Galway, Ireland: A Guide to the City of the Tribes
I first experienced Galway during a summer semester at the University of Galway during my 3-year program for an MFA in Creative Writing. The head of my department had told me about the program and I was SO excited to go, as I’d had a strong interest in Irish Literature in both undergrad and grad school.
It turned out to be the perfect study-abroad program for me, and I am forever indebted to the department chair who recommended it! From the cobblestoned streets of the city center to the wild coastline of the Atlantic, Galway is truly special. It’s also an ideal home-base for exploring the rest of western Ireland, as it’s easy to get to other top destinations on the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway.
Things to Do in Galway
Explore Downtown Galway and Quay Street
The heart of Galway is best experienced on foot. Quay Street is the city’s most lively thoroughfare, lined with colorful shopfronts, street musicians, and cozy pubs. The whole downtown area is charming and walkable, with something to catch your eye around every corner. On weekends, the Galway Market sets up nearby, where local artisans sell everything from handmade jewelry to fresh produce. I picked up a beautiful piece of handcrafted jewelry there that I still treasure. While crêpes are obviously not Irish, this was where I had crêpes for the first time and it changed my life!
Salthill and the Salthill Promenade
Just a short trip from the city center, the seaside suburb of Salthill offers a refreshing escape. The Salthill Promenade stretches along Galway Bay and is a beautiful area to walk. If you walk all the way to Blackrock Diving Tower, you must see the “kicking the wall” , which at the end of the walk, you kick for good luck. Whether you walk it on a sunny afternoon or a moody Atlantic evening, the views are stunning.
Galway Cathedral
The Galway Cathedral, formally known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, is one of the most striking landmarks in the city. I walked past it countless times during my stay — its grand dome rising above the River Corrib is simply impossible to ignore. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping to admire the architecture from the outside.
The Spanish Arch
Just a short stroll from Quay Street, near the River Corrib, you’ll find the Spanish Arch, one of Galway’s most beloved landmarks. Dating back to 1584, it was originally built to protect the quays where Spanish ships unloaded their cargo.
Today it’s a popular gathering spot, especially on sunny days when locals and visitors alike sprawl out on the grass beside the river. It’s a lovely place to pause, soak in the atmosphere, and watch the Corrib flow toward the bay.
Galway City Museum
The Galway City Museum is an absolute gem and not to be missed. It tells the story of the city from its medieval origins to the present day through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
During my time in Galway, I not only explored the museum but also attended a poetry reading held there. While I am a terrible poet, I’ve always appreciated a good poetry reading, so this was a nice little event to experience.
Walk the University of Galway Campus
The University of Galway (formerly known as NUI Galway) campus is beautiful, and the quadrangle in particular is stunning. It’s a classic Irish collegiate courtyard framed by ivy-covered stone buildings that feels like it belongs in another century. The gothic architecture is iconic. It’s worth a wander even if you’re not a student. The campus also connects to one of the city’s loveliest walking routes — a riverside path that follows the River Corrib all the way into town, making it a peaceful and scenic way to commute or explore.
Riverside Walk and Gort River Walk
If you want to stretch your legs, Galway has some wonderful walking paths to explore. The Riverside Walk and the Gort River Walk are both excellent options, winding through greenery alongside the river. They offer a quieter side of Galway that many visitors miss, and they’re a wonderful way to clear your head between sightseeing.
Day Trip to Connemara National Park
One of the most memorable excursions you can take from Galway is a day trip into Connemara. Connemara National Park offers breathtaking landscapes of bogs, mountains, and heathland — quintessential western Ireland. Whether you’re an avid hiker, birder or photographer, Connemara is so breathtakingly beautiful, you simply must see it to believe it.
Day Trip to Kylemore Abbey
Pair your hikes in Connemara with a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a stunning Victorian castle set against a mountain lake that looks almost too beautiful to be real. I won’t spoil the story of the original owners of Kylemore Abbey, but it is quite a heartbreaking tale. It’s now home to a Benedictine community of nuns and also features a walled Victorian garden. There are other stunning buildings on the property in addition to the Abbey itself. It’s a wonderful place for a stroll, and an incredibly romantic setting.
Kylemore Abbey was under renovations while I was there, but I believe those renovation efforts are now completed, so you can visit without the scaffolding impacting the view.
Day Trip to the Aran Islands
Another unforgettable excursion is a ferry trip out to the Aran Islands. These rugged, windswept islands off the coast of Galway Bay are steeped in Irish language and tradition, and they offer a glimpse of a way of life that feels timeless. The ancient stone fort of Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór is one of the most dramatic sites in all of Ireland.
Day Trip to Cong
Our program also took us on a day trip to the charming village of Cong, less than an hour from Galway, and it’s well worth adding to your itinerary. Nestled between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask in County Mayo, Cong is perhaps best known as the filming location for the classic 1952 John Ford film The Quiet Man.
It’s a beautifully preserved village with ancient abbey ruins, woodland walks, and an atmosphere that feels wonderfully unhurried.
The Wild Atlantic Way
Galway is one of the finest bases for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s spectacular coastal route that stretches nearly 2,500 kilometers along the western seaboard. From towering cliffs to hidden coves, the scenery along this route is some of the most dramatic in Europe. Having Galway as your hub puts you within easy reach of some of its most iconic stretches. If you have a rental car during your trip, you can really explore this route at your own pace.
The Galway Races
If you share my love of horses — Thoroughbreds especially — then a visit to the Galway Races is an experience you won’t forget. Held annually at Ballybrit Racecourse, the Galway Festival is one of the most celebrated events in the Irish racing calendar and a true celebration of Irish culture, fashion, and horses. If you time your trip just right, you can add this to your itinerary.
Live Music and Storytelling: The Crane Bar
For a truly authentic Galway evening, make your way to The Crane Bar. This legendary pub is known for its traditional Irish music sessions and, most memorably, its Celtic storytelling nights. I spent an unforgettable evening there listening to tales drawn from ancient Irish mythology, told by a gifted storyteller. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you why Galway has inspired writers and artists for centuries.
Best Restaurants and Bars in Galway
O’Connor’s Bar
One iconic Galway drinking institution deserves an early mention: O’Connor’s Bar. This beloved pub gained a new wave of international fame when it was featured in Ed Sheeran’s hit “Galway Girl,” but locals have known about it for years. They don’t serve food from what I recall, but the atmosphere and the pint make it well worth a stop.
The King’s Head
For pub food in one of the most iconic settings in Ireland, head to The King’s Head. This legendary establishment has been serving locals and visitors for over 800 years, making it one of the oldest pubs in the country. Beyond its history and stunning medieval interior, The King’s Head is also a fantastic spot for live Irish music.
I went here for dinner my first night in Galway and caught some great live music. I went here again at least 2-3 more times during my stay in Galway.
The Burren National Park
Just a short drive from Galway, The Burren National Park is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. Covering 1,800 hectares in County Clare, the park is defined by its sweeping limestone pavements, which form part of Europe’s largest karst landscape. What makes the Burren truly special is its remarkable flora, as well as prehistoric monuments and ancient stone structures scattered throughout. Visitors can explore on a range of free walking trails to more challenging hikes.
Riding in Galway
My most memorable experience in Ireland was galloping through the Atlantic ocean on the gorgeous Irish Sport Horse-cross mare. I got to go riding twice while I was in Galway, and I strongly recommend it if you like to ride too!
My first ride was on a young Cobb gelding, who was absolutely adorable. We went for a long hack to a “castle” where we had a pint of hard cider. The guide was fabulous and I met a couple ladies from Northern Ireland, who were absolutely wonderful to ride with. It was great fun!
The second time I rode, they put me on this stunning Irish Sport Horse cross mare. She was a lovely mover and super fun to ride. We went for a gallop in the ocean and then rode through The Burren. If you have the opportunity to ride in Galway, I recommend it!
Dela
Dela is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for something fresh, seasonal, and thoughtfully prepared. Known for its farm-to-table philosophy, Dela focuses on locally sourced ingredients and a menu that changes with the seasons.
Greens & Co.
For a lighter, plant-forward meal, Greens & Co. is a standout. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just looking for something a little more wholesome between pub meals, this spot delivers fresh, vibrant food in a welcoming setting. A great option for vegan travelers.
For Italian Food: Il Vicolo
Craving something Italian? Il Vicolo is a well-regarded Italian restaurant in the heart of Galway. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta, pizza, or something heartier, it’s a solid choice when you want a break from pub fare without venturing far from the city center.
For Whiskey Lovers: Garavan’s Bar
I’ll be honest — whiskey isn’t my drink. But if it’s yours, Garavan’s absolutely belongs on your list. This award-winning bar is widely regarded as one of the finest whiskey bars in Ireland, with an impressive selection that will make any whiskey enthusiast very happy. Even if spirits aren’t your thing, it’s a classic Galway bar worth poking your head into.
For Wine Lovers: Kasbah Wine Bar
If wine is more your speed, Kasbah Wine Bar is Galway’s go-to destination for a well-curated glass. With a warm, intimate atmosphere and an extensive wine list, it’s a great spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. They also serve food!
Where to Stay in Galway
Stay on Campus: University of Galway Rooms
I stayed on the University of Galway campus during my semester there, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend it to budget-conscious travelers. During certain times of the year, the campus opens its student accommodation to visitors, and you can book it through Hostelworld, a platform I’ve used many times and trust. The University of Galway Rooms are clean, comfortable, and conveniently located, with the added bonus of on-site washing machines if you need to do laundry on a longer trip. For travelers watching their budget, it’s hard to beat the combination of location, price, and practicality, and waking up on that gorgeous campus every morning is a treat in itself.
Boutique Hotel: The Dean Galway
If you’re looking for something stylish and design-forward, The Dean Galway is a strong boutique option. Part of the well-regarded Dean Hotels collection, it offers a cool, contemporary aesthetic without sacrificing comfort. A great pick for travelers who want a bit of personality in their accommodations.
Upscale: Glenlo Abbey Hotel
For a more luxurious stay, Glenlo Abbey Hotel is a stunning choice. Set in a restored 18th-century abbey on the shores of Lough Corrib, just outside Galway city, it offers a genuinely special experience — think grand interiors, manicured grounds, and the kind of tranquility that’s hard to find in the city center. A wonderful splurge if the budget allows.
Castle Stay Near Cong: Ashford Castle
If you’re open to staying just outside Galway, the village of Cong — less than an hour away — is home to one of Ireland’s most legendary hotels: Ashford Castle. This five-star castle hotel sits on the shores of Lough Corrib and dates back to the 13th century. With its turrets, manicured grounds, and world-class service, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like royalty. It’s not cheap, but as bucket-list experiences go, it’s hard to top.
This article is part of my Ireland Series 🇮🇪 — be sure to explore the rest for more inspiration on planning your Irish adventure.
