Galway, "City of Tribes," is a city with canals on the Corrib River. Fourteen families ruled Galway from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
Galway is a hot spot of traditional Irish music, as you'll discover while strolling through the Latin Quarter's lively pedestrian streets, where buskers abound, and music and dancing are always available in the pubs.
You can sail to the lush Aran Islands from the bay, where time seems to have stood still for hundreds of years despite being battered by the Atlantic. On land, the Wild Atlantic Way connects you to two National Parks.
Western Ireland is breathtaking. It's a practical treasure trove, with sweeping cliffs and colourful towns like Galway and Limerick.
Check out magical things to do in Ireland's west, from jamming to local music, exploring incredible national parks, and enjoying the region's sensational cities.
Capital: Galway
International Airport: Galway Airport (GWY)
Population: 83,456
Currency: Irish Pound
Time: UTC+01:00
Driving Side: Right
Main Electricity: 230v
Official Language: Irish
Religion: Catholicism

HIGHLIGHTS

Top Tourist Attractions in Galway

When looking at Galway Cathedral, you could be forgiven for thinking this dignified limestone structure is centuries old.
St Nicholas' Collegiate is Ireland's largest mediaeval parish church and holds regular services.
Immerse yourself in the splendour of Killarney National Park.
Find tranquillity on the remote Achill Island.
Explore the Salthill Promenade.

SEASONS TO TRAVEL

Best Months to Visit Galway

Between July and October is the best time to visit Galway. Not only is the weather ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions, but there's also a packed event schedule.
Expect mild highs in the mid-60s, and bring layers if you visit the area's coastal attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher, where there is little to shield you from the wind.
Spring and fall are considered "midseason" for tourists, and visitors can find great deals on lodging.
Temperatures in the mid-30s are expected during the winter.

WORTH A VISIT

The Best Places to Visit in Galway

Latin Quarter

On the left bank of the River Corrib, between O'Briens Bridge and the Spanish Arch, is a hook-shaped neighbourhood with cobblestone streets known as the Latin Quarter.
This small, friendly neighbourhood is home to Galway's favourite pubs, bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
If you're looking for traditional Irish arts and crafts, head to the Latin Quarter, where shops like the Galway Woollen Market are stocked with the local pure wool you'll need for your project.
Street performers and entertainers provide a constant folk soundtrack, whether you're window shopping, taking in the sights, or hitting the bars.

Eyre Square

Galway's main public space is just above the Latin Quarter and was originally a town green in front of the old gates, where markets were held.
Eyre Square was re-landscaped entirely in the 2000s at great expense, becoming a modern plaza.
One of the more recent works of art is the Quincentennial Fountain, which features an abstract depiction of one of Galway's typical "Hooker" sailboats.
On display is a bust of John F. Kennedy, who was given the freedom of Galway, and a bronze cast of a statue of Pádraic Conaire, one of Ireland's foremost Irish-language authors.
The 14 Tribes of Galway also fly flags bearing the family colours.
The Eyre Square Centre, located on the square's southern border, is Galway's premier shopping destination, with over 70 high-street chains and eateries.

Ancient Limerick

Limerick, Ireland's oldest city, will take your breath away. Visit the regal King John's Castle, the Milk Market for locally produced, fresh food, and the Hunt Museum for Celtic artefacts.
Then, for a change of pace, ask a local Irish person to help you get tickets to see the Thomond Park rugby match between the neighbourhood rugby club Munster.
Cheering on the neighbourhood team is one of the best things to do in Limerick (roar may be a better word than cheer).

The gorgeous Aran Islands

One of Ireland's top activities is biking through the stunning and remote Aran Islands, which is the best way to do so (you can easily rent one near the ferry terminal).
You won't get bored because the islands are known for their historic stone forts, churches, stunning cliffs, and Gaelic culture.
Staying in a local B&B will give you a sense of the rustic feel of the islands—the islands didn't even have electricity until 1973!

DISCOVER MORE

Galway Off the Beaten Track

Quay Street

Quay Street in the Latin Quarter is a fun and friendly pedestrian artery with colourful storefronts, trendy shops, and awning-covered restaurants and bar terraces.
Rain or shine, buskers are singing up a storm along the route.
All the pubs have a fun, welcoming vibe, live music, dancing, and reasonable prices despite being right on the tourist trail.
Between the restaurants and bars are shops like Twice as Nice, which sells vintage clothing and wool, and the Wooden Heart, which makes its traditional wooden toys.

The village of Cong

Cong tucked away between Lough Mask, and Lough Corrib is well-known for its charming thatched-roof cottages and for serving as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning movie The Quiet Man.
Visit the Cong Abbey burial site of Rory O'Connor, the last High King of Ireland, and tour Ashford Castle, the Guinness family's old country estate.
Ashford is home to one of Ireland's upscale 5-star hotels, making it one of the best places to stay in the country.

CULTURE & TRADITIONS

Galway Culture and Traditions

Galway, Ireland's only truly bilingual city, has been designated as the European Union's 2020-2021 European Capital of Culture.
Despite this, this city of nearly 80,000 Galwegians readily serves as a microcosm of the country regarding population growth, socio-economic change, and industrial make-up.
Like many other Irish cities, Galway was burdened by Ireland's economic downturns.
Still, it also reaped the benefits of the country's recent economic boom, when foreign direct investments from the world's largest corporations created jobs and prosperity in many of the city's neighbourhoods.
Even though Galway was affected by the pandemic, construction cranes have returned to the city's skyline; new development projects have picked up steam along the city's harbour and on Nuns' Island, the city's old industrial heartland; and business and leisure travellers are returning.

FOOD FUN FASHION

Galway : Food, Fun & Fashion Guide

An Púcán

#Food

Talk about good times! An Pcán is an authentic Irish bar and one of Galway's best restaurants.
The garden is the perfect place for al fresco meals and traditional sips. It is in the centre of Galway and offers a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
The bar is also well-stocked with fine whiskies.
They have an all-day menu as well as a dinner menu. There are traditional breakfast items, gourmet sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and vegetarian options.
You can also order platters to share for lighter fare. The Irish Stew is the most traditional option and does not disappoint.

The Quay Street Kitchen

#Food

If you're looking for quick, inexpensive, and incredibly fresh food in Galway, Quay Street Kitchen should be at the top of your list.
They specialise in healthy and nutritious cuisine, and it's a quick and easy stop. You can even pre-order their eclectic menu items online.
They serve vegetarians, carnivores, vegans, and gluten-free customers. The salad selection changes daily, and the meats are all slow-cooked.
From a holistic standpoint, it's good food. Try the beer-battered organic tofu while you're there.

Éan

#Food

Ean means "bird" in Irish, and this inventive bakery, full-service restaurant, and wine bar should be on any Galway food tour.
Everything is baked and made in-house, making this one of the best Galway restaurants. Seasonally inspired plates are prepared with locally sourced ingredients and artisan cooking techniques.
There are also small and large sharing dishes available to order, which pair well with the carefully curated wine list. The Squash Fritters are a must-order.

Eyre Square Centre

#Fashion

Galway's Eyre Square Centre has been dubbed Ireland's most cutting-edge yet traditional shopping destination.
The centre is Galway City's most vibrant and appealing meeting place, with over 60 national and international shopping outlets.
Galway Shopping Centre, located on Headford Road, was the city's first of its kind. With almost 100 stores, it is one of the biggest shopping centres in the west of Ireland.
Tesco, Penny's, Dealz, and Boots are among the major retailers, while Specsavers, Tiger, Eason, Dorothy Perkins, and O'Brien's Wines are among the smaller retailers.
The complex has various restaurants, including Supermacs, Subway, and Insomnia.
The Planet has ten-pin bowling, pool tables, and computer games for entertainment. IMC Cinema Galway is also a short walk from Galway Shopping Centre. Peak Physique, as the name suggests, is a popular city gym in Galway.
On Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, the facilities are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with later hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. There are 800 parking spaces available.

Wildlands Adventure Park

#Fun

In addition, Wildlands has a sizable indoor activity centre with numerous climbing walls of varying degrees of difficulty that are appropriate for people of all ages and abilities.
Additionally, there is a sizable, fully automated escape room arena with 24 challenge rooms designed in the style of a "Crystal Maze" with an Irish mythology twist, guaranteeing a variety of physical and mental challenges.
Each group challenge includes live scoring and must be completed within the time limit. The facility also has a sports hall for athletics, ball sports, and indoor soccer.
The incredible play village for imaginative and creative play will delight children.
Cloud unique playground maze combined with net tunnels allows you to jump and climb through layered clouds within a safe play system without needing a harness for the little ones. Ages 4 to 10 are recommended.

NATURE & SAFARI

Galway : Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures

These two reserves form one of the most interesting Irish vegetation and faunal complexes through their combination of deciduous woods, limestone reefs, lakes, and turloughs.
The Coole-Garryland reserve contains a diverse range of floral habitats, including well-developed high forest on deep pockets of soil, dwarf woodland on limestone pavement, and a turlough complex in the Callows and Coole Lake.
Lady Gregory, the co-founder of the Abbey Theatre with W.B. Yeats and Edward Martyn, once owned a large portion of this reserve.

EVENTS & FIESTAS

Galway Must-Attend Festivals and Events

The festival that needs no introduction; is the St. Patrick's Day Festival, which drew 30,000 people in 2019.
Although there isn't much information available for 2022, locals and tourists hope this festival will return to Galway's streets after a two-year absence.
The main attraction is the St. Patrick's Day Parade, which will last over an hour and include marching bands, Montessori schools, GAA clubs, neighbourhood primary schools, and international participants. Macnas, one of Galway's most well-known brands, will also perform. Also appearing will be Galway's very own and well-known Macnas.
Of course, this is a festival, not a single event. Various music and dance events have taken place in Galway City throughout the festival in previous years, with local musicians taking to the stage to entertain the masses. They're confident that the return of this festival will bring much of the same entertainment back to Galway.

FAQs to Plan Your Best Galway Holiday

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TOP 10 REASONS

A Sneak Peek into Galway

Top Tourist Attractions in Galway

Best Months to Visit Galway

The Best Places to Visit in Galway

Latin Quarter

Eyre Square

Ancient Limerick

The gorgeous Aran Islands

Galway Off the Beaten Track

Quay Street

The village of Cong

Galway Culture and Traditions

Galway : Food, Fun & Fashion Guide

An Púcán

The Quay Street Kitchen

Éan

Eyre Square Centre

Wildlands Adventure Park

Galway : Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures

Galway Must-Attend Festivals and Events

FAQs to Plan Your Best Galway Holiday

Places similar to Galway to visit

Good vibes only

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