Galway City Attractions

The city, the sea and the best of the West.

GALWAY CITY MUSEUM

Galway City Museum is one of the city’s most-visited free attractions, welcoming over 150,000 visitors each year.

From ancient archaeology to revolutionary history, and from the iconic Galway Hooker boats to the world-famous Claddagh, the galleries uncover the many layers of Galway’s story. Visitors can also explore the wonders of medical technology, sea science, and the fight for Irish Independence. With a loyal following from Galway residents, visitors will experience a place locals truly love. A museum where history meets the ocean, and every story has a home. Be inspired at Galway City Museum.

Located in the heart of Galway and overlooking Galway Bay, the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

LEARN MORE

CORRIB PRINCESS

The Corrib Princess offers a fantastic cruise on an all-weather boat, departing from Steamers Quay in the city centre. The journey gives passengers spectacular views of the River Corrib and proceeds onto Lough Corrib.

The Corrib Princess takes you past castles and places of historical interest, showing you a view of Galway you just can not experience on foot.

Address: Waterside, Woodquay, Galway City.

LEARN MORE

CITY SIGHTSEEING GALWAY HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOUR

Explore the best things to do in Galway City on the City Sightseeing Galway Hop On Hop Off Tour. Our double decker bus tours are the top rated and best way to experience Galway City.

Our one hour tour route covers Eyre Square, Galway Harbour, Spanish Arch, Claddagh, National Famine Memorial, Salthill Promenade, Blackrock Diving Tower, Garden of Life, Salthill Village, National University of Galway and Galway Cathedral.

Booking in advance advised

LEARN MORE

GALWAY BAY BOAT TOURS

Experience the magic of Galway Bay Boat Tours, a family run business where you can choose from sailing adventures, heritage tours, themed excursions, boat picnics and a lobster safari tour. Cruise along the River Corrib, taking in the sights of the Claddagh, Spanish Arch, and the Long Walk before you cruise around the Port of Galway and Nimmo's Pier, and then head out onto Galway Bay to the rolling hills of the Burren in the distance and the very best of Galway's stunning coastal scenery. Meet the Oliver family, a team of professional seafarers, who will entertain you with intriguing tales of local history and Galway's rich maritime history.

LEARN MORE

EYRE SQUARE

Eyre Square, also known as John F. Kennedy park is located 3 minutes’ walk from The Galmont. Here you will find a statue of Galway author Padraic O'Conaire, a bust where John F. Kennedy addressed the people of Galway in 1963 and a fountain with a centrepiece of a copper-coloured sails of the Galway Hooker traditional fishing boat, unique to Galway.

TOUR & TASTE GALWAY

Discover Galway through its rich history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable flavours on a guided walking and food tour led by a qualified local national tourist guide. Stroll through the medieval streets of this bustling university city as your guide brings its past to life with stories, insights, and local knowledge. Along the way, you’ll explore traditional Irish food and drink, using each tasting as a gateway to understanding Galway’s culinary heritage and the wider traditions of the West of Ireland. From historic landmarks to charming, atmospheric neighbourhoods, every step reveals a new layer of the city’s character. Each stop on the tour features a locally owned business, giving you an authentic taste of Galway while supporting the community that makes it so special.

LEARN MORE

GALWAY FOOD TOURS

An unforgettable culinary experience led by passionate guides. The Galway Food Tours showcase the city’s vibrant food scene, celebrating local flavours and artisanal delights. Wander through bustling markets, quaint cafes, and traditional pubs while savouring regional delicacies. Engaging with local producers and chefs, participants gain insights into Galway’s rich culinary heritage and its fusion of global influences. From farm-to-table experiences to mouthwatering desserts, Galway Food Tours promises an unforgettable gastronomic journey that captures the heart and soul of this captivating city.

LEARN MORE

EXPERIENCE GALWAY TOURS

To discover the history and vibrant culture of Galway City, join one of Experience Galway’s top-rated walking tours and unique cultural experiences.

Led by passionate local guides, Experience Galway offers immersive tours that go beyond the typical sightseeing experience. Whether you’re strolling through medieval streets, uncovering hidden stories, or enjoying a perfectly poured drink, every tour is designed to show you the best bits of Galway.

Choose from a range of unforgettable experiences tailored to every interest. With Walking Tours of Galway City you can explore iconic locations like Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter while learning about Galway’s rich history, culture, and local life. At their Whiskey Tasting Experience you can sample some of Ireland’s finest whiskeys while learning about the craft, heritage, and flavours that make Irish whiskey world-renowned. If you want to dive into the darker side of Galway’s past, Dark History Tours offers a look into Galway’s most captivating stories, hidden corners, and intriguing local legends. The Walk, Talk & Taste Tour is their signature experience that combines storytelling, local insights, and delicious tastings into one unforgettable journey through the city.

LEARN MORE

STROLL TO THE STOUT

Stroll to the Stout delivers a wonderful Galway City adventure, centred on all that defines this vibrant, colourful cultural city: the perfectly poured pint, great trad music, hearty local food, the thrill of GAA, spontaneous craic, and authentic stories. Visitors get to pour their own Guinness, captured on Polaroid, write a postcard for those back home, and gain an insider’s view to Galway’s rich cultural heartbeat. Our guiding slogan: Pour Your Own Story.

LEARN MORE

WEEKEND MARKETS

The laid-back and vibrant vibes of Galway are best experienced at the weekend market.

There are many colourful stalls and plenty of incredible flavours, all in the shadow of St Nicholas’ Medieval Church. As well as local cheeses and sea food, international influences come through with curries and Mediterranean favourites.

Address: Lombard St., Galway City.

SALTHILL PROMENADE

A visit to Galway is not complete without a stroll along the Promenade at Salthill. A favourite pastime for Galwegians and visitors alike is walking along the 2km-long seaside promenade running from the edge of the city along Salthill.

There are several beaches to visit, the iconic diving board at Blackrock and of course you must 'kick the wall' across from the diving boards before turning around.

GALWAY BEACHES

Galway with its rugged coastline and stunning natural beauty is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country. These beaches offer a mix of serene landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unique geological features, making them perfect for a variety of activities, from relaxing strolls to adventurous water sports.

GALWAY ESCAPE BOATS

Galway’s most immersive, award winning Escape Room experience. Travellers Choice winner, Terpeca award winner, and with a 5 star reviews rating on Google and TripAdvisor, Escape Boats Galway is an experience not to be missed.
Suitable for all ages and for groups of 2 to 16 players. Prices start from €25 per person, it’s an hour long experience you’ll never forget!

LEARN MORE

GALWAY CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas, Galway, was dedicated on 15 August 1965, and as such is the youngest of Europe's great stone cathedrals. It is dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas.

Opening times: Everyday 8.30am - 18.30pm

ST NICHOLAS COLLEGIATE CHURCH

It is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship. Among several monuments and memorials, the oldest belongs to a Crusader named Adam Bures, with a marker dating from the 13th century. At the roof edge the church is topped off by gargoyles carved as the heads of horses and humans, a manticora and a fierce stone lion.

GALWAY RAFTING

Experience the thrill of rafting with White Water Rafting in Galway City. These guided rafting trips, lasting between 1.5 to 2 hours, journey past historic castles, hidden waterfalls and local wildlife. The River Corrib offers a gentle sense of adventure that can be enjoyed by everyone. Thanks to its consistent water levels, rafting can take place in all seasons, giving visitors the chance to explore Galway’s hidden waterways year-round. All essential equipment is provided. Participants simply need to wear shoes and clothing suitable for getting wet.

LEARN MORE

RUSHEEN BAY WATERSPORTS

Located just minutes from Galway City, Rusheen Bay Watersports offers unforgettable outdoor experiences on the calm, sheltered waters of Galway Bay. Set against the backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way, this unique location provides the perfect balance of safety and adventure, making it ideal for beginners and those looking to try something new.

Whether you're visiting Galway for a short break or a longer stay, our expert instructors will guide you through a fun and accessible introduction to watersports. From your first paddle to mastering the basics of windsurfing, every experience is designed to be relaxed, enjoyable, and memorable. With all equipment provided and a welcoming, professional team on hand, guests can simply arrive and enjoy the water. The shallow, sheltered bay creates ideal conditions for learning, while still offering a true taste of the Atlantic.

LEARN MORE

TRAD ON THE PROM

Ireland’s No. 1 Irish Music, Song and Dance Experience with a Contemporary Kick

Feet-flying World Champion Irish dancers. The punch-packing, soul-soothing sounds of Ireland’s finest musicians, and the magic of world-class Irish voices.

Together on one stage in the heart of Galway, Ireland, in a unique and unforgettably intimate theatre experience. This is Trad on the Prom – the number 1 show in Ireland, a cultural highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way and a MUST for every Irish holiday adventure.

Since 2005, Trad on the Prom has been thrilling visitors from home and abroad with its extraordinary, electrifying energy and passionate, personal performances – delivering traditional, authentic Irish music, song and dance with a thrilling contemporary edge. So much more than a show, Trad on the Prom is a from-the-heart joyful celebration of life: Irish style.

LEARN MORE

MICIL DISTILLERY

Located in Salthill Micil Distillery is a sixth-generation Connemara Poitín producer bringing one of Ireland’s oldest family distilling traditions to life. Rooted in the wild landscape and culture of the West of Ireland, the distillery crafts small-batch poitín, gin, whiskey and Irish Cream Liqueur using time-honoured methods passed down through generations.

Visitors are invited to join a pre booked tasting experience to discover spirits shaped by heritage, place, and craft - where traditional techniques meet modern distilling. From robust, characterful poitín to refined, cask-finished expressions, each release tells a story of Connemara’s history, resilience, and creativity.

A true taste of Galway’s distilling heritage in a fully working distillery, Micil Distillery offers guests a deeper connection to Ireland’s original spirit – small, authentic, local, and unmistakably unique.

Click Learn more for 10% off for Guests of The Galmont Hotel & Spa.

LEARN MORE

TRIBE IRISH GIN SCHOOL

Located in Salthill in Galway City, the 1,400 sq ft premises can seat 22 people at a time for gin classes and features an apothecary-style botanical pick 'n' mix area for pupils to choose their own flavour combinations.

Over two-and-a-half hours, guests will learn how gin is made, flavoured and get to distil their own unique 70cl bottles of gin with personalised labels, enjoy complimentary gins, cheese and nibbles throughout the class.

Address: 139 Upper Salthill Rd, Galway

LEARN MORE