Galway is a small harbor city on the west coast of Ireland known for its charming streets and wealth of attractions. There is no shortage of things to do in Galway, from sightseeing at landmarks like the Galway Cathedral to shopping in the Latin Quarter. Iconic natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher are also easily accessible from the city. Galway is the sixth largest city in the country, with a population of around 80,000. Though relatively small in size, its vibrant atmosphere draws visitors from all over the world. Make the most out of your trip to Galway by checking out some of these popular sights and nearby day trips.
1. Get your first taste of GALWAY in EYRE SQUARE
Located in the heart of the city, Eyre Square should be one of the first things to do in Galway. The hustling and bustling public park dates all the way back to the 17th century when it was situated outside of the old city gates and used as a place for markets. A large redevelopment in 2006 transformed Eyre Square into one of the most beautiful parks in all of Ireland. It is decorated with many memorials, statues, and pieces of public art, and a wide array of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars are located nearby. There are also lots of benches around the square where you can relax, do some people watching, and plan out your day. The park’s central location provides easy access to many other attractions you might want to see next.
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2. Admire the architecture of GALWAY CATHEDRAL
The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, more commonly known as Galway Cathedral, is located just a 10-minute walk across the river from Eyre Square. It is notable for being the youngest stone cathedral in Europe. Completed in 1965, this Roman Catholic cathedral actually looks a lot older than it really is due to the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural influences. Stone construction and a large green dome give the exterior a magnificent, imposing presence. Inside, a polished floor and beautiful stained glass windows lend the cathedral a more light and open atmosphere. Galway Cathedral is accessible to the public and free to visit. It is definitely one of the top things to do in Galway. If you are lucky, you might even catch the resident choir rehearsing.
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3. Brush up on history at the GALWAY CITY MUSEUM
Get to know a little bit about the culture and history of Galway at the Galway City Museum. The museum first opened its doors in 2007 and today hosts both permanent and touring exhibitions. Exhibits cover the areas of art, archaeology, geology, folk history, and natural history. Find out how what was once a small ancient settlement grew into the city that stands here today. There is also a fantastic collection of photographs that document the city from the 1950s onward. It’s easy to spend a few hours taking everything in. Galway City Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, and, like many other museums in Ireland, admission is completely free. It is one of the best things to do in Galway on a budget, and simply one of the best things to do overall.
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4. Make a stop at the SPANISH ARCH
The Spanish Arch is located right beside the Galway City Museum. It is a fantastic photo op and a quick and highly recommended stop on your tour of the city. The structure is actually made up of two arches that were once an extension of Galway‘s defensive walls. Originally built to protect the quays from looters, the arches got their current name from the fact that the quays were later heavily used by Spanish traders. Though not very large in size and scale, a notable and impressive characteristic of the Spanish Arch is that it was built in 1584. The arches did sustain some damage from a tsunami caused by a 1755 earthquake, but they remain mostly intact to this day.
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5. Step back into history at ST. NICHOLAS’ COLLEGIATE CHURCH
If you want to see living history in Galway, there’s no better place to go than St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, which was founded in 1320. Even the baptismal font is over 400 years old! The interior is very well preserved and offers a look at how other churches from the time period would have looked. Because Galway is a port city, the church was dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers. It is a beautiful building that bears the distinction of being the largest medieval parish church in the country. Over its long and storied history, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church has played a central role in the life of the city. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus even came to worship here when he visited Galway in 1477.
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6. Shop for goodies and souvenirs at GALWAY MARKET
Every weekend, the well-loved Galway Market sets up along the road beside St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, as it has done for centuries. The market features hundreds of vendors selling an assortment of food and crafts. Come sample delicious foods like crepes, curry, and even sushi! It’s also a great place to pick up some handcrafted souvenirs to remember Galway by. Find everything from paintings by local artists to clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more! You can visit Galway Market from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The market is also open for Sunday hours on bank holidays, on Fridays over July and August, and during each day of the annual Galway Arts Festival in July.
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7. Take a stroll through the LATIN QUARTER
The Latin Quarter is a small district of cobblestone streets along the bank of the river that extends from O’Briens Bridge to the Spanish Arch. It is one of the most vibrant places in the city, packed with colorful buildings and unique street art, which makes for amazing photographs. The street is flanked by some of Galway‘s most popular restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs. There are also some lovely art galleries and shops selling traditional clothing like knitwear sourced from local wool. Street performers abound and provide excellent entertainment while you are shopping, bar-hopping, or just taking in the sights. There is plenty to see in the Latin Quarter, as it is home to many of the city’s historic buildings. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful areas and best things to do in Galway.
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8. Look out over the ocean from the SALTHILL PROMENADE
Salthill Promenade, commonly referred to by locals as the “Prom,” is a path that extends over two miles along Galway Bay, offering stunning views of the water. It is located only a four-minute drive outside of the city center, in the small village of Salthill. A walk from the city center takes just over half an hour if you want to stretch your legs. On a nice day, a stroll along the Salthill Promenade is easily one of the top things to do in Galway. It is lined with bars, cafes, and some of the best seafood restaurants around. The walkway is also lined with a beach where you can catch some sun and even go swimming when the weather is warm. The Salthill Promenade is a wonderful place to watch the sunset over the water as well.
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9. Hop on a ferry to ARAN ISLANDS
One of the best parts of visiting Galway is that there are many wonderful day trips to be had in the surrounding area. If you have the time, don’t pass up an opportunity to visit the beautiful and rugged Aran Islands. These three small islands, named Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, are located at the end of Galway Bay, where it meets with the Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their ancient ruins, historic churches, and idyllic pastures. You’ll feel like you’ve been taken back to a simpler time, away from the stresses of modern daily life. The best way to get to the Aran Islands is to take a passenger ferry from Rossaveel, which is located just a 40-minute drive west of Galway. The ferry ride then takes 45 to 65 minutes, depending on which island you are going to.
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10. Go on a day trip to the iconic CLIFFS OF MOHER
The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous tourist attractions in Ireland, receiving over one and a half million visitors a year. These tall, sheer cliffs stretch out over nine miles of coastline and reach a maximum height of 702 feet. The scenery is truly breathtaking, and the cliffs have been featured in numerous films as a result. There is a visitor center at the main tourist area, as well as three viewing platforms and a tower that was constructed in 1835. The Cliffs of Moher are located less than two hours away from Galway by car along a scenic road. They are also serviced by Bus Éireann route 350, which offers a number of daily trips to the cliffs. From the top of the cliffs, you can see Inisheer of the Aran Islands across the bay.
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