Location: Galway
Top Things to do in Galway
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Galway, Western Ireland
For visitors, the best thing about Galway is that you can walk everywhere. As soon as you arrive, enjoy a walk through the city streets. There, you'll find lively pubs, independent shops and winding cobblestone streets packed with students, artists, writers and craftspeople. You may even hear Gaelic spoken. For a day trip, take a ferry to the island of Inis Mor. You'll return refreshed by the ocean air and Inis Mor's breathtaking scenery. Oh, and be sure to wear sunscreen on the island, no matter how chilly it is. (Just trust us, okay?)
Restaurants in Galway
1. Wild Atlantic Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,705 reviews
Reviewed By 2hopeless - Chichester, United Kingdom
After spending 3 days in Dublin we headed to the west stopping en route at the diner in Ballinasloe which was good for a quick lunch. We spent 3 nights in Galway, taking in the Galway Food Tour and enjoying the bars and street entertainment in the Latin Quarter. Onward for a few nights in Doolin Co. Clare visiting The Buren, Inis Oirr Aran Island, and the local hostelries. A lengthy scenic drive through Kerry, around the lakes of Killarney (unfortunately on a rainy misty day) to the Beara Peninsula for 4 days. Whilst we enjoyed all of it the change in scenery at each place captured the imagination and we all felt that it was merely an introduction for us to revisit soon. We travelled in June, however, roads are narrow and at peak holiday time it may be annoying as there are so many camper vans and huge tour buses at some of the more well known sights so cars have to move over, getting superficial scratches from the hedgerows. Be careful because there are ditches alongside the roads which are not obvious as they are covered in vegetation and may appear as solid ground.
2. St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 581 reviews
The largest medieval church in Ireland is surrounded by narrow, winding streets and a bustling marketplace.
Reviewed By thebiggerdog - London, United Kingdom
Located just round the corner of Tig Coili, down Market Street is this wonderful church. Founded in 1320 (!) and dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers and visited by Christopher Columbus in 1477. Be sure to read all the pamphlets as the contain loads of facts, and if you happen to be there as a tour group is wondering through, the acoustics allow you to catch all the guide's wisdom. Afterwards, be sure to cross the street and visit Sheridan's Cheese Mongers.
3. Galway Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,951 reviews
Reviewed By CarolinaNurse323 - Kernersville, United States
My husband & I were travelling with a tour group with Gate 1 Travel and Galway Cathedral was on our list of MUST SEE when we arrived in Galway. This spectacular Cathedral was built with local limestone and Connemara marble and is truly amazing. The awe inspiring sanctuary with its wooden pews, flags, marble floors, stained glass windows, altars, cupola and THAT large pipe organ are exquisite! The plaque with JFK made a lasting impression. THIS CATHEDRAL IS A MUST SEE! TRULY ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN!
4. National University of Ireland-Galway (UCG)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
5. Riverside Walk
6. Salthill Beaches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By annajenkins63 - Troy, United States
Who know I would tan in Ireland!! Fun, quiet, clean beaches. Perfect for families. No lifeguards, so be aware. For Americans, know that the water is lovely, but very cold!
7. Salthill Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,023 reviews
Reviewed By 128annettes - Nenagh, Ireland
If I was lucky enough to live within walking distance of this lovely promenade I would indeed be a very grateful lady. Yes, it is very busy on a nice day and you do have many children, dogs, bicyclists and roller skaters to share with, bu it is a lovely walk with plenty of places to rest, breathe in that sea air and watch the world go by.
8. Quay Street
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,530 reviews
Reviewed By LillianM751
A must if you visit Galway...it's vibrant with street entertainers of the highest calibre. .musicians with great talent all in a pedestrian area with shops selling everything from funny Irish souvenirs to musical instruments ..good pubs with live music sessions and good food.The friendly Irish know how to enjoy themselves...
9. Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,819 reviews
***FREE OF CHARGE*** Connemara National Park is one of Ireland's six National Parks. The Visitor Centre for the National Park is located beside Letterfrack Village. Entrance to the National Park grounds and trails (Diamond Hill), exhibition and Audio Visual is ***FREE OF CHARGE***. The Visitor Centre is the starting point for Diamond Hill trail.
Reviewed By notions - Galway, Ireland
Kylemore Abbey is a must see and diamond hill is a great hike for all levels. There are long and short paths and it is accessible for people of any fitness level,
10. Galway Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 835 reviews
Reviewed By SOAZgirl
First My trip was in May 2019, not August, so the foot traffic was not so crowded and I could meander along at my leisure. I'm a former Seattle native, now living in AZ, and being near the water again, in this magical town on the Atlantic ocean fulfilled any desire to feel what was lost was found again. Anyone visiting Ireland really needs to consider Galway as a place to visit and fall in love with, as I did. I hope to visit Ireland again in 2021 and am planning on Galway as my base of operation. Maybe I can get a job at the local tour agency!!
