Top 10 Places to Visit in Galway (2025)
On Ireland’s stunning west coast is Galway, a city that steals hearts at first glance. Bright, colorful buildings line streets filled with music and laughter. The ocean waves crash nearby as street performers share their talents with smiling crowds.
What makes Galway special is how it mixes old and new so perfectly. Ancient stone buildings stand next to hip coffee shops. Historic sites draw you in while the friendly locals make you feel at home. The city buzzes with energy during its famous festivals, but also offers quiet spots to enjoy Ireland’s natural beauty.
Here are 10 places to visit in Galway if you are planning a visit this year!
10 Best Places to Visit in Galway
1. Kylemore Abbey
Located in the beautiful Connemara region, Kylemore Abbey is a stunning 19th-century castle monastery.
It sits surrounded by mountains, lakes, and lush gardens that look straight out of a storybook. Originally built as a romantic gift, it later became a Benedictine monastery before becoming the popular tourist attraction it is today.
As a visitor, you can explore the beautifully restored rooms of the abbey and wander through the Victorian Walled Garden.
The peaceful walk around the lake offers breathtaking views and perfect photo opportunities. The abbey’s rich history, combined with its natural surroundings makes it one of the most enchanting places near Galway.
For a perfect family day out, learn about the abbey’s stories of tragedy and romance, then explore the extensive woodland and lakeshore paths.
Before leaving, stop at Mitchell’s Café or the Garden Tea House for delicious homemade scones and refreshments.
2. Eyre Square
Eyre Square serves as the living heart of Galway, blending history, culture, and relaxation in one central location.
This public park is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Galway.
The square features several notable sculptures, including the John F. Kennedy Memorial, which honors his 1963 visit to Ireland.
On sunny days, locals and tourists gather to enjoy the open space, listen to talented street performers, or simply relax on the benches.
Whether you want to people-watch with a cup of coffee or meet friends before heading out to explore more of the city, Eyre Square offers a welcoming atmosphere that captures Galway’s friendly spirit.
The mix of history and modern city life makes this spot a must-visit for any visitor.
3. Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a paradise for outdoor and nature lovers, covering nearly 3,000 hectares – roughly the size of 2,400 football fields.
The park encompasses four of the famous Twelve Bens mountains, along with vast stretches of bogs, grasslands, and woodlands.
The Diamond Hill hike is particularly popular, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside that will take your breath away.
As you explore, keep an eye out for Connemara ponies grazing freely in their natural habitat.
Three different trails cater to every fitness level, and during summer months, guided walks provide fascinating insights into the park’s ecology and history.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of species that call this area home. Connemara National Park provides the perfect escape from city life, allowing visitors to experience Ireland’s stunning wilderness firsthand.
4. Quay Street
Quay Street forms the vibrant center of Galway’s Latin Quarter, pulsing with energy, music, and culture.
This bustling street is lined with colorful buildings that house traditional pubs, charming cafes, and unique boutique shops.
During daylight hours, you can browse local stores selling authentic Irish crafts, handmade jewelry, and memorable souvenirs.
As evening falls, the street transforms as the sound of live traditional music spills from the doorways of pubs and restaurants.
Quay Street offers some of Galway’s best dining experiences, from casual fare to upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood and local specialties.
Whether you’re looking for a perfect pint of Guinness or simply want to experience the authentic Irish atmosphere, this lively thoroughfare showcases Galway’s famous hospitality and vibrant spirit.
Also Read: Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Ireland
5. Spanish Arch
The Spanish Arch stands as a remnant of Galway’s 16th-century city walls that once protected the busy port.
This historical landmark has witnessed centuries of change along the banks of the River Corrib and now serves as a popular place to visit in Galway.
Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying views of the fast-flowing river and Galway Bay beyond.
The nearby Galway City Museum offers deeper insights into the city’s rich maritime history and cultural heritage.
The area around the Spanish Arch buzzes with activity, from street performers to food vendors and locals enjoying the scenery.
It’s the perfect spot to soak up Galway’s unique atmosphere while connecting with its past. The mix of historical significance and modern social space makes the Spanish Arch an important stop on any Galway itinerary.
6. Inishbofin Island
Located just 11 kilometers off Galway’s coast, Inishbofin Island offers visitors a peaceful escape with beautiful white sandy beaches and breathtaking ocean views.
This small island provides stunning panoramic scenes of both the Galway coastline and the endless Atlantic Ocean stretching toward the horizon.
Moreover, the island has an amazing hiking trail that circles the entire area, giving hikers the chance to explore ancient Iron Age forts that sit dramatically on the clifftops.
The island’s rich cultural heritage comes alive through its traditional ceilí band, which performs authentic Irish music for visitors before they return to the mainland.
The ferry journey to Inishbofin takes about 30 minutes, making it a perfect day trip destination.
If you are a wildlife lover, you will enjoy spotting seals and various seabirds along the rocky shores. The island’s quiet atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty make it an ideal place for photography and quiet reflection.
Local cafes serve fresh seafood and traditional Irish dishes, adding to the authentic island experience that visitors remember long after leaving.
7. Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral stands as one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. The cathedral is known for its remarkable architectural design and deep spiritual significance.
Built during the 1960s, this modern cathedral features a striking dome, detailed mosaics, and gorgeous stained-glass windows that create a colorful display throughout the interior space.
The building combines Renaissance, Romanesque, and Gothic architectural styles, creating a unique and peaceful atmosphere for visitors and worshippers alike.
The cathedral serves multiple purposes for different types of visitors, whether you are looking to seek historical knowledge, architectural appreciation, or simply a quiet place for personal reflection.
The interior space feels both grand and welcoming, with high ceilings and carefully designed details that draw the eye upward. From the cathedral grounds, visitors can enjoy lovely views of the River Corrib flowing through the city center.
The historic building also represents an important part of Galway’s religious heritage and continues to play an active role in the local community. Photography is welcome in most areas, making it a favorite stop for those documenting their Galway journey.
After experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of the cathedral, you can head toward the coast to enjoy the refreshing sea air and scenic walking paths.
8. Salthill Promenade
Salthill Promenade stretches nearly two kilometers along Galway Bay, providing one of the most popular walking and recreational areas in the region.
This coastal pathway attracts joggers, cyclists, families, and tourists who come to enjoy the fresh sea air and spectacular water views.
The famous tradition of “kicking the wall” at the promenade’s end has become a beloved ritual that countless visitors participate in during their stay.
On clear days, the view extends across the bay to include the Aran Islands and the rolling hills of County Clare in the distance.
The promenade area features Blue Flag beaches where visitors can sunbathe, explore rocky tide pools, or join local swimmers who brave the Atlantic waters year-round.
Several cafes and seafood restaurants line the route, offering places to rest and enjoy local specialties like fish and chips or fresh Galway Bay oysters.
In addition, the Salthill Promenade provides a perfect balance between active recreation and peaceful relaxation, with sheltered coves offering protection from stronger winds.
Ice cream vendors and small amusement areas make this location particularly appealing to families with children. Evening walks along the promenade often feature beautiful sunsets over Galway Bay, creating memorable moments for visitors.
9. Galway City Museum
Galway City Museum, located directly behind the famous Spanish Arch, offers visitors free entry to explore the city’s fascinating history and cultural development.
This modern museum provides a comprehensive look at how Galway evolved from its medieval origins through the 20th century, with exhibits covering archaeology, art, and social history.
The museum’s connection to the sea theme runs throughout many displays, showing how maritime trade and fishing shaped the city’s character over hundreds of years.
Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations make the museum experience engaging for visitors of all ages, while detailed displays showcase artifacts from different historical periods.
The museum building itself offers excellent views of the River Corrib and the historic city center, making it a great starting point for further exploration.
The museum staff provides helpful information about other historical sites throughout Galway, making it an excellent first stop if you are interested in history.
Visitors typically spend about an hour exploring the main exhibits, though history buffs often find themselves staying much longer to read all the detailed information provided.
10. Dunguaire Castle
Dunguaire Castle sits majestically on the shores of Galway Bay, representing one of Ireland’s most photographed and well-preserved medieval tower houses.
Dating back to the 16th century, this historic castle has connections to numerous famous Irish literary figures and offers visitors a glimpse into Ireland’s noble past.
The castle’s location provides spectacular views across the bay, making it a favorite destination for photographers and romantic visitors alike.
The castle hosts medieval banquet experiences where guests can enjoy traditional Irish food, music, and storytelling within the authentic historic setting. These evening events transport visitors back in time through period entertainment and candlelit dining in the castle’s atmospheric halls.
Even visitors who don’t attend the banquets find plenty to enjoy, as the castle grounds and exterior provide excellent opportunities for exploration and photos.
The tower house structure itself showcases typical Irish defensive architecture, with thick stone walls and strategic positioning overlooking the water.
Guided tours share stories about the castle’s various owners and its role in Irish history, including tales of famous writers and political figures who visited over the centuries.
The surrounding area has walking paths where visitors can explore the coastline and enjoy additional views of this remarkable structure from different angles. The castle remains accessible year-round, though visiting hours vary by season.
