Known as the City of the Tribes, Galway sits perched on the roaring River Corrib overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route along Ireland’s western seaboard. A warm, welcoming city with a penchant for the bohemian, it’s a place that draws artists, buskers, foodies and creatives from all over the world.
A short stroll down the winding streets of this walkable small city brings you into another world. The home of Galway International Arts Festival is filled with history, music, arts and culture ready for you to discover.
A Rich Heritage
Galway’s long and rich history is evident in each and every corner of our city, from the 13th-century walls that once defended the city, to the 16th-century Spanish Arch on the banks of River Corrib. If you’re keen to learn more about the heritage of our hometown, Galway City Museum should absolutely be first on your list. One of the most popular free attractions in Ireland, this iconic museum has three floors dedicated to the history of the area, archaeology, and sea science – it’s the perfect place to begin your exploration of Galway’s past.
Nearby is the Hall of the Red Earl (free to visit), a fascinating archaeological site in the heart of Galway, close to the iconic Druid Theatre. Linked to the founding of Galway, the site dates to the 13th century and gives an insight into the many secrets hiding beneath Galway’s city streets.
Continuing our historical tour of the city, and nestled beside Galway Market, is the 14th-century St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church – the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship. Imbued with historical meaning, it even hosted explorer Christopher Columbus during a visit to Galway in the 15th century.
Galway Cathedral, meanwhile, is the youngest of Europe's great stone cathedrals, opened in 1965 on the site of the city’s former prison. Dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas, the stunning building - located close to the walkways of the River Corrib – is a must-visit for anyone interested in Renaissance architecture.
A City of Sights, Sounds & Souvenirs
As you move through the city, stop to enjoy the sights and sounds of Shop Street and Quay Street in the Latin Quarter. The bustling heart of the Galway experience, here you can listen to street musicians, dine in renowned local restaurants and shop in local independent shops including the magical Wooden Heart toyshop and the famous Aran Sweater Market. If you’re in the market for a unique, local gift to take home with you, Cloon Keen creates award-winning perfumes that capture the poetic spirit of Ireland, while Lazlo Jewellers (further down the road) is a treasure trove of antique Irish-made jewellery.
Quay Street is also where you’ll find one of Galway’s most-loved pubs, Tigh Neachtain, home to the perfect pint of Guinness, traditional Irish musicians and a collection of Galway International Arts Festival posters throughout the decades.
City of Music
Galway’s streets and bars are filled with music year-round, with the Heineken Big Top at the Galway International Arts Festival becoming the epicentre in July. The city has long been synonymous with talented buskers, street performers and a buzzing nightlife, inspiring, among others, American singer Steve Earle and English pop star Ed Sheeran, who both penned songs dedicated to the ‘Galway Girl’. Sheeran busked on the city's streets as a teenager and returned in recent years to film his very own ‘Galway Girl’ music video in some of the city’s iconic bars – namely O’Connor’s in Salthill and O’Connell’s on Eyre Square.
A Foodie Hotspot
Alongside its thriving creative scene, Galway has long been recognised as one of Ireland's most exciting culinary destinations, offering everything from award-winning restaurants and artisan producers to cosy pubs, seafood institutions and world-class cafés.
At the heart of Galway's food scene is Kai, where Chef Jess Murphy serves her celebrated Kiwi-inspired cuisine using the finest locally sourced ingredients from the west of Ireland. Just a short walk away, Dough Bros continues to attract food lovers from around the world with its award-winning wood-fired pizzas and carefully curated craft beer selection.
Galway's connection to the Atlantic Ocean is reflected throughout the city's food culture. McDonagh's Seafood has been serving some of the finest fish and chips in Ireland for generations, while The King's Head remains a favourite among locals and visitors alike, particularly for its famous seafood chowder. Across the city, restaurants, cafés and bars showcase the exceptional produce of Galway and the wider Wild Atlantic Way, from freshly landed seafood to artisan cheeses, meats and seasonal ingredients.
No culinary exploration of Galway would be complete without a visit to the Galway Market, one of the city's most beloved attractions. Here, visitors can sample delicious street food, home-baked treats and locally sourced produce while browsing the work of talented local artists and craftspeople. Nearby, Sheridan's Cheesemongers & Wine Bar offers an opportunity to discover some of Ireland's finest farmhouse cheeses alongside carefully selected wines.
Coffee lovers should make time for Coffeewerk + Press, consistently ranked among the world's leading cafés and renowned for its expertly crafted coffee, welcoming atmosphere and creative approach to café culture.
As evening falls, Galway's vibrant food and drink scene comes alive. Hyde Bar is a stylish destination for expertly mixed cocktails, while the city's legendary pub culture offers the perfect place to experience traditional Irish hospitality. Whether you're enjoying a pint in Garavan's, taking in live music at Monroe's, relaxing in the cosy surroundings of O'Connell's, or discovering one of Galway's many other character-filled pubs, Galway's pub scene remains one of the defining experiences of a visit to the city.
For visitors keen to delve deeper into Galway's culinary heritage, Galway Food Tours offers guided walking experiences that introduce guests to artisan producers, local food stories and some of the exceptional flavours that have helped establish Galway as one of Europe's premier gastronomic destinations.
Art from the Heart
Galway has long been known for its support of independent artists, with local galleries such as Galway Arts Centre often curating exhibitions by Irish talent, as well as playing host to many internationally-renowned works. Don’t miss 126 Gallery, an artist-led, not-for-profit organisation run voluntarily by professional artists & curators, as well as Outset Gallery, Art in Mind, Kenny’s Gallery and Engage studios – all must-see galleries for any art lover.
A Symbol of the City
Another must-visit cultural attraction is Galway City Museum, where visitors can explore the fascinating story of Galway's many lives through engaging exhibitions spanning archaeology, maritime heritage, medieval history, politics, folklore and contemporary culture.
Among the museum's treasures is the oldest known Claddagh Ring, offering a unique insight into one of Ireland's most enduring symbols. Instantly recognisable around the world, the Claddagh ring features a crown representing loyalty, hands symbolising friendship and a heart denoting love. Popular as a wedding and friendship ring, it remains one of Galway's most celebrated cultural exports.
Just a short walk from the museum lies the Claddagh, the historic fishing village where the famous ring originated in the 17th century. Once an independent community at the mouth of Galway Bay, the area remains rich in character and heritage. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, spot the beloved Claddagh swans, Galway Hookers (traditional sail boats) and discover traces of old Galway while enjoying views across the bay.
Together, Galway City Museum and the Claddagh offer a captivating journey through the city's history, connecting visitors with the stories, traditions and communities that have shaped Galway for centuries.
Photographs courtesy of Emilija Jefremova, Marc Jennings, Andrew Downes, Galway City Museum, Ireland's Content Pool, Hu O'Reilly & Chaosheng Zhang
Looking for more information about visiting Galway and the Wild Atlantic Way? Head over to discoverireland.ie to find all you need to know about travel, restaurants, places to stay, sites to see and so much more.
