The 9 things to do in Galway

Visit Galway: What are the best things to do and see in the "Cité des Tribus"?

Regularly known as the "Ireland's Most Irish" city, this coastal city is a place where Celtic culture and literature have long prospered, often in the traditional Gaelic language. But today, you are just as likely to hear from Spanish, Polish, or Japanese in the crowded streets of Galway , this increasingly international university city (the National University of Ireland is here).

While autumn is less frequented than tourist summer, cultural festivals Galway continue to animate the city attracting many visitors through international and local festivals throughout the year. Of course, the famous pubs animated by Galway are open every day to take a good pint and a little craic (irish slang for "good time")!

You'll find some ideas to visit Galway and know what to do in this city:

1. Old town

Visit the medieval Galway simply by walking around the streets. Most of the centre is pedestrian. « Medieval », for what remains, since everything is hidden or almost: start with the Browne Doorway on Eyre Square and then head to Shop Street to pass in front of Lynch’s Castle (now a bank). We then find nearby the St. Nicholas Church , the largest medieval church in Ireland. Continue to the direction of Corrib to fall on the Spanish Arche , testimony of Galway's commercial past. Astonishingly, you will admire the most beautiful part of the city walls in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre . You will not forget the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Galway, much more imposing than the Church of St. Nicholas.

2. Claddagh

Claddagh was once a fishing village, just outside the walls of the old town. It is on the other side of the river, after the Spanish Arch, which was the location of the fish market and seafood in which the inhabitants came to make their purchases. Today, the Claddagh is popular with tourists from all over the world who come to see the bay and the magnificent view. Many fishermen still live here and continue to live the old traditions. Claddagh is also famous for its ring that is designed here.

3. Galway Museum

You can’t miss it, its new architecture contrasts with the Spanish Arch. The Galway City Museum tells the story of the city of Galway of the Invasion Vikings today, and exposes all kinds of cultural objects related to the city. Very interesting and free .

4. pubs and nightlife

Very student, the nightlife in Galway is also tripoding. Go to several of the pubs (institutions in Ireland) to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and meet. Some of the pubs are mythical here. You will attend Irish group mini-concerts.

5. The Connemara

Galway is the front door to Connemara National Park , then why deprive yourself of such a chance? The exceptional nature of this region and the beauty of the landscapes will cut your breath. Go for a day or two to explore the mountains Inagh Valley or Maumturk Mountains lakes (including Derryclare Lough , one of the most beautiful), and take the Sky Road to pass through beautiful villages. You'll certainly come across Irish speaking the Gaelic.

6. The Aran Islands

Enjoy being in Galway to discover the three Aran Islands , gaelic lands 18km from the Irish coasts, which have many vestiges of the Iron Age as forts, walls, etc... but also magnificent cliffs, including that of Inishmore .

7. Kylemore Abbey

Located in the Connemara, the Kylemore Abbey , which is glued to the Kylemore Castle, is a Gothic architectural masterpiece that was built by the rich Henri Mitchell in the tribute to his wife and daughter who died. The visit and view with Kylemore Lake is really worth a visit.

8. The Cliffs of Moher

It takes about 1h30 by car to go to the Moher cliffs, but leaves to be in the region (although they are in the County of Clare), so go see the most beautiful cliffs in Ireland! The starting point is at the Tour O’Brien , but if you like the spot, you can walk along the 8 km of cliffs. They overlook the Atlantic Ocean up to 214 m high. Be careful because it is Ireland’s most visited natural site, and more than a million tourists go there every year. So there will be a world...

9. Salthill

Walk along the coastline on Salthill! This is an ideal walk to stroll and recover after a tour of the pubs of the day before.

How to get to Galway?

Galway is very poorly served (not at all, only in the season), so you will have to arrive by bus or car. Best to land at Dublin, Cork or Knock airports. Search for your cheap flight to one of these three destinations Ulysses .

Where to stay in Galway?

Galway is not a big city, so it won’t be difficult to decide on them areas where to stay in Galway ! To find a cheap hotel in Galway, search our website Compare hotels .

Other sites are also to be seen, especially for reading lovers. Have you been to Galway? What did you visit who is not on this list?