Things to Do in Galway

Great Grub in Galway

Savour the tastes, from fabulous farmhouse cheeses at Sheridan’s, to the irresistible McCambridge’s food emporium, you’ll find something to suit your taste in Galway. Grab a window seat upstairs in McCambridge’s and watch the world go by, while your taste buds are satisfied by a huge array of gastronomic offerings.

Traditional Music on Quay Street

A mecca of pubs restaurants and cafes, Quay Street also has the best selection of live traditional music in bars such as the Quays, Tigh Neachtain and the Spanish Arch Hotel.

Visit The Spanish Arch

A true Galway icon, The Spanish Arch was built in 1584 and overlooks the River Corrib. The arches were used to access the quays from the town when Galway was a walled city and this is all that remains.

Galway Crystal

Visit the stunning crystal factory located just outside Galway City. It’s easy to pass a full day just staring at the amazing crystal creations. Galway Crystal was established in 1967 by a group of local business people from the Galway Chamber of Commerce. Through the years many well-known people have passed through the doors of Galway Crystal, from presidents to celebrities. Galway Crystal can be found in the most prestigious homes, including our own Áras an Uachtaráin, the residence of the Irish President.

Galway Crystal

Festival capital

Galway is a Festival town and there appears to be a different festival every weekend. Check out the local Fáilte Ireland tourist office on Forster Street for up-to-the-minute information. It’s great craic!

Galway Cathedral

Galway Cathedral was constructed in the late 1950s, at a time when most similar buildings were using concrete. It is, therefore, the youngest of Europe’s great stone cathedrals. Dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, it was designed by J.J. Robinson in a very eclectic style. It includes some Renaissance details mixed with the Romanesque and Gothic traditions. The cathedral also boasts an impressive variety of art, including a statue of the Virgin by Imogen Stuart, a large Crucifixion mosaic by Patrick Pollen, rose windows by George Campbell and more.

Galway Hooker boats

The Galway Hooker is a traditional fishing boat developed in the 18th Century. Many of the boats have been restored by Hooker enthusiasts and can be seen during a festival in Kinvara, Co. Galway, which is a village certainly worth a visit.

Ballynahinch Castle

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels. Voted #1 in Ireland by the readers of Condé Nast magazine. Set in a private 700-acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway, this authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful 12 Bens Mountain range. Relax in your beautifully appointed bedroom or suite with wonderful views and wake up to the sound of the river meandering past your window before enjoying breakfast in the elegant restaurant, which was voted the best in Ireland in April. 2017 by Georgina Campbell.

Ballynahinch Castle

Dunguaire Castle

Dunguaire Castle lies at the heart of Ireland’s literary revival in the 20th century. Dunguaire became the venue for meetings of literary revivalists such as W.B. Yeats, his patron Lady Gregory plus, George Bernard Shaw. Experience the breath-taking views from the Castle Towers following a tour of Dunguaire Castle. Alternatively, join us for an exceptional medieval banquet. Open April to October. www.dunguairecastle.com