Quick Summary:

  • Where is Galway located?
    • Galway is a charming harbor city crisscrossed with canals at the mouth of the Corrib River on Ireland’s west coast.
  • Why is Galway called the “City of the Tribes”?
    • Galway is affectionately called the “City of the Tribes” after the several prominent families that controlled trade and politics in the city from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
  • What historical attractions can visitors explore in Galway?
    • Galway is home to many historical attractions, such as the 16th-century fortified limestone Lynch’s Castle and the 18th-century Eyre Square.
  • What is Galway known for culturally?
    • The city is a cultural hub nestled within medieval city walls and boasts plenty of traditional pubs offering live Irish folk music.
  • What are some must-visit places near Galway?
    • Head out of the city and sail to the verdant Aran Islands or visit the ruggedly spectacular Wild Atlantic Way.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. MV Plassy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

MV Plassy | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© GigiPeis/stock.adobe.com

2. Connemara National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Connemara National Park | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Elena Schweitzer/stock.adobe.com

3. The Fisheries Watchtower Museum

Category: Food & Drink
The Fisheries Watchtower Museum | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Michaella/stock.adobe.com

4. Clifden Sky Road

Clifden Sky Road | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© The Pink Panda/stock.adobe.com

5. Kinvara

Kinvara | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© David_Steele/stock.adobe.com

6. Cong

Cong | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© David_Steele/stock.adobe.com

7. Salthill Promenade

Category: Activities
Salthill Promenade | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Michaella/stock.adobe.com

8. The Legend of the Claddagh Ring Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The Legend of the Claddagh Ring Museum | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© backiris/stock.adobe.com

9. Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Michael/stock.adobe.com

10. Dun Aonghasa

Dun Aonghasa | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© MNStudio/stock.adobe.com

11. Eyre Square

Eyre Square | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Michaella/stock.adobe.com

12. Dunguaire Castle

Romantic Castles
Dunguaire Castle | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© kwiatek7/stock.adobe.com

13. Athenry

Athenry | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Patryk Kosmider/stock.adobe.com

14. Galway City Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Galway City Museum | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Galway City Museum

15. Benbaun

Benbaun | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Nazanin Es/stock.adobe.com

16. Lough Corrib

Lough Corrib | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Bob/stock.adobe.com

17. Spiddal Irish Crafts Center and Cafe

Category: Attractions
Spiddal Irish Crafts Center and Cafe | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Spiddal Irish Crafts Center and Café

18. Galway Cathedral

Galway Cathedral | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© tauav/stock.adobe.com

19. The Dough Bros

The Dough Bros | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© The Dough Bros

20. Ard Bia at Nimmos

Ard Bia at Nimmos | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Ard Bia at Nimmos

21. Aniar Restaurant

Category: Food & Drink
Aniar Restaurant | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Aniar Restaurant

22. Cava Bodega

Cava Bodega | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Cava Bodega

23. Shopping in Galway

Category: Shopping
Shopping in Galway | Galway, Ireland: Fun Activities & Places You Can’t Miss
© Urmas/stock.adobe.com

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