Discover Galway

Galway brings together city history, culture, outdoor trails, markets and event venues. If you’re looking for hotels in Galway, you can start by deciding which themes will shape your stay: historic sites, an events programme, outdoor trails or the market.

City History on the Corrib

Galway City Museum is next to the Spanish Arch on the banks of the River Corrib. Its exhibitions cover the medieval city, the village of Claddagh and Galway from 1800 to 1950. The museum collects, preserves and displays materials relating to the city’s history. These include archaeology, art, geology, natural history, social, political and industrial history, and folk life.

The Spanish Arch was built in 1584; its four arches formed part of Galway’s medieval walls. In the city centre, the Hall of the Red Earl is a medieval archaeological site and one of the city’s most significant visitor attractions. Information panels explain the site’s significance, and replicas of artefacts are also on display. St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is housed in a medieval building and has stood at the heart of the city since 1320. It also offers the guided “Story of Galway” tour. Check the tour schedule before your trip.

Trails and Nature

The public South Park / Claddagh walking route starts at the Spanish Arch, is 6 km long and runs along dedicated cycle and walking paths. South Park in Claddagh has its own cycling and walking route. Terryland Forest Park offers nature trails as well as woodland and riverside walks. Its waterside reed beds form a protected area for native flora, fauna and fish stocks.

Squares and Markets

Eyre Square, known in Irish as “An Fhaiche Mhór”, is officially called John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. Its history dates back to medieval markets. In 1710, Mayor Edward Eyre officially handed the land over to the city. The square has a playground and also hosts seasonal markets throughout the year.

The weekly Galway Market takes place in the centre of Galway on Saturdays and offers food, speciality goods and gift ideas. Food stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh pasta, cheese, homemade relishes and sauces, and around 20 varieties of olives.

Cultural Programme and Visit Planning

The city’s Town Hall Theatre has 400 seats and offers a year-round programme. It includes theatre, classical, traditional and popular music, comedy, dance, film, musicals and literary events. The Black Box is a versatile performing arts venue that presents a varied programme of theatre, music, comedy and events in different formats each year. If you’re planning your visit around a particular event, check the dates before your trip.

Visitors are welcome at Galway Cathedral at any time; admission is free, with a suggested donation of €3. As admission arrangements may change, check the details before your visit. Nearby, in Salthill in Galway City, you’ll find Galway Atlantaquaria, Ireland’s largest aquarium for native species. It offers an educational visit for all ages and is fully accessible. Visitor service details may change; check them when planning your visit.

Getting Around the City

Most bus routes within Galway city start at Eyre Square. As bus network arrangements may change, check the routes before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Craughwell, Cleggan, Portumna, Moycullen, Corrandulla, Kylemore, Kilronan, Ballinasloe.

For the main travel overview: Galway.