Places of Interest in Galway
No one could have coined a better name for Galway City than poet William Butler Yeats who called it “Venice of the West”. Dramatically situated on the edge of the Atlantic with a wild river and sleepy canal running through its heart, one could be forgiven for wanting to soak in Galway’s wild beauty time and again. And, although the city boasts a population nearing 80k, it has retained the charm of a seaside village. The city centre is mostly pedestrianised, meaning visitors can savour the sights on a little stroll. Of places of interest in Galway there are many.
Regardless of whether you are looking for history, entertainment, culture, education, or sports, you will find many a treasure. Chances are, you will be back for more!
One-Minute Galway History
Before mentioning the historic places of interest in Galway, let’s briefly examine its foundation and development.
Galway started out as a settlement around a fort built on the mouth of the river Corrib during the 12th century. Wars between feuding Irish clans prompted Richard de Burgo to build a wall around the city after capturing it in the early 13th century. The wall remains intact and visible at several locations in the city centre. Having secured the city, the residents completed St. Nicholas’ Church in 1320.
During subsequent centuries, the 14 tribes of Galway dominated and governed much of Galway’s politics and economics. “The City of Tribes” – as it is often referred to – became a centre for trade with Spain and France and experienced buoyant growth and prosperity.
But widespread conflict across Ireland brought about a siege in Galway in the mid-1600s, kickstarting a period of poverty and disease. The Tribes had no choice but to surrender. It took over 100 years to prosper again, only for Galway to be decimated once more during the Great Irish Famine in the 19th century.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the population of Galway was recorded at 13,000, with more and more Galwegians joining the fight for independence. Once Ireland had become a Republic, Galway’s expansion began at pace, with the government officially declaring it a city in 1985.
Historic Buildings & Places
Galway proudly bears its history. Here are some must-see sights:
The City Wall
Walking through the city, you have plenty of places to see the city wall, including the Spanish Arch, the Corrib Shopping Centre, Druid’s Lane, and inside the Galway Museum where you also learn about its history.
The Galway City Museum
The Galway City Museum provides a deep insight into Galway’s rich history, heritage, and culture through stunning exhibits and resources. It focuses on medieval Galway and the Claddagh village, incorporating a section of the city wall within the building. You can also enjoy temporary installations and events. Visit the Galway Museum website for more information.
The Spanish Arch
Apart from its obvious historic value, the Spanish Arch draws thousands of visitors daily, especially on sunny days because of its location and role as a community space. The area in front is only accessible by foot and combined with the public benches and lawn along the river, the Spanish Arch is a place to relax and revel in the vibrant city atmosphere. The historic building dates back to the 16th century when it served as a watch and defence structure.
Eyre Square
You can’t miss Eyre Square when you visit Galway. But what is its significance? It’s been a public space for over 300 years and has seen multiple rejuvenations. In 1963, JFK made a speech there while in recent years, the public gathered to watch sporting fixtures significant for Galway on a big screen. Visitors go to Eyre Square to relax, sit by the fountain, or shop and dine at the annual Christmas Market. You can also check out some history like the flags of the 14 Galway Tribes or the Browne Doorway.
St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
Records tell us that St. Nicholas’ Church was built by the Normans at a time when Galway was a tiny settlement. Dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of children (Santa Claus) and mariners, it is Galway’s oldest church. You can discover its history during your visit, attend concerts, or gather with others for prayers.
The Corrib, Claddagh Village, and the Long Walk
The river Corrib accentuates Galway’s beauty as it leaves Lough Corrib to find its way into the Atlantic Ocean in the heart of the city. Near the mouth of the river, you find the Long Walk, a line of colourful terraced houses leading up to the Spanish Arch. Right across the river, you stumble into Claddagh Village. Several historic bridges connect the shores with the new footbridge near the Cathedral a must for every visitor.
Lynch’s Castle
Built in the 15th century by one of the famous Tribes, Lynch’s Castle is steeped in the City’s history. You will find the medieval four-story building right in the city centre.
Galway Fisheries Tower
Today, the Galway Fisheries Tower is a museum depicting the history of the tower itself and the role it played after its 19th-century construction. Victorian in style, the tower is architecturally stunning and charming, daring visitors to take the short walk across a narrow footbridge.
Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas
Galway Cathedral was opened in the 1960s and has since dominated the cityscape. While many people may not like the style and architecture, Galwegians have embraced it as a place to pray, listen, and reflect.
University of Galway Quadrangle
The Quad is the university’s most historic building and was home to the first 68 students who began their studies there in 1849. Christ Church of Oxford University inspired the design of this Tudor-style building. Today, the Quad is a place for functions while the lawn inside is a great place to meet and savour the great Galway University atmosphere.
Salthill
Leave the city centre behind and walk along the shore out to Salthill village. The stroll will take you around 30 minutes along the Atlantic Ocean. In Salthill, you can walk the promenade, have a bite or go for coffee or a pint.
Nora Barnacle Museum
Anyone with an interest in literature must seek out the Nora Barnacle Museum. James Joyce’s wife lived in the house for several decades, and visitors to the museum get a glimpse into the love and literary inspiration Nora Barnacle was to Joyce. To visit, you must make an appointment.
Medieval Galway
Galway City Museum commissioned a 3-D virtual tour of medieval Galway. The video is well worth watching.
Galway Pub & Music Scene
Going out in Galway never disappoints. With many lively pubs within close proximity, you have the pick of great bars and restaurants of all styles. You can start in Eyre Square and work your way all the way to the West End for some traditional Irish tunes or indeed the best new talent.
Beyond music and craic, Galway has carved out a space as a comedy hub, with the October Comedy Festival showcasing top comedians from Ireland and abroad.
When it comes to music, you can find pretty much any style live in a place near you. Let’s look at the unmissable nightlife haunts around Galway.
The Latin Quarter
Home to some of the best shops, pubs, and eateries, the Latin Quarter runs from the Spanish Arch to St Nicholas’ Church and back (via Buttermilk Lane) to An Taibhdhearc Theatre on Middle Street. The cobbled streets provide the best backdrop for romantic nights out, parties with friends, or family stays. During the day, you’ll be entertained by a medley of buskers while at night, you can savour live music indoors and out. The Latin Quarter boasts fabulous shops, lively bars, and top Irish and international cuisine.
You can keep up-to-date with the latest events and offers on the Latin Quarter website.
Galway’s Westend
When you cross the river and head out toward Salthill, you quickly reach Galway’s Westend, another vibrant blend of bars, culture, and fine dining. Some of Galway’s most famous pubs like the Róisín Dubh and the Crane Bar, famous for its live trad sessions, are in the Westend alongside Michelin-Star restaurant Aniar and the Galway Arts Centre.
You can check out a list and description of all the pubs, restaurants, and shops on the Westend website.
Between and beyond the Latin Quarter and Galway’s Westend, you have lots of pubs and restaurants. If you are a shopaholic, Shop Street will be heaven as will all the quaint cobbled streets with unique boutiques.
When the sun shines in Galway, everyone flocks to the city centre for shopping, alfresco dining, and the unrivalled atmosphere. Don’t forget to check out the weekly market for a spoil of delicious foods, stunning products, and great banter.
Always open from 8 am to 6 pm on Saturdays with additional opening times on Sundays and weekdays during various festivals, you can check out the Galway Market website.
Theatre, the Arts, Festivals, and Macnas Parades
Of all the cities in Ireland, Galway tops in theatre, the arts, festivals, and the world-famous Macnas parades. Any time of the year, you can take in drama and visual arts at locations such as the Town Hall Theatre, the Druid Theatre, or An Taibhdhearc if you fancy a play in the Irish language.
Galway has numerous galleries displaying contemporary art including the Galway Arts Centre, the Kenny Gallery, the 126 Gallery, the Whitethorn Gallery, and Obsidian Arts, to name but a few.
The City of Tribes isn’t lacking festivals either. Between the Galway International Arts Festival (summer), Cúirt (literature, spring), the Oyster Festival (autumn), the Galway Races (summer), the Film Fleadh (early summer), Baboró (children’s arts festival, autumn), Trad on the Prom, and the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, you never have to wait for very long to dive in.
For on-street free art, music, and culture, check out the next Macnas Parade, happening 2-3 times a year. Here is a taste of what to expect. This is a short clip from the 2023 Halloween parade.
And of course, the annual Christmas Market on Eyre Square gets you into the seasonal spirit with great food and drink, handcrafted gifts, entertainment for kids, and a big wheel delivering the best night skyline of the city centre.
Places of Interest in Galway – Sports
Galway also offers plenty to sports enthusiasts. If rugby is your passion, you can go and watch Connacht in action. If, on the other hand, you want to experience the Gaelic games hurling and football you might be able to see a live game in the city or at one of the small sports grounds dotted around the city. As you would expect, Galway also has a top-flight soccer team with its home ground only a few minutes from the city centre.
For fixtures, check out the respective websites:
- Connacht Rugby
- Galway United Football Club
- Galway GAA (garlic football & hurling)
