Galway City Guide: What to See & Do

This guide covers the best things to see and do in Galway, what to fit into one day, where to find the music, and the top day trips out of the city — including the short hop to the Cliffs of Moher.

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The best things to do in Galway

The city centre is compact enough to cover on foot. These are the highlights.

1. The Latin Quarter & Shop Street

Galway's beating heart — a run of cobbled, pedestrian streets lined with pubs, cafés, craft shops and near-constant live buskers. The best place to simply wander.

2. The Spanish Arch & the Long Walk

A 16th-century arch beside the River Corrib, with the photogenic row of colourful houses known as the Long Walk just across the water.

3. Galway Cathedral

One of Ireland's largest churches, with a striking domed interior, sitting beside the river.

4. Quay Street & the pubs

The most atmospheric street for an evening — historic pubs, packed terraces and trad music spilling out the doors.

5. Salthill Promenade

A breezy seaside walk along Galway Bay, ending with the local tradition of “kicking the wall” at the far end. Great for sunset.

6. The Galway City Museum

A free museum covering the city's maritime and medieval history, beside the Spanish Arch.

7. Eyre Square

The central city square and gathering point, a short walk from the train and bus stations.

What to do in one day in Galway

Galway rewards a slow pace, but you can see the highlights in a day on foot.

• Morning: Coffee on Shop Street, then wander the Latin Quarter to the Spanish Arch and the Long Walk.
• Midday: Galway City Museum, then lunch on Quay Street.
• Afternoon: Stroll out to Salthill along the prom for views over the bay.
• Evening: Dinner in the centre, then a traditional music session in one of the Quay Street pubs.

A single day captures the feel of the city — but Galway's real value is as a base for the scenery around it.

Where to hear traditional music in Galway

Music is the soul of Galway. You don't need to plan it — wander Quay Street and the Latin Quarter in the evening and you'll hear sessions spilling out of the pubs. The city is also a festival hub, busiest during the Galway International Arts Festival and the Races in July. For an authentic session, follow the sound rather than the guidebook.

The best day trips from Galway

Galway's location is its superpower. The best day trips from the city are some of the most famous sights in Ireland.

Day trip	What you'll see	Distance
Cliffs of Moher & the Burren	Iconic Atlantic cliffs + limestone moonscape	≈ 70 km
Aran Islands	Windswept islands with ancient forts	Ferry or cruise from the coast
Connemara & Kylemore Abbey	Mountains, bog and a lakeside abbey	≈ 80 km
The Burren	Bare limestone terraces and rare flora	≈ 50 km

The standout is the Cliffs of Moher — close enough for a relaxed half-day, and usually combined with the Burren on the scenic coastal route south. See our full guide to visiting the Cliffs of Moher from Galway for tours, driving times and what to expect.

Practical tips for visiting Galway

• Getting around: The centre is tiny and best on foot. Salthill is a 30-minute walk or short bus ride.
• Getting there: Regular trains and buses connect Galway with Dublin in around 2.5 hours.
• When to visit: Summer is liveliest (and busiest, especially in festival season); late spring and early autumn are quieter with good weather.
• Weather: Atlantic and changeable — carry a waterproof and dress in layers year-round.

The bottom line

Galway is a city to feel rather than tick off — give it a day to wander the Latin Quarter, walk the prom and catch a music session. Then use it as your base for the west: the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren are an easy half-day away, and a guided tour from the city makes them effortless.

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FAQ: Visiting Galway