Galway: Things to Do and See. Map of Places to Visit

The port city of Galway is the jewel of Western Ireland and the bastion of traditional Irish customs.

Located at the point where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean, Galway is a vibrant coastal city, colorful, welcoming, compact, and strategically positioned to explore the landscapes of the namesake county thanks to its excellent connections.

Galway County, situated in the western part of Ireland, is a land of rugged beauty, home to the stunning Cliffs of Moher, the fabulous Wild Atlantic Way, and the romantic Aran Islands.

Galway thrives due to its proximity to the Atlantic, its cultural festivals throughout the year, and its large student population, making it one of the youngest cities in the country.

Its thriving university contributes to a vibrant atmosphere, while the city's welcoming character and intimate ambiance enhance its charm, enriched by cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and a river that flows through it before emptying into the Irish Sea.

Galway is considered the cultural heart of Ireland and is home to numerous musical, artistic, and culinary festivals that animate the summer with events like the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway International Oyster Festival.

Galway is one of the few UNESCO Cities of Film and was named European Capital of Culture 2020; it is also the only bilingual city in Ireland (20% of residents speak Irish or Gaelic).

Galway is situated spectacularly on the northern shore of Galway Bay, where you can enjoy long walks along the waterfront and panoramic views such as those of the seaside suburb of Salthill, on the southern shore of the bay.

Although Galway has a mild and temperate climate, the city's location on the North Atlantic means that it can generally be cold here.

The best time to visit Galway is considered to be between July and October, when the weather is optimal for visiting the city's outdoor attractions and there is also a rich event calendar.

Spring and autumn are considered the "shoulder season" for tourists, who can therefore find deals for accommodation. Winter can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing.

The summer months (June-August) are the warmest, with average temperatures of 18°C. However, summer coincides with peak season, so you'll find more crowds and higher prices.

Galway has numerous festivals, many of which have international acclaim.

The main festival in Galway's cultural calendar is the Galway Arts Festival, which takes place in the last week of July and is a large event filled with music, art, theatrical performances, and much more.

Following that, at the end of July or early August, the Galway Races take place in Ballybrit, about 5 km east of the city, a week of horse racing at the racetrack that has been held for over 150 years.

The Father Ted Jamboree, Cúirt, is an international literature festival at the end of April, the Galway Early Music Festival at the end of May, the Galway Sessions of Irish and Scottish music in June, and a prestigious film festival lasting a week in early July, the Film Fleadh.

A jazz festival is held in mid-September over the weekend, while the bustling Galway Oyster Festival takes place at the end of September, a four-day event that includes the World Oyster Opening Championships.

Towards the end of the year, Baboró is an international arts festival for children in October, while TULCA in November is a contemporary visual arts festival.

The Macnas Parade, a one-day parade held in October, is the main celebration for Halloween in Galway, attracting crowds of up to 50,000 people; this free show weaves through the streets of Galway in what can only be described as a spectacular display.

The vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere of Galway is enhanced by its coastal setting where its piers coexist side by side with the compact city center, consistently breezy with sea air.

The focal point of the city is the long pedestrian area of William, Shop, High, and Quay Streets, lined with tables from pubs and restaurants.

At its lower, western end, the street narrows to its original medieval dimensions, then flows directly into Galway Bay along with the course of the River Corrib, offering magnificent views of the Burren hills.

The Latin Quarter is the historic heart of Galway, preserving its medieval heritage. Here lies the Spanish Arch, where Spanish ships used to unload their cargo, Kirwan's Lane, and St. Nicholas' Church.

Eyre Square is a popular gathering place in the city center and a good starting point for sightseeing. Named in 1710 in honor of Mayor Edward Eyre, the square is now officially known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, in honor of the president who visited Galway in 1963.

Galway Cathedral has only existed since the 1960s but is one of the largest stone cathedrals in Europe. The enormous dome rises to a height of 44 meters and is one of the most remarkable and iconic buildings in the city and its skyline.

It is built of Galway limestone rather than concrete and, instead of typical altars and stained glass windows, features modern, colorful mosaics.

Located behind the Spanish Arch, the Galway City Museum houses three floors of exhibits that tell the history and heritage of the city of Galway.

Salthill, on the other hand, is a suburb just a few minutes from the city center, loved for its distinctive coastal charm and idyllic promenade, perfect for a pleasant stroll. It is also a popular dining spot with delicious Irish seafood, including the famous Galway oysters.

One of the best aspects of Galway's location is that it can serve as an ideal base for several fantastic day trips in the county.

From Galway, you can travel north to the Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, and the Quiet Man Bridge, the setting for the 1950 film "The Quiet Man" starring John Wayne.

Heading south and east reveals the rocky landscape of the Burren, where you can admire the beautiful Cliffs of Moher.

The Wild Atlantic Way is the renowned circuit for hiking or cycling while enjoying the coastal scenery at the southern end of the coastal region of the Bay.

Galway is also a great access point to the Aran Islands.

To get there, there is a ferry operating year-round from Rossaveel (weather permitting), which is about an hour west of Galway. Cars are not allowed on the ferry, allowing you to enjoy the rugged scenery and relaxed pace of island life by walking, biking, or taking the local bus.

Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mor is an ancient stone fort perched on a cliff above the Atlantic Ocean, offering wonderful views.