Perched on Ireland’s dramatic West Coast, Galway is a pretty, cheery & compact city, with plenty of stunning sights just a short drive away.

If it’s ‘postcard Ireland’ you’re after, Galway is a great choice – with lively, colourful pubs, coastal charm, and a buzzy yet laidback vibe. Its location on the Wild Atlantic Way also makes it a great base for discovering Ireland’s most coveted landscapes… and there’s festivals aplenty all throughout the year.

So, wondering what there is to actually do in Galway? Read on for a full list, starting with the must-dos in Galway City, then branching out to other cool things to do in the area.

1. Enjoy a walk down Quay Street

Every visitor to Galway will inevitably head down this main street, a pedestrianized thoroughfare that is packed to the brim with colourful facades, pubs, buskers, and (admittedly) countless souvenir shops.

Though the experience is touristy, it’s a fun introduction to Galway, and a must-do on any visit.

For more context around what you’re seeing, you can book a walking tour like this one.

Or an eBike tour like this one if you want to get a little farther out.

2. See Galway Cathedral

Though Galway doesn’t have many large must-see attractions, I’d say Galway Cathedral is one that’s worth checking out. Located a 10ish minute walk away from Quay Street, this cathedral (officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas) can be found on the banks of the River Corrib, with a beautiful Gothic Revival design that you should definitely see on the inside.

Built in the mid-20th century, the cathedral is home to vibrant stained glass windows, beautiful stone interiors, pristine marble floors and a soaring central dome.

There’s not much to do here apart from snoop around and take it all in, but I’d say it’s a worthwhile addition to any Galway itinerary.

3. Head to Eyre Square

Next up on the list of main sights is Eyre Square, a bustling hub and central square surrounded by shops, cafes, and a handful of historic monuments. Located away from the main touristy drag, this is where you’d go to actually spot Galway locals, since it’s a very popular transport hub (and right next to the Galway train station).

Once upon a time, this would have been the main market green in front of the town gate. It was enclosed as a park in 1631 before being redeveloped in the Georgian style during the 19th century and once again reconstructed during the 1960s.

While not aesthetically the prettiest place in Galway, this is a great spot for people-watching and seeing some historic monuments, like…

• Browne Door: the original doorway from the Browne family (one of the 14 Tribes of Galway) home, which was located on Lower Abbeygate Street.
• Quincentennial Fountain: a fountain erected in 1984 with a sculpture representing the sails of traditional Hooker fishing boats from Galway. Unfortunately, the pump for the fountain hasn’t worked for quite some time so it’s more just a sculpture now.
• Pádraic Ó Conaire Statue: a statue commemorating the Galway local Pádraic Ó Conaire, a journalist and writer who usually wrote in Irish Gaelic.
• John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial: there’s also a memorial for JFK which was erected after he visited Galway and made a speech in 1963. In 1965 the square was actually officially renamed “John F. Kennedy Memorial Park” but people still just call it Eyre Square.

4. Seek out medieval Galway

While it might not seem obvious today, Galway was once a fully walled city in medieval times, a legacy that you can still trace on your visit if you know where to look.

Founded by the Anglo-Norman conquerors in the early 13th century, Galway quickly emerged as a thriving port city and vital hub for maritime commerce, connecting Ireland with Europe and beyond. The city grew rapidly to attract merchants, craftsmen, and settlers from across the continent, and soon became a city renowned for its wool trade, shipbuilding, and maritime prowess.

Today, visitors can admire the remnants of medieval Galway through a handful of sights, including…

• The Spanish Arch: a remnant of the 12th-century Norman city walls, although this arch was constructed as an extension in 1584. Now it’s a great spot to sit and look out over the harbour, or head up the Long Walk road next to the water.
• Lynch’s Castle: a medieval fortified house which was originally built by the Lynch family (another one of the 14 Tribes of Galway) with sections dating back to the 14th and 16th centuries.
• St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church: a 14th century church that’s been visited by such notable people as Oliver Cromwell and Christopher Columbus. It’s also quite fortress-like from the exterior.
• Hall of the Red Earl: a really cool archaeological site from the 13th century that you can look at from walkways as well as admire the many, many artefacts unearthed during excavation.

5. Visit Galway City Museum

While we’re nerding out on history, another nerdy thing to do in Galway is visiting the Galway City Museum, home to exhibits all about Galway’s past and present.

The museum, which opened in its current location in 2006, is spread across several floors and is known for its modern, light-filled design that beautifully showcases its diverse collection. It covers a wide range of themes, from archaeology and medieval history to contemporary art and local maritime heritage.

Among the highlights of the museum is the “Galway Within the Walls” exhibit, which explores the medieval history of the city, including its development as a significant port and trading hub. The “Revolution in Galway” exhibit is another must-see, focusing on the city’s involvement in key historical events like the War of Independence and the Civil War.

Best of all, the museum is free to visit, so add it to your list if you’re looking to learn more about the city.

6. Enjoy Galway’s food scene

Galway’s coastal location makes it an ideal place to sample fresh and delicious seafood dishes, but there’s also great Irish specialties to try all year round. In any case, eating is one of the best things to do in Galway – trust me.

Here are some tasty dishes to try during your Galway trip:

• Seafood Chowder: Made with a creamy base, tender chunks of fish, shellfish, potatoes, and vegetables, seafood chowder is a hearty and comforting must-try!
• Irish Stew: A quintessential Irish dish traditionally made with tender lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs, simmered to thick, comforting perfection
• Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake made with grated potatoes, flour, baking soda, and buttermilk, that is fried to perfection until golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior. Often served with savoury toppings like bacon and eggs or with a dollop of sour cream.
• Galway Oysters: Galway is renowned for its fresh and succulent oysters, harvested from the nearby waters of Galway Bay – delicious either au naturel with a squeeze of lemon or dressed up with a splash of mignonette sauce

You can easily DIY your own food fest by choosing a selection of different dishes to try while you’re out, or, if you want more expert guidance you can book a food tour like this one, which includes stops at pubs, award-winning restaurants, cafes, bakeries and chocolatiers.

7. Cozy into a Galway pub

Beyond just food of course, visiting a pub in Galway is a no-brainer. As I mention in my Ireland travel tips post, visiting a pub (or, let’s be real – going on a full pub crawl) is a quintessential cultural experience that you can’t miss.

Some of the most popular pubs in Galway include…

• The Quays Bar and Restaurant: Cozy pub with wooden arches and church pews – a pretty unique and fun spot for a pint!
• Tig Choili: This tiny traditional pub is so popular that William and Kate even visited when they were in Galway! There’s also live music twice every day.
• Tigh Neachtain: Colourful on the outside and full of colourful characters on the inside, this is listed as the best pub in many Galway guides and it’s indeed very cute.
• The Crane: Most locals would say this is the best pub in town, with traditional live music seven nights a week. It is small and cosy, so make sure you get there early if you want a seat.

8. Stroll Along Salthill Promenade

For gorgeous coastal views and a more relaxed Galway must-do, treat yourself to a walk along the Salthill Promenade.

This picturesque walkway spans around 3 kilometres of coastline, from Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock diving board. Along the way you’ll pass a couple of beaches and parks as you enjoy views across Galway Bay. A popular tradition among locals is to walk to the Blackrock diving board and then “kick the wall” across from it before going back… why? Who knows, but it’s tradition!

The walk there and back takes around an hour, plus you can always stop off at a waterside café if you need a break. There’s also the Galway Atlantaquaria aquarium to check out.

9. Visit the Claddagh Ring Museum

If you grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer then you might already be familiar with a Claddagh Ring (Angel gives her one in season 2), but for the uninitiated it’s a traditional Irish ring that originated in the Claddagh part of Galway and features a heart wearing a crown, clasped by two hands.

The heart, crown and hands represent love, loyalty, and friendship, so these rings are usually given as a token of affection or used as engagement or wedding rings. While you’re in Galway be sure to check out the Claddagh Ring Museum in Thomas Dillions Claddagh Gold Jewellers, which are apparently the oldest makers of Claddagh rings, with the shop operating since the 1750s!

Inside this mini-museum you can learn more about the rings and see them in various stages of production, while also browsing rings for sale in the shop. If you’re particularly interested in Claddagh rings don’t miss the Legend of the Claddagh Ring up the road, which also has information about the history and legends surrounding this iconic piece of jewellery.

10. Explore the Latin Quarter

Another part of Galway worth checking out is the city’s Latin Quarter, filled with narrow lanes, cozy pubs, and cute shops.

Some highlights include…

• Galway Girl Statue: A relatively new addition is the statue outside The Quays pub of the Galway Girl. Galway Girl is a song by Steve Earle and Sharon Shannon from 2000, although you might be more familiar with Ed Sheeran’s song of the same name. Either way, this statue on a bench is a popular spot for visitors to Galway to get a photo with the Galway girl.
• Seattle Stone: It might just seem like a random rock but apparently it’s pointing directly at the city of Seattle in America (through the earth), and there’s another one in Seattle pointing back to Galway. It’s just an interesting little photo opp but still unique.
• The Sheep: There are plenty of cute little gift/souvenir shops in the Latin Quarter but this is definitely my favourite. Inside, you’ll find sheepskin rugs, slippers and socks, as well as merino and cashmere scarves and beanies. Honestly though, it’s the life-size sheep stools that are the highlight. Sure, they’re ridiculously expensive but still hilarious (and cute) to look at!

11. Enjoy some live music or performances

If you’re looking for fun cultural activities in Galway, one of the best things to do is enjoy some live music!

And while you’ll encounter many buskers on the streets of Galway, and plenty of performers in pubs as well, there are a number of options for more formal performances/shows if you so wish.

If you visit in the summer for instance, Trad on the Prom is a very popular pick and involves Irish music, song and dance performed by the stars of Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and The Chieftains.

Other options include…

• Druid Theatre: a theatre company that tours the country, and internationally, but started in Galway and is still based here. It would be almost rude not to see what’s on while you’re in town!
• The Town Hall Theatre: located in a former courthouse which then became the town hall, the Town Hall Theatre offers theatre (duh!), concerts, musicals, dance, film, comedy and family shows year-round.
• Galway Arts Centre: this centre brings art exhibitions, films, music, literature, workshops, residencies, festivals, and theatre to Galway. Try and catch a live show in the Nun’s Island Theatre if you can.

12. Get cozy in a bookshop

If you’re looking for cozy things to do in Galway when it rains, trust me – this city is full of cute bookshops to peruse!

Here are some to check out:

• Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop: Randomly stumbled upon this on my visit and thought it was adorable – a very maze-like shop with over 100,000 books to browse!
• Bell, Book & Candle: A cute and quirky mostly second-hand bookshop that also sells records, comic books and old video cameras. Located behind the Crane Bar, don’t miss the little blue car inside the shop!
• Kenny’s Bookshop and Art Gallery: A massive bookshop and art gallery which will keep you occupied for quite some time.

13. Hop on a boat tour

For a more relaxed way of seeing Galway’s best sights, you can hop on a boat tour. With its picturesque coastal location (built along a river, no less!), one of the best ways to appreciate Galway is to glide past it gracefully on a comfy boat.

Some popular options include…

• Galway Bay Boat Tours: run by a local fishing family with sightseeing cruises as well as workshops and cruises looking at the history of the traditional Galway Hooker boats.
• Galway Girl Cruises: Cruises on a boat literally called Galway Girl out to the Aran Islands or around Galway Bay with live traditional music onboard as well as refreshments.
• Corrib Princess: For something a little different you can even sail on the Corrib Princess up the River Corrib to Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland!

14. Attend a fun festival

As if all the cute streets and coastal charm weren’t enough, Galway had the prestigious honour of being named Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2020, a title it earned for its steadfast dedication to arts and culture. This commitment is of course evident in its calendar of festivals and events, so if you’re able to work it out with the timing of your trip, be sure to check out one of Galway’s many fun festivals!

Some of the most popular annual events in Galway include…

• Cúirt International Festival of Literature (April): One of the oldest book festivals in Europe, focusing on both Irish and international writing.
• Galway International Arts Festival (July): An incredible festival offering many types of art, from dance to immersive installations, music, theatre and more over two whole weeks.
• Galway Oyster Festival (September): One for the foodies! This is longest-running oyster festival in the world and takes place over the last weekend in September with tastings, shucking competitions, cooking demonstrations and more.
• Galway Comedy Festival (October): Ireland’s biggest comedy festival with performers from all around the world, as well as Ireland, of course.

15. Head out to Kylemore Abbey

Of course, one of the best things about Galway is its proximity to other amazing sights in Ireland, one of the most popular of which is Kylemore Abbey.

Originally built as a private castle in the 19th century, it later became a Benedictine monastery, and today it stands as one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. The abbey is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Twelve Bens mountain range, with its elegant Gothic architecture reflected in the tranquil waters of Pollacapall Lough.

There’s plenty to do at Kylemore Abbey as well, from exploring the restored rooms within the abbey to wandering in the stunning Victorian Walled Garden. There are also several nature trails winding through the surrounding woodlands and you can relax in the Garden Tea House with some sweet treats afterwards.

Getting to Kylemore Abbey relatively easy. From Galway City, you can drive along the N59 towards Clifden, following the scenic route through Connemara. The journey takes about an hour and a half, with parking available on-site. Alternatively, public buses run from Galway to Kylemore Abbey, with Bus Éireann offering routes that pass through Connemara’s picturesque countryside. Or, you can book a day tour like this one.

16. Day Trip out to the Aran Islands

Another beautiful day trip that’s easy to do from Galway is an adventure out to the Aran Islands, a trio of islands famed for their stark beauty, rich history, and strong preservation of Irish culture.

Visiting these windswept islands is like stepping back in time, they offer a glimpse of traditional Irish life with their Gaelic-speaking communities, ancient stone forts, and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can spend their time cycling or walking along the quiet, winding roads, exploring ancient ruins, or relaxing in the charming villages.

The three islands – Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer – can all be reached via the Doolin Ferry which is about an hour and a half drive from Galway. Inishmore and Inishmaan can also be accessed by ferry from Rossaveel, which is only a 50 minute drive from Galway.

The ferry services are frequent, especially during the summer months, and offer the flexibility to visit one or more islands at your own pace. Once on the islands, bike rentals and local minibus services make it easy to explore independently.

For an even easier alternative, you can book a day tour like this one.

17. Explore further along the coast

Finally, let’s not forget that Galway is conveniently located on Ireland’s gorgeous Wild Atlantic Way, with famous neighbours like the Cliffs of Moher to admire within just a few hours’ drive.

So, one of the best things to do during your Galway visit (if you have the time) is to sightsee along the coastline and take in more of what Ireland’s west coast has to offer.

Some highlights include…

• Connemara National Park: an ideal spot for hiking, with a stunning mix of rugged landscapes, rich wildlife and breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline. You can even book a day tour to Connemara National Park from Galway.
• Roundstone: a gorgeous little village known for its vibrant arts scene. Make sure you also check out nearby Dog’s Bay (a beautiful white-sand beach) and the island of Inishnee, which can be reached by road.
• Dunguaire Castle: this restored 16th century castle hosts special banquets between April and October so you can feel like you’ve gone back in time with performances that keep the Celtic bard tradition alive!
• Doolin: another charming village, known as the gateway to the Isles of Aran and the Cliffs of Moher. Doolin is also known for traditional live music at night in the local pubs as well as a giant free-standing stalactite in Doolin Cave.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Galway?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Galway activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂