Where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay, this colourful, bohemian city hums with energy, history and an unmistakable sense of pride. Known as the City of the Tribes, Galway has grown from its medieval roots into one of Ireland’s liveliest cultural hubs, blending art, film and literature with centuries-old landmarks and historic attractions.
Salthill at sunset, Galway city
Courtesy Chaosheng Zhang
But it’s the atmosphere on the streets that gives Galway its real appeal. Buskers fill the lanes with music, cafés and restaurants buzz from morning until late, and festivals – from the Galway International Arts Festival to the world-famous Galway Races – bring a fresh burst of celebration to the city centre.
Wander through the Latin Quarter, where cobbled lanes lead to traditional pubs filled with live music and street performers keep things animated. Visit the Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum to trace the city’s maritime history, or take a walk along the coast in Salthill and breathe in the wild Atlantic air.
As evening falls, settle into a lively bar, sample local seafood, and soak up the easy warmth that defines this western gem. It’s the kind of city that wins you over without even trying.
Discover the top things to do in Galway city
Roundstone Harbour, Connemara, County Galway
Chris Hill Photographic
The land west of Galway has a magnetic pull. Connemara, just an hour from the city in County Galway, is a place of legend, folklore and rugged beauty. Here, against a backdrop of mountains, rust-coloured bogs and craggy hills, winding roads lead to charming towns and villages such as Leenane and Clifden.
As well as a national Park filled with walking routes, Connemara is also home to Kylemore Abbey, a picturesque Benedictine monastery on the edge of a glassy lake. As the landscape gives way to the sea, you’ll find coral beaches, shimmering waters and pretty coves.
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
Courtesy Gareth MCCormack
Heading south, County Clare beckons with one of the most unusual landscapes on the island of Ireland – the Burren. A UNESCO Global Geopark, the Burren surprises at every turn with a karst limestone plateau that has a lunar-like quality.
There are charming traditional music villages, such as Kilfenora and Doolin; amazing walking routes; and world-class attractions from the staggering Poulnabrone Dolmen (thought to be at least 5,200 years old) to the iconic Cliffs of Moher.
Famed for their wild landscapes, distinctive knitted jumpers, dry-stone walls and pretty cottages, the Irish-speaking Aran Islands never fail to wow, and are easily accessed from Galway city by ferry.
Isn't it time you started planning your journey to Galway city?
