Galway: The Complete Guide

Galway, situated on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay, was once part of the old Kingdom of Connacht. The city originated from a settlement around a fortification established by the King of Connacht in 1124.

Today, Galway offers a wealth of attractions and activities. Shop Street features Lynch’s Castle, a 16th-century medieval residence of the Lynch family, now housing Allied Irish Banks. Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, founded in 1320, remains in service. The Galway Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, built in 1965, boasts a Renaissance Revival dome and a Romanesque Revival portico. The Claddagh, Galway’s oldest district, and the Galway City Museum, which showcases the city’s heritage and 20th-century Irish art, are also notable sites.

Galway is renowned for its festivals, including the Galway Film and Galway Arts Festival in July, the Galway Races in August, and the Oyster Festival in September. The city also hosts festivals celebrating music, science, Halloween, angling, and the Galway Christmas Market. While the memory of the 14 families and the famine lingers, they are now part of Galway’s rich history rather than its present.

History of Galway

The Origins of Galway

Galway, located on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay, has its origins in the old Kingdom of Connacht. The city began as a settlement around a fortification established by the King of Connacht in 1124.

The Rise of Galway Under the Tribes

In 1484, Richard III of England granted a Charter of Mayoralty to Galway’s first mayor, Peirce Lynch, who was one of the “Tribes of Galway.” These Tribes, comprising 14 mostly Anglo-French families, gained power after the Norman invasion of Ireland. Their influence earned Galway the nickname “City of Tribes.”

Medieval Prosperity and Trade in Galway

During the Middle Ages, Galway thrived as a center of international trade. It was the principal Irish port for commerce with Spain and France. One of the most famous landmarks from this era is the Spanish Arch, originally known as “the end of the wall.”

Galway’s Support for James II and Subsequent Decline

At the end of the 17th century, Galway supported James II in his war against William of Orange. Following James’ defeat and exile to France, the power of the 14 families, who were predominantly Catholics, waned. This period marked the beginning of a decline, worsened by the Great Famine of 1845-1852.

Modern-Day Galway and Its Heritage

Today, Galway is celebrated for its vibrant cultural scene and numerous festivals. The city’s rich history is evident in landmarks such as Lynch’s Castle, Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, and the Galway Cathedral. The Claddagh, Galway’s oldest district, and the Galway City Museum also highlight the city’s historical and cultural heritage.

Festivals and Cultural Events in Galway

Galway is renowned for its lively festivals, including the Galway Film and Galway Arts Festival in July, the Galway Races in August, and the Oyster Festival in September. The city also hosts festivals dedicated to music, science, Halloween, angling, and the Galway Christmas Market. These events continue to attract visitors and celebrate Galway’s unique cultural identity.

Visiting Galway for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Galway on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Galway not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Galway and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Statues of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde

In front of Matt O’Flaherty’s pharmacy and Lazlo’s Jewelry shop on William Street in Galway city, a bronze bench captures an eternal moment between two literary figures: Oscar Wilde, the famously controversial playwright, and Eduard Vilde, a figure revered mostly by aficionados of Estonian literature. Though the two men never met or corresponded, their bronze […]

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Location: Statue of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde, William Street, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.0km

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Visiting Statues of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde

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The Browne Doorway

The Browne Doorway is an intriguing architectural relic located in the heart of Galway City, Ireland. Originally part of the Browne family’s townhouse, which was built in the early 17th century, this ornate limestone doorway is a fine example of Renaissance architecture. The structure is adorned with Corinthian columns and features a triangular pediment atop, […]

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Location: The Browne Doorway, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting The Browne Doorway

Explore Galway yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Lynch's Castle

The Lynch family, one of the influential merchant “tribes” that governed Galway from 1450 to 1690, resided in the fortified townhouse that still stands at the corner of Shop and Abbeygate Streets. During this period, the Lynch family contributed 80 mayors to the city. In 1690, following the defeat of Catholic James II by William […]

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Location: Lynch's Castle, Shop Street, Galway, Ireland | Hours: Visitors are welcome to explore the ground floor during business hours. | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Lynch's Castle

Eyre Square

Medieval markets in ancient Galway were held on The Green, an expansive open area outside the town gates. In 1631, this space was officially enclosed, with tree plantings and a wooden fence marking its boundaries. The section of this enclosed land that eventually became Eyre Square was formally gifted to the city in 1710 by […]

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Location: Eyre Square, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland | Hours: 24 hors | Price: Free | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Eyre Square

Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra

Established in 1320, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra in Galway, dedicated to the patron saint of children and the inspiration behind Santa Claus, remains the largest medieval parish church still operational in Ireland and stands as a prime example of Gothic architecture. Over the years, it has undergone various architectural modifications and […]

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Location: Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church, St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lombard Street, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra

Lynch Memorial Window

Next to the graveyard of the Collegiate Church of San Nicholas of Myra, a window overlooks a relief of a skull and bones and a memorial plaque that recounts a grim event from 1493. During that year, James Lynch FitzStephen, a member of the powerful Lynch “tribe” which had provided Galway with eighty mayors, was […]

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Location: Lynch Memorial Window, Market Street, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Lynch Memorial Window

Galway Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter in Galway is a vibrant and historic area that captures the essence of the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Nestled in the heart of Galway, this district is known for its charming medieval architecture, colorful shopfronts, and lively atmosphere. The Latin Quarter is a pedestrian-friendly zone, making it perfect for leisurely […]

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Location: The Latin Quarter, High Street, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.3km

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Visiting Galway Latin Quarter

Hall of the Red Earl

The Hall of the Red Earl, dating back to the 13th century, is the oldest building excavated within Galway’s medieval walls. This intriguing medieval archaeological site, managed by Dúchas na Gaillimhe – Galway Civic Trust, is now one of the city’s premier attractions. It is associated with the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, who established Galway. […]

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Location: Hall of the Red Earl, Druid Lane, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Hall of the Red Earl

Kirwan's Lane

Cobblestoned Kirwan’s Lane, adorned with 16th and 17th-century houses, carries the name of the Kirwan family, one of the prominent “tribes” that historically governed Galway. Originally enclosed within the city walls, this narrow lane forms a junction at a right angle with Quay Street and Upper Cross Street. Kirwan’s Lane is one of only five […]

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Location: Kirwan's Lane, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Kirwan's Lane

Salmon Weir Bridge

Constructed in 1818, the Salmon Weir Bridge stands as the oldest surviving bridge spanning the Corrib River. Originally built to link the old jail, where Galway Cathedral now stands, with the courthouse and the road to Connemara, this bridge has played a vital role in the city’s infrastructure. Notably, it serves as an excellent vantage […]

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Location: Salmon Weir Bridge, University Road, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Salmon Weir Bridge

Galway Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas is a modern structure, not steeped in ancient history. Its inception dates back to 1958, with completion occurring in 1965. Despite its recent construction, it holds the distinction of being the most recent stone cathedral built in Europe. Architect John J. Robinson designed the […]

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| Hours: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm | Price: Free | Distance: 0.4km

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Visiting Galway Cathedral

Galway Fisheries Watchtower Museum

The Galway Fisheries Watchtower Museum, which opened its doors to the public in 2015, is the result of an extensive restoration effort spearheaded by the Galway Civic Trust. Situated along the scenic River Corrib, the museum occupies a unique structure historically known as the Fishery Watchtower or the Tower Station. This distinctive building, the only […]

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Location: The Fisheries Watchtower Museum, Wolfe Tone Bridge, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Galway Fisheries Watchtower Museum

Spanish Arch

On the east bank of the Corrib River stand two historic arches, known as the Spanish Arch and the Caoc Arch. These arches are the remaining structures from the old “Front Wall” of the city and were part of a city wall extension from Martin’s Tower to the river, constructed in 1504. The name “Spanish […]

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Location: Spanish Arch, The Long Walk, Galway, Ireland | Hours: 24 HOURS | Price: Free | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Spanish Arch

Galway City Museum

Near the historic Spanish Arch, once part of Galway’s city walls overlooking the River Corrib, stands Comerford House. Constructed in 1800, it originally served as the residence of the Comerford family before passing into the hands of the Greenwood family. From 1948 to 1954, it was inhabited by sculptor and writer Clare Consuelo Sheridan. In […]

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Location: Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, Galway, Ireland | Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm Sunday, 12pm - 5pm (until September) Closed Christmas Day, Stephen’s Day and Good Friday | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 0.5km

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Visiting Galway City Museum

The Long Walk

The Long Walk in Galway is an iconic seafront promenade, renowned for its row of colorful townhouses that date back to the 18th century. These historic homes, with their distinct and brightly painted facades, create a vibrant tapestry against the backdrop of Galway Bay, making it one of the most photographed locations in the city. […]

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Location: The Long Walk, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting The Long Walk

National University of Ireland, Galway

The National University of Ireland, Galway, commonly referred to as N.U.I. Galway, stands as a prominent and historic educational institution situated on University Road in the bustling center of Galway city. Originally founded in 1849 as Queen’s College Galway, it became a part of The Queen’s University of Ireland the following year, joining ranks with […]

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Location: National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 0.8km

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Visiting National University of Ireland, Galway

National Aquarium of Ireland

Galway Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium of Ireland, is a top attraction in the West of Ireland. Housing 170 marine and freshwater species, it offers visitors unique experiences like holding starfish or spiny spider crabs, exploring an underwater world in a model submarine, and feeding various fish and sea creatures. Highlights include display tanks with seahorses, […]

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Location: National Aquarium of Ireland, Seapoint Promenade, Salthill, County Galway, Ireland | Hours: Daily 10 Am - 6pm | Price: Adults €15.00 | Website | Distance: 2.2km

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Visiting National Aquarium of Ireland

Menlo Castle

Menlo Castle, also known as Menlough Castle or Blake’s Castle, is a significant 16th-century landmark situated in the village of Menlo. Initially built on the foundations of a mid-16th-century tower house, which Thomas Colman occupied in 1574, the castle later came into the possession of the Blake family. In the 18th century, the Blakes expanded […]

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Location: Menlo Castle, Menlo, County Galway, Ireland | Distance: 2.9km

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Visiting Menlo Castle

Salthill Bay

Salthill Promenade is one of Galway’s most iconic locations, stretching approximately two miles along the coastline of Galway Bay from Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock diving board. Both locals and tourists frequently enjoy strolling along this scenic path. The promenade boasts a host of attractions, including Salthill Beach, which consists of several smaller beaches divided […]

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Location: Salthill Prom, Galway, Ireland | Distance: 3.0km

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Visiting Salthill Bay

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle, located on the southeastern shore of Galway Bay just north of Kinvara in western Ireland, was originally built in 1520 by the descendants of Guaire, the Lords of Aidhne, also known as O’Heyne or O’Hynes. The name of the castle derives from “Dun” meaning fort, referencing King Guaire. It was one of at […]

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Location: Dunguaire Castle, Dungory West, Kinvarra, County Galway, Ireland | Website | Distance: 16.9km

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Visiting Dunguaire Castle

Cliffs of Moher

At the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way in County Clare lie the stunning Cliffs of Moher. These jaw-droppingly beautiful cliffs stretch for about 14 kilometers (9 miles) along the North Clare coastline, extending into the mist and offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland. The cliffs rise from the village of Doolin, […]

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Location: Cliffs of Moher Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Lislorkan North, Liscannor, County Clare, Ireland | Hours: Nov - Feb: 09:00–17:00 Mar,Apr, Sep Oct : 09:00–19:00 May - August: 08:00 – 21:00 | Price: Adults €12.00 (€7.00 if you book online) | Website | Distance: 42.0km

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Visiting Cliffs of Moher

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden is a must-see on any trip to the west of Ireland. Just a 30-minute drive from Ballynahinch Castle, this iconic castle is nestled between the base of Druchruach Mountain and the picturesque Lough Pollaacapull. The sight of the Abbey against the rugged landscape, reflected in the tranquil lake, is […]

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Location: Kylemore Abbey, Renvyle, County Galway, Ireland | Hours: Daily: 10am to 6pm | Price: Adult €17.00 | Website | Distance: 64.1km

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Visiting Kylemore Abbey