Galway City
Galway’s got the goods for a laid-back city break
Activities
Enjoy one of the best race meetings in the country, plus idyllic trips along the waterways
Boat Tours
Take a trip along the scenic River Corrib and Lake from Woodquay in the heart of Galway City, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, stunning castles and historic monuments.
City Walking Tour
There are lots of companies in Galway offering excellent walking tours of the city and surrounding area.
Galway Races
Not many race meetings come close to the excitement of Galway, regarded by many as Ireland's most colourful racing festival.
Children
From inspirational street theatre to gallons of games
Gorilla Games
Let the kids loose in this 14,000sq ft temple of fun with human table football, bouncy boxing, sumo wrestling, bungee basketball and a huge inflatable slide.
Macnas Festival
A fantastic parade from Ireland’s leading street theatre company, Macnas is guaranteed to deliver a lavish and entertaining spectacle every year in July.
Monkey Business, Rahoon
A great play centre with slides, ballpools, bouncy castle, painting corner and baby and toddler area.
Culture & festivals
Experience the electric atmosphere of Galway’s festival season
Galway Arts Festival
Ireland’s largest annual arts is varied and fun with writers, artists, performers and musicians from Ireland and all around the world.
Galway Film Fleadh
Over 70 Irish and international features are shown at this excellent July festival, which takes place over six days and sets Galway alight with parties and screenings.
Galway Sessions
Take 150 musicians, 80 sessions and eight days and you’ve got the Galway Sessions festival with a broad and interesting mix of music styles and venues.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Eat, drink and relax at Galway’s top spots
KC Blakes
There’s a lovely vibe at this relaxed but stylish Galway restaurant, but what really appeals is the food – expect a wide variety of international dishes all done with flair and gusto.
The G Hotel
This gorgeous five-star hotel is Galway City’s hottest property with spectacular views over Galway Bay and a stunning interior designed by renowned milliner Philip Treacy.
Tigh Neachtain
If you’re after a traditional pub, you can’t do much better than this. The interior of this charming old boozer has remained pretty much the same since 1894, and it’s a wonderfully atmospheric place to enjoy a quiet pint or two.
Gay & Lesbian
Enjoy a vibrant emerging gay and lesbian scene in Galway
Eden @ The Warwick Hotel (Salthill)
Club night every Sunday just outside Galway city.
Stage Door (Woodquay)
One of the city’s few full-time gay bars.
Stranos (Corner William Street West and Henry Street)
Revitalised bar opened under new management with themed nights and DJs.
Shopping
Galway enjoys a lively shopping scene with pretty trinkets and contemporary crafts
Cobwebs
A pretty little shop with glistening costume and antique jewellery.
Les Jumelles (11 Upper Abbeygate Street)
Elegant women’s boutique stocking a good range of designer fashion.
Meadows & Byrne (Lower Abbeygate Street)
A fantastic collection of contemporary furniture, modern crafts and Irish-made pottery and glassware.
See more highlightsSaturday Market (between Shop Street and Market Street)
Lively market with gourmet food stalls, gifts, books and jewellery.
Sightseeing
Uncover the city’s history from Mesolithic artifacts to a 14th-century church
Collegiate Church of St Nicholas
This church is dedicated to the patron saint of mariners, St Nicolas, owing to Galway’s importance during the middle ages. Founded in 1320, it’s one of the best preserved of Ireland’s medieval town churches.
Galway City Museum
This small but interesting museum contains a number of artifacts relating to Galway’s history and heritage, including Mesolithic and Neolithic artifacts from the River Corrib.
Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre
Enjoy a guided heritage tour and specially commissioned film celebrating Galway’s history, plus you can learn all about the intricacies involved in crystal making.
