10 Best Things to Do in Galway City

1. Wander Through the Latin Quarter (Free)

The beating heart of Galway is its cobbled Latin Quarter — a lively maze of colourful shopfronts, street musicians, and cosy pubs. You’ll find artisan stores, traditional music sessions, and some of Ireland’s best people-watching.

Perfect for: free exploring, photography, pub hopping tours.

2. Relax at Eyre Square (Free)

Right in the city centre, Eyre Square is Galway’s social hub. Grab a coffee, sit on the grass, and soak up the atmosphere as buskers perform nearby.

Great starting point for walking tours or bike rentals.

3. Walk the Spanish Arch (Free)

This historic 16th-century arch is one of Galway’s most photographed landmarks. Located beside the River Corrib, it’s ideal for sunset strolls and riverside picnics.

Combine with guided history tours for deeper storytelling.

4. Visit Galway Cathedral (Free / Donation)

One of Europe’s last great stone cathedrals, this stunning building blends Renaissance, Romanesque, and Irish architectural styles. Step inside for peaceful reflection and beautiful mosaics.

Donations encouraged — budget-friendly culture stop.

5. Stroll the Salthill Promenade (Free)

Locals will tell you to “kick the wall” at the end of this seaside walk for good luck. Expect ocean views, salty air, and classic Irish coastal charm.

Optional extras: bike hire, swimming tours, or sea kayaking.

6. Explore the Galway Atlantaquaria (Paid)

Ireland’s largest native species aquarium is surprisingly fun for adults too. Learn about Atlantic marine life and Ireland’s underwater ecosystems.

Excellent family-friendly indoor activity.

7. Discover the Claddagh (Free)

The historic fishing village that inspired the famous Claddagh ring sits just outside the city centre. It’s rich in heritage and perfect for a scenic walk.

Buy your ring before you visit the area.

8. Take a River Corrib Cruise (Paid)

Seeing Galway from the water offers a completely new perspective. Boat tours share stories of medieval trade routes and local legends.

9. Experience Traditional Irish Music in Local Pubs (Free entry / Paid drinks)

Galway is arguably Ireland’s live music capital. Wander into pubs like Tig Cóilí or The Crane Bar and you’ll likely find spontaneous trad sessions.

Evening entertainment without ticket costs.

10. Join a Galway Food Tour (Paid)

From oysters to artisan chocolate, guided food tours introduce you to the city’s thriving culinary scene while sharing local history.

Perfect premium experience for food lovers.

10 Best Things to Do in County Galway

Now it’s time to leave the city and explore one of Ireland’s most breathtaking regions.

11. Explore Connemara National Park (Free)
Wild, rugged, and endlessly photogenic, Connemara is Ireland at its most cinematic. Hiking trails range from gentle walks to challenging climbs.
Free entry — paid guided hikes available.

12. Climb Diamond Hill (Free)
Located inside Connemara National Park, this hike rewards you with panoramic views of mountains, boglands, and coastline.
One of Ireland’s best free outdoor experiences.

13. Visit Kylemore Abbey (Paid)
A fairytale castle set beside a lake, Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s most iconic attractions. Explore Victorian gardens and historic interiors.
Excellent ticketed attraction with strong visitor appeal.

14. Take a Day Trip to the Aran Islands (Paid ferry / flights)
Step back in time on islands where Irish language and traditions thrive. Cycle past ancient stone walls and prehistoric forts.
Ferry tours, bike rentals, and guided excursions galore.

Organised trips tend to be cheaper than paying for your own flight / ferry and have transport at both sides of the ocean.

15. Drive the Sky Road (Free)
This scenic loop near Clifden delivers jaw-dropping Atlantic views. Every turn feels like a postcard.
Ideal for rental car itineraries and photography tours.

16. Stop at Dunguaire Castle (Paid entry)
One of Ireland’s most photographed castles, famous for medieval banquet evenings featuring music and storytelling.
Fantastic evening experience for visitors.

17. Relax at Dog's Bay (Free)
White sand and turquoise water make this beach look almost Caribbean — on a sunny day, anyway!
Perfect picnic or swimming spot.

18. Cruise Killary Fjord (Paid)
Ireland’s only fjord offers scenic boat tours surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.

A top-rated guided experience worth booking ahead.

19. Explore Lough Corrib (Free views / Paid activities)
This vast lake is paradise for anglers, kayakers, and boat tours. Nearby villages provide charming lunch stops.
Fishing trips and lake cruises are popular add-ons.

20. Visit Ashford Castle (Paid experiences)
Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can enjoy afternoon tea, falconry experiences, or estate walks at this world-famous castle hotel near the Galway border.

Why Galway Should Be on Every Ireland Itinerary

What makes Galway special isn’t just its attractions — it’s the feeling. One minute you’re listening to a fiddle player in a candlelit pub, the next you’re standing on a windswept cliff watching Atlantic waves crash below.

Even better, Galway balances free natural beauty with high-quality paid experiences, making it ideal for every type of traveller:

Budget backpackers ✔️

Couples on romantic escapes ✔️

Families ✔️

Luxury travellers ✔️

Adventure seekers ✔️

You can spend nothing more than the price of a coffee — or fill your days with castles, cruises, and guided adventures.