Top Things to do in County Galway
Countries
What to do and see in County Galway, Western Ireland: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in County Galway, Ireland including Dun Duchathair, Dog's Bay Beach, Wild Atlantic Way, Knockma Forest Walk, Diamond Hill, Galway Cathedral, St. Brendan's Cathedral, Salthill Beaches, Salthill Promenade, Kilmacduagh Tower.
Restaurants in County Galway
1. Dun Duchathair
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By redhead_roaming - Seattle, United States
Honestly, it's quite an adventure just getting to this place! We rented mountain bikes in town and we were glad we got those versus gentle city bikes. The road that gets you closest, while it looks smooth and nice on Google Maps satellite view, is full of large rocks that would take out city bikes - there was more than one occasion I almost biffed it even with my mountain bike! While walking is certainly an option, it kinda makes sense just to get bikes for the whole day to explore the island anyway. Anyway, the path ends near the cliff side, with a lone bench. It's not America - there are no signs, no safety rails, nothing. Be safe and be informed as to where you need to go. We left our bikes there and I was really worried they would get stolen but no one touched them - thank you kind people! Walking through the limestone landscape, you have to be careful where you step, as you could easily twist an ankle if you're too busy looking around. You start to notice that the stone walls have a couple entries in them and you can follow some virtually all the way to Dun Duchathair. Once you get there, there's not much to see of the actual fort. There's no signs about not walking on the structure and you kinda have to but we tried to keep that to a minimum, to keep the integrity of the structure for years to come. We sat and enjoyed the views for a while though, especially loving waves crashing along the steep cliffs. As cool as watching the sunset would be here, I 100% do not recommend it. I can't imagine trying to navigate the cliffs or the limestone landscape in the dark. For clothing, it wasn't a terribly cold day but with the wind, it made it. We had lightweight fleece jackets, pants and good hiking shoes.
2. Dog's Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By victoriafoody - Victoria, Canada
We discovered this beach at the end of our day driving the Wild Atlantic way. In hindsight, we should have driven straight here and just hanged out at the beach. We arrived here without any beach gear (swim suits, towels etc), but it didn't matter. We were just happy to walk or sit on the gorgeous white sandy beach, play in the crystal clear water and admire the beauty of the landscape. We had only allowed ourselves an hour here, next time we'll make sure that we can spend most of the day to relax at the beach.
3. Wild Atlantic Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,705 reviews
Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom
After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.
4. Knockma Forest Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Athenry72 - Athenry, Ireland
We had a sunny afternoon out with the kids at Knockma. We got parking in the grounds of the park but it was busy. There was a nice avenue and gentle gradient introduction to the trail. The paths were moderately steep but no problem for anybody with average fitness and mobility. Paths would be a challenge for buggies. The path verges off the forest trail to the summit and the views were fantastic overlooking Connemara mountains, Lough Corrib and all the way to Sliath Aughty. There were nice seated areas along the way for a rest at your leisure. In completion of them loop, I guess about 60+ mins there was a coffee vendor serving drinks and snacks. After completing the loop, we passed by the deserted Castle Hacket and the went across the road to the replacement 18th Castlehacket House, just follow the signs to see the lovely period house. Overall it was well worth the day trip, definitely recommend it.
5. Diamond Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By DubTourist123
Great hike! Very well maintained trail with nice and clean toilet facilities at the entrance to the National Park. Amazing views from the top of the surrounding area. Worth keeping in mind that proper footwear is needed as it does get a bit rocky near the top.
6. Galway Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,951 reviews
Reviewed By CarolinaNurse323 - Kernersville, United States
My husband & I were travelling with a tour group with Gate 1 Travel and Galway Cathedral was on our list of MUST SEE when we arrived in Galway. This spectacular Cathedral was built with local limestone and Connemara marble and is truly amazing. The awe inspiring sanctuary with its wooden pews, flags, marble floors, stained glass windows, altars, cupola and THAT large pipe organ are exquisite! The plaque with JFK made a lasting impression. THIS CATHEDRAL IS A MUST SEE! TRULY ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!
7. St. Brendan's Cathedral
8. Salthill Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By annajenkins63 - Troy, United States
Who know I would tan in Ireland!! Fun, quiet, clean beaches. Perfect for families. No lifeguards, so be aware. For Americans, know that the water is lovely, but very cold!
9. Salthill Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,023 reviews
Reviewed By 128annettes - Nenagh, Ireland
If I was lucky enough to live within walking distance of this lovely promenade I would indeed be a very grateful lady. Yes, it is very busy on a nice day and you do have many children, dogs, bicyclists and roller skaters to share with, bu it is a lovely walk with plenty of places to rest, breathe in that sea air and watch the world go by.
10. Kilmacduagh Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Susanne900
We found this graveyard coinidentally. This is a beautiful ancient place. Great for pictures. The church ruins, the tower, the graves, all are pitoresque.
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