Things to do in Galway, Ireland
Quay street, Galway
First things first: getting there. The easiest way to get to Galway is to fly into the Dublin airport and either rent a car or take a bus. I personally chose to take the bus, and it was fairly easy. From the arrival gates, you just follow the signs for the bus parking. You should pass a small crosswalk and enter another building with a few shops. Keep going, and you will get to where all the buses are. In the building you pass through, there is also a big board with all the departure times. The destinations are usually written on the front of the bus, so it really isn’t difficult to find your bus. Depending on the season, it costs around $30-50 CAN one way. The drive takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Galway is accessible by walking (depending on where you stay), driving, taking the bus, or using Ubers/cabs. The buses are fairly easy to use and quite inexpensive. We used Google Maps to help find which bus to take and how to get to certain places.
Visit Galway quay street
It is one of the most famous streets in the city. It runs through the heart of Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter, making it the best area for tourists and locals. Quay Street is known for its colorful buildings, lively pubs, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. The atmosphere is full of energy, and it's a great place to experience the unique charm of Galway. It also has a number of shops offering local crafts and souvenirs.
The atmosphere on that street is very lively. When I visited, there was live music in the streets, and it was exactly what you would picture in your mind about Ireland. It was perfect, and it gave me goosebumps. There was also a magician doing street performances, and he was hilarious.
You can also find many bars to enjoy your nights in. I recommend visiting The Quays Bar and Restaurant. The music was great, and it was fully packed. When you’re all pooped out from dancing, make your way over to Pizza & Pasta Napoli for some great late-night pizza.
Hop on Hop off bus
The best and most convenient way to see all of Galway is to ride the hop-on, hop-off bus. The service typically offers guided tours with stops at various landmarks and sights, allowing you to get off at any stop to explore and then hop back on when you're ready to continue. You can also decide to stay on the bus the whole time and just take in the views.
These buses are usually available throughout the day. It’s also a fun way to learn more about Galway, as the tours typically include informative commentary about the city’s history and culture. You can find tickets available online for a single day or multiple days, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring.
Here are some of the sights/landmarks:
Eyre Square – The central public space in the heart of Galway.
Spanish Arch – A historic landmark that’s part of Galway’s ancient city walls.
Galway Cathedral – One of the city’s most iconic buildings, known for its impressive architecture.
Salthill Promenade – A lovely seaside area offering stunning views of Galway Bay.
Claddagh – The historic area known for the Claddagh ring and its connection to Galway’s history.
The Spanish Arch
Picnic at the Spanish Arch
The Spanish Arch is one of the most popular landmarks to see in Galway. Close to the Arch, there is a big grass area overlooking water. Here you will find it booming with people who are hanging out listening to music at every hour of the day. This is one of the most famous locations for a sit-down with your friends. I suggest grabbing a few snacks/meals and drinks before making your way over for an afternoon picnic.
Day trip to Cliffs of Moher
A great day trip from Galway is to the Cliffs of Moher. The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most iconic natural landmarks. They’re located on the west coast of the country. These stunning cliffs rise to heights of up to 214 meters (702 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean and stretch for about 8 kilometers (5 miles) along the coastline.
From Galway, the cliffs are a 1h20 minutes drive away. You can rent a car or book a day trip with one of the many tours.
When you arrive at the cliffs, you can expect panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, and on clear days, you can even see the Aran Islands and the Twelve Pins mountain range in Connemara.
There is also a Visitor Centre that offers a range of informative exhibits about the history, geology, and wildlife of the area. It’s eco-friendly and blends seamlessly into the landscape, providing a comfortable and informative starting point for your visit. Inside, you'll find displays about the cliffs' geology, history, and conservation efforts, as well as a café and shop.
There are several walking paths along the cliffs, offering different perspectives of the landscape. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk stretches from the cliffs to Doolin, a nearby village, and offers a scenic route along the edge of the cliffs with amazing ocean views.
The cliffs are also famous for appearing in movies, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Visit Salthill
Salthill is a coastal area in Galway. It's famous for its beautiful seafront promenade, which stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. Salthill is popular with both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months.
The area is also known for its sandy beaches, traditional Irish pubs, and seafood restaurants. It is a great place for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and swimming.
This is the area where I stayed for my short 2 day trip, and I would definitely recommend checking it out. If you decide to stay in this part of the city, I recommend booking The Nest boutique hostel. You can either stay in separate or shared rooms. There’s also a restaurant attached to the hostel, and it has some great food and beverages.
You can also visit the Blackrock Diving Tower. Located at the end of the Salthill Promenade, it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It's particularly well-known for the people who take the plunge from various heights, often in the summer, and it's a popular spot for swimmers and those looking to enjoy the sea.
