Best things to do in Galway

Connemara National Park & Visitor Centre encompasses diverse landscapes that include vast grasslands, dense woodlands, high mountain peaks, and swaths of bogs and heaths. Established in 1980, the park spans nearly 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) and contains several remnants of megalithic human civilizations, including 4,000-year-old tombs. A good pair of binoculars can open a window into the park's world of songbirds, which include meadow pipits, skylarks, chaffinches, robins, and wrens. You can begin your trek across the sprawling park at the visitor center, offering a brief introduction into the area's wildlife and geology. Guided nature walks, which depart from the center, cover rough and very boggy terrain, so dress appropriately if you choose to join in.

Stretching for 2,500 km (1,553 mi), Wild Atlantic Way passes through dozens of towns, attractions, and spots worth including on your itinerary. The route traverses the west coast of Ireland, with part stretching along the north and south coasts as well--nine counties and three provinces encompassed by this tourist trail include everything from County Donegal in Ulster to County Cork in Munster. Along the way, you'll be able to stop at nearly 170 points of interest to learn more about Irish history, culture, art, and modern way of life.

Explore Quay Street, one of the city's most lively and fun areas to see on foot. This street is one of many that stretch south from Eyre Square toward the Corrib. Take a stroll and admire the beautiful historic buildings, window-shop at one of many artisan boutiques, and people-watch from a café or restaurant. Don't miss a stop at one of the pubs along the way. This street is known for having some of the best nightlife in Galway because of its welcoming atmosphere.

Offering visitors a chance to attend a genuine medieval banquet, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park hosts four-course dinners accompanied by traditional harp, pipe, and fiddle music. Located on the site of an old Viking settlement, the hulking castle houses a vast collection of medieval furniture and art, which you can explore on your own or as part of a guided tour. The adjoining folk park boasts over 30 reconstructed buildings, including a forge, pub, post office, and blacksmith's shop. As you stroll through this replica of a 19th century Irish village, look for costumed actors demonstrating traditional jobs and crafts. Book your banquet reservations well in advance, and leapfrog the lines by buying your park tickets online.

Lined by bars, restaurants, and hotels, Salthill Promenade stretches along Galway Bay. The "Prom," as the locals call it, is the longest seaside promenade in the country, attracting both casual strollers and long-distance joggers. You can reach the promenade from any part of the city in about five minutes by simply heading toward the water. As you walk or run along this sign-posted path, remember the local tradition that claims kicking the prom wall unfailingly brings good luck. Time your stroll or jog for late afternoon when the promenade becomes a prime spot for watching the sunset.

Tour Galway Cathedral, one of the most architecturally notable buildings in the city. Built in 1958 on the grounds of a former prison, the site is officially named Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas. Admire the Renaissance-style dome and pillars, along with the church's rose windows and intricate mosaics. The dome, at 44.2 m (145 ft), can be seen on Galway's skyline. Visit for Mass, held every day, to listen to the organ play and choir sing.

Discover Galway's past at Galway City Museum, where objects from pre-history to present day fill the galleries of this coastal complex. The maritime industries that helped build the city take a place of honor in the museum's exhibits. Because farming was another way of life that influenced the city, a collection of farm equipment shares space with industrial artifacts. Admission to the museum is free, and its location on the seashore next to the Spanish Arch makes it a good stopping point on a walking tour of the city and coastline.

Admire the scenery as you stroll through Eyre Square, Galway's urban park located in the city center. The site officially took the name John F. Kennedy Memorial Park in 1965. Because the park connects to many of the shopping streets, it serves as a popular meeting place. Pick up souvenirs and take in the culture on the nearby William Street or Shop Street. Mayor Edward Eyre, for whom the park was named originally, founded the site in 1710. In the time since, it has undergone several changes, including the addition of stone walls in 1801, redevelopment in Georgian style, and a complete reconstruction in the 1960s before reopening with its new name.

Witness the natural wonder of The Burren, an area that is both rocky and fertile. “Burren” comes from an Irish word meaning “a rocky place,” which fits because the area is full of exposed limestone. Take in gorgeous views of the rugged shoreline cliffs. Tour the karst hills of the region, which are rich in historic and archeological sites, including several megalithic tombs, portal dolmens, and the nearby Corcomroe Abbey. The area also features a wealth of flora, fauna, and herbs. Leave time to visit the 1,500 hectare (3,707 acre) Burren National Park, located in the southeastern corner of the region.

Founded by Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during World War I, Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden occupy the estate of a 19th century castle, built to house the family of a wealthy London doctor. Although large sections of the property remain closed to visitors, you can take a guided tour of its Gothic chapel, main hall, and walled garden, one of the last built in Ireland during the Victorian period. Intersected by walkways and manicured flowerbeds, the garden contains a series of greenhouses, two of which have been restored to their full Victorian glory. The estate also features a gift shop and three dining venues, including a traditional teahouse using nuns' recipes for cakes and scones, baked fresh daily.

A highlight for many visitors to Galway City is strolling along the medieval pedestrianised streets. The area is characterised by buskers, boutiques, unique shops, cafes, bars, & restaurants. It has rightfully earned its unofficial title as 'The Latin Quarter'. Well, now it's official and with support from Failte Ireland & Galway City Council, the area has adopted the name ‘The Latin Quarter’.

Leaning out over the ocean, Cliffs of Moher represent the rugged side of coastal Ireland. The imposing cliffs rise more than 200 m (700 ft) above the Atlantic and consist mainly of shale and sandstone. More than 30,000 birds live on this rocky part of the coastline, and nearly 1 million people come to visit each year. Begin your adventure at the visitor center, featuring exhibits about the natural and historical significance of these cliffs. To observe puffins and hawks nesting in this area, bring binoculars and hike along a well-posted trail to the highest point of the cliffs, where you'll find a historical tower built in 1835. It can get windy and cold here, so dress appropriately.

Circle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden is a stone sculpted, landscaped garden located on the seafront Quincentennial Park in Salthill overlooking Galway Bay. It celebrates and commemorates the lives and generosity of spirit of organ donors, and its aura of mysticism and healing provides a very special place of reflection and inspiration for all visitors. The garden’s design is influenced by different aspects of Irish culture, history, and heritage, offering an absorbing and memorable experience. The garden was developed by Strange Boat Donor Foundation in partnership with Galway City Council and was formally opened on May 6th, 2014.