Location: Galway
Top Things to do in Galway
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks 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. An Taibhdhearc
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Pronounced 'Taiv-yark' it means 'ghostly vision - which is formed from two Irish words, 'taibhse' meaning ghost and 'dearcadh' meaning vision. This state-of-the-art theatre is open for business, and is a highly suitable venue for music, drama, film comedy, conferences, seminars, workshops and launches. The auditorium has 148 seats, projection facilities, a cyclorama, lighting rig, a full sound and PA system with great acoustincs sutiable for live music as well as cinematic presentation with full surround sound. The foyer are is perforect for hosting receptions for up to 100 people, while our friendly staff can provide ushering services. There is a full bar and wine licence. Lastly there is an upstairs rehearsal space which is also available for smaller, more intimate events. Box office is open Monday to Friday 10a.m.-5p.m. and on performance days.
2. Kirwan's Lane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By T9857KErachelb
Came across this little gem 25th Jan. Fabulous little quaint restaurant, never made it upstairs but we could hear fabulous music been played which carried down. Food was amazing. We had the prawns gambas to start and the prawns were beautifully cooked in garlic on sourdough bread, just wanted more.... the other dishes we had were panfried hake on chorizo risotto OMG amazing, so tasty. Also seabass in a creamy mushroom sauce. They hadn't got a children's menu but were willing to cook anything from their main menu in a more simple version. Kids both had chicken fillet with plain spaghetti pasta and they lapped it up. Staff were super friendly and attentive. Also what's more made us feel extremely welcome with the children on a busy Saturday night at 8pm. Had a beautiful bottle of Albarino wine called Charquino. Couldn't fit desert in but children had ice cream and even the presentation for the children's ice cream was pretty. Unfortunately I got no pictures but we will definitely be back and highly recommend.
3. Middle Street
4. 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...
5. Menlo Castle / Blake's Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By jamesdkp - Medford, United States
Stayed at Menlo Park Hotel where there was an abstract painting of Menlo Castle. Googled it out of curiosity. Castle has a tragic history, destroyed by fire that killed the invalid daughter of the owners and 2 maids. Asked the front desk personnel about it and they were pretty much clueless as to what it even was. One girl told us that you could see it if you went to the sports field of the college across the river from where it is located. I read on trip advisor that it was accessible. Called for a taxi, driver said yes he was familiar with how to get there. It would be walkable from this hotel except that the road to it is VERY narrow and windy with hedges on both sides- so no where to move out of the way of traffic. Driver dropped us off on the narrow road that leads to the site, and told us to climb over the gate at the end of the road. (Easy climb over- metal farm type gate) Told us that it is NOT trespassing as some have worried about, climbing the gate just saves you a long hike around. Had the driver come back to pick us up in an hour which was more than enough time to explore and get some beautiful pictures of the ruins that have been overtaken by vines and birds. Truly lovely site and one of the highlights of my trip. We had the place all to ourselves. I've included pictures of the road in to the ruins as well.
6. Galway's Latin Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,114 reviews
Reviewed By michaelmE5451AW - York, United Kingdom
Lots of evidence of Galway’s medieval history within the Latin Quarter area which stretches from the city centre to the Spanish Arch, containing some of the city’s most historic landmarks. It starts at St. Nicholas’ Church it runs through the Saturday market and onto O’Brien’s Bridge. From there it follows the River Corrib down to the Spanish Arch where the Museum is located and then turns back up Middle Street onto Buttermilk Lane where it joins the starting point. People throng through here to enjoy the live entertainment as they wander through the cobbled streets and the hot spots on Quay Street, full of bars, restaurants and hotels. Galway was due to celebrate the European Capital of Culture 2020 which has been stymied by the pandemic. This is a highlight for many visitors to Galway and one of our favourite quarters in the city.
7. Forthill Graveyard
8. Eyre Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,347 reviews
Reviewed By GearoidOO - Athlone, Ireland
We were in Galway for a couple of days, staying in The Meyrick - it was great to look out over the bustling life of Eyre Square with its Christmas Market. The Market adds a nice season quality to the city - some interesting stalls but an overarching emphasis on food. Eyre Square is a great spot for people watching, it has a wonderfully cosmopolitian air about it and it really comes to life in December. Spending a little bit of time in Eyre Square is a must on a visit to Galway.
9. The Medieval City Walls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By CarlaN65 - Bemidji, United States
This mall is the creation of an efficient idea and enormous imagination! Juxtapositioning ancient with modern architecture, the old wall weaves through the new modern subterranean passages with dazzling shops and relaxation areas. What a delight! The entrance we used was devoid of grandeur -- a nice easily negotiated escalator ride down to the shops level. But so much sprawling activity under the ancient cobblestones above!! Construction was still going on as they excavate more of the original wall and towers -- I can't wait to go back and see what comes next. This is truly the brain child of someone or persons of extraordinary vision. It is a must see in Galway.
10. Hall of the Red Earl
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By RonCentralCA - Capitola, United States
A local told us about this excavated ruin. Walking toward the bay through the midieval quarter walk down the narrow Druid Lance to your left. You might easily walk past so look for the Coffeewerks yellow coffee shop on the right as a marker (great coffee by the way). The 13th century site was discovered in the summer of 1997. I was especially surprised to find this sight was the home of the Red Early, Richard de Burgho. Th surname is Norman in origin, handed down over generations the name morphed into modern variants of Burke and Bourke.
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