guides will share tales and legends of Galway while taking you to the best spots in the city.

A self-guided tour is also an excellent way to explore the city. You can visit all the main attractions, and if you familiarize yourself with the local history, it feels almost like being guided by a professional. Notable sights include the Latin Quarter, Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square, Quay Street, Shop Street, and Galway Cathedral.

Practical Information: Walking tours of Galway take between 1 and 3 hours.

2. Excursion To Aran Islands

The Aran Islands, consisting of three limestone islands just off the west coast of Ireland, are easily accessible by ferries from Galway County, and even by scenic helicopter flights from Connemore International Airport.

Traveling to the Aran Islands can pose challenges if relying on buses for transportation. Arranging a guided tour is recommended in such cases. We took a plane to the Aran Islands, which was the fastest and easiest option, but ferries are available as well.

Inishmore is the largest of the three islands and hosts the most ancient ruins and the most dramatic landscapes. Dun Aengus is on this island; the prehistoric ruins overlook the Atlantic Ocean and served as a filming location for the Banshees of Inisherin.

Practical Information: A ferry from Galway City to Inishmore takes approximately 90 minutes, with one-way tickets costing €35 for adults.

3. Tour Galway Cathedral

Galway Cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive structures and a worthy stop on any city tour. Located on Nuns Island in the River Corrib, just northwest of Galway’s historic center, the massive building dominates the northern part of the river island. It is one of the most significant landmarks in the city.

The cathedral’s interior is even more exquisite than its exterior. With stunning stained glass windows, ornate ceilings, and beautiful paintings and statues on the walls, it’s easy to see why this is the most important religious site in the Irish city. Interestingly, a mosaic of John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway just months before his assassination, can be found inside.

Practical Information: Galway Cathedral is open daily from 8:30 AM until 7-9 PM, depending on the day. Entrance is free.

4. See The Lynch Memorial Window

Legend has it that James Lynch fitz Stephen, the mayor of Galway in the late 15th century, hanged his son from a window in their house. The story suggests the son killed a Spanish soldier, prompting the mayor to take this drastic action upon learning the facts.

Though there’s little evidence to support this tale, it remains one of Galway’s best-known stories. The Lynch Memorial Window, discovered at a house on Lombard Street where the murder allegedly took place, serves as a reminder of this event.

The stones were displayed at Dublin’s Great Industrial Exhibition in the mid-19th century before being moved to their current location at the boundary wall of St. Nicholas Collegiate Church.

Practical Information: The Lynch Memorial Window is a free attraction to visit at any time.

5. Day Trip to Connemara National Park

Connemara National Park, spanning an area of 7,000 acres, is the ultimate destination for all nature lovers in Galway. With hiking paths, scenic views, mountains, and wildlife, it is by far the best location for outdoor excursions close to the city. If you have a car in Ireland, it takes less than 90 minutes to reach the park.

Connemara is particularly popular for birdwatching, especially due to its puffin population, which breeds from March to August, providing the best opportunities for sighting these adorable creatures.

The national park offers incredible hikes with a variety of trails ranging in difficulty from easy to extremely challenging. Kylemore Abbey is one of the park’s best historic sites and offers free tours of its Victorian gardens.

Practical Information: Connemara National Park is approximately an hour and a half from Galway by car, but nearly 4 hours away by public transport.

6. See The Ruins of Merlin Castle

The eastern edge of Galway City is home to the ruins of Merlin Castle. The tower is located within a vast park, providing beautifully landscaped walking trails. While the castle tower is a focal point, the experience of finding it amid the park’s walking paths is equally rewarding.

Visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of Irish landscapes and explore vast woods close to the city. Although Merlin Castle isn’t the most spectacular attraction, catching sight of this historic landmark makes the stroll worthwhile.

Practical Information: Merlin Castle is accessible in about 40 minutes by bus from Galway city center.

7. An Evening At The Pub

Spend an evening listening to traditional Irish music while enjoying a pint or two of Guinness. This experience is practically a rite of passage in Galway and a fantastic way to cap off a busy day of city exploration.

Pub culture thrives in Ireland, allowing you to partake in traditional local activities. Quay Street is home to some of the best and oldest pubs in Galway, making it an excellent spot for an enjoyable night out.

Practical Information: Many pubs in Galway stay open until 2 AM.

8. Sunset Walk Down Salthill Promenade

Salthill Promenade is a seaside walking path overlooking Galway Bay. With stunning views of the sea on one side and Galway on the other, it is one of the city’s most romantic locations. Opportunities for detours abound, making it an entertaining walk.

Nearby, Funfair and Leisureland are situated opposite Palmer’s Beach on the promenade. Leisureland features a mini-golf course and an indoor pool, while Funfair includes theme park rides. A Ferris Wheel ride provides spectacular views and adds excitement to your stroll on Salthill Promenade.

Practical Information: Walking the entire Salthill Promenade takes about 45 minutes, from Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock diving tower.

9. Walk Under The Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch is a historical city landmark located next to the Galway City Museum. This arch, added to the 16th-century city walls in the 18th century, is one of only two existing arches of Galway’s Front Wall.

While the Spanish Arch stands as an important historic property, activity here is limited to strolling beneath the arch and exploring the quayside promenade. Notably, the Galway City Museum was housed within part of the Arch for a time, but moved to a separate facility in 2006.

Practical Information: The Spanish Arch is accessible at any time via public transport, free of charge.

10. Explore Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church

Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is the largest medieval parish church still in use in Ireland and is known for a local legend that claims Christopher Columbus worshipped here during his visit to Galway in the 15th century.

Visitors can enter the church for a small entrance fee and enjoy stunning stained glass windows and beautiful artwork. Additionally, the church organizes a farmer’s market every Saturday, providing an excellent opportunity for local souvenirs.

Practical Information: Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is open from 10 AM to 4 PM, with an entrance fee of €5 or €4.

11. Visit Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum is the premier venue to learn about the history and traditions of this vibrant Irish city. Exhibits depict the story of Galway from prehistoric times to the modern era, including a section dedicated to the city during World War I.

Another part of the museum’s collection highlights Pádraic Ó Conaire, an acclaimed Irish writer born in Galway, known for his novel Deoraíacht, regarded as the earliest work of modern fiction in Irish.

This museum is a fantastic place to discover significant city events, notable figures, and the lives of locals throughout the ages. Best of all, there is no entrance fee, although visitors are encouraged to contribute a small donation (no more than €5) if they enjoy their experience.

Practical Information: Galway City Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday to Thursday, and has free entry.

12. Cross The Mutton Island Causeway

The Mutton Island Causeway connects the mainland of Galway with Mutton Island in the Atlantic Ocean. Although visitors cannot actually set foot on Mutton Island due to a locked gate at the end of the causeway, the views along the way are absolutely worth the walk, especially in pleasant weather.

Mutton Island hosts Galway’s sewage treatment plant, which accounts for its inaccessibility to the public. However, the causeway remains popular for walks, cycling, and even romantic proposals.

Practical Information: Walking the Mutton Island Causeway is permitted at any time, free of charge.

13. Stroll Down Quay Street

Quay Street, which runs through the Latin Quarter in Galway’s historic center, is one of the city’s most essential streets. Lined with restaurants and pubs, it offers the best shopping, drinks, and people-watching opportunities in Galway.

A tour of Galway’s old town will invariably take you down Quay St., but it’s a street you’ll want to visit multiple times. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere in the Irish pubs, or in the afternoon, experience the vibrant atmosphere with street performers and art on the medieval buildings.

Quay Street transitions into High Street, then Shop Street, finally leading to William Street and Eyre Square. Exploring the length of this cobbled street is essential during your visit to Galway.

Practical Information: It is freely accessible at any time.

14. Excursion to Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher are among the most renowned natural landmarks on Ireland’s west coast. Together with Burren, these sites comprise the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, spanning more than 530 square kilometers.

Visit to admire some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery. On clear days, views of the Aran Islands can be seen in the distance. The walking paths in the area allow visitors to appreciate several perspectives of the Cliffs of Moher, with the viewpoint at O’Brien’s Tower being a highlight.

Consider pairing this visit with the trip to the Aran Islands, as the ferry at Doolin Pier is only a 15-minute drive from the UNESCO site. This highly-rated trip from Galway encompasses both the Cliffs of Moher and the breathtaking Burren region.

Practical Information: Cliffs of Moher are 90 minutes away by car or two and a half hours by bus from Galway.

15. Attend Galway Races

The Galway Races are the most popular events in all of County Galway during the summer. Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway hosts the longest horse-racing festival in Ireland, commencing on the last Monday of July.

This iconic event attracts both locals and visitors from outside the region. Wednesdays and Thursdays are particularly lively, with Wednesday featuring the Galway Plate and Thursday being Ladies’ Day.

Practical Information: The Races are within 45 minutes’ reach via public transport from the city center.

16. Christmas at Eyre Square

Visiting Galway in winter allows you to experience the enchanting Galway Christmas Market. Situated in Eyre Square at the city’s core, this event transforms Galway into a winter wonderland.

The area from William Street to Quay Street is beautifully decorated, showcasing a magical atmosphere. Christmas is genuinely special in Galway, and experiencing the city during this festive season reveals unique local traditions, making you want to return every December.

Practical Information: Eyre Square is at the heart of Galway’s old town, accessible through walking paths and public transport.

17. Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip

Wild Atlantic Way is among the world’s longest coastal road trips, stretching from the Inishowen Peninsula all the way to Kinsale in Cork County. This epic route follows the entirety of Ireland’s western coastline, making it a must-experience for those spending time in the country.

With towering cliffs, incredible beaches, and iconic lighthouses, this road trip uncovers some of Ireland’s top sights. Galway sits at the halfway point, providing easy access to many stunning locations along the coastal route. Practical Information: The Wild Atlantic Way spans 1600 miles (2600 km) and divides into 14 stages, with stages 8 and 9 easily accessible from Galway.

Practical Information: Check comparison for car rental prices here.

18. History Lesson at Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle, set on the rocky shores of Galway Bay, is a significant historical site in Kinvarra. Commissioned by the O’Hynes clan, the castle was built in the 16th century, featuring defensive walls and a tower.

The reconstructed tower and walls are now open to the public. Dunguaire Castle welcomes visitors during the summer months and even hosts banquet dinners, presenting a unique opportunity to experience this iconic Irish landmark in its picturesque surroundings.

Practical Information: Dunguaire Castle is reachable by bus (60 minutes) or boat (30 minutes) from Galway, with tickets starting at €6 for adults.

19. Sail on Lough Corrib

Lough Corrib is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, and its southern shore lies close to Galway, easily accessible via walking paths from the town. During summer months, river cruises from Galway to the lake are available.

Exploring the upper portion of the lake adds a thrilling element to your visit, so consider going on proper tours of Lough Corrib. You can see castles lining the northern shore, boat to an island with a temple, and even visit an equestrian center for horseback riding along the shore.

Practical Information: Public transport from Galway to Lough Corrib is limited; hence, driving is the most efficient mode of travel.

20. Swim at Dog’s Bay

Dog’s Bay is among Ireland’s finest beaches, located just an hour and a half outside Galway. This horseshoe-shaped beach features pristine white sand and a calm sea, making it ideal for swimming and summer fun. The gentle waves here make it particularly suitable for children and beginner swimmers.

The beach is best accessed by car or tours from Galway, given the limitations of public transport. Smaller nearby beaches can also be reached via hiking paths, where you can enjoy your own private slice of paradise.

Practical Information: Dog’s Bay is a 90-minute drive from Galway. The nearest bus stop is at Ballinafad, a 20-minute drive away.

21. Tour Glengowla Mines

Located just 30 minutes northwest of Galway, the Glengowla Mines are open to the public during summer months. These abandoned silver and lead mines are situated on a family farm, which features a small museum displaying mining tools.

This fascinating excursion from Galway includes informative walking tours of the restored mines, and visitors can also witness traditional Irish turf cutting and sheep herding demonstrations on the farm.

Practical Information: Access to Glengowla Mines is possible by both car and bus from Galway.

22. Marvel at Menlo Castle

Menlo Castle, situated just a 10-minute drive from Galway city center, stands as one of the best nearby historical landmarks. The ivy-clad riverfront castle ruins are nestled in pristine natural surroundings. If you seek a respite from city life, Menlo Castle is an ideal destination.

Pack a picnic basket to enjoy a relaxing afternoon amidst lush greenery, harmonized by the sounds of the flowing river and chirping birds, while admiring the elegant 16th-century castle and its ivy-covered walls.

Insider Tip: Don’t hesitate to jump the fence to get closer to the castle; it’s a common practice among visitors.

Practical Information: Menlo Castle is easily reachable by car or bus from Galway City.

FAQ

Is Galway Worth Visiting in Ireland?

Yes, Galway is indeed worth a visit in Ireland. The medieval city features historic landmarks, a rich cultural heritage, and some of the most exquisite scenery along the western coast of Ireland.

What is Galway in Ireland Famous For?

Galway is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, excellent culture, and stunning landscapes. With convenient access to the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, it serves as the gateway to some of Ireland’s most beautiful natural sites.

How Many Days in Galway is Enough?

Three days is generally sufficient for a visit to Galway. This time allows you to see the top sights across the city and make quick day trips to nearby landmarks.

Why is Galway City so Popular?

Galway City’s popularity stems from its unique culture and excellent location on Ireland’s western coast, providing easily accessible routes to some of the country’s best-known sights.

Tips and Information For Visiting Galway

Best Time To Visit

Year-round, Galway is a fantastic destination. Summer offers warm weather and the Galway Races, while winter enchants with the Galway Christmas Market and snow-covered landscapes.

Spring and autumn present mild (though often wet) weather and fewer tourists, making them great options. Early fall is particularly enjoyable for warm weather and beautiful autumn colors.

Getting There

The best route to Galway is currently to fly into Dublin and then take a bus to Galway. Four main airports service Ireland, with Dublin having the most international connections, increasing the likelihood that you’ll land there. A bus ride from Dublin Airport to Galway lasts about two and a half hours.

Train service is available only from Dublin, so it’s only an option if you plan to spend a day or two in the capital city. Shannon Airport, located northwest of Limerick, is closer to Galway but is only serviced by Ryanair and Aer Lingus.

Getting Around

The best way to navigate Ireland is by car. Car rental comparisons are available here. Although Ireland has a decent railway network, it’s not as useful for exploring Galway and its surroundings. The city isn’t large, making it walkable, with buses to take you to attractions outside the city center.

However, if you plan to embark on day trips and explore more of Ireland’s west coast, renting a car is the best option. Organized tours are available, but driving allows for exploration at your own pace and offers greater freedom.

How Much Time Do You Need

The amount of time required for a visit to Galway greatly depends on your activities. If you plan to visit the city’s landmarks and undertake one or two day trips, three days should suffice.

On the other hand, for those wanting to explore more of the west coast of Ireland and perhaps follow the Wild Atlantic Way road trip, consider a stay of two weeks or more. Five to seven days is a sweet spot to experience the best of Galway and other remarkable sights on Ireland’s western coast.

Where To Stay In Galway

For easy access to all of the city’s significant landmarks, stay in Galway city center. For a longer stay and access to various areas of Galway County, consider accommodations along the shore of Lough Corrib or even closer to Connemara National Park.

Some of the best hotels in Galway for diverse budgets include:

• Woodquay Hostel – a budget-friendly option near the old town.
• The Hardiman – a polished 4-star hotel in a 19th-century building on Eyre Square.
• Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate – a luxurious hotel in an 18th-century abbey, located closer to Lough Corrib than the Galway city center. Our experience at this hotel was simply divine.

That concludes the essentials to plan your trip to Galway, Ireland. This enchanting destination can serve as a standalone vacation or part of a larger Ireland road trip.