Galway City is located on the west coast of Ireland and lies along the northern shore of Galway Bay.

Galway does not have an airport, but you can fly into Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport or Ireland West Airport (often called Knock Airport) and then travel to Galway by public transport or rental car. As Galway is one of the major cities in Ireland, it is well-connected by public transport.

As always, the most effective way to blend travel with adventure is to travel with a driver/guide, who will not only chauffeur you across the island but also impart their passion, knowledge, history, and love of Ireland.

Local Events & Festivals

Galway thrives on a full calendar of annual events and festivals. One of the most famous is the Galway International Arts Festival, held every July. This festival transforms the city into a stage for world-class performances, art installations, and street spectacles. Another highlight is the Galway Races, an iconic horse racing festival that draws thousands of visitors each summer for a week of thrilling races and social festivities.

The city’s passion for the arts is also celebrated during the Galway Film Fleadh and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, attracting acclaimed filmmakers and authors from around the globe.

Galway hosts numerous markets, live music sessions, and traditional Irish festivals throughout the year, including the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the Christmas Market (learn more about St Patrick’s Day here). So, there’s always something happening to engage locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s food, music, literature, or sports, Galway’s event calendar is always full. You can see what’s happening during your visit here.

Salthill

Courtesy Chaosheng Zhang

Salthill, Galway’s seaside suburb, is a popular spot for visitors and locals. No trip to Galway is complete without a stroll along Salthill Promenade, affectionately known as the ‘prom’. The route is about 3km/2 miles in length and offers panoramic views of Galway Bay looking across to the neighbouring county of Clare. Breathe in the salty sea air as you amble or run along Galway’s scenic coastline. A tradition when you complete the walk is to kick the wall. If you’re more into water sports, Blackrock Diving Tower is a well-known swimming spot all year round. Whether you want to dive in or dip in the fresh Atlantic, this is the place to do it.

Riverside Walk

Galway City is situated right on Galway Bay. The River Corrib and Eglinton Canal flow under its many bridges, and there are many ‘blue spaces’ ripe for exploration. Start your journey at the Spanish Arch, where the river meets the sea and amble along the riverfront toward the cathedral along the boardwalk.

St. Nicholas Church

Courtesy Failte Ireland

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is Ireland’s largest medieval parish church still in continuous use. Although it is unknown what year the church was built, most agree that it was finished by the year 1320. Situated in the medieval centre of Galway, stopping at the church allows visitors to step back in time.

Galway Arts Centre

The Galway Arts Centre, located in a charming 19th-century building on Dominick Street, hosts various contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and performances throughout the year. It serves as a platform for both established and emerging artists, showcasing works across multiple mediums, from visual arts to literature and theatre. The centre also plays a vital role in the Galway International Arts Festival and the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, further cementing its reputation as a hub for creativity in the west of Ireland.

Galway City Museum

Courtesy Stephen Duffy

This fascinating museum in the Latin Quarter is a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors. It invites visitors to learn about Galway’s history, heritage, sea sciences, and archaeology through exciting and interactive exhibitions, events, and collections. It also has a temporary exhibition space for various projects and collections that are showcased for a short time.

Galway Market

The Galway Market near St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is a cornerstone of Galway’s community life. This open-air market operates every Saturday and Sunday throughout the year, with extended opening days during the summer. Admire the local art, shop for unique handmade crafts, and, most importantly, sample the delicacies and tasty treats.

Galway offers a wide range of colourful accommodation options, from welcoming guesthouses to luxury hotels. We have a few recommendations depending on what you’re looking for during your stay. However, remember that Galway is a popular destination with a calendar filled with festivals, so whatever your preferences for a place to stay, book early.

The Galmont

In the heart of Galway City, The Galmont offers comfort, elegance, and convenience. With waterfront views overlooking Lough Atalia and ample amenities available at the hotel, such as a spa and leisure centre, this four star hotel would suit all types of travellers. With its modern facilities, exceptional service, and proximity to Galway’s vibrant city centre, the Galmont Hotel ensures a memorable stay in the City of Tribes.

Sea Breeze Lodge

Sea Breeze Lodge is a charming and luxurious guesthouse in Salthill, Galway’s suburb, offering an idyllic retreat on the city’s picturesque coastline. This award-winning bed and breakfast is renowned for its warm hospitality and serene ambience. With its peaceful setting, personalised service, proximity to the Salthill Promenade, and the vibrant attractions of Galway City, Sea Breeze Lodge provides a perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm for an unforgettable stay.

Alternatively, let us worry about the logistics for you – join us on one of our trips for an incredible experience along Ireland’s West Coast.

Discover Trips

Arrival of the Anglo-Normans

In 1169-70, Anglo-Norman settlers from Britain arrived in Ireland, and in 1196, they made their first claim on Connacht when the province was granted to William de Burgo. In 1230, William’s son, Richard de Burgo, clashed with the Gaelic Irish in Galway but was forced to retreat. He returned in 1232 and constructed the first stone castle in Galway. By 1235, Richard had successfully conquered the entire province of Connacht. His son, Walter de Burgo, who died in the Galway castle in 1271, is credited with establishing the walled town of Galway. Around 1270, Walter granted the citizens their first mural charter, giving them the right to levy tolls on goods to fund the construction of the town’s defensive walls.

The ‘Tribes of Galway’—a term said to have been coined by Cromwellian forces—refers to the 14 merchant families who effectively governed Galway from the 15th to 17th centuries. These fourteen families were primarily of English or Welsh origin, part of the original Anglo-Norman settlement, though the Kirwans and Darcys were of Gaelic descent. Despite their roots, the families gradually integrated into the predominantly Gaelic area, adopting local customs and traditions.

These settlers played a crucial role in Galway’s growth, commissioning public and religious buildings and expanding trade networks. They thrived through commerce with the Gaelic hinterland, Europe, and later the Americas, shaping the town’s economy and society. In addition to their involvement in governance and church affairs, the families built grand houses filled with lavish furnishings, reflecting their wealth and influence. Galway is now known as the ‘City of the Tribes’ after these families.

Landed Estates

The 18th century in Galway was a peaceful period, with the upper-class, landowning Protestants shifting from building defensive castles to constructing grand houses and manors throughout the county. Traces of this architectural transition can still be seen today—Aughnanure Castle, a 15th-century tower house, stands as a testament to earlier times, while Portumna Castle is a fine example of a 17th-century fortified house built by the local Clanricarde Burkes. However, this era was also marked by deep inequality, and like much of Connacht, Galway was devastated by the Great Famine of 1845, during which thousands perished and many more emigrated in search of a better life.