A GUIDE OF WHAT TO DO & WHERE TO EAT AND STAY IN IRELAND’S “CITY OF THE TRIBES”
Nestled on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Galway is a city that sings with color, character, and centuries of layered history. Whether you’re drawn by its cobbled lanes and live music or its medieval landmarks and maritime legacy, Galway offers a soulful escape that’s as enriching as it is enchanting.
On a tour around Ireland, I stopped off in Galway because an old friend of mine had grown up here and always talked about how lovely it was. Also the music and art scene was very rich and vibrant. All of that was true. I feel in love with Galway and hope to return to it again soon.
Coastal Charm & Creative Spirit
Perched on Galway Bay and marking the halfway point of the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway pulses with a laid-back, artistic energy. Galway was named a European Capital of Culture, and it lives up to that billing with year-round festivals, street performers, and a thriving arts scene.
Galway has been voted the “friendliest city in the world” by a New York-based magazine—a claim that locals wear with pride. The pub scene is legendary, not just for the Guinness but for the music, storytelling, and spontaneous craic. Its streets are alive with buskers, poets, and painters, while the youthful vibe—fueled by university life—keeps the city fresh and vibrant. Think cozy pubs with turf fires, hearty seafood meals, and spontaneous trad sessions that spill into the night.
Festivals & Cultural Flair
Galway is a city that knows how to celebrate. Time your visit with one of its iconic festivals:
- Galway International Arts Festival (July) – A world-class showcase of theatre, music, and visual arts.
- Galway Film Fleadh – Ireland’s leading film festival, spotlighting emerging voices and cinematic gems.
- Galway Races Summer Festival – A thrilling week of horse racing and social buzz.
- Macnas Halloween Parade – A theatrical spectacle of giant sculptures and surreal storytelling.
A City Steeped in History
Galway’s story stretches back over 800 years, beginning with the River Gaillimh—named after a chieftain’s daughter who, legend says, drowned in its stony waters. In 1124, King Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair built a naval fort at the river’s mouth, laying the foundation for what would become a medieval powerhouse.
By the 13th century, the Anglo-Norman de Burghs had seized control, and Galway emerged as the only medieval city in Connacht. Trade flourished, especially with Spain, and power shifted to 14 merchant families—known as the Tribes of Galway—whose legacy still shapes the city’s identity.
Historical Sites to Explore
For travelers who love walking through history, Galway offers a treasure trove of landmarks:
| Site | Description |
| Spanish Arch | Built in 1584 to protect merchant ships, it’s a serene spot by the River Corrib. |
| St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church | Dating to 1320, this medieval church is still in use—and may have hosted Christopher Columbus in 1477. |
| Lynch’s Castle | A 16th-century fortified townhouse with ornate carvings and coats of arms, now home to a bank. |
| Eyre Square (JFK Memorial Park) | A central green space with medieval remnants and tributes to Galway’s past, including JFK’s 1963 visit. |
| Galway City Museum | Offers rich exhibits on the city’s maritime, medieval, and cultural heritage. |
| Hall of the Red Earl | Excavated ruins of a 13th-century administrative building used by the de Burghs. |
| The Claddagh | Once a fishing village, now a quiet neighborhood and birthplace of the iconic Claddagh ring. |
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: April–May and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting there: Easily accessible by train or bus from Dublin.
- Stay duration: Ideal for a 2–3 day getaway, with day trips to the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands, Connemara, and The Burren.
Whether you’re a history buff, a festival chaser, or a wanderer in search of coastal poetry, Galway invites you to slow down, listen, and let its stories unfold. It’s not just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel.
Free Tour: Walk Galway’s Story – Galway | FREETOUR.com
Here’s a scenic and history-packed walking route through Galway that connects its key historical sites. It’s compact enough to enjoy in a half-day, with time to linger and explore.
Galway Historical Walking Route (Approx. 2–3 hours)
1. Eyre Square (John F. Kennedy Memorial Park)
Start in the heart of Galway. This public space features remnants of medieval walls and tributes to Galway’s history, including a statue of writer Padraic Ó Conaire.
📍 Tip: Grab a coffee nearby and orient yourself with the square’s plaques and sculptures.
2. Lynch’s Castle
Just a short walk down Shop Street, this 16th-century fortified townhouse now houses a bank. Look up to see the stone carvings and coats of arms of the Lynch family.
3. St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
Continue down Shop Street to this medieval church dating back to 1320. It’s still in use today and steeped in legend—Columbus may have worshipped here in 1477.
4. Hall of the Red Earl
A few steps away, tucked behind the bustling streets, are the excavated remains of a 13th-century administrative hall used by the de Burgh family. Free to visit and well-signposted.
5. Galway City Museum
Head toward the River Corrib and the Spanish Arch. The museum offers exhibits on Galway’s medieval roots, maritime history, and cultural evolution.
6. Spanish Arch
Right outside the museum, this 16th-century archway once protected merchant ships. It’s a great spot to relax by the water and watch the swans drift by.
7. The Claddagh
Cross the Wolfe Tone Bridge to reach the historic fishing village of Claddagh. It’s quieter now, but rich in lore—this is where the famous Claddagh ring originated.
Optional Extension: Walk the Salthill Promenade from Claddagh for sea views and a refreshing breeze. It’s about 2km to the Blackrock Diving Tower.
Here are some of the best hotels in Galway for 2025, offering a mix of luxury, charm, and location:
Top-Rated Hotels in Galway
| Hotel Name | Rating | Highlights |
| Glenlo Abbey Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Elegant country estate with a private cinema and Pullman restaurant. |
| The G Hotel & Spa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stylish, modern luxury with spa and design flair. |
| Menlo Park Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comfortable, well-reviewed, great value near city center. |
| The Twelve Hotel (Barna) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Boutique charm, excellent food, just outside Galway. |
| Park House Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Classic style, central location near Eyre Square. |
| The House Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Boutique hotel in the Latin Quarter, near Spanish Arch. |
| Galway Bay Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Seaside views, great for families and leisure. |
| Harbour Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Modern, central, with great dining options. |
| Salthill Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Overlooking Galway Bay, with pool and promenade access. |
Insider Picks
- Best for luxury: Glenlo Abbey or The G Hotel
- Best location: Park House Hotel or The House Hotel
- Best for families: Galway Bay Hotel or Menlo Park Hotel
Personal Budget Recommendation
I personally stayed here in October 2024 for a few nights. I found the Eyre Square Hotel to be the perfect combination of budget and quality. The hotel is situated right in the heart of Galway adjacent to both bus and rail stations. The hotel caters for both the tourist and business visitors and offers a very high standard of accommodation in a convenience location. All Rooms are en suite with direct dial phone, satellite TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Red’s Bistro offers excellent cuisine and the Red Square Pub or Coyotes Late Bar/Nite Club is a lively option to party into the night.
The fantastic location of the hotel in the heart of Galway city is the best feature of this hotel with Shopping, Theatre, Pubs and Nightlife all within minutes walk. I highly recommend this hotel.
Budget Hotels & Guesthouses
Here are some well-reviewed budget-friendly places to stay in Galway that offer comfort, charm, and great value:
- Sleepzone Hostel Galway City
Centrally located, clean, and social—great for solo travelers and backpackers. - The Nest Boutique Hostel (Salthill)
Stylish and affordable with private rooms and dorms near the beach promenade. - Kinlay Hostel Eyre Square
Right in the heart of Galway, with free breakfast and a lively atmosphere. - The Stop B&B
Artsy, cozy, and close to the city center. Known for its warm hospitality and homemade breakfast. - Snoozles Quay Street Tourist Hostel
Steps from the Latin Quarter, with private en-suite rooms and group-friendly options.
Budget Guesthouses & B&Bs
- Desota House B&B
Comfortable rooms, great breakfast, and walking distance to the city center. - St. Judes Lodge Guesthouse
Affordable, clean, and ideal for short stays near Eyre Square. - Woodquay Hostel
Simple, central, and budget-friendly—perfect for travelers who want to explore on foot.
Galway’s nightlife is legendary—lively, musical, and full of character. Whether you’re after traditional Irish music, craft cocktails, or late-night dancing, here are the top spots to check out in 2025:
Best Pubs for Traditional Irish Craic
- Tig Cóilí – Famous for nightly live trad sessions and a cozy, authentic vibe
- O’Connor’s Pub (Salthill) – Quirky decor, great Guinness, and live music that draws locals and tourists alike
- Taaffes Pub – Known for its whiskey selection and nightly Irish music
- Garavans Bar – A classic spot for a quiet pint and great conversation
🎶 Live Music & Eclectic Vibes
- The Crane Bar – A hub for serious traditional musicians and folk fans
- The King’s Head – Historic pub with live bands and a buzzing crowd
- Quays Bar Galway – Iconic venue with stained glass windows and a mix of music genres
Late-Night Clubs & Dancing
- DNA Nightclub – Galway’s go-to for DJs, dancing, and a younger crowd
- Electric Garden & Theatre – Multi-space venue with club nights, rooftop bar, and artsy events
- Busker Brownes – A bar that transforms into a lively dance floor late at night
Local Tips
- Start your night in the Latin Quarter—it’s packed with pubs, street performers, and energy.
- Many places offer free live music, especially on weekends.
- Galway is walkable, so you can easily hop between venues.
Galway’s food scene is vibrant, fresh, and full of character. Whether you’re after seafood, hearty Irish fare, or creative modern dishes, here are some of the best places to eat in Galway in 2025:
Top Restaurants in Galway
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Highlights |
| John Keogh’s Gastropub | Irish, Bar | Slow-cooked lamb, cozy pub vibes, great local beers |
| Brasserie on the Corner | Irish, European | Smoked salmon pasta, mussels in garlic butter |
| O’Grady’s on the Pier | Irish, Seafood | Seabass with prawns, stunning sea views in Barna |
| Ard Bia at Nimmo’s | Irish, Seafood | Lobster tortellini, spiced monkfish, artistic ambiance |
| Ruibin | Irish, Bar | Lamb belly skewers, creative plating, waterfront location |
| The Seafood Bar @ Kirwan’s | Irish, Seafood | Hake on pasta, cream of mushroom soup, elegant setting |
| Oscar’s Seafood Bistro | Irish, Seafood | Scallops, wild prawns, consistently top-rated |
| Dela Restaurant | European | Full Irish breakfast, wild venison, cozy brunch spot |
| The Dough Bros | Pizza | Neapolitan-style with Irish twist, ranked among top pizzerias globally |
Local Favorites & Insider Picks
- Best for seafood: Oscar’s, Kirwan’s, O’Grady’s
- Best brunch: Dela Restaurant
- Best casual eats: The Dough Bros
- Best romantic dinner: Ard Bia or Ruibin
About the Author –
James Carey is an avid world traveler, blogger, writer and award-winning theater and film director based in Atlanta GA. He writes about travel worldwide, entertainment, and lifestyles. You can find out more about him at his personal websites listed below.
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