Galway Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Galway, County Galway, Republic of Ireland)

Perhaps the most attractive aspect of a visit to Galway is the city's atmosphere and its people, culture, history and events. Although Galway isn't crammed with ancient buildings, dozens of museums and the usual rack of tourist attractions, there's plenty to keep visitors busy during a well-earned break.

Strolling the pedestrianised streets in the city centre around Eyre Square or breathing in the ozone along the harbour promenade at Salthill are both great ways for tourists to relax in Galway. The many friendly hostelries along the way really are attractions in their own right and make a good stopping point for a traditional pint of Guinness and a pub lunch.

Eyre Square

Address: Eyre Square, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
The heart of the city, this square with its historic facades is a great place to people-watch while enjoying a cup of coffee at a local cafe or a pint at a pub. If the rain starts, the Eyre Square Shopping Centre contains a roofed-off section of the old city walls, which is a complete contrast between old and new. Eyre Square was formerly established more than 300 years ago and is often described as being an inner-city park. The square was recently redeveloped over a two-year period at the cost of some €10 million, receiving a prestigious design award shortly afterwards. Particular attractions worth looking out for include two large iron cannons, while nearby, more shopping opportunities await in the form of Shop Street and William Street.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Galway Cathedral

Address: River Corrib, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 091 563 577
One of the city's most obvious attractions for tourists, the great stone-built Galway Cathedral was constructed in the 1960s and is an interesting architectural structure with an impressive interior and a huge dome. The cathedral is officially named the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas, and is home to an annual series of summer choir concerts, where you get the chance to hear the magnificent pipe organ being played.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 18:30
Admission: free

Lynch's Castle

Address: Shop Street, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
At the intersection of Upper Abbeygate Street and Shop Street stands a building which originated as a 16th century castle belonging to the Lynch family. Drastically altered in the 1960s and now a bank, its frontage still boasts ancient carvings of gargoyles, the arms of King Henry VII and those of several ancient Irish families.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Nora Barnacle House

Address: Bowling Green, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
This tiny, fascinating dwelling containing two rooms and a postage stamp-sized back yard was built back in the 19th century and is the smallest house in the street. Restored to its original condition more than 20 years ago and filled with period artefacts, the Nora Barnacle House is a must-see, as Nora herself, who was brought up in the little house, became the wife of Ireland's most famous writer, James Joyce.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Dunguaire Castle

Address: Kinvara, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 091 637 108
Just down the road and on the outskirts of Galway city, within the neighbouring seaport village of Kinvara, is the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle. Overlooking the city and with fine views across the area, the castle boasts a tall watch tower measuring some 23 metres / 75 feet in height, and hosts frequent medieval-style banquets from April to September, which come complete with theatrical performances, music, poetry and song.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Medieval Banqueting Hall

Address: High Street, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
The excavated ruins of a medieval banqueting hall can be found in a narrow street in the city centre, between the High Street and Flood Street. It is believed that this building once belonged to the affluent De Burgh family.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Spanish Arch

Address: off Eyre Square, Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
One of the last few remaining structures originally part of Galway's ancient defences, the Spanish Arch lies to the south of Eyre Square, standing adjacent to a pleasant park and the River Corrib. Next to the Spanish Arch is the popular promenade known locally as the 'Long Walk'.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

St. Nicholas Collegiate Church

Address: Galway, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 091 564 648
This ancient church, now Anglican, was founded in 1320 and is the biggest medieval parish place of worship in continuous use in the whole of Ireland. Dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers, St. Nicholas, it's well worth a visit. Locals often say that Christopher Columbus once worshipped at this church, when he paid a visit to the city in the latter part of 15th century.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free