Things To Do
in Galway
Galway is a lively port city on Ireland's west coast known for its arts, music, and friendly atmosphere. Its compact medieval core is a maze of cobbled lanes, colorful storefronts, and riverside charm along the Corrib. The city serves as a gateway to Connemara, the Aran Islands, and rugged coastal scenery just beyond its doors.
Galway blends history with a contemporary buzz of pubs, cafés, and festivals that draw visitors year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Galway airport and take in the fresh Atlantic air. Check into your accommodation in the vibrant city center. Start your adventure with a leisurely breakfast at a local café.
Drive to Clifden, the capital of Connemara, and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes. Explore the quaint shops and galleries that showcase local art and crafts. Make sure to stop by the famous Clifden Castle for some breathtaking views.
Return to Galway and enjoy dinner at a traditional Irish pub. Experience some live music while savoring local dishes. Take a stroll along the River Corrib as the sun sets, painting the sky in beautiful hues.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at one of Galway's acclaimed eateries. Visit the Galway Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and vibrant stained glass. Continue your exploration at the historic Spanish Arch and the vibrant Quay Street.
Enjoy lunch at a café along Quay Street, sampling some seafood specialties. Afterward, head to the Galway City Museum to learn about the region’s rich history and culture. Spend some time relaxing at the picturesque Public Park.
Dine at a local restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and modern Irish cuisine. After dinner, check out the lively atmosphere of the Latin Quarter with its street performers and bustling crowd. Cap the night off with a visit to a cozy pub for some traditional Irish storytelling.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $40-70 |
| 🍺Beer in pub | $5-7 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
| 🚕Taxi 5-6 miles | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant cultural scene with music, festivals, and warm hospitality
- Compact city center ideal for walking and day trips to Connemara and the Aran Islands
- Can be crowded during summer festivals and weekends
- Rain and changeable weather are common year-round
- "Dia dhuit" - Hello
- "Conas atá tú?" - How are you?
- "Sláinte" - Cheers
- "Go raibh maith agat" - Thank you
- "Le do thoil" - Please
Places to Visit in Galway
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic stone arch along the River Corrib with reflections of colorful houses and moored boats—great at dawn or sunset.
Bustling urban core with historic facades, street performers, and vibrant storefronts ideal for candid shots.
Picturesque waterfront with traditional Galway houses and the renowned ring design, offering moody coastal shots.
Wide sea views, crashing waves, and wide skies perfect for long exposure and sunset photography.
Medieval and early-modern architecture with narrow lanes and atmospheric light.
Food in Galway
Galway Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh, briny oysters sourced from Galway Bay, often served raw or lightly grilled at seafood bars and pubs along the coast.
Must-Try!
A creamy, hearty soup filled with local fish and shellfish, best enjoyed with crusty Irish bread.
Traditional Irish potato bread fried to a crisp, frequently found in pubs and casual eateries.
Daily special featuring haddock, mackerel, or salmon prepared simply to highlight the ocean’s flavors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Sunday market offering fresh seafood, cheeses, breads, produce, and crafts near the Spanish Arch.
Casual street-food stalls and small vendors along Mary Street and Shop Street during peak weekends.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Irish people are typically friendly; a polite hello and a smile goes a long way. Handshakes are common in formal settings.
Queue patiently in shops and pubs; small talk is common and appreciated, but avoid loud debates in quiet moments.
Respect performers and fellow patrons; if someone is performing, avoid talking over the act during sets.
Safety
Tipping in Galway
Ensure a smooth experience
In most restaurants and pubs, a tip of around 10-15% is customary if service isn’t included. For casual service, rounding up the bill is common; taxis and tour guides may appreciate small tips for good service.
Cards (including contactless and Apple/Google Pay) are widely accepted. Cash is handy for markets and smaller pubs, but ATMs are common and reliable.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder days with blooming gardens; best for walking tours and riverside photography before summer crowds arrive.
Warmest air and longest days; festival season with frequent outdoor events, but expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Pleasant temperatures and changing leaves; great for scenic drives to Connemara and fewer tourists.
Cool and often wet; cozy pubs, traditional music sessions, and occasional frost on clear mornings.
Galway at Night
Hiking in Galway
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive upland trails, bogs, and mountain scenery with panoramic views of the Twelve Bens range.
Moderate hike offering sweeping views over Killary Harbour and the surrounding valleys.
Rugged coastal hikes and bike-friendly paths; ferries depart from nearby Rossaveal and offer a scenic day out.
Airports
How to reach Galway by plane.
Closest regional airport with domestic and European flights; about a 1.5–2 hour drive to Galway.
Major international airport with connections to Europe and North America; roughly 2–3 hours by road to Galway.
Ireland’s largest international hub with frequent flights worldwide; about 2.5–3.5 hours by train/bus to Galway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large student population from GMIT and NUI Galway contributes to a lively, youthful atmosphere in the city center.
Many residents live in the surrounding neighborhoods, adding a strong sense of community and local pride.
Visitors from Ireland and abroad come for music, landscapes, and cultural events, especially in summer and during festivals.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Gaelic football and hurling are popular in the region, with many clubs and local matches extending into community life.
Coastal areas around Salthill and the Galway Bay area attract surfers and water enthusiasts, weather permitting.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Galway.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Galway offers vegetarian options across many pubs and restaurants; look for veggie mains, salads, soups, and vegetarian-friendly specials, and don't hesitate to ask for substitutions.