Galway is a charming city on Ireland’s west coast that is a treasure trove of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. Galway is known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. We’ve found our visits are never short of delightful discoveries. We’ll take you through Galway, Ireland’s best activities and experiences, including food tours, and cultural nuggets to help you plan your adventure!
You’ll have a wonderfull time whether wandering through the busy streets with colorful shop fronts, visiting art galleries and quaint cafes, or joining in the camaraderie at traditional pubs where live music is a staple. We’ve also discovered a couple gems where you’ll be taught some of the most popular Irish dances!
Galway’s rugged coastline offers stunning views and a chance to enjoy the salty sea air on a walk along the Salthill Promenade. If you’re seeking tranquility, you’ll find solace in the serene landscapes of Connemara, just a short drive from the city center. With each activity and experience, you’ll be immersed in the heart of Irish culture and will fall in love with the warmth of its people!
Exploring Galway’s Rich History and Culture
Galway is full of historical marvels and vibrant musical and artistic traditions. We’ve discovered incredible food tours with truly unique gastronomic experiences, and taken amazing excursions through the breathtaking scenery of Ireland’s West coast. Galway, Ireland is a favorite. We’ll take you to Galway’s best activities and experiences – your ultimate guide to fun!
Historical Landmarks and Tours
Our journey through Galway includes visits to storied landmarks like Dunguaire Castle, with tales from the 16th century. A guided historical tour will bring you face-to-face with the city’s past, threading through medieval streets to Eyre Square’s bustling heart. While you can venture out on your own, the tours are both full of history and entertaining.
- Popular Historical Tours
- Cliffs of Moher and Burren Day Trip (Day trip that includes Dunguaire Castle, Aillwee Cave, and Doolin)
- Cliffs of Moher walk with local farmer (This is a fun tour. Plan for 3 hours)
- Galway City Tour (See Galway landmarks and hear its history through a local guide. 1.5 hours)
Travel Tip: We love guided tours for ease of getting around and having a local guide who knows the history and stories of the region. It can be a time saver to rent a car for the longer excursions as you are in control of your time, the amount of stops you make and the length of time at each location. If you’re considering renting a car, you can check rates and availability for rentals here.
Musical and Artistic Expressions
There’s something magical about Irish music and dance and we’ve found it’s best experienced at Trad on the Prom. This show celebrates the finest music, dance, and song in Irish tradition. You’ll find artistic expressions unfold in galleries and impromptu street performances, painting a vivid picture of Galway’s cultural patchwork and history.
- Best Music & Dance Activities
- Trad on the Prom Ticket at Leisureland Theatre (Irish Music & Dancing!)
- The Irish Dance Experience (90 minutes of Irish dance lessons!) We highly recommend this.
- Live Music & Folk Dancing (this is a great show and the second half is audience participation!)
Culinary Delights and Food Experiences
Like most travelers, we love indulging in the taste and history of local cusines. Galway offers several food tours and we have not found one we didn’t enjoy! From freshly-caught seafood from the wild Atlantic to the traditional comfort of Irish soda bread baked at local bakeries, you’ll find a delighful culinary experience for everyone in your group.
- Popular Food Tours
- Food and Culture Walking Tour with Tastings (Plan for 3 hours)
- Galway Food Tour (Plan for 2.5 hours)
- Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour (Plan for 3 hours)
- Irish Poitin & Gin Distillery Tour (This is for up to a group up 8. Plan for 1.5 hours)
Galway Market
Travel tip: If you’re looking for a culinary adventure on your own time, be sure to visit the Galway Market. You’ll be tempted with all sorts of artisanal cheeses, organic produce and local foods. They also have vendors selling locally made crafts…and wool socks that are great to have due to the rainy weather!
Natural Wonders and Day Trip Activities
When visiting Galway you’ll get ample time to immerse yourself in nature’s natural wonders, such as the Cliffs of Moher—a majestic natural spectacle and Aillwee Cave, a subterranean beauty! You’ll find adventure through Hiking across the Connemara landscape or make waves with Kayaking in Galway Bay.
We recommend taking at least one day for a whole day excursion. Galway Day Trips are incredible and include locations like Kylemore Abbey and the Cliffs of Moher. The day trips also give the best options for explorations on both land and water.
Galway Coast
- Best Day Trips
- Connemara Day Trip (7.5 hours. Includes Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey) or the Guided Tour of Connemara (includes three hours at Connemara National Park. 9 hours total.)
- Full-Day Cliffs of Moher & Burren Tour (Plan for 8.5 hours. A couple of many things you’ll see on this tour include the Dunguaire Castle, Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb and the Ballyalban Fairy Fort)
- Cliffs of Moher Day Trip (8.5 hours. Travel through Doolin and Kinvara. See the Dunguaire Castle along with time to walk the Cliffs of Moher)
Savoring the Great Outdoors
Galway offers a treasure trove of natural landscapes that allows vistors and locals to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Whether you choose to glide along the waterways or trek through scenic trails, there’s an adventure waiting!
Water-Based Activities
Angling and Fly Fishing: Galway offers some of the most scenic and fruitful angling spots in Ireland. You can cast your lines in the clear waters of Lough Corrib, renowned for its trout and salmon populations. For fly fishing aficionados, the River Corrib and its tributaries provide a perfect setting to hone your skills.
- Angling Trips:
- Deep sea fishing/Connemara coast (This is tons of fun! Plan for a full day)
- Pike Shore Fishing (NOTE: Pike fishing runs only from the middle of July to the middle of December)
Traveler’s Tip: You can fish in Galway on your own but the species you can fish for is very limited without a state license. Check here for details. The fishing/angling trips are the best way to ensure fishing guidelines and regulations are followed so everyone has a great time!
If you like water, love adventure and fishing isn’t your thing, we’ve added a few fun water experiences in Galway for you to consider. Weather permitting, of course!
- Fun Water Activities
- Coral Beach Snorkeling (Plan for 2 hours)
- Sea Kayaking (Plan for 2.5 hours)
- Open Water Kayaking in Roundstone Bay (Plan for 2.5 hours)
Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Walking Tours: If you and everyone in your group is able, we recommend exploring Galway’s historical and natural beauty on foot. Guided walking tours are done by local tour guides and give insight and tell stories you’d never hear elsewhere. There are several exceptional guided walking tours that bring Galway’s rich history to life with every step.
- Favorite Walking Tours:
- Galway City Walking Tours (Plan for approx. 1.5 hours)
- Connemara National Park Trails (Plan for approx. 5 hours)
- The Burren Walks (This is a full day!)
- Dark History Walking Tour of Galway City (Plan for 1.5 hours. This is a unique and fun way to absorb the history of the city).
Hiking Experiences
Hiking Trails: The allure of hiking in Galway lies in the diversity of its trails. From the rugged Twelve Bens in Connemara to the gentler slopes of Diamond Hill, there is a trail for all levels of experience. We recommend having enough time in your stay to take advantage of at least one day of hiking. You’ll experience panoramic views you would not find anywhere else that capture the total essence of Ireland’s wild west.
- Recommended Hiking Trails:
- Twelve Bens (Located in Connemara National Park. Great trails if you’re looking for easy hiking and climbing. 4-6 hours.)
- Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park (Located in Connemara National Park. Moderately challenging trails. 4.4 miles)
- Maumturk Mountains (Located in An Uillinn, County Galway. This is a challenging trail. 7.9 miles)
Fun & Unusual Activities
Our summary of Galway’s best activities and experiences would not be complete without throwing in some unusal finds we think you’d enjoy adding to your itinerary.
- Travel to a working sheep farm & sheepdog demo (See how sheepdogs work and try bog cutting! 1.5 hours)
- Visit the Áras na nGael. (A traditional Irish bar where you can learn to speak Gaelic! Check the website for daily events)
- Experience Gaelic Games in Galway. Get a taste of Gaelic football, hurling, and Gaelic handball.
- Visit Pigeon Hole Cave (known to locals as Poll na gColum). The limestone cave is home to nesting pigeons, but according to folklore, is also home to a sacred fish known as “the fairy trout”.
- Take a tour of The Quiet Man film locations.
Summary
From its rich history and culture to being known as the festival capital of Ireland, Galway not only gives warm welcome to visitors but offers so much to do. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff or someone who enjoys a city full of music and dancing, you will find incredible experiences to take part in and make memories of a lifetime on your visit to Galway. “Go n-éirí an bóthar leat”!