Things to Do in Galway, Ireland (2025) | Top Attractions & Local Experiences
As a traveler from the UK, I honestly didn’t expect Galway to leave such a deep mark on me—but it did. From the moment I stepped into the colourful, music-filled streets of the Latin Quarter, I felt something special. I explored the fascinating Galway City Museum, walked the breezy Salthill Promenade, and found myself clapping along to live music in one of the cosiest pubs I’ve ever been in. Standing inside the grand Galway Cathedral was breathtaking, and the peaceful escape to Connemara National Park was a highlight I’ll never forget. One day I took a ferry to the wild Aran Islands, another I got lost (in a good way) spotting bold street art around the city. The smells and flavours of Galway Market, the charm of local boutique shops, and that golden sunset over Galway Bay—it all felt like something out of a dream. I enjoyed incredible food, local beer, and even caught a bit of a festival by chance. Whether I was visiting film locations or simply unwinding with a bit of seaside peace, every moment felt genuine. Galway, for me, was more than a place—it was an experience I’ll carry home with me, and I’d come back in a heartbeat.
22 Best Things to Do in Galway
1. Stroll Down Quay Street
Feel the pulse of Galway in its most vibrant quarter. Lined with pubs, cafés, street musicians, and local shops, Quay Street is perfect for an afternoon wander or an evening pint.
2. Catch Live Irish Music in a Traditional Pub
Galway’s pubs come alive with fiddles, bodhráns, and heartfelt vocals. Step into Tig Cóilí or The Crane Bar for an authentic session you won’t forget.
3. Explore the Latin Quarter
History meets modern buzz in this cobbled, colorful district. Packed with boutiques, galleries, and eateries, it’s where Galway’s old soul meets new energy.
4. Walk Along the Salthill Promenade
Take in sweeping Atlantic views, breathe salty sea air, and join the locals by kicking the wall at the end — a quirky Galway tradition!
5. Visit the Galway City Museum
Located near the Spanish Arch, this modern museum offers fascinating insights into Galway’s maritime, medieval, and social history — and it’s free to enter.
6. Take a Day Trip to the Aran Islands
Hop on a ferry to Inishmore, Inishmaan, or Inisheer. These rugged islands are steeped in Irish culture, with stone forts, sandy beaches, and a language older than English.
7. Admire the Spanish Arch
Dating back to the 1500s, this old city gate frames the River Corrib and is a peaceful spot to sit and watch the water flow past.
8. Try Galway Bay Oysters
If you’re a foodie, you must try the local oysters — especially during the Galway International Oyster Festival each September.
9. Take a Cruise on the River Corrib
Glide through calm waters past castle ruins, wildlife, and greenery. A river cruise offers a different, more tranquil view of the city.
10. Explore Eyre Square
Right in the heart of Galway, this park is a lively gathering spot with sculptures, benches, and historical monuments that celebrate the city’s past.
11. Visit St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
One of Ireland’s oldest functioning medieval churches, this Gothic structure is full of character and local lore — even Christopher Columbus is said to have worshipped here!
12. Browse Galway Market
Set up beside St. Nicholas’ Church, this weekend market bursts with color and smells — from handmade crafts to spicy curries and fresh crepes.
13. Experience the Galway International Arts Festival
Each July, the city explodes with theatre, dance, art, and live performances. It’s one of the biggest and best arts festivals in Europe.
14. Enjoy a Beach Day at Silverstrand
Just a short drive from the city, Silverstrand is a lovely beach for swimming, walking, or simply unwinding with a book and a view.
15. Tour Lynch’s Castle
This 16th-century town castle now houses a bank — but you can still step inside and admire its medieval architecture and family coat of arms.
16. Try Irish Whiskey Tasting
Several Galway bars and shops offer whiskey tasting experiences. Learn about the craft while sipping a smooth, golden glass of Ireland’s finest
17. Cycle the Connemara Greenway (starting in Galway)
Rent a bike and pedal westward into the wild, open landscapes of Connemara. You’ll pass lakes, sheep-strewn hills, and little villages that time forgot.
18. Take a Ghost Tour
For something a bit spooky, dive into Galway’s darker side with an evening ghost walk. Stories of hauntings and historical horrors await.
19. Visit the Claddagh
Once a fishing village, now a quiet corner of the city, the Claddagh is the birthplace of the famous Claddagh Ring — a symbol of love and loyalty.
20. Enjoy Street Performers on Shop Street
Street entertainers are part of Galway’s charm. From fire jugglers to soulful singers, you’re bound to see a performance that stops you in your tracks.
21. Explore Connemara National Park
Though a bit beyond the city, it’s an easy day trip and absolutely worth it. Hike Diamond Hill or enjoy a scenic drive through a landscape of bogs, mountains, and ponies.
22. Watch the Sunset Over Galway Bay
Cap off your day with a walk to the water’s edge and watch the sun dip behind the hills of Clare. It’s a peaceful, magical way to end your Galway adventure.
Things to Do in Galway, Ireland – A Local's Guide to the City of Tribes
Galway, often called the cultural heart of Ireland, sits proudly on the country’s wild west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean. Unlike the formality of Dublin or the industriousness of Cork, Galway is laid-back, colorful, and utterly enchanting — a place where the rhythm of life follows the beat of a bodhrán drum and the laughter of strangers mingles with the breeze coming off Galway Bay. This compact city, full of character and charm, invites you to slow down, wander, and soak up the magic at your own pace.
As you enter the city centre, the cobbled lanes of the Latin Quarter immediately capture your attention. You’ll find yourself drifting past old stone buildings, hand-painted shop signs, and bustling storefronts that spill into the narrow streets. Musicians — locals and visitors alike — often gather here, giving the air a constant soundtrack of traditional Irish tunes, folk songs, and occasionally a cover of something unexpected like Ed Sheeran or The Cranberries. It’s easy to lose track of time here, whether you’re chatting with a local artisan at a weekend market stall or watching a street performer juggle fire in Eyre Square.
Galway’s sense of history is subtle but ever-present. You might pass the old Spanish Arch, remnants of the 16th-century city wall, now a popular meeting point where young people sit watching the river drift by. Walk a little further along the waterfront and you’ll see the long row of brightly colored houses on the Claddagh, one of the oldest fishing villages in Ireland. This is where the famous Claddagh Ring originated — a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. The spirit of the sea still lives in this part of Galway, and fishermen’s tales seem to ride the wind as you wander the pier.
When thinking about what to eat in Galway, you’re in for a treat. Food and drink are central to the Galway experience. This is a city that takes pride in its produce — from freshly shucked oysters to piping hot fish and chips served in paper wrappings. Galway is home to several award-winning restaurants, but it also excels at casual, honest food served with a smile. If you’re visiting in September, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival is a feast for the senses, where you can enjoy the freshest shellfish straight from the Atlantic accompanied by live music and a celebratory atmosphere that spills into every pub.
Speaking of pubs — Galway’s pub culture is the stuff of legend. These aren’t just places to drink; they’re living rooms, music halls, and places of connection. Inside, you’ll find wooden interiors burnished by time, peat fires crackling in the hearth, and the murmur of conversation occasionally rising to a chorus during a particularly good song session. Pubs like Tig Coili, The Crane Bar, and Monroe’s offer traditional Irish music sessions nightly, with fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns filling the air. Even if you don’t drink, you’re welcome — it’s the atmosphere that draws people in.
Art and creativity thrive in Galway, and it shows in the city’s year-round festival calendar. The Galway International Arts Festival in July transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of performance, visual art, and theatre. There’s a wild, unstructured freedom to the way Galway celebrates. You never quite know what you’ll stumble into — a poetry reading in an old church, an impromptu play in the street, or a group of dancers performing along the riverbank at sunset.
For those looking to explore beyond the city, Galway serves as the perfect base for day trips into the rugged landscapes of the west of Ireland. The wild and haunting beauty of Connemara is only an hour’s drive away, with its boglands, lakes, and mountain ranges offering perfect solitude for hikers and photographers. The Aran Islands, just a ferry ride from nearby Rossaveal, feel like stepping back in time. On Inis Mór, the largest of the islands, you can rent a bicycle and ride along quiet coastal roads to the ancient stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched dramatically on the edge of a sea cliff.
Back in Galway, the sunset over Salthill Promenade is a ritual worth honoring. Locals and tourists alike stroll “the Prom” in the golden hour, breathing in the salty air and kicking the famous wall at the end — a Galway tradition said to bring good luck. Watching the sun dip into the Atlantic here, with seagulls circling overhead and the wind tousling your hair, it’s easy to see why Galway captures the heart of so many who visit.
Whether you’re coming for the music, the sea, the people, or the sense of timeless, artistic rebellion, Galway offers an experience that’s more felt than described. It’s not just a place to see — it’s a place to belong, even if just for a little while.
1. What are the top things to do in Galway, Ireland for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should explore the Latin Quarter, visit the Spanish Arch, enjoy live traditional music in Galway pubs, walk along Salthill Promenade, and take a day trip to Connemara or the Aran Islands. These are some of the most iconic Galway tourist attractions.
2. When is the best time to visit Galway, Ireland?
The best time to visit Galway is between May and September, when the weather is mild, and the city’s festivals are in full swing. July is especially popular thanks to the Galway International Arts Festival, while September is known for the Oyster and Seafood Festival.
3. How many days do you need in Galway?
You should plan at least 2 to 3 days in Galway to explore the city centre, enjoy its pubs and culture, and take one or two short day trips. If you want to visit the Aran Islands or hike in Connemara, consider staying a bit longer.
4. What is Galway famous for?
Galway is famous for its vibrant arts scene, live Irish music, the Claddagh Ring, and its location as a gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. It’s also known for its seafood festivals and warm, welcoming local atmosphere.
5. Can I visit the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?
Yes, the Cliffs of Moher are a popular day trip from Galway, located about 1.5 to 2 hours away. Many guided tours operate daily from Galway city, making it easy to explore this iconic natural wonder.
6. Is Galway walkable for tourists?
Absolutely. Galway is a very walkable city, especially the city centre. Most major attractions like the Latin Quarter, Spanish Arch, Eyre Square, and the Claddagh are within a 10- to 15-minute walk of each other.
7. Where can I hear live traditional Irish music in Galway?
Some of the best pubs for live traditional Irish music in Galway include Tig Coili, The Crane Bar, and Monroe’s Tavern. These venues offer nightly sessions and attract both locals and tourists.
8. What are some good day trips from Galway?
Popular day trips from Galway include exploring Connemara National Park, visiting Kylemore Abbey, taking a ferry to the Aran Islands, and seeing the Cliffs of Moher along the Wild Atlantic Way.