Discover the best Galway tourist attractions in the city! If you’re looking for places to visit in Galway, or the best activities to do, this guide is for you! Whether you are visiting Galway for the first time, or a local learning to be a tourist in your own city, we’re inviting you to indulge in what makes Galway City so special! From cosying up in the perfect Aran knit to sipping on a Guinness while listening to traditional music, this is the perfect tourist guide to Galway.
Kick the wall at Blackrock
Where: Salthill Rd Lower, Blackrock Diving Tower
What: After a stroll down the Salthill Prom, mark the end of the walk by kicking the wall at Blackrock! Tradition says that a kick at the end of the walk will bring good fortune. Join in with the locals and give the wall a light kick, who knows it could bring good luck and make your trip to Galway that much better.
Enjoy a pint of Guinness
Where: O’Connell’s Pub 8 Eyre Square; Tigh Neachtains 17 Cross Street Upper
What: Galway is known for its incredible pubs. Get a pint of Guinness and split the ‘G’ in one of Galway’s incredible pubs. To split the ‘G’, take one big sip of your Guinness. The line between the dark stout and the white head should split the ‘G’ in the word ‘Guinness’ on your glass. We recommend O’Connell’s Pub or Tigh Neachtains (outdoor seating).
Get a Claddagh Ring
Where: Thomas Dillions Claddagh Ring 1 Quay Street; Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Company 1 Quay Lane
What: The Claddagh ring is a token of love, loyalty and friendship. It also has its origins rooted in Galway! The ring is an iconic symbol of Ireland. It features two hands holding a crowned heart. The heart stands for love, the crown for loyalty and the hands for friendship. If you are in a relationship, wear the ring with the heart facing inward to symbolise being taken. If you are single, wear the ring with the heart facing outward to symbolise you’re open to love! You can find an authentic claddagh at Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Company, or Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Ring.
Photo courtesy of Irelands Content Pool
Cosy up in an Aran Sweater from Designs of Ireland
Where: 2 Cross Street Lower
What: Is there anything more Irish than a cosy Aran Knit sweater? Luckily when you’re in Galway there’s a sweater shop on pretty much every corner. We love to shop local at This is Galway, so we suggest you explore the beautiful knits at Designs of Ireland on Cross Street. Here in the little store front you’ll find an abundance of knitwear. From sweaters and scarves to slippers and caps, there’s something for everyone.
Listen to trad music in Tig Chóilí
Where: Mainguard St
What: There’s nothing better than settling into a snug with a pint in one of Galway’s many pubs and listening to the incredible live traditional music pour out across the room. Galway is brimming with some of the best trad musicians in Ireland, and you can find a trad sesh at just about any pub in the city. For an incredibly authentic tourist activity in Galway City, we recommend you get to Tig Chóilí. The live sessions are on at 6pm and 9:30pm weekdays. Over the weekend you can catch one at 6 pm and 10 pm on Saturday, and 2:30pm, 6 pm and 9 pm on Sundays.
Take an Irish Dance lesson
Where: Galway's Westend
What: For a truly unique tourist activity in Galway city, The Irish Dance Experience offers an immersive journey into Ireland’s rich dance heritage in a lively, friendly, and inclusive setting! This is a fun and lively way to spend a day in Galway. Sessions are tailored to ensure an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere. No prior dance experience is needed—just a willingness to have fun and embrace the culture!
Take a stroll down the Long Walk
Where: The Long Walk
What: The Long Walk is one of the most iconic views of Galway City. The colourful row of houses have inspired many artists, songs and photographers. You’ll find the Long Walk just behind the Spanish Arch (another iconic Galway landmark) Take a walk down the row of houses by Galway Bay and soak up the incredible vibrant views. If you’re hoping to snap a pic of the Long Walk, we suggest you view from Middle Arch.
Go ‘Sparching’ in the summertime
Where: The Spanish Arch
What: When the sun is shining in Galway, we say go sparching! If you want to blend in with the locals, grab a few cans from a nearby off licence and head to the Spanish Arch. Sit in the sun, have a few drinks and soak up the Galway atmosphere! Sparching is an incredibly important summertime activity for many Galwegains. There’s just something special about taking advantage of the sunshine and having a beverage or two with such a beautiful view. (Remember to enjoy it responsibly!)
Go for a dip in the Ocean
Where: Blackrock Diving Tower, Ladies Beach
What: Rain or shine, you’ll always find people at Blackrock Diving Tower going for a sea swim. It sounds crazy, we know, but swimming in Blackrock is one of our favourite tourist activities in Galway city. The water is crisp and frigid all year round, but a dip in the ocean is such a lovely way to spend a morning, evening or afternoon in Galway. We encourage you to be brave, go around high-tide, and jump off the diving tower!
Photo Courtesy of Chaosheng Zhang
Try a '99
Where: The Creamery, The Promenade, Salthill
What: After your swim, if the sun is shining, call into The Creamery in Salthill for a classic ‘99. The soft serve ice cream cone with a chocolate flake is a pillar of a Galway summertime scene. You can also find places to get a ‘99 all around town! The Centras, Spars, etc…
Experience a night of Celtic Storytelling
Where: The Crane Bar, Galway’s Westend
What: If you’re looking for an evening of storytelling, magic and fable ‘Celtic Tales Storytelling’ will be right up your alley. Rab Fulton is an expert storyteller, weaving together fantastic tales rooted in Celtic myth and tradition. You can hear these stories every week on Thursday in the candle lit upstairs of the Crane Bar in Galway’s Westend. In the summer, the show takes place two nights per week. If you want to learn more about Celtic Tales Storytelling you can find their Instagram here.
Feature Image by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
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