The List Of 20 Top Things To Do In Galway, Ireland

The Latin Quarter is the best part of town for interesting shops and lively pubs. There are several theaters and places of entertainment within walking distance, not to mention unique shops selling clothes, jewels, ceramics, and foodstuffs.

There are numerous restaurants from which to choose, serving foreign and local dishes. There are at least 18 bars in this small area of the city, so you are bound to find one that suits your style. The best place to experience the bars of Galway is in the Latin Quarter, so make sure you investigate it while in the area.

One of the top attractions in Galway City that you shouldn't miss is the Spanish Arches. The Front Wall, which was constructed in 1584 to guard ships anchored at Galway's neighboring quays, is now reduced to just two arches from the medieval city walls.

The young people of Galway now sit and enjoy the sun under these 500-year-old arches. One of the greatest locations to spend your vacation in Galway is this neighborhood. This is the place to be on a nice day in Galway, sipping a drink and taking in the sights of kayakers floating down the river and buskers performing.

When visiting Galway, be sure to enjoy the sunny days because the city has 232 rainy days on average per year.

The Quay Street Kitchen is the place to go if you want to dine in a busy area where you can sit outdoors and see the lively city going by. Quay Street is the best place for foodies to visit in Galway City.

Anticipate delectable staples like lamb shank, fresh Irish mussels, and chicken burgers. In addition, there are some unusual Moroccan meals, spicy bean burgers, and delicious halloumi and tofu.

All dishes are prepared to order at this little eatery, which obtains its meat from Ireland. The main courses cost about 15 euros, and the menu varies according to the season.

Galway Cathedral is worth a visit, but there are not that many big must-see sights in Galway. This grandiose cathedral, the official Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, lies on the banks of the River Corrib about a 10-minute walk from Quay Street.

Its interior is adorned with a beautiful Gothic Revival design that you should not miss. The mid-20th-century-built cathedral has a high central dome, beautifully done stone interiors, colorful stained glass windows, and spotless marble flooring.

Other than snooping about and taking it all in, there isn't much to do here, but it's still worth including on any Galway itinerary.

There are stores, cafes, and a few old monuments all around this busy center plaza. Situated near the Galway train station and away from the main tourist strip, this is the place to see Galway residents since it's a highly popular travel hub.

This would have been the primary market green in front of the town gate in the past. Enclosed as a park in 1631, it underwent Georgian-style development in the 19th century and underwent further reconstruction in the 1960s.

Although this location isn't the most picturesque in Galway, it's an excellent site to observe people and view some historical landmarks.

Galway is an excellent nightlife destination, with several pubs across the city. The pubs are among the nicest locations to visit in Galway, and you can simply walk between them to explore the comfort and charm of each one.

If you enjoy whiskey, consider visiting a few and sampling some of the Irish whiskey. Top whiskeys include Tullamore Dew, Jameson, Paddy's, Power, and numerous others.

But there's more to the Galway Whiskey Trail than whiskey. It's also an opportunity to tour the city and find all of its hidden treasures. The track passes by some of the oldest and most historic taverns in the city, where you may take in the ambiance and socialize with welcoming people.

The live music and drinking at pubs is a very popular and common culture in the whole nation and Galway is no different. The music scene in Galway is a must-see and enjoyable activity. The city is well known for this, especially for the traditional Irish music played in its numerous pubs and bars.

Visitors may be guaranteed to find live music playing in many of the local pubs nearly every night of the week since the city is home to some of the most outstanding musicians in the nation.

Quay Street is a great spot to start, particularly on your first night in the city. Nonetheless, there are a ton of pubs in the vicinity where you can listen to some excellent Irish music.

This Island is just down the shore and is easily accessible by ferry from Rossaveel Harbor in less than an hour. Some shot from the movie "The Banshees of Inisherin" was captured on this very island, which gives a nice view of the country's rural side as well.

The islands like Inishmore, Inishmaan, Inisheer, etc. are the three islands, they are all accessible but to see them all would take a few days.

Hence, you can take a bike from the rental shop and ride to Inishmore, the biggest island, if you just have one day.

Some of the most well-known cliffs in the world, the Cliffs of Moher may astound you with their utter beauty and breathtaking vistas. Located on Ireland's western coast, these magnificent cliffs provide tourists with a broad perspective of the Atlantic Ocean.

With millions of tourists annually, the Cliffs of Moher are Ireland's most popular natural landmark.

The cliffs, which are 702 feet (214 meters) above sea level, provide an amazing viewpoint of the untamed beauty of the Irish shore. You might spend many hours strolling down the trail that goes beside the cliff and taking in the scenery.

Walking from Galway's main downtown area around South Park and Claddagh Quay's perimeter to Mutton Island and Salthill along the waterfront is a pleasant activity to undertake when visiting the city, especially if the weather is pleasant.

You may take in the sights of the water and the sound of the waves as you go. After a lengthy walk, you may unwind at O'Connor's Famous Pub, which is nearby. In addition to having a fantastic drink menu and maybe live music in the evening, it is cozy.

The museum, which covers many levels and began in its current location in 2006, is renowned for its contemporary, light-filled design that exquisitely displays its varied collection. Archaeology, medieval history, modern art, and regional marine heritage are just a few of the many topics it covers.

The "Galway Within the Walls" exhibit, which examines the city's medieval past and how it became a major port and commerce hub, is one of the museum's attractions.

Another must-see is the "Revolution in Galway" exhibit, which highlights the city's role in significant historical occurrences such as the Civil War and the War of Independence. The best part is that the museum is free to enter, so if you want to learn more about the city, put it on your list.

These rings are typically presented as a gift of affection or used as engagement or wedding rings since the heart, crown, and hands stand for friendship, love, and devotion.

The Claddagh Ring Museum at Thomas Dillions Claddagh Gold Jewellers, the oldest manufacturer of Claddagh rings, is a must-see when visiting Galway. The store has been in business since the 1750s.

You may browse rings for sale in the shop and learn more about the rings in this little museum. You can also witness the rings in different phases of creation. Don't miss the Legend of the Claddagh Ring, which is located up the road and has details on the legends and history of this famous piece of jewelry, if you're really interested in Claddagh rings.

The stunning, sandy Silverstrand Beach is within a fifteen-minute drive from Galway City Center. Given how hectic the city is, this may be the ideal place to unwind. With calm seas and lifeguards on duty throughout the summer, it's a fantastic beach for swimming.

It's quite convenient because there is free parking right close to the beach. You will adore spending a warm afternoon there, strolling along the shoreline and admiring the views across Galway Bay.

The greatest collection of native fish species in Ireland may be found in Atlantaquaria, the National Aquarium. The goal of Atlantaquaria is to display marine life as closely as possible to its native habitat. It features a wide range of fantastic displays that are instructive and fascinating.

To get a close-up look at the animals and see a feeding session, visit the touch pools at the aquarium. See the rudd fish and perch in the freshwater waterfall region, or get up close and personal with stingrays and red-bellied piranhas in the tropical zone. When visiting Galway, Atlantaquaria is a must-see.

The best things in Galway include the proximity to other beautiful Irish sights, such as Kylemore Abbey. Among the most recognizable landmarks in Ireland, Kylemore Abbey was first built as a private castle in the 19th century and later as a Benedictine monastery.

The still waters of Pollacapall Lough mirror Kylemore's handsome Gothic buildings against the phenomenal backdrop of the Twelve Bens mountain range.

There are also a host of activities on offer at Kylemore Abbey, from touring the restored chambers in the abbey to strolling through the exquisite Victorian Walled Garden.

Driving the Sky Road and getting a cup of coffee from one of the cafes in Clifden are two of the nicest things to do in Galway. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Connemara area is the Sky Road.

It's an 11-kilometer roundabout that leads west from Galway's bustling tiny town of Clifden. Both the wind and the landscape you'll be treated to as you spin down the Sky Road will leave an impression on your memory. Up here, it gets blustery and furious.

The music scene in Galway is a must-see and enjoyable activity. It has this reputation for very good reasons; traditional Irish music is frequently heard in many of the city's pubs and bars.

Visitors can be sure that they will find live music being performed in many of the local pubs on just about any night of the week as the town is home to some of the most gifted musicians in the land. Anybody's toes will be tapping to the lively feel and sounds of the accordion, bodhran, and violin all being played to the perfection of timing.

Quay Street is a good place to start, especially on your first night in town, but there are loads of pubs around there where you can listen to some fantastic Irish music.

The Wormhole, also known as Poll na bPeist by the locals, is a well-known location on Inishmore, the biggest of the Aran Islands. Athletes from all over the world threw themselves into it from a tremendous height during the 2017 Red Bull Cliff Diving Series, which was held there.

It is a naturally occurring, nearly perfectly rectangular pool that receives its water supply via subterranean tubes. Visitors can be seen swimming in the hole on a quiet day, however, this is probably only for the most daring of adventurers.

Menlo Castle, often called Blake's Castle, is a charming ruin close to the National University of Ireland and the Village of Menlo. The history of the Castle is a little disappointing. Constructed in 1569, the Blake family, a line of local baronets, lived there starting about 1600.

The 14th baronet Sir Valentine Blake's daughter was murdered in the 1910 fire that destroyed the castle. All that remains of the Castle are its ivy-covered walls because it was never restored.

The castle is a great location for photographers because of its lovely, overgrown appearance. Menlo should be at the top of your list of things to do in Galway City if you're a historian.

The Corrib Princess travels up the river from Galway to Lough Corrib throughout the summer. A distinctive viewpoint of Galway's rivers and the surrounding landscape is provided by this picturesque trip.

A guided tour is usually included in the trip, during which you may explore local monuments, hear about the history of the area, and take in the wealth of animals. With its cozy seats and onboard bar, the boat is a great place to spend a leisurely day.

The Corrib Princess is a great addition to your Galway itinerary, whatever of your interests, history, wildlife, or simply a tranquil getaway.