Galway City

Written by Graham Smith, Karen Price
28/08/2025
A breathtaking aerial view of Galway, Ireland featuring St. Nicholas' Cathedral and surrounding landscape.
Jonathan Borba, Pexels

Galway City offers a spirited blend of historical richness and a lively cultural scene, set against picturesque coastal backdrops. It serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the dramatic beauty of western Ireland, while providing a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit.

The Latin Quarter, particularly around Quay Street and the Spanish Arch, is the heart of social activity, bustling with shops, pubs, and street performers. This area, along with Eyre Square, hosts a vibrant nightlife with numerous traditional Irish pubs featuring live music sessions, and a selection of nightclubs. Salthill Promenade also provides a lively coastal setting for socialising and enjoying the sea air.

Top 6 Things to do in Galway City

Activities in Galway City range from discovering its medieval history and lively cultural hubs to enjoying coastal walks and venturing out to iconic natural landscapes.

1. Explore the Latin Quarter and Spanish Arch

Wander through Galway's historic Latin Quarter, where cobblestone streets buzz with energy. This area, especially around Quay Street, is filled with colourful shops, traditional pubs, and street performers. The Spanish Arch, a remnant of the city's 12th-century medieval defensive walls, stands at the edge of the quarter. It served to protect the quays where goods were traded with European countries, including Spain. Today, it is a popular gathering spot to relax and watch the River Corrib meet Galway Bay.

Cost: Exploring the streets is free. Guided walking tours of the city centre, which often cover the Latin Quarter and Spanish Arch, typically start from €19 to €23.34 per person.

Transport: The Latin Quarter and Spanish Arch are in the heart of Galway City and are easily accessible on foot from most city accommodations. The Spanish Arch is a 2-3 minute walk from the main Latin Quarter area. Various city buses stop at 'Spanish Arch' or 'Galway Cathedral' nearby; a single fare costs approximately €2.20.

2. Visit Galway City Museum

Discover Galway's rich past at the modern Galway City Museum, located beside the iconic Spanish Arch. The museum houses engaging exhibits on the city's archaeology, history, heritage, and its connection to the sea. Visitors can expect to spend approximately one to one and a half hours exploring the three floors of galleries.

Cost: Admission to the Galway City Museum is free, though donations are welcome.

Transport: The museum is centrally located next to the Spanish Arch and is easily reachable on foot. For those arriving by bus, stops such as 'Spanish Arch' are within a short walking distance.

3. Stroll along Salthill Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Salthill Promenade, a three-kilometer coastal path offering stunning views of Galway Bay, the Burren, and on clear days, even the distant Aran Islands. This popular activity includes the local tradition of 'kicking the wall' at the end of the promenade for good luck. Along the promenade, visitors will find beaches, cafes, and restaurants.

Cost: Access to Salthill Promenade is free.

Transport: Salthill Promenade is about 2-3 kilometres from Galway city centre, which is a comfortable 25-30 minute walk. Public buses (e.g., Bus Éireann Route 401) frequently run from 'Spanish Arch' or 'Eyre Square' to Salthill, taking about 6-9 minutes and costing €2-€5. A taxi ride typically takes 3-4 minutes and costs €8-€11.

4. Experience Traditional Irish Music in a Pub

Immerse yourself in Galway's vibrant cultural heart by experiencing a traditional Irish music session, known as 'Trad music'. Many pubs throughout the city, particularly in the Latin Quarter, host live performances where locals and visitors gather to enjoy fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhrán drums in a lively, social atmosphere.

Cost: Enjoying live traditional music in a pub is generally free, beyond the cost of any food or drinks purchased.

Transport: Most pubs featuring traditional Irish music are located within Galway's city centre and the Latin Quarter, making them easily accessible on foot.

5. Take a Cliffs of Moher Day Trip

Embark on a day trip to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, rising majestically over 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. These dramatic sea cliffs offer breathtaking panoramic views and form part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Visitors can walk along the designated paths and explore the visitor centre. Many tours from Galway also combine this trip with a visit to the unique limestone landscape of The Burren.

Cost: Bus tours from Galway directly to the Cliffs of Moher, including admission, generally cost between €45-€65 per person. Private tours are also available, starting from around $745.99 for a group, though these may not include the Cliffs of Moher entry fee (which is approximately €10-€15 per adult).

Transport: The Cliffs of Moher are located about 1.5 hours' drive from Galway. Numerous tour operators offer full-day bus excursions, which include transportation. Self-driving is also an option.

6. Indulge in a Galway Food Tour

Savor Galway's reputation as a 'foodie's paradise' by joining a food tour. These guided experiences typically involve sampling a variety of local delicacies, from fresh seafood to artisanal treats, and visiting award-winning restaurants, cafes, and markets. It offers an opportunity to learn about the city's rich gastronomic heritage.

Cost: Prices for group food tours can range from €35 per person for a 1.5-hour 'Neighbourhood Tour' to €107-€113.36 for longer, half-day experiences. Private evening tours for two people may cost around €195 per person.

Transport: Food tours are typically walking tours within the city centre, making them easily accessible on foot.

Check out our other pages on Galway City

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