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Galway

Galway is definitely one of our favorite cities and the one that we recommend including on every Ireland itinerary.

Located on the west coast of Ireland, this city is full of charm and character.

It goes without a doubt that we recommend including a trip to Galway in every Ireland itinerary. 

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Galway Ireland

While Dublin has the charm of the capital city, Galway stands out as being unique, quirky and a breath of fresh air. 

It has a thriving arts scene, great museums and well known international festivals. In 2020 it was designated the European Capital of Culture

This city attracts visitors from all over the world for its famous Galway Races, the Galway International Arts Festival (both in July) and the Galway International Oyster Festival (September).

One of our favorite activities to do in Galway city is saunter the streets (like Shop Street or Quay Street). 

It is possible to spend hours and watching the performances of the buskers (street musicians) and the antics of street art performers. 

There is some great talent there and it gives the city a very special vibe. 

Things to Do and See in Galway City

The colorful streets of the Latin Quarter are an absolute pleasure to explore. 

Be warned, it will be difficult to resist taking a closer look at the beautiful items on sale in the boutiques, as well as sampling the delicious food from the many fine restaurants. 

The lively traditional Irish music sessions in the city’s many pubs will also draw you in. 

While in the city you should definitely make some time to view some traditional music sessions. 

Try to make time to visit the Galway City Museum and learn more about the local history and culture of this area of Ireland. 

(Including all about the history of the Claddagh Ring, which originated in the nearby fishing village of Claddagh.)

This part of Ireland is a region with strong Irish speaking regions (known as Gaeltachts).

It is a great opportunity to learn more about Irish culture and history

Galway Cathedral illuminated at night, View From The Corrib River, Ireland
Galway Cathedral illuminated at night is quite a beautiful sight. (Photo: Rihardzz via Shutterstock)

Galway Cathedral and Galway University are also impressive sights and worth a stop on your wander through the city. 

There are also numerous castles scattered around the city area that are interesting to learn about. 

In summer, buzzing crowds relax beside the River Corrib at Spanish Arch and in Eyre Square. Take some time to chill here and watch the world go by. 

Another great amenity close to the city is the Walk to the Salthill Promenade. 

This is the perfect place for an evening stroll and enjoy some fresh sea air and the fabulous views of Galway Bay

You can even go for a swim if you can brave the cold!

Day Trips from Galway

View from Diamond Hill in Connemara.
View from Diamond Hill in Connemara. (Photo: LOUIS-MICHEL DESERT via Shutterstock)

Galway is a great place to base yourself if you plan on doing some day trips around County Galway or County Clare. 

It is also ideal if you want to explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal driving route.

(It is also a good spot to explore along the West Coast of Ireland in general!) 

Many of Ireland’s top attractions are within easy reach of Galway City Center. 

Some of the most well known and loved places to visit include: 

There is a large number of quality tour operators that offer a variety of day trips directly from Galway City. 

Getting in depth local knowledge from an expert can really help enhance the trip and make it a far more memorable experience. 

Many of these tour operators provide transportation to and from the attraction so you can save on car rental. 

This is definitely one of the major benefits of using Galway as a base location!

Accommodation in Galway

It has a great selection of varied accommodation types to suit all budgets. 

You can find a range of upmarket hotels, as well as mid range hotels and budget options directly located in the city center.

Alternatively, you could stay in one of the many Bed & Breakfast type accommodation options. 

From our point of view, B&B accommodation is a great way to get some insider travel tips and uptodate information about what to see and what is going on in the area. 

Car Rental in Galway

Let’s be honest, if you want to explore rural Galway and the surrounding areas, you probably want to find the hidden gems. 

There are plenty of hidden gems that will delight visitors, but they can be hard to find and are usually off the beaten track. 

Public transport in Ireland outside of the bigger cities and towns is limited in certain areas, particularly in the low tourist seasons.

It is best to rent a car if you plan to explore at your own pace. 

Then you can discover the fascinating culture and rugged landscapes of Galway and beyond then opting for a rental car is the way to go.

Discover Cars will help you find the right car at the best price for your vacation, allowing you to enjoy more freedom on your Ireland adventure with less hassle. 

Dogs Bay Beach Galway and Other Beaches

When you are in Galway, we highly recommend visiting some of the best beaches in Ireland. 

It is fair to say that some of the most breathtaking of all beaches found in the Emerald Isle are the beaches in Connemara

Dog’s Bay Beach is one of the most well known of these, but there are some others that are also truly stunning. 

These include Glassilaun Beach and Lettergesh Beach, both which offer unrivaled mountain views. 

The contrast between the color of the water and the sand on these beaches must be seen to be believed!

Even some of the Irish Gods were bewitched by the beauty of the Connemara Beaches.

Aerial view of Mannin Bay with its well known snorkleing and kayaking routes in Connemara. (Photo: D. Ribeiro via Shutterstock)

The Irish Sea God, Manannan Mac Lir, may well have given his name to Mannin Bay near Clifden

A network of snorkeling and kayaking routes allow you to discover the Mannin Bay Blueway.

There are some tour operators that cover water activites in the area. Why not check them out?

Galway FAQ

What is Galway In Ireland famous for?

Galway is famous for its authentic atmosphere, lively music and arts scene and international vibe. 

There are also many international festivals in Galway each year such as the Galway Races, the Galway Film Fleadh (or festival) and the Galway International Oyster Festival. 

It is also located a very short distance from Claddagh, where the world famous Claddagh Ring comes from. 

If you are interested in sailing and boats, then it is also worth knowing that the Galway Hooker originates from here. 

Is Galway in Ireland worth visiting?

A visit to Galway will provide insights into a different side of Ireland that cannot be found in Dublin or some of the other major Irish cities and towns. 

Galway is the one town in Ireland that we remind friends and family to visit if they get a chance. 

Why do we do this?

Each time we have visited Galway, we have been pleasantly surprised by the friendly, relaxed atmosphere that pulses through the city. 

The streets are fun to wander around, there is a dizzying array of restaurants and little shops to explore and there are plenty of street buskers.   

If that wasn’t enough, Galway also acts as the ideal stepping stone to explore this region in the west of Ireland. 

Many visitors to Ireland travel to Dublin and often view the sights in Kerry, before leaving again. In our opinion, they are really missing out. 

Is Galway similar to Dublin?

Salthill on the outskirts of Galway.
Salthill on the outskirts of Galway. (Photo: Anthony Patrick Saoud via Shutterstock)

In our opinion, Galway is completely different to Dublin. Galway is a coastal city on the west coast of Ireland that revels in culture and the arts. 

It is known as the “City of the Tribes” and it is fair to say that this international flair is still seen and felt throughout the city today.

Dublin is charming and like many European capital cities, has lots to offer. It is also very busy and has a vibe all of its own. 

How would you describe Galway?

As Irish cities go, Galway is one that stands out for us. It has an atmosphere that is quite unique in comparison to other cities in Ireland. 

There is a tourist feel to the city, but you can also feel very much at home there. 

It is fun and lively and offers a superb range of city and coastal amenities.  

Discover more about Galway and the surrounding area on this website. 

How about the Burren and the amazing flora and fauna of the karst limestone landscape?