Galway has always been one of the favourite destinations for visitors to Ireland. It is a small harbour city nestled between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay. Its beautiful setting attracts those who enjoy cliff walks, seaside strolls and spending time in nature. The city itself is home to numerous cultural events and institutions, inviting pubs and restaurants, and plenty of activities and sights.
Since Galway is well connected to the rest of the country by rail and road, it is convenient for a weekend getaway or for a longer visit. Whether you have a day, a week or are so inspired by the beauty of the province of Connacht that you end up staying for longer, there is plenty to do in Galway.
Below are some of our suggestions for the top activities to do in Galway on your next visit:
Galway International Arts Festival
If you can time your visit to Galway to coincide with the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF), you should! The festival is a two week celebration of the arts that is usually scheduled for the last two weeks in July. It features music, theatre, visual arts, spoken words, performance art, and spectacle and street art.
Some of the highlights of the most recent GIAF included the festival garden exhibitions and displays, the silent disco walking tours of the city, traditional music shows, a Bernadette Kiely exhibition and performances from Glasshouse, Gruff Rhys and Tara Howley.
The festival is a perfect opportunity to visit the city, because between events and performances, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city. It is a popular festival, so book early if you don’t want to miss anything and want accommodation in the heart of the city.
Sightseeing walking tour
There is nothing wrong with joining a tour group or going on a guided tour of the city. However, taking yourself on a sightseeing walking tour lets you explore the city at your own pace and take as many detours as you’d like. There are several landmarks that are a must see for any visitor.
The Spanish Arch is a medieval archway that was an extension of the 12th century Norman wall. It provides a beautiful viewpoint to admire the harbour. Galway Cathedral was only finished in the 1950s but it is a beautiful place for contemplation and blends numerous artistic styles. Any walk would be incomplete without including The Long Walk. It’s actually quite short but it is a colourful street full of charm and character.
Play at a local casino
Ireland has a great gambling culture that is alive and well in Galway. There are two casinos in the city centre and several others along the coast. In the city centre, you’ll find Eglinton Casino and 4 Aces. Eglinton runs a number of tournaments, which is great for the competitive gambler. 4 Aces has a fantastic selection of games and is a members-only club.
If you enjoy the feel of a classic seaside casino, Galway has three located in the Salthill neighbourhood. One is a Caesars Palace Casino, with plenty to offer any gambler. Seapoint Leisure and Claude’s Casino are smaller venues but both are located right on the seafront and have a great community feel.
If it’s not convenient for you to get to any of Galway’s land-based casinos, there are actually a number of digital options. This collection of Irish online casino sites has links to all of the leading new Irish online casinos. They’re a great option for playing casino games without having to take a trip out to a traditional casino.
Visit the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are located a short ferry ride away from the Irish mainland. They are steeped in history, religion and folklore and are an ideal spot for visitors with an interest in the history and landscape of Ireland.
The top attractions for tourists on the islands are Dun Aengus, the Black Fort, O’Brien’s Castle and Teampall an Ceathrair Álainn. The first two are Bronze and Iron Age ruins of fortresses. O’Brien’s Castle is a small castle built in the 14th century. Teampall an Ceathrair Álainn is a holy well that has inspired many artists.
Cinema fans may recognise many of the locations from The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), which was filmed on Inishmore. Several other films have made use of the sweeping scenery the islands provide. These include Leap Year (2010) and The MatchMaker (1997). Fans of the classic sitcom Father Ted (1995-98) will also recognise many locations from the fictional Craggy Island.
Drive the Sky Road
This may not be for those who get car sick easily but for everyone else, it’s an unmissable opportunity to see the beauty of Ireland’s coastline. The 11km drive takes you out from the little town of Clifden. There are plenty of viewpoints along the way where you can admire the sights below. Clifden has some lovely cafes, so your trip can include coffee and a tasty treat.
Do the Diamond Hill Hike
For those who want an outdoor adventure as part of their visit to Galway, there are plenty of options. The Diamond Hill Hike is one of our top recommendations because it has two possible hikes to accommodate multiple skill levels.
The Lower Diamond Hill walk is 3km long and takes just over an hour to complete. The Upper Diamond Hill Trail is 7km and takes close to three hours. Both walks provide views of the countryside and sea. On a clear day, you can also have beautiful views of the Connemara National Park.
The Diamond Hill trails are easy to get to from Galway, taking only an hour or two by car. The scenery on the drive is a part of the experience. You can also take the longer coastal route on the way back to the city. Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular summer hikes in the area, so it can get crowded if you arrive late in the day.
