Experience the broad spectrum of Galway’s spectacular offerings with a guided tour. See the city and county through the eyes of an expert and discover all its stunning offers from Galway’s food and drink scene to its dramatic landscapes and heritage. Discover our top picks of which tours you should experience during your visit to Galway right here.
St Nicholas Collegiate Church
For over 700 years, St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church has stood tall in the heart of Galway city. The church has been described as a treasure trove of Galway history, and their tours are now considered an essential experience for locals and tourists alike. St Nicholas’ Church, while also a place of worship for many, is open to all for guided and self guided audio tours throughout the building. During the tours, you will walk through a visual timeline of the significant events that have taken place in Galway. The tours demonstrate the incredible span and depth of Galway’s history. The bell tower is also included in some church tours. Historians for the church encourage everyone to step inside, and get a glimpse into what Galway once was, and in many ways is still today. More than a place of worship and sacrament, visiting St. Nicholas’ Church is an opportunity to transport yourself back to where it all began. Tour tickets are available at the welcome desk or through their website at the link below.
Church Lane, Galway City / book your tour here
above: photo by Ciarán MacChoncarriage
Pedal Power Galway
Pedal Power is a fun, alternative way for you to explore Galway city and Salthill by cycling on novel multi person bikes. It gives all visitors a unique and novel way to experience ‘the best of Galway’ on a social and environmentally friendly pedal powered bike. Pedal Power provides cycling historical pub crawl tours around Galway, with options of three bikes, two 15-seaters and a smaller 6-seater bike. Depending upon which tour you choose, you can also make stops at a few bars along the way for refreshments. On your holidays, this is a fantastic way for you to bond and enjoy the city's sights with all your favourite music playing via their Bluetooth speaker as you pedal.
Starting point at The Harbour Hotel (unless otherwise arranged) / book your tour here
above: photo courtesy of Pedal Power
Ahascragh Distillery
Built within a restored nineteenth century mill, guests can taste and tour their way around the state-of-the-art Ahascragh Distillery, exploring whiskey and gin production from grain to glass and the history of an old mill. In early 2024, Ahascragh Distillery announced a significant milestone for sustainability in the Irish drinks industry as they welcome Ireland’s first zero energy emissions spirit, New Born. This is truly a massive achievement so if you’re curious about how they managed to produce it and want to learn all the fascinating ways they are shaking up Ireland’s drinks industry be sure to join them on one of their distillery guided tours. These tours are fully guided and finish with a tasting of their award-winning whiskeys and gin, creating memories and tastes that will linger long after your visit.
Chapel St, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe / book your tour here
above: photo courtesy of Ahascragh Distillery
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens
If Kylemore Abbey hasn’t made it to your Galway must-visits list, add it asap! Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of Connemara', Kylemore Abbey is a haven of tranquillity, history, nature and romance. To dive into the full story of Kylemore join the knowledgeable and friendly Abbey Guides on one of their complimentary daily history talks at 11am, 12pm, 2pm, and 3pm to hear the story from the Abbey’s beginnings in the 1840’s as a romantic gift, to becoming home to the Benedictine Community in 1920. If you are travelling with children they will receive the History Hunter Map and be encouraged to embark on a hunt for all the treasures Kylemore has to offer. Once completed they will receive a History Hunter Certificate.
Kylemore, Connemara / book your tour here
above: photo courtesy of Kylemore Abbey
Galway Food Tours
Experience Galway’s flourishing food scene like a true Galwegian with the experienced guides and absolute foodies at Galway Food Tours. During their tours you will get to experience fabulous flavours by artisan producers, cheese makers, creative beer projects, artisan chocolatiers, and visit a blend of traditional family run businesses and young entrepreneurs with devotion and commitment to showcase the best of Irish produce. Not to mention you’ll also be sampling some seriously delicious local fare all along the way! They have a variety of tours available, however if it’s your first time in Galway we recommend their Welcome to the Neighbourhood tour, as this will give you the opportunity to ramble through Galway’s neighbourhoods and experience life like a local.
Galway City / book your tour here
above: photo courtesy of Galway Food Tours
Walking Galway Tours
Led by Conor, Walking Galway Tours is a business with a passion for exploring new places and sharing those experiences with others. Their tours are filled with fun and flare and their stories delve through Galway’s fascinating history from its culture to the character of its people. The range of tours they offer include; Instant Galway - A tour that will tell you all you need to know to make the most of your time in Galway, from its colourful past to its vibrant present! And Story Galway - This tour offers a more in-depth look at Galway's origins, to its culture and its wonderful character and characters through stories, spun with history and local lore.
25 Eyre Square / book your tour here
Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co
The independent artisan brewery, Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co. is dedicated to the production of high quality, natural full flavoured beers. A pioneer of the modern craft beer movement, Galway Hooker is Ireland’s third-oldest independent brewery and the oldest existing brewery in Connacht. You’ll find their beers on tap and bottled in bars across Galway city and county as well as nationwide. If you would consider yourself a lover of craft beer this may be the perfect tour for you as they offer a guided look behind the scenes of the brewing process with an up-close look at the raw ingredients used to make Galway Hooker Beer. On the tour you’ll receive a drink on arrival as well as a Galway Hooker craft flight tasting board. If that sounds good to you, hit the link below to begin the booking process.
Carrowmoneash, Deerpark Industrial Estate, Oranmore / book your tour here
above: photo courtesy of Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Co
Thomas Faherty Tours
Providing unforgettable guided island experiences, Thomas Faherty Tours gives visitors the chance to see everything the largest isle of the Aran Islands has to offer the traditional way - via a pony and trap tour! Thomas knows all the ins and outs of Inis Mór ensuring you get the most out of your time on the island. These tours really are the ultimate insider’s guide as you will get to hear wonderful stories and interesting facts on the island’s history, all while taking in the amazing surroundings at a picture-friendly pace. No matter whether you wish for a private tour for two or an afternoon jaunt for ten, a tour can be arranged that accommodates your plans.
Inis Mór, Aran Islands / book your tour here
above: photo courtesy of Thomas Faherty Tours
Galway Hooker Workshop & Boat Tour
We strongly feel that a visit to Galway would not be complete without seeing and learning the history behind the Galway Hooker sailing boats – the traditional wooden fishing boats that are synonymous with Galway since the 1800’s. This tour provided by the Galway Bay Boat Tours will include a 1 hour motorboat trip with Ciaran around Claddagh as he talks about life in the old fishing village where he and his ancestors grew up as well as a trip to the Galway Hooker workshops to see a Galway Hooker under restoration and learn about the work that has gone into their revival story.
Claddagh / book your tour here
Galway City Museum
A fantastic free way to spend an afternoon in the City of Tribes is at the Galway City Museum. If you can plan your visit in advance we highly suggest you opt for booking their free guided tour to fully explore all the exhibitions. They have three tour options available; general, short and tailored, these tours range in length and each provide an insightful introduction to the museum at large, simply choose the tour that is best suited to your individual interests. Galway City Museum also offers a number of free resources if you’d prefer a self-guided museum experience.
Spanish Arch / book your tour here
above: photo courtesy of Galway City Museum
Galway’s Westend
The immersive tours are back for Summer 2024 allowing visitors and locals to delve into the rich tapestry of Galway’s Westend, revealing the hidden gems, unique stories, and vibrant atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination. Led by expert local guides, each walking tour will take participants on a journey of discovery, exploring the district’s rich history, captivating tales, and fascinating anecdotes. Discussing everything from its traditional Irish music venues to independent boutiques and award-winning restaurants, these tours are the ultimate way to immerse themselves in the unique ambiance that defines Galway’s Westend and get some neat recommendations too.
Galway’s Westend (start point Ravens Terrace) / book your tour here
Flaggy Shore Oyster Experience
Flaggy Shore Oysters presents a fun, interactive, educational and tasty 90-minute journey into the world of oysters in the heart of the Burren. An experience that all oyster lovers will adore, this is your chance to learn about the area’s rich history of oyster bays as well as the life cycle of an oyster, seaweeds and sea creatures of the Flaggy Shore. During the tour, your experienced guide will introduce you to the art of oyster shucking and then give you the chance to enjoy some of the famous oysters paired with a glass of specifically chosen organic wine. Please note that these tours take place every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 12pm.
New Quay Pier, Co. Clare / book your tour here
Feature photo courtesy of Galway Food Tours
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