walking tour galway ireland

Galway Trails

Walking Tours of Galway

Guided Tours of historic Galway city and its scenic surroundings with Jim Ward, a qualified Fáilte Ireland / Irish Tourist Board Regional Tour Guide.

Walking Tours – Siúlóidí

Walks around galway city – siúlóidí timpeall na cathrach.

Galway 1916 Tour

Connemara, Aran & Burren

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Try A Galway Walking Tour

Join Jim Ward on an enjoyable walkabout of Galway’s medieval town . Find out about the world-famous Claddagh ring, ‘Humanity Dick’ Martin and Galway’s many festivals. Explore Galway’s unique Irish culture, its bi-lingual city status with Jim, a Gaeilgeóir (Irish speaker).

Along the way, visit iconic Galway landmarks such as Eyre Square , Lynch’s Castle, St Nicholas’ Church, The King’s Head pub, and Spanish Arch . Learn why they have such significance beyond Galway and Ireland.

Walk along the River Corrib, fastest flowing in Europe, to Galway Cathedral and university, or take Jim’s historic tour of 1916 Galway around the county.

Experience Galway, midpoint of the Wild Atlantic Way , capital of the province of Connacht and of the Gaeltacht where Irish is the predominant tongue, gateway to the West and to Connemara . Jim’s knowledge of Irish placenames is handy here…tá sé líofa sa teanga – he is fluent in Irish!

Join Jim on a trip there or to the Aran islands , or south to the Burren and world-famous Cliffs of Moher .

Enjoy a quick tour if you have an hour to spare, or take a full day out. Bain sult as turas san Iarthiar.

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Galway for First-Timers

With a rich historic heritage and compact size, Galway is best to visit on foot. With this s elf-guided walking tour of Galway , explore the medieval streets and historic monuments of this bustling capital of the West of Ireland.

This itinerary will take you to Galway’s not-to-be-missed attractions, including the vibrant Latin Quarter filled with colourful pubs and boutiques, the city’s modern cathedral and the magnificent 19th century university. It is a great introduction to the city if you are visiting Galway for the first time.

Allocate 2 to 3 hours of your time to this tour if you want to explore shops and monuments along the way. You might even be tempted to stop for a restorative coffee and snack as you wander the cobbled streets of medieval Galway .

Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

Top Resources to Plan Your Visit to Galway City

• Getting There | Visit Aer Lingus for flights to Dublin or Shannon Airport. From Dublin, you catch the train to Galway or take the bus with Citylink . Visit Rentalcars.com for deals on car hire.
• Where to Stay | I always check booking.com for the best deals on accommodation. You can also read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor to help you make up your mind.
• Things to Do | Visit GetYourGuide and Viator for day trips from Galway.
• Internet | Avoid expensive roaming charges in Ireland with WiFiCandy .
• Further Reading | Lonely Planet Ireland is one of my favourite guides. For an extensive list of things to see in and around Galway, I recommend getting The Rough Guide to Ireland .
• Insurance | Check out Heymondo for tailor-made travel insurance.

More Travel Resources

Start Your Self-guided Walking Tour of Galway in Eyre Square

Stroll down galway’s lively latin quarter, take a walk along the river corrib, take a peek inside galway cathedral, admire the quadrangle’s splendid architecture, stop by the lynch memorial window, end your self-guided walking tour of galway at the collegiate church of st. nicholas, map of your self-guided walking tour of galwa y.

Whether you are travelling by bus or by train to Galway, chances are you will be starting your self-guided walking tour of Galway in Eyre Square . Galway train station as well as the city bus station are just around the corner from this popular meeting place.

At the heart of the city, Eyre Square is dominated by the Quincentennial Fountain , a piece of abstract art erected in 1984 for Galway’s 500th anniversary as a city. The structure represents the sails of the hooker boats, traditional fishing vessels that were in use in the area.  

On its south side, the Hardiman Hotel has been standing proudly over the square since the mid-nineteenth century. The luxurious and grand-looking hotel has been hosting celebrities and dignitaries since its opening, starting with Prince Louis Napoleon of France in 1857. 

West of the square, you will find the entrance to the Eyre Square Centre, Galway’s main shopping centre. Further up the street, the Skeffington Arms Hotel has welcomed hungry passers-by to for some hearty pub food and drinks since 1850. 

As you leave Eyre Square by Williamsgate Street and head towards Shop Street, you enter the medieval part of the city. The pedestrian neighbourhood stretching from Shop Street to the left bank of the river Corrib is now known as the Latin Quarter . Filled with craft shops, boutique, cafés, pubs and buskers singing their hearts out, it is the most vibrant part of Galway.

The name “Latin Quarter” refers to medieval Galway which prospered up to the 17th century thanks to successful trade routes with the Iberia peninsula. The name was officially adopted by the neighbourhood in 2009.

As you stroll down the Latin Quarter’s cobbled streets, enjoy the pubs’ colourful facades that compete for your attention. Bright red, green or yellow, their quirkiness attracts countless visitors each year and are the perfect background for your pictures.

The area is also famous for its Claddagh ring jewellers. The traditional Irish ring, symbol of love, loyalty and friendship, is said to have been born in Galway some 300 years ago. Wander into some of the many shops selling the quintessential Irish jewellery, and you’ll perhaps be tempted to buy the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.  

Amongst interesting landmarks to be found in the Latin Quarter during your self-guided walking tour of Galway is Lynch’s Castle . Located at the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, the building’s architecture is absolutely striking. Lynch’s Castle is a great example of a 16th century fortified house. Adorned with magnificent carved windows and gargoyles, it was built by the Lynches, one of the 14 merchant families who receiving governing powers from Richard II in 1396. These powerful families were to be known as the 14 Tribes of Galway.

As you make your way to the bottom of the Latin Quarter, you will find the Spanish Arch on the bank of the River Corrib. The extraordinarily thick arches, built at the end of the 16th century, were an extension of the town wall to protect the quays from attacks. The Spanish Arch is a vivid reminder of what Galway used to be in medieval times: a walled city under constant threat of incursions by Gaelic clans. Its name is thought to be a reference to the Spanish ships mooring there when Galway was an important trading post. 

Just a few metres away from the Spanish Arch, Galway Museum is free to explore. The museum holds long-term and temporary exhibitions. I had the chance to see their wonderful exhibition on the Gaelic society and culture of the Middle Ages. I highly recommend it.

You might also be interested in: – Bundoran: How A Remote Irish Village Turned International Surfing Destination – A Beginner’s Guide to Surfing in Lahinch Beach, Ireland – The Randles Hotel – Where to Stay in Killarney for a Luxurious Getaway in Co. Kerry

Now that you are on the bank of the River Corrib , take a moment to admire the view over the water and Galway Bay. Across from the Spanish Arch, on the other side of the river, lies the Claddagh . This modern part of Galway used to be a fishing village with thatched-roof cottages. The village gave its name to the famous ring. The cottages were unfortunately demolished at the beginning of the 20th century to make way for modern housing.

Only 6 kilometres long, the River Corrib is a short but powerful river that surges through the city and owes its name to Lough Corrib, a lake north of Galway. Three bridges span the river in the inner city. The first one is the Wolf Tone Bridge directly on your right.

From there, you can follow a walking path along the river that would lead you to the second and third bridge, the Salmon Weir Bridge . The path makes for a quick but exhilarating walk along the rushing water of the River Corrib. If you are lucky, you could even see some wildlife. I caught sight of a graceful heron standing still in the water, on the lookout for its next meal.

Once arrived at the Salmon Weir Bridge, your next stop can’t be more obvious. Standing on the opposite side of the bridge, the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, also known as Galway Cathedral , is free to visit.

Built in the 1960s, the cathedral of Galway is one of the last cathedrals to be built in Europe. The Gaol Road at the back of the building is a reminder that it was erected on the site of a former prison.

Its modern architecture has brought criticism, some calling it frankly “ugly”. Mixing different styles, the imposing building will certainly not leave people indifferent. Whatever your first impression is, don’t be fooled by its rather stern exterior.

Once inside, the nave is large and airy. Flanked by round arches drawing from the Romanesque tradition, the slightly curved, wooden ceiling contrasts with the grey limestone of the walls. The wooden pews echo the ceiling, bringing light and warmth to a building that could have been otherwise cold and joyless.

Eyes are drawn to the magnificent Renaissance dome framed by four angels spreading their wings all around it. Above the northern wall, a colourful rose window is framed by a pipe organ spanning the entire length of the wall, a modern piece of art floating in the air.

From Galway Cathedral, follow University Road for just 500 metres, and you will soon catch a glimpse of the University of Galway ’s oldest building. Known as the Quadrangle because of its shape, it was built in bold Tudor Gothic architectural style. Its construction started in 1846, and the building welcomed its first students in 1849.

Founded as Queen’s College, the Quadrangle was modelled on Christ Church college at the University of Oxford. The rectangular building can be entered freely through an archway found on the East Wing, underneath a clock tower crowned by a green copper dome.

Inside the courtyard, you are left to face the stunning architecture surrounding you from all corners. The Aula Maxima , or Great Hall, occupies the centre of the West Wing, whose facade disappears under a thick blanket of ivy framing a splendid arched window. It is flanked with two thin octagonal towers crowned with copper, while arcades extend to both ends of the West Wing.

Wherever you look, the splendid building surrounds you with history, the ivy creeping around doors and windows, giving the place a timeless atmosphere. In keeping with its historic environment, an old lamppost borrowed from black and white movies, stands right at the centre of the courtyard, providing the final touch to this romantic place.

Now retrace your steps back to the cathedral and cross once again the Salmon Weir Bridge. Turn right after the bridge on Newtownsmith. Walk for another 5 to 10 minutes and take a right on Market Street. Here you will find the Lynch Memorial Window .

At first glance, what looks like the remains of an old house is in fact a monument to a rather spooky event that may, or may not, have happened in 15th century Galway. 

The story goes that in 1493 Walter, the son of James Lynch FitzStephen, mayor of Galway, was found guilty of murdering a Spanish merchant who has his eyes set upon Walter’s girlfriend.

Unable to find someone to carry out the death penalty, it is told that the principled mayor of Galway hung his son himself from a window of his own house. Although the house was not located in Market Street, the original window is said to be the one featured in the monument placed here in the 19th century. The ominous skull and crossbones carved under the window give the place a hair-rising touch that will stay with you for a little while.

True story or not, the fate of Walter Lynch, killed by his own father, gave us the well-known expression “to lynch someone”. 

At the back of the Lynch Memorial Monument, you will find Ireland’s largest medieval parish church . Founded in 1320, it is dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of sailors. In 1477, Christopher Columbus prayed here as he visited Galway.

As you will see from the outside, the central part of the church has an unusual roof consisting of three pitched roofs. In the 16th century, the church was extended with two side aisles to the nave by the Frenches and the Lynches, two of the 14 Tribes of Galway, hence the church’s curious shape.

You are welcome to take a peek inside the church, which is open every day. Avoid service time though, so as to not disturb the parishioners. You will find interesting monuments and memorials, including the church’s oldest tomb dating from the 13th century.

Looking for guided-tours to learn more about Galway?

Check out this selection of top-rated tours, you might find something that fits your needs and interests :

If you are visiting Galway for the first time, exploring the city on foot should be on your to-do list. This self-guided walking tour of Galway should come handy if you wish to familiarize yourself with this charming city full of life and history. Galway is no doubt a popular destination, and for good reasons, so make sure to book your accommodation early if you are planning to stay the night. 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.   If you click on a link, I earn a little money at no extra cost to you.

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2 comments on “ a self-guided walking tour of galway for first-timers ”.

Fabulous walking tour of Galway. Very informative too. Thanks so much.

Glad you enjoyed Galway!

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THE 10 BEST Galway Walking Tours

Walking tours in galway.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Walking and Tasting Tour of Galway City

2. Tour & Taste Galway Food Tour

3. Cliffs of Moher walk with local farmer. Clare. Guided. 3 hours.

4. The Dark History Tour of Galway City

5. Medieval Galway Tour

6. Discover Galway City Walking Tour

7. Galway Historic Walking Tour

8. Historical group Tour of Galway

9. Galway Private Walking Tour

10. Small-Group Morning Walking Tour of Galway

11. Galway City Walking Tour

12. Galway Gourmet Adventure: A Culinary Odyssey

13. Galway's City Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

14. Galway City on Foot with Seán: Stories, History, Local Tips, Chat and More..

15. Galway City Walking Tour with Local Guide

16. Claddagh Guided Walking Tour in Galway with Free Claddagh Ring

17. Explore Galway City Walking Tour

18. Photography Tour of Galway with an Instagram Influencer

19. Galway Dark Tour

20. Abalone farm tour and tasting with coastal seaweed walk. Guided. 2 hours

21. A taste of the Craic: A self-guided tour exploring Galway's local gastronomy

22. Connemara’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Journey from Galway

23. Outdoor Walking Tour in Wonderful Walls of Galway City

24. Galway’s Historical Gems: A Walk Through Time

25. HerGalway Walking Tour

26. Galway’s Timeless Treasures: A Family Adventure

27. Historic Walk Tour of Galway plus 90min Sightseeing Cruise

28. Private Irish Whiskey & Galway Spirits Tour from Galway

29. Private visit in an Irish Castle Home

30. Galway Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

What travelers are saying.

• The Legendary Walking Tour of Galway
• The Welcome to Galway Walking Tour
• Walking and Tasting Tour of Galway City
• The Dark Tour of Galway City
• Cliffs of Moher walk with local farmer. Clare. Guided. 3 hours.
• Lally Tours - Day Tours
• Galway Tour Company
• Tribes Tours of Galway
• Tour & Taste Galway
• Ireland Wild Escapes
• Galway City Walking Tours
• Liam Silke - Walking Tour Guide
• Ireland West Chauffeurs
• Experience Galway
• Galway on Foot - Walking Tours of Galway City
• Galway City Tours

Galway on Foot

History and storytelling, “excellent, fun and relaxed” - lonely planet ireland, “a tremendous storyteller… 10/10 would recommend.” - tripadvisor review, 2022.

Seán’s been welcoming people to Galway since 2005…

In that time, his walking tour has developed into a unique blend of compelling history, engaging storytelling and helpful tips, all presented with warmth and humour during a leisurely stroll through Galway’s beautiful medieval city centre.

“The most informative, funny, and downright passionate walking tour I've had in a long time... Sean's personality is so magnetic you just want to spend the rest of the day with him." - Tripadvisor Review

With his inexhaustible passion for storytelling and history, let Seán take you on an entertaining, engaging and informative stroll through the story and stories of this wonderful little city, all topped off with tips on where to eat and drink, and things to see and do during your stay.

“Seán is a gifted story teller and a mountain of knowledge.”

Tripadvisor Review, 2022

“I can think of no better way to begin a visit to Galway or Ireland.. Don't miss it if you visit Galway!” - Tripadvisor Review

Arthur McGuire Tours

Guided Walking Tours of Galway, Ireland

Welcome to Arthur McGuire Tours!

Galway Walking Tours from an Accredited Regional Tour Guide

A native and lifelong resident of the historic Claddagh area of Galway, Arthur is an accredited regional tour guide with Fáilte Ireland (the official Irish tourism board). Arthur specialises in offering small-group walking tours through the heart of medieval Galway City, detailing the City's fascinating history from the year 1230 to present!

Tour highlights include:

Eyre Square / John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

The Browne Doorway

The Lynch Memorial Window

The Hall of the Red Earl

St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church

Lynch's Castle

Spanish Arch

Galway Cathedral

University of Galway

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Galway Walking Tour Map and Top Attractions

Over 40 things to do in galway ireland, download the galway walking tour map and use the attractions guide to visit the top sites in galway as part of the galway self guided walking tour.

Use the Galway Walking Tour Map below and the self guided walking tour attractions guide for top things to do in Galway. A complete guide to castles, galleries, square and shopping streets. Follow the walking route to explore central Galway in at your own place and spend a few hours or a full day. Visit all the sites or some of the sites based on your personal preference to create your own private Galway self guided walking tour .

The shaded orange area in the Galway walking tour map below outlines the Latin Quarter boundary and the pink shaded area is the outline of the Galway Saturday Market. Click on the arrow icon to the left of the title to display the legend with additional information, images and videos. Click on the Galway attractions map pins (blue pins) on the interactive Galway walking tour map below, or on the legend or the PDF Galway tourist map that you download for additional information including images of the attraction

Accompanying guide Galway Ireland Self Guided Walking Tour Map is HERE

Galway has a fascinating history, it’s cobblestone streets, street buskers, medieval fortified walls, markets, pubs and vibrant city life along the canal makes it a favorite local seaside destination. Galway City is a treat if you are visiting the west coast of Ireland

Instructions to download the interactive Galway Self guided walking tour map are at the end of the post

To download the PDF of the Galway Ireland Self Guided Walking Tour map click HERE

Galway ireland things to do using the walking tour map.

If you do not have a lot of time in the city, experience the following Galway Ireland top things to do:

• Use the map above and take the Galway Self Guided Walking Tour. Spend time in the central Latin Quarter
• Galway Christmas Market
• Stop by Spanish Arch and take the “Old Long Walk” along the harbour
• Discover the Popular  Galway Quay Street
• Explore the medieval cobblestone street of Kirwan Lane
• Experience the main square in Central Galway City; Galway Eyre Square
• Tour Lynch Castle & Visit the Memorial Window
• Shop at Shop Street
• Grab a meal at one of the hundreds of pubs in Galway City
• Take a ferry for a day trip to Aran Islands , check out the numerous Galway Ireland day trips below

Easy to use map of Galway Ireland Attractions. Use the map with the corresponding attractions guide for your personal self guided walking tour of Galway

Click on the Galway self guided PDF Map Image above for the Guide to the Galway walking tour map

Galway ireland day trips.

AS well as using the map and taking the Galway self guided walking tour, there are a number of day trips you can take from the city and they can easily be accessed by local bus from the main bus station at Eyre Square. Check the Galway Ireland Map above for the main Galway bus station that is part of the Irish Rail Station. The top Galway Ireland day trips include:

• Drive, take a bus or a tour to the Cliffs of Moher (Bus Eireann #350 from Eyre Sqyare)
• Combine a tour trip to Cliffs of Moher with a stop at the Burren
• Explore the karst landscape of Burren (Bus #51 from Eyre Square) to Crusheen. Take a taxi from Crusheen to Burren National Park , the taxi fare will be about 30 euros one-way
• Take the ferry or a tour to the Aran islands Ines Mór). The ferry ticket office is in Galway City close to the Spanish Arch. To get to the ferry port take bus #524 from Eyre Square which will take you to Rossaveal Port where you can catch the ferry to Ines Mór
• Visit the quaint village of Doolin, then take a ferry from Doolin. To get to Doolin, take Bus #350 from Eyre Square. Catch the ferry from Doolin Pier to any of the Aran Islands or Walk the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin
• Lahinch is a popular surfing beach with the locals. From Doolin take Bus #350 (if you are in Galway you can catch it from Eyre Square) to Lahinch. The Lanhich bus stop is just past the village of Doolin. Lahinch Beach is a 1 min walk from the bus stop
• Take a tour or drive to Connemara National Park. Take bus #419 from Eyre Square towards Letterfrack/Veldons. It is a 3 hour journey that will drop you about 1km (15min walk) from the Connemara Park Visitor Center
• Visit Killary Fjord, take Bus #419 from Eyre Square to Leenaun. Take a taxi to Nancy’s point, it should cost about 10 eruos and take 5 minute (3 km’s away)
• Climb Croag Patrick Mountain, Ireland’s holiest mountain dedicated to St Patrick who lived on the mountain as a slave from the age of 16 to 22
• Take a trip to the seaside town of Westport
• Visit some of the picturesque villages nearby including Cong, Leenaun, Kenmare, or Adare
• Take a trip to Kylemore Abbey (Bus Eireann #419)
• Stop by the Galway Tourist Office at Forster St, Galway, H91 C9Y3, Ireland for additional information or details

Best Time to Visit Galway Ireland

The best time to visit is between June and September when its warm and many of the outdoor attractions are open. This is the peak tourist season where prices are high and activity is at its peak. The Galway self guided walking tour map can be used year-round however some key activities between June and September include: – The fun-filled Galway Food Festival is in April – Galway International Arts Festival in July – Galway Film Festival in July – Summer Festival – Galway Races in July / August – The very popular Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival in September – The Galway Christmas market will be open in November and December

From November to January it gets colder and temperatures can drop to below freezing however it rarely snows. February to May is the spring season where temperatures warm up from 40’s in February to 60’s (fahrenheit) in May

Quick Facts about Galway Ireland

• Galway is the second most popular destination in Ireland with 2.027 million visitors in 2018
• With a population of over 75,000 it is the third largest city in Ireland
• Galway City is the origin of the world famous Claddagh ring symbolizing love and friendship
• The Galway Hooker is a special boat to counter the strong winds, it was developed in Galway and you may see these docked at Galway Bay
• The famous Aran Sweaters are brought to Galway from the Aran Islands which lie 30 miles off the coast
• Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, is a graduate of the National University of Ireland
• 10% of Irish speaking citizens live in Galway, it is the “Cultural Heart of Ireland”
• Featured in songs by Bing Crosby ( Galway Bay ) and Ed Sheeran (Galway Girl)
• It is the birthplace of Peter O’Toole born in Connemara, his birth name is Peter Seamus Lorcan O’Toole (Star of Lawrence of Arabia)

Use the map to complete the Galway walking tour, then visit additional attractions around Galway

• Galway to Cliffs of Moher , ( public transport Bus Eirean route 350 to Cliffs of Moher Coach Park )
• Galway to Doolin , ( public transport Bus Eirean route 350 to Doolin Hotel . Explore Doolin village and walk from Doolin village to Cliffs of Moher Cliff Walk
• Galway to Aran Islands ( public transport Bus Eirean route 424 to Rossaveal Ferry port , then take the ferry to Aran Islands)
• Galway to Burren National Park, Bus 51 (bust stop to disembark is Crusheen, stop 357931, then a 21m taxi ride to the park

Attractions around Ireland

• visit the Cliffs of Moher , Aran Islands , and The Burren .
• Or visit attractions over 100 additional attractions (including Games of Thrones sites) in Ireland and the spectacular Glens of Antrim

If you travel from Galway to Dublin, these three walking tour map and guide will help you explore central Dublin on foot:

• Self Guided Walk Tour  Walk 1  – Top 18 Attractions, guide to  Dublin City Center , North of the River Liffey Dublin
• Dublin Self Guided Walking Tour Walk 2  – Top 16 attractions, guide to attractions South of the River Liffey, including the  Temple Bar Region ,
• Dublin Self Guided Walking Tour Walk 3  – Top 16 attractions, guide to  Historic Dublin

Public Transportation from Galway to Dublin

• Use Irish Rail and take the train from Galway Cleannt Station in Eyre Square, to Dublin Heuston station in Dublin to central Galway, it takes about 2.5 hours and has 8 stops along the way
• City Links – City Links website has a travel planner and you can purchase your ticket online
• Bus Éireann – Expressway bus number 20X on Bus Éireann , book and purchase online
• The journey planner is a great tool to assist with public transportation routes across Ireland The planner will give you rail and bus options or a combination for travel in Ireland

Ireland Highlights:

Complete list below.

• Getting around Ireland – Using Public Transportation in Ireland
• Cliffs of Moher – A very popular tour, a complete guide to the 16 attractions along the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
• Doolin – A quaint popular village in County Clare. Stop overnight and walk to the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin or enjoy the many other attractions in and around Doolin
• The Ring of Kerry – A spectacular 111 mile scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula. Start at either Kenmare or Killarney for a circular route of three hours without stops. Jaw dropping views of the Atlantic ocean, charming villages and wild sweeping mountains makes this a popular must see attraction in Ireland. Use the map and attractions for the complete self guided tour of the Ring of Kerry
• The Dingle Peninsula – It is a 30 mile long clockwise loop that takes about 4 hours to complete. The area is the bedrock of Irish culture with signs in many villages and towns indicating that Irish is the predominant language in the area. The picturesque landscape includes rolling hills, craggy shorelines and sandy beaches. The PDF map and attractions guide explores the attractions of the Dingle Peninsula
• The Ring of Beara – An 85 mile circular route, similar to Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, however it is far less travelled. In that sense, it is a better drive as there are far less cars on the road. I found the Ring of Beara far more dramatic than either the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula. It is not as popular because the tourist buses are not able to navigate the narrow roads with hairpin bends or the Healey Pass.
• Dublin Walk 1  – Top 18 Attractions, guide to  Dublin City Center , North of the River Liffey Dublin
• The Book of Kells and Trinity College in Dublin. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland with the historic Long Room,and the old library with over 200,000 of the very old books. It is the most impressive library in the world
• In Dublin visit the Little Museum of Dublin, Grafton Street, St Stephens Green and Kilmainham Goal (the prison where many rebels from the Easter Rising were held before their execution)
• Dublin Walk 3  – Top 16 attractions, guide to  Historic Old Dublin
• Galway – Use the Galway Ireland guide for a flexible and personal tour of over 40 attractions Galway City
• Aran Islands – For a truly authentic Irish experience visit the Aran Islands. They are located at the mouth of Galway Bay. You can catch a ferry from either Doolin or Rosseeval port (Shuttle from Galway to Rosseeval ferry port)
• The Glens of Antrim – Driving route for the nine Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland. The guide includes options for public transportation, walking trails in The Glens and Game of Thrones Attractions
• Over 100 Northern Ireland Attractions – Visit over 100 attractions along the east and north coast of Ireland along the Antrim and Causeway Coastal Route. Travel by car or public transport from the Mourne Mountains to Londonderry. Includes game of thrones sites, castles and walks along the route
• The Burren – Explore the karst moonscape bedrock of The Burren located in the southwest region and close to the Cliffs of Moher. Attractions in the Burren include ancient tombs, underground caves, walks on an unusual landscape and The Burren National Park

Instructions to download the interactive map to a smart phone:

Take the map with you when you travel:.

Instructions on:

• Using it offline
• Using it online – We bring one of our older smart phones when we travel and buy a local SIM card. You can purchase a local tourist SIM card from one of the main local providers, they are usually pretty inexpensive. You may need your passport to purchase as its a tourist SIM if you are an international tourist. You should have them put it in your old smartphone and check that it works before leaving the store. Use it to follow the map online, its the best way to explore

Sign into google using your Gmail account on your smart phone and be connected to the internet. If you do not sign in, this process will not work . You will be downloading this map to save it. You will be saving it in google maps in two places:

• Save in “Your Places” for online use and
• Save in “Offline map” for offline use
• Youtube instructions on link as follows: https://youtu.be/_6j9koieMsU

Instructions to save above map:

• Click on the rectangle on the top right hand side of the above map [ ] – if you move your mouse to it, it will say “view larger map”
• It will take you into google maps on your smartphone and it will automatically save this map. You must be already be signed into google maps with your Gmail account, if you are not signed into google maps then the map will not be saved
• In google maps, click on the menu which is the three horizontal lines on the top left of the google map (it is to the left of the search box)
• From the menu, click on “Your Places”. This will take you to another screen with a menu at the top. From the top menu bar select “maps”. A list of your maps will be displayed including the map that was just saved. Select the map you just saved
• Make sure the map is still onscreen; do not close out of it as you will be downloading this map and it has to be onscreen to download. While the map is onscreen, click on menu again (three horizontal lines top left hand corner)
• Select “Offline maps” then select “custom map”
• Once you select “custom map”, the onscreen map will be displayed; select the area you want downloaded (zoom in or out to get all the data points into the blue square outline; pinch fingers for zooming)
• Click on “download” – this will save the map in an offline area that you can use when you are not connected to the internet

The map is now saved in two places. To see this, click on the menu (three horizontal line on top right hand corner) in google maps:

• Click on “Your Places” from the menu, then select “Custom Map”. The map will be listed and you can use the map while connected to the internet
• Click on “Offline Maps” from the menu. The map will be listed to use the map offline ie: not connected to the internet (make sure location services is turned on and your will see the blue dot indicating your location as you navigate with the offline map)
• After you download a map, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your Internet connection is slow or absent, or if you are in “airplane mode” Google Maps will automatically use your offline maps to give you directions

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Free Galway Walking Tours

The following post provides information about the best tours in this city, including at least one Galway free walking tour.

We also include details about food tours, self-guided options, and more.

• Overview + Calendar
• Free Tours in Dublin
• Free Tours in Belfast
• Free Tours in Cork

Overview + Schedule

This is one of the larger cities in Ireland, and there are a lot of interesting things to do in Galway.

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the city is to take a Galway walking tour. 

There are a variety of walking tours available in Galway, each one providing a closer look at some of the most notable attractions in the city.

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Additional Tour Options

One of the most popular options is a pay-what-you-want walking tour, which means you can pay whatever you think the tour was worth once it is over.

These are essentially tip-based services, and most people will tip between €10 - €15 if they enjoyed the experience.

While this is an excellent option, it’s not available every day, so you might want to consider an affordable paid walking tour as an alternative.

There are also self-guided audio tours that you can take whenever you want!

In addition to the Galway walking tour options that cover the history and culture of this city, you can also learn more about the best dishes and places to eat by taking a fully guided Galway food tour.

If you’re looking for a tour that will transport you from one attraction to the next, there is also a hop-on hop-off Galway bus tour that you might want to consider.

Finally, if you’re interested in getting outside of the city for a bit, there are plenty of day trips from Galway that you might want to consider, many visiting the Cliffs of Moher!

We offer tours globally . Check out our other Irish and U.K. cities.

Galway History Walking Tours

There are a handful of different historical walking tours available in this city, and these outings are an excellent way to learn about the more interesting aspects of Galway.

One of the best history tours in the city is actually free, but there is limited availability.

Thankfully, there are a few other Galway walking tours that you might want to consider.

Here are a few of the attractions and landmarks you can expect to see on a history tour of Galway, Ireland:

• Eyre Square
• Spanish Arch
• Lynch’s Castle
• Claddagh Ring
• Medieval City Centre
• St. Nicholas’s Collegiate Church

For even more information about what to expect on these tours, keep reading below.

Galway Free Walking Tour

Departing from Spanish Arch Park, this pay-what-you-wish walking tour covers some of the most notable sites in the city, and it’s approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes in length.

This free Galway walking tour is available on Saturday and Sunday at 11 am, and it is limited in group size to just 6 people or less.

It will be important to reserve your spot on the tour well ahead of time to avoid missing out.

Reserve a spot in this Galway free walking tour or learn more .

Athas Tours | Galway City Guided Tour

This 90-minute guided walking tour covers some of the most interesting culture and history of Galway, including information about the best places to eat, the best pubs, and notable residents who have lived in the area.

This Galway guided walking tour is available almost every day between 10 am and 4 pm, and tickets are pretty reasonably priced.

• €20/Adults | €14/Seniors
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

VoiceMap | Self-Guided Audio Tour

If all else fails and you can’t manage to take a fully guided Galway walking tour, you might want to consider a self-guided audio tour instead.

This option is always available no matter when you’re visiting – even after dark!

As long as you have a smartphone and a decent pair of headphones, you can use this app to find some of the most notable attractions in the city and learn all about its history.

This app currently costs about €6.50 , and it offers lifetime access, so you can really enjoy the tour whenever you have the time.

Purchase this self-guided Galway audio tour or learn more .

Galway Food Tours

If you’re wondering what to eat while you’re in the area, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the best culinary dishes in Galway is to take a food tour.

This outing last for approximately 2 hours, and it includes a full 10 food and drink tastings including sushi, oysters, cheese, artisan bread, and many other delicious bites.

With so many tastings included, you can expect to enjoy almost an entire meal’s worth of food along the way, so make sure to arrive hungry!

You can take this tour every Wednesday - Sunday and on most Mondays as well. Each Galway food tour begins at 10:30 am.

• €100 per person
• Purchase tickets for this Galway food tour or learn more .

And much, much more

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Free walking tour near galway, others cities to visit after galway, where are you traveling to.

• Tours from Galway Cliffs of Moher and Burren Full Day Tour Connemara and Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill Full Day Tour The "Walk, Talk, Taste" Tour of Galway City Cliffs of Moher Half-Day Express Small Group - Connemara, Cong, Sheepdogs and Medieval Castle Small Group - Cliffs of Moher Cruise, Aran Islands and Connemara Galway City Hop-On Hop-Off The "Welcome To Galway" Walking Tour Guided eBike Tour of Galway City View All Tours
• Tours from Dublin Dublin to Galway the Cliffs of Moher & Burren Full Day Tour Dublin to Galway Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Full Day Tour Dublin to Galway Connemara National Park and Diamond Hill Full Day Tour
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This tour is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best local food and drinks Galway City has to offer. This isn't a 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳, more so it is an Irish Welcome, where you get to walk, talk and taste your way through Galway City centre. Included:

We meet at The Explore Galway Kiosk in Eyre Square, Galway City.

We require a minimum number of bookings to run our tours. In case of insufficient numbers we will offer an alternative tour or a full refund.

Please email any dietary requirements or concerns to us at time of booking and we will cater for you as much as possible. With advanced notice, we can cater for most diet issues, However we may not be in a position to cater for a specific issue with less than 24 hours notice. Please Note: Due to the nature of traditional Irish food any special diet dishes may not be traditional Irish in style.

Our public Walk, Talk, Taste Tours operate a maximum of 16 people.

We will be walking so comfortable shoes are advisable. There's no avoiding the weather in Galway and we operate rain, hail or shine (With the exception of extreme weather warnings). So, please dress accordingly.

Although tips are not compulsory they are very much appreciated and encouraged for a job well done. Any tips should be given directly to your Guide at the end of your tour.

The Walk, Talk, Taste Tour is designed for adults, with elements of walking, standing & listening for periods of time, while also enjoying tastings of alcohol along the way. We do not offer 'Child' tickets and advise that guests be a minimum of 16 years old.

Direct online bookings – Cancellations made by email more than 48 hours before the tour will be refunded in full. No refunds can be made after the 48 hour period. No shows will not be refunded. Indirect online bookings – for bookings made via other websites / online travel agencies such as Tripadvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide… please check conditions on your ticket and cancel via the 3rd party supplier you used. Their terms and conditions apply.

We are delighted to welcome people of all abilities on tour with us, however Galway is a Medieval town, with venues and sites that may provide challenges for our less mobile guests. Most of these challenges can be overcome with advanced notice and our team members are happy to help and advise guests as much as possible to ensure that guests get the most from their experience with us. If you have any issues or questions please do contact our team and we would be delighted to discuss your options.

Tour Highlights

The Walk Talk Taste tour gives you the opportunity to explore Galway City Centre on foot, while accompanied by a local expert who will provide insightful information on the historic and cultural landmarks you pass. Galway is a medieval city with a rich history going back centuries.

On this tour, you will  𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬, 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 your way through Galway City while passing historic buildings and monuments, medieval city walls, colourful storefronts and lively street performers.

What You'll Taste

Experience Irelands' rich and diverse range of traditional dishes and local specialties . Your guide will provide valuable insights into the ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance of Irish cuisine. The tasting menu is not set, as it changes depending on the time of year.

What You'll Hear

Immerse yourself in Irish culture as your guide exhibits the art of 𝘐𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨. Throughout this 2.5 hour experience, you will hear about Irish heritage, folklore and traditions as you make your way through the vibrant city of Galway. You'll also get the opportunity to learn more about some infamous Irish speciality dishes, beverages and snacks.

How You'll Feel

Happy, Enlightened and Full of Energy!

The Walk, Talk, Taste Tour is leaves guests guests feeling full and satisfied after tasting a wide range of Irish delicacies. This tour is the perfect way to kick-start and evening of fun in Galway City, as you will be more familiar with the best places to eat, drink and dance!

Our reviews suggest that our guests come away form the tour feeling more knowledgeable on Irish culture, heritage and, most importantly, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘤!

*𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘤 = enjoyable social activity; a good time.

+353 91 562905 [email protected]

Lally Tours - Day Tours, City Tours and Extended Tours along the West Coast of Ireland, Explore Galway Kiosk, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland

Copyright © Lally Tours & City Sightseeing Galway 2024

Lally Tours are Proud Members and Supporters of

​​​ ​ Galway City Walking Tours

Galway Walking Tours 

A truly entertaining and engaging way to see and experience the history and culture of galway.

Walking Tours of Galway - Galway Walking Tours

The infamous Lynch Window in Galway is reputed to be where the Mayor of Galway hanged his son for murder. Whether true or not, the story will raise the hair on the back of your neck...eerie!

The Great Hunger, or The Famine, was caused by the failure of the potato crop and exacerbated by the actions of an anti-catholic and anti-poor British administration unduly effected the younger and older people in the population. They died in their millions from starvation and disease. Galway was not excepted and by 1847 dozens of people were starving to death or dying of disease each day in Galway City. Emigration was the only escape for millions of poor Irish

The Fireside tour of O'Connor's Pub in Salthill, Galway is the shortest walking tour of Ireland, just 50 feet, and includes a drink and a 1 hour invitation to a conversation in one of the most interesting pubs in Ireland

Blakes castle was one of the tower houses that guarded the entrances to the city. In Blakes castle ships captains had their ships papers checked and waited to meet the Galway traders with whom trade was being done. Later on, after the Cromwellian and Williamite Wars Blakes Castle was used as Galway's Prison. One of the first prisoners was one of the Blake family who commanded the Galway garrison in 1692.

The Galway Hooker was a large sturdy working boat, primarily used in carriage of turf, seaweed, animals and people. Several Hookers have sailed to America, and many worked off Newfoundland fishing for Cod. they were the working boat of Galway Bay and could hold up to 100 passengers, or 50 sheep, or 20 cattle, or a huge load of turf or seaweed. Used for fishing too, they look beautiful plying the bay of a summers evening

The Vikings raided abbeys and monasteries all around Ireland. they came to Galway in 870 ad and raided the abbey at Annaghdown, completely surprising the monks and the O'Flahertys who were the local lords. The vikings were so happy that thought they would come back again for a second dip the following year. This time the O'Flahertys were waiting for them and killed everyone on the two viking longboats. Once bitten twice shy!

Galway Walking Tours - My Favourite Quote;   "I bring to you today the greetings of the people of Galway, New York; Dublin,  New Hampshire ; the people of Killarney,  West Virginia ; Kilkenny,  Minnesota ; the people of Limerick,  Maine ; and the people of Shamrock,  Texas ."  JFK's speech in Galway, June 1963

Galway City Private Walking Tour

Meet your guide.

Bogdan M.     Galway, Co Galway, Ireland

I arrived in Galway City 25 years ago and it was love at first sight. What's not to love? Friendly,... more

Book this tour

$167 USD  PER TOUR For up to 10 people  (duration: 1 hour 30 min.)  deposit ?

Tour Number

Activity level.

Other, City

Kid Friendly: No. Friendly: No. Maximum travelers: 10

Language(s)

explanation

Romanian (fluent), French (conversational), English (fluent)

Discover the City of the Tribes!

Come with me to explore the vibrant cosmopolitan city that is Galway. On this tour, you'll discover Eyre Square, where 60 years ago, 200k people came here to welcome JK Kennedy. You'll also find out why Galway is nicknamed the City of the Tribes. Together we'll admire the medieval architecture, towered by Lynch's Castle, Blake's Castle & the Spanish Arch, plus cross the Bridge into Claddagh, hearing local stories about Claddagh Ring & its symbols. Quietly, let's take in St. Nicholas Church (oldest functional church on the island) and Galway Cathedral, piercing the grey skies with its copper roof. Galway City has a lot more stories to tell from the O'Flaherty's to the Anglo-Normans, from Christofer Columbus to Cromwell, from the Spanish Armada to The Great Famine and the Easter Rising. Let me walk you through them, as I've made this place my home for the last 25 years. I'll also show you the best places for one or two pints of stout & a ½ dozen oysters, the perfect snack! Come along, you won't be sorry!

-Our tour will start by meeting in the JFK Memorial in Eyre Square. -We'll then walk towards the North of Eyre Square and stop at Browne Doorway for a few minutes. -Next, we'll walk toward Shop Street and stop at Wilde Statue a few more minutes. -We'll follow the Shop Street route towards Lynch's Castle where we'll stop to discuss a few interesting things for around 10 minutes. -We'll continue walking on Shop Street towards The King's Head Pub, which we'll also discuss for a few minutes once we've reached the landmark. -Afterwards, we'll follow Church Lane towards St. Nicholas Church for an approximately 20 minute visit. -Next, we'll go on to Cross Street and Quay Street towards the Spanish Arch. -We'll then proceed to stop at Blake's Castle for a few minutes. -Later, we'll cross the Spanish Parade to the Fish Market until we finally reach the Spanish Arch, where we'll stop for some minutes. -At last, we'll go over the Wolfe Tone bridge into Claddagh for the end of our tour.

Meeting Point + Tour Duration

Meeting Point Options: Suggested by Guide: The meeting point will generally be Eyre Square as it is the starting point of the tour.

Duration: 1 hour 30 min.

Transportation

What’s included.

• Guiding Services

Estimated Local Cash Needed

No cash is needed for this tour

What’s Extra

• Personal Expenses

Restrictions

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Contact this Guide

Questions about the tour? Not seeing exactly what you’re looking for? Contact this guide with questions, or to create a custom itinerary for you and your travel companions.

• Add to Cart

Web address (URL) of this page: https://www.toursbylocals.com/galway-city-private-walking-tour

Tours by Bogdan M.

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$167 USD per tour This tour allows 1 to 10 people in your private group and costs $167 USD whether the group has 1 person, 10 people, or anywhere in between. Have more than 10 people in your group? Contact the guide to see if they can customize the tour to allow more than 10." style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;"> 

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$666 USD per tour This tour allows 1 to 7 people in your private group and costs $666 USD whether the group has 1 person, 7 people, or anywhere in between. Have more than 7 people in your group? Contact the guide to see if they can customize the tour to allow more than 7." style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;"> 

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$639 USD per tour This tour allows 1 to 7 people in your private group and costs $639 USD whether the group has 1 person, 7 people, or anywhere in between. Have more than 7 people in your group? Contact the guide to see if they can customize the tour to allow more than 7." style="text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer;"> 

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Walking and hiking in Galway🚶

… stunning scenery, friendly people, and diverse collection of walking routes. Hill walkers and mountain climbers will find their mecca in Connemara, where the choice of challenging peaks is outstanding and the scenery truly unsurpassed. There are also longer way-marked trails throughout Ireland’s West, which typically include a combination of on and off road walking.

The islands off the West coast welcome walkers, and have a fantastic combination of tracks, beaches and hill walks. Inland areas such as Roscommon and Galway East offer yet another walking experience – with tranquil walks through forest and bog, and a wonderful selection of flora and fauna.

Many towns also have signposted walks which are ideal for families and the casual stroller. Below is a list of walking related activities in and around Galway, Ireland.

• Accommodation
• Food & Drink
• Places to Visit
• Things To Do
• Useful Information

Burren Explore

Burren Walks

Connemara Adventure Tours

Croagh Patrick Walking Tours

Delphi Adventure Resort Hotel & Spa

Galway Walking Tours

Heart of Burren Walks

Leenane Walking Festival

Real Adventures Connemara

TrekkingTruTime

Walk Connemara Guided Walks

Walking Connemara

Best rate hotels.

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• Walking Tour
• Tasting Tour
• Dark History Tour

This tour is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best local food and drinks Galway City has to offer. This isn't a 𝘧𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳, more so it is an Irish Welcome, where you get to walk, talk and taste your way through Galway City centre. Included:

Tour Highlights

The Walk Talk Taste tour gives you the opportunity to explore Galway City Centre on foot, while accompanied by a local expert who will provide insightful information on the historic and cultural landmarks you pass. Galway is a medieval city with a rich history going back centuries.

On this tour, you will  𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬, 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 your way through Galway City while passing historic buildings and monuments, medieval city walls, colourful storefronts and lively street performers.

What You'll Taste

Experience Irelands' rich and diverse range of traditional dishes and local specialties . Your guide will provide valuable insights into the ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural significance of Irish cuisine. The tasting menu is not set, as it changes depending on the time of year.

What You'll Hear

Immerse yourself in Irish culture as your guide exhibits the art of 𝘐𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨. Throughout this 2.5 hour experience, you will hear about Irish heritage, folklore and traditions as you make your way through the vibrant city of Galway. You'll also get the opportunity to learn more about some infamous Irish speciality dishes, beverages and snacks.

How You'll Feel

Happy, Enlightened and Full of Energy!

The Walk, Talk, Taste Tour is leaves guests guests feeling full and satisfied after tasting a wide range of Irish delicacies. This tour is the perfect way to kick-start and evening of fun in Galway City, as you will be more familiar with the best places to eat, drink and dance!

Our reviews suggest that our guests come away form the tour feeling more knowledgeable on Irish culture, heritage and, most importantly, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘤!

*𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘤 = enjoyable social activity; a good time.

We meet at The Explore Galway Kiosk in Eyre Square, Galway City.

We require a minimum number of bookings to run our tours. In case of insufficient numbers we will offer an alternative tour or a full refund.

Please email any dietary requirements or concerns to us at time of booking and we will cater for you as much as possible. With advanced notice, we can cater for most diet issues, However we may not be in a position to cater for a specific issue with less than 24 hours notice. Please Note: Due to the nature of traditional Irish food any special diet dishes may not be traditional Irish in style.

Our public Walk, Talk, Taste Tours operate a maximum of 16 people.

We will be walking so comfortable shoes are advisable. There's no avoiding the weather in Galway and we operate rain, hail or shine (With the exception of extreme weather warnings). So, please dress accordingly.

Although tips are not compulsory they are very much appreciated and encouraged for a job well done. Any tips should be given directly to your Guide at the end of your tour.

The Walk, Talk, Taste Tour is designed for adults, with elements of walking, standing & listening for periods of time, while also enjoying tastings of alcohol along the way. We do not offer 'Child' tickets and advise that guests be a minimum of 16 years old.

Yes indeed, contact our office for details.

Direct online bookings – Cancellations made by email more than 48 hours before the tour will be refunded in full. No refunds can be made after the 48 hour period. No shows will not be refunded. Indirect online bookings – for bookings made via other websites / online travel agencies such as Tripadvisor, Viator, Get Your Guide… please check conditions on your ticket and cancel via the 3rd party supplier you used. Their terms and conditions apply.

We are delighted to welcome people of all abilities on tour with us, however Galway is a Medieval town, with venues and sites that may provide challenges for our less mobile guests. Most of these challenges can be overcome with advanced notice and our team members are happy to help and advise guests as much as possible to ensure that guests get the most from their experience with us. If you have any issues or questions please do contact our team and we would be delighted to discuss your options.

Copyright © Experience Galway 2024

Experience Galway The Explore Galway Kiosk,  Eyre Square Galway

Free Walking Tour

Learn about galway's past on our historical free walking tour, walk through the streets of galway, and discover its roots and modern day secrets, with some history, stories and of course tips to make your visit unforgettable..

Uncover The Secrets Of The Irish History

An introduction to the rich History of Ireland, from the early arrival of the Celts to the buzzing melting-pot that Galway is today.

Top Must-See Attractions on Our Walking Tour of Galway City

Eyre Square Lynch's Castle St. Nicholas' churche Kirwan's Lane Latin Quarter Spanish Arch

Get Personalised Advice From Our Expert Tour Guides

Get tips about the best spots for drinks and food. Galway has many amazing and different types of food!

Skeffington Arms, Eyre Square Galway Ireland

[email protected]

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Kacey Musgraves is soaking up the best bits of Co Galway

Kacey musgraves has been enjoying a jaunt around co galway before she opens her "deeper well world tour" in dublin this weekend..

Kacey Musgraves, the seven-time Grammy winner noted for her hits “Rainbow” and “Golden Hour,” is in Ireland this week and seems to be soaking up the best that Co Galway has to offer.

Musgraves took to Instagram yesterday and today to share the sights and sounds of Co Galway before she heads to Dublin for the first stops of her Deeper Well World Tour on April 28 and April 29.

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One of her first Instagram stories on Tuesday was from Quay Street in Galway City, which was looking spiffy with Irish flag bunting:

Quay Street in Galway City. @spaceykacey

She went on to share more snaps from around Galway City , including the Irish gift shop Treasure Chest, Finnegan's Pub and Restaurant, as well as the Chinese takeaway Nut Hot.

Up next was The Crane Bar , one of Galway's best-known traditional music pubs, on Sea Road.

Musgraves couldn't resist popping inside, where she was treated to a live Irish music session and what appears to have been a masterfully poured pint of Guinness .

Kacey Musgraves paid a visit to The Crane Bar in Galway City. (@spaceykacey)

On Wednesday, Musgraves continued her Irish exploration with a jaunt to the Aran Islands off the coast of Co Galway.

There, she shared some snaps from Paudy's Ice Cream shop, the knitwear shop An Tuirne, as well as a mouthwatering perspective of her fish and chips lunch, which she captioned "heaven is..."

(@spaceykacey)

Musgraves then made her way to Dún Aonghasa , where she kicked off her shoes to ground herself at "this ancient site at the edge of the world."

Musgraves apparently worked up a thirst during her outing on the Aran Islands -can you blame her?! She shared a snap of yet another masterfully poured pint settling on top of a bar. 

We can't help but wonder if the Irish visit will inspire some new music from the talented singer-songwriter.

As it happens, Musgraves wrote the song "Heaven Is," featured on her new album "Deeper Well," alongside Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk "after a night out at an Irish bar," Nashville Scene reported last month.

At the Irish bar, the trio heard the house band play "Ca' the Yowes," a Scottish folk song often attributed to poet Robert Burns 

"They [Musgraves, Tashian, and Fitchuk] worked part of the traditional melody into 'Heaven Is,' imbuing the intimate lyric with a sense of old-world timelessness," according to Nashville Scene.

"They even considered adding bagpipes — Fitchuk’s mother is a piper — but chose a simpler route instead, letting the sounds of the city bleed into Tashian’s acoustic guitar."

Related: Aran Islands , Galway City , Guinness , Irish American , Music

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50 winners will get Ireland trips, stay in castle in Florida Lottery Cash Castle Bonus Play

Want to stay in a castle in Ireland for three nights? The Florida Lottery's new bonus play game has you covered.

Cash Castle Bonus Play lets you enter your Florida Lotto ticket (whether you won anything with it or not) and a non-winning Gold Rush Legacy scratch-off ticket between April 9 and May 19, 2024, to get two entries. There will be five drawings for 50 total trip winners.

Winners will be flown to Ireland to stay at the Hard Rock Dublin for two nights and the Adare Manor for three, given $1,500 walking-around money and loaded up with activities such as sightseeing, great meals and a falconry demonstration, plus your choice of a Galway Food Tour, a trip to the Cliffs of Moher or the Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese Experience.

Once at Adare Manor, trip winners will compete in a Cash Castle game show event for cash prizes from $1,000 to a cool million.

How do I enter Cash Castle Bonus Play?

Go to flalottery.com or use the Florida Lottery app and enter the numbers on your Florida Lotto and your Gold Rush Legacy tickets (you must have one of each) to get two entries.

New Florida Lottery scratch-off games: Win up to $10 million with $20 ticket

When are the Cash Castle Bonus Play drawings?

• Tickets entered from April 8-15 were drawn April 16 and announced April 17
• Tickets entered from April 16-23 will be drawn April 24 and announced April 25
• Tickets entered from April 24-May 1 will be drawn May 2 and announced May 3
• Tickets entered from May 2-9 will be drawn May 10 and announced May 11
• Tickets entered from May 10 - 19 will be drawn May 20 and announced May 21

Twenty tickets will be randomly drawn each week. The first 10 will get trips to Ireland, the rest will become alternates in case any trip winners do not respond or if someone gets more than one entry drawn.

Scratch, scratch, scratch: Florida Lottery scratch-off games offer prizes in the millions

What are the prizes in the Florida Lottery Cash Castle Bonus Play?

• Two round-trip tickets from a chosen international airport in Florida to Dublin.
• Ground transportation while in Ireland.
• Two nights' lodging at the Hard Rock Dublin Hotel and three nights' lodging at the Adare Manor.
• $1,500 spending money.
• Daily entertainment-filled dinners and an Irish breakfast buffet.
• Horse and Hound Cash Castle welcome.
• Falconry demonstration at a designated location on the grounds of Adare Manor.
• The Galway Food Tour
• The Cliffs of Moher Tour and Pub Lunch
• The Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese Experience
• Tickets to the Cash Castle game show event at Adare Manor for winners to compete for cash prizes ranging from $1,000 up to $1 million

Odds of winning will depend on the total number of entries received.

Where can I find the winners for the Cash Castle Bonus Play?

You can see the winners posted on the Florida Lottery website .