Location: Galway
Top Things to do in Galway
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What to do and see in Galway, Western Ireland: The Best Things to do
For visitors, the best thing about Galway is that you can walk everywhere. As soon as you arrive, enjoy a walk through the city streets. There, you'll find lively pubs, independent shops and winding cobblestone streets packed with students, artists, writers and craftspeople. You may even hear Gaelic spoken. For a day trip, take a ferry to the island of Inis Mor. You'll return refreshed by the ocean air and Inis Mor's breathtaking scenery. Oh, and be sure to wear sunscreen on the island, no matter how chilly it is. (Just trust us, okay?)
Restaurants in Galway
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. Quay Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,530 reviews
Reviewed By LillianM751
A must if you visit Galway...it's vibrant with street entertainers of the highest calibre. .musicians with great talent all in a pedestrian area with shops selling everything from funny Irish souvenirs to musical instruments ..good pubs with live music sessions and good food.The friendly Irish know how to enjoy themselves...
5. Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,819 reviews
***FREE OF CHARGE*** Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's six National Parks. The Visitor Centre for the National Park is located beside Letterfrack Village. Entrance to the National Park grounds and trails (Diamond Hill), exhibition and Audio Visual is ***FREE OF CHARGE***. The Visitor Centre is the starting point for Diamond Hill trail.
Reviewed By notions - Galway, Ireland
Kylemore Abbey is a must see and diamond hill is a great hike for all levels. There are long and short paths and it is accessible for people of any fitness level,
6. Galway Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 835 reviews
Reviewed By SOAZgirl
First My trip was in May 2019, not August, so the foot traffic was not so crowded and I could meander along at my leisure. I'm a former Seattle native, now living in AZ, and being near the water again, in this magical town on the Atlantic ocean fulfilled any desire to feel what was lost was found again. Anyone visiting Ireland really needs to consider Galway as a place to visit and fall in love with, as I did. I hope to visit Ireland again in 2021 and am planning on Galway as my base of operation. Maybe I can get a job at the local tour agency!!
7. Rinville Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By Adamiks - Galway, Ireland
Great place lovely scenery great for walks any age .... fairy path playground bbq area bonfire place everything in one amazing sport .... highly recommended
8. Aran Island Ferries
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
Prepare for a warm Irish welcome as you board the luxury Aran Island Ferries boat (including a full bar and refreshment service) from the sheltered fishing harbour of Rossaveel (Ros a’ Mhíl) in Connemara. Owned by the O’Briens, this family has an enduring relationship with the Aran Islands since they began to trade turf there in the 1900s. Along the way, feel the clean air against your face while admiring Galway Bay views. Once on the islands, enjoy a way of life including culture, heritage and language that is unlike anywhere in the world. Ireland’s largest domestic ferry company offers year-round sailings to all islands via five state-of-the-art vessels with a capacity of up to 400 passengers. Drive to the pier or enjoy the convenience of our shuttle bus service departing daily from Galway city.
Reviewed By SOAZgirl
I was offered a tour to the Aran Islands via the Aran Island Ferries as a supplement from my tour advisor. Since I have years of experience riding ferries ( former 40 year Seattle native) I was missing being out on the water. I had a terrific ride, found the constant reminders of "mind the door" so I wouldn't knock myself silly (I'm very tall, 6'2" ) and found the crew very helpful to passengers on boarding and disembarking, up and down the ramps, etc. Watching the coastlines and islands, seabirds, smelling the salt air, feeling the swells all felt very familiar and I was beyond happy that I had chosen this day trip. The Aran islands and our home to Dun Aengus was the icing on the cake of an enchanting day. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone enjoying sea trips and great historical experiences.
9. Galway's Latin Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,114 reviews
Reviewed By michaelmE5451AW - York, United Kingdom
Lots of evidence of Galway’s medieval history within the Latin Quarter area which stretches from the city centre to the Spanish Arch, containing some of the city’s most historic landmarks. It starts at St. Nicholas’ Church it runs through the Saturday market and onto O’Brien’s Bridge. From there it follows the River Corrib down to the Spanish Arch where the Museum is located and then turns back up Middle Street onto Buttermilk Lane where it joins the starting point. People throng through here to enjoy the live entertainment as they wander through the cobbled streets and the hot spots on Quay Street, full of bars, restaurants and hotels. Galway was due to celebrate the European Capital of Culture 2020 which has been stymied by the pandemic. This is a highlight for many visitors to Galway and one of our favourite quarters in the city.
10. Eyre Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,347 reviews
Reviewed By GearoidOO - Athlone, Ireland
We were in Galway for a couple of days, staying in The Meyrick - it was great to look out over the bustling life of Eyre Square with its Christmas Market. The Market adds a nice season quality to the city - some interesting stalls but an overarching emphasis on food. Eyre Square is a great spot for people watching, it has a wonderfully cosmopolitian air about it and it really comes to life in December. Spending a little bit of time in Eyre Square is a must on a visit to Galway.
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