If you’re planning a trip to the west of Ireland, Galway deserves more than a quick stop on the way to Connemara.
The city itself is compact enough to explore on foot, with colourful streets, traditional music, independent shops, good food and Galway Bay right on its doorstep. Then, once you leave the city, you have an entirely different side of County Galway to discover — the mountains and lakes of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, the Sky Road, Killary Harbour and the Aran Islands.
We’ve spent years exploring Galway and the surrounding west of Ireland, and one thing we’d say straight away is don’t try to do everything. Galway is much better when you slow down and give yourself time to enjoy it.
So, rather than giving you a huge list of attractions and leaving you to figure out what is actually worth your time, these are the best things to do in Galway that we’d prioritise ourselves, including what to do in the city, where to go with a car, and the day trips worth adding to your itinerary.
Best Things to Do in Galway at a Glance
Best Things to Do in Galway City
Galway City is compact enough to explore on foot, making it an excellent destination for a weekend break in Ireland without a hire car. These are the places we’d start with on a first visit.
1. Wander Galway’s Latin Quarter and Shop Street
If it’s your first time in Galway, start by simply walking.
The Latin Quarter, Shop Street and Quay Street are the heart of the city, and this is one of those places where you don’t really need a strict sightseeing plan. Wander the medieval streets, browse the independent shops, stop to listen to buskers and duck into whichever café or pub catches your eye.
This is the Galway that most visitors come looking for — colourful shopfronts, musicians on the street and plenty happening without having to travel anywhere.
Rather than marching from one attraction to the next, give yourself time to wander. Browse the shops, follow a side street that catches your eye and see where you end up.
Our tip: Don’t just walk Shop Street and turn around. Wander down the smaller surrounding lanes and towards the River Corrib and Spanish Arch.
Allow: 1–2 hours, longer if you plan to stop for food or shopping.
2. Walk the Salthill Promenade
For a change of scenery, head west from Galway city centre to Salthill.
The Salthill Promenade follows Galway Bay, offering lovely coastal views and a more relaxed atmosphere than the busy streets downtown. On a clear day, you can look across the bay towards County Clare and the Burren.
And yes, you might spot people kicking the wall at the end of the promenade. It’s a well-known Galway tradition, so don’t be surprised if you see someone giving it a good boot.
We love Salthill because it doesn’t require a big chunk of your day. You can walk, enjoy the sea air, grab something to eat and head back into Galway.
If the weather is cooperating, take your time. If the Atlantic is throwing a tantrum, bring a waterproof jacket and adjust your plans accordingly.
Allow: 1–2 hours.
3. See the Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum
The Spanish Arch sits beside the River Corrib and is one of Galway’s best-known historic landmarks.
Just beside it, the Galway City Museum is a useful stop if you want to understand a little more about the city’s history rather than simply photographing the buildings and moving on.
This is also a good combination for a wet afternoon — because, let’s be honest, you’re visiting the west coast of Ireland.
We’d combine the museum with a walk around the nearby streets rather than making a separate trip just for it.
Allow: 1–2 hours.
4. Find a Traditional Irish Music Session
You can’t really experience Galway properly without hearing some live traditional Irish music.
Galway city has a long-standing pub and music culture, and places such as Tigh Neachtain, Tigh Cóilí, Taaffes and The Crane Bar are well known for traditional sessions.
The important thing is not to treat this as another attraction to tick off during the afternoon. Galway is at its best in the evening, when the streets quieten slightly and music starts spilling out of the doors.
We’d pick somewhere with a good atmosphere, settle in and let the evening happen rather than trying to fit three different venues into one night.
Our tip: If traditional Irish music is important to you, check the venue’s current session schedule before you go. Times can change.
Allow: An evening.
If this is your kind of travel style, check out the Best Pubs in Ireland with Traditional Music.
5. Visit Galway Cathedral
Standing beside the River Corrib, Galway Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognisable buildings.
It was completed in 1965 and is architecturally quite different from many of Ireland’s older cathedrals, combining several styles and featuring Irish artwork.
It’s not somewhere we’d spend half a day, but it’s an easy addition when you’re already exploring Galway city centre.
Allow: 30–45 minutes.
6. Walk Around Eyre Square
Eyre Square is Galway’s central green space and a natural starting or finishing point for exploring the city.
You’ll find monuments, historic features and plenty of people coming and going, but we’d treat it more as part of your Galway walking route than as a standalone attraction.
It’s particularly handy if you’re arriving to Galway by train or bus before heading towards Shop Street and the Latin Quarter.
Allow: 20–30 minutes as part of your Galway city walk.
7. Slow Down and Enjoy Galway’s Food Scene
This isn’t one particular attraction, but honestly, you’d be missing part of Galway if you spent the whole visit rushing between landmarks.
Galway has developed a strong food reputation, with everything from casual seafood and cafés to ambitious restaurants.
Check out this top-rated Galway Food Tour and discover the best food spots in Galway with a local.
If you’re visiting Galway in September, you’re in luck! The city hosts its famous Galway Oyster and Seafood Festival, making it a fantastic time to experience Galway’s food, music and craic. Just make sure you book your accommodation well in advance — the city gets seriously busy during festival weekend!
Best Things to Do Around County Galway
Once you’ve explored the city, it’s time to discover what lies beyond it.
County Galway is much larger than Galway City, and some of its most memorable landscapes are a substantial drive away.
If you want to see Connemara, visit Kylemore Abbey or explore the Atlantic coastline, allow enough time rather than trying to squeeze everything into one rushed day.
8. Spend a Day Exploring Connemara
If you have a car, Connemara is the biggest reason we’d recommend spending more than one day around Galway.
Once you leave the city behind, the landscape changes dramatically. Mountains, lakes, bogland, stone walls and winding roads replace the busy streets.
And this is where we’d make one important recommendation:
Don’t treat Connemara as a race to Kylemore Abbey and back.
The drive itself is part of the experience.
You can build a day around Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey, Letterfrack, Killary Harbour, Leenane and Clifden, depending on how much time you have.
Connemara is also a Gaeltacht region, so you’ll encounter areas where Irish remains an important part of everyday life.
The official tourism sources also highlight the region’s combination of mountains, coastal scenery, villages, Irish-language culture and attractions such as Kylemore Abbey and Killary Harbour.
Allow: A full day.
9. Hike Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park
For walkers, Diamond Hill is one of the best things to do around Galway.
The trail takes you into the spectacular landscape of Connemara National Park, with views over the surrounding mountains, coastline and islands.
This isn’t something we’d squeeze into a rushed Connemara itinerary. If you’re going to hike it, allow yourself enough time to actually enjoy the walk and the views.
And remember that Irish weather can change quickly, particularly in exposed areas. Proper footwear and a waterproof layer are much more useful here than optimism.
Allow: Several hours, depending on your route and pace.
Looking for more interesting hikes in Ireland? Check out our list of Best Irish Hikes Linked to Irish Mythology.
10. Visit Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is one of the most recognisable sights in Connemara, and for good reason.
The former castle sits beside a lake surrounded by mountains and woodland, while the estate includes the restored Victorian Walled Garden and a Gothic church.
The setting around Kylemore Abbey is arguably as much of the attraction as the building itself.
If you’re driving through Connemara, this is one of the stops we’d prioritise — but we’d combine it with other places rather than making Kylemore the only destination of the day.
Allow: 2–3 hours.
11. Drive the Sky Road Around Clifden
When you reach Clifden, one of the best things you can do is drive the Sky Road.
The Sky Road route climbs above the coastline, opening up views across the Atlantic, islands and surrounding countryside.
This is exactly the sort of place where we’d advise against obsessing over how quickly you can complete the route.
Stop when you see somewhere safe to pull in. Take photos. Have a wander. Let somebody else get annoyed because you’re driving slowly.
That’s the point of Connemara.
Allow: Half a day if you’re combining it with Clifden and other stops.
12. See Killary Harbour and Leenane
Further north, Killary Harbour gives you another spectacular view of the Connemara landscape.
The waterway is surrounded by mountains, making it particularly impressive when the weather is dramatic — which, conveniently, is not exactly unusual in the west of Ireland.
The village of Leenane is a useful stop when exploring this area, and you can also look for walks and other experiences around Killary Harbour.
If you have time, this is an excellent addition to a wider Connemara road trip.
Allow: 1–2 hours, longer if you’re adding a walk or boat trip.
13. Take a Day Trip to the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are one of the most popular day trips from Galway.
If you have a full day available, taking the ferry and exploring Inis Mór is a completely different experience from Galway city.
The islands are known for their dramatic limestone landscapes, stone walls, traditional culture and ancient archaeological sites, including Dún Aonghasa on Inis Mór.
We’d recommend treating this as a full-day trip rather than trying to squeeze it into half a day.
And here’s the important bit: check the weather before committing.
The Atlantic can have other plans.
Allow: Full day.
14. Explore Clifden
Clifden is often treated simply as somewhere you drive through on a Connemara itinerary, but it’s worth slowing down for.
Known as the capital of Connemara, it’s a good place to stop for food, browse the shops and break up a longer driving day.
It’s also an ideal base for exploring the Sky Road and surrounding coastline.
If you’re travelling without a car, organised tours from Galway can also make Clifden and Connemara much easier to experience.
15. Stop at Dunguaire Castle
If you’re travelling south from Galway towards the Burren, Dunguaire Castle near Kinvara makes an easy heritage stop.
The 16th-century tower house sits beside Galway Bay and is particularly photogenic from the surrounding shoreline.
We wouldn’t make a special trip from Galway City solely to see it, but if you’re combining Galway with the Burren or travelling towards County Clare, it’s a worthwhile addition.
Allow: 30–60 minutes.
For more Irish history, check out the Best Castles in Ireland Worth Visiting
Best Restaurants in Galway: Where to Eat
Wondering where to eat in Galway? From fresh seafood and traditional Irish favourites to creative Irish cooking, Galway has plenty to offer food lovers.
These are four restaurants worth considering when planning where to eat in Galway, depending on your budget and the kind of meal you’re after.
Aniar – For a Special Occasion
If you’re looking to splash out on a memorable meal, Aniar is worth considering. This Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on contemporary Irish cooking, showcasing seasonal ingredients and flavours associated with the west of Ireland. It’s a good choice for food lovers in Galway who want something more adventurous than a typical restaurant dinner.
Best for: Fine dining, special occasions and contemporary Irish cuisine.
McDonagh’s – For Seafood and Traditional Irish Food
For something more casual, McDonagh’s on Quay Street is a long-standing Galway favourite. Known for its fish and chips and seafood, it’s a great option when you want a satisfying meal without the formality of fine dining. Its central location also makes it convenient to visit while exploring Galway’s Latin Quarter.
Best for: Fish and chips, casual seafood and traditional favourites.
If you’re keen to try more Irish dishes during your trip, check out our guide to traditional Irish food and the dishes worth trying.
Kai – For Creative, Seasonal Cooking
Located in Galway’s Westend, Kai is a popular choice for diners looking for thoughtful cooking built around seasonal ingredients. Its approach combines quality produce with a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good option for a meal that feels special without the formality of fine dining.
Best for: Seasonal ingredients, creative cooking and a relaxed dining experience.
Ard Bia at Nimmo’s – For a Characterful Galway Dining Experience
Close to the Spanish Arch, Ard Bia at Nimmo’s is another restaurant to consider when deciding where to eat in Galway. Its distinctive setting and seasonal menu make it a good option if you’d like to combine a meal with exploring the Galway’s historic riverside area.
Best for: A characterful setting, seasonal food and a meal near the Spanish Arch.
Our tip: If there’s a restaurant you particularly want to try, book ahead, especially for weekends and busy festival dates. Galway gets lively, and leaving dinner plans until the last minute can mean missing out.
Planning to spend a longer time in Ireland? Check out our helpful guides:
Galway With a Car: What We’d Prioritise
Having a car changes your Galway trip considerably.
The city itself doesn’t require one, but once you want to explore Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Clifden, the Sky Road and Killary Harbour, having your own transport gives you much more freedom.
If we had two days and a car, we’d prioritise:
Day 1: Galway City + Salthill
Day 2: Connemara + Kylemore Abbey + Clifden/Sky Road
If you have a third day, we’d then consider:
Day 3: Aran Islands or a slower Connemara day.
The mistake we’d avoid is trying to combine the Aran Islands and Connemara on the same day. Both deserve more time than that.
Galway Without a Car
You absolutely can visit Galway without hiring a car.
In fact, Galway City itself is much easier without one because the main sights are walkable and you can use public transport for Salthill.
The challenge comes when you want to explore Connemara.
That’s where an organised day tour can make sense, particularly if you’re only visiting Ireland for a short time.
The advantage is that you can see places such as Kylemore Abbey and Connemara without having to worry about driving unfamiliar rural roads.
So our advice is:
No car + 1–2 days: Stay focused on Galway City and Salthill, with an organised day trip if desired.
Car + 2–3 days: Use Galway as your base and explore Connemara independently.
How Many Days Do You Need in Galway?
For Galway City alone, two days is enough for a good introduction.
But if you want to experience the surrounding county properly, we’d recommend three days or more.
A good split would be:
2 days: Galway City + Connemara
3 days: Galway City + Connemara + Aran Islands
4+ days: Slow the itinerary down and explore more of Connemara, the coast and nearby County Clare.
Galway’s location makes it particularly useful as a base for exploring the west, with Connemara to the north and west, and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher accessible to the south.
Our Perfect 2-Day Galway Itinerary
Day 1: Galway City & Salthill
Morning: Start in Eyre Square and walk towards Shop Street and the Latin Quarter.
Late morning: Continue towards the Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum.
Lunch: Stop for a casual lunch in the city centre.
Afternoon: Walk or travel out to Salthill and follow the promenade along Galway Bay.
Evening: Head back into the city for dinner, followed by traditional music.
Our priority: Don’t over-plan today. Galway City is best experienced on foot.
Day 2: Connemara Road Trip
Morning: Leave Galway early and head into Connemara.
Late morning: Explore Connemara National Park and, if you’re a walker, take on Diamond Hill.
Afternoon: Continue to Kylemore Abbey.
Late afternoon: Drive onwards towards Leenane and Killary Harbour, depending on daylight and how much time you have.
Evening: Return to Galway.
If you want to include the Sky Road and Clifden as well, we’d actually consider giving Connemara the entire day and leaving the hike for another visit.
Planning your Irish Adventure?
Discovery Cars is the premier platform for comparing rental options across the Emerald Isle.
Quick Tip: Remember, we drive on the LEFT!
If you’re planning a much longer Ireland road trip, our Ireland road trip itineraries may also help you work Killarney into the wider route.
Best Day Trips From Galway
Galway is one of the best bases in the west of Ireland because you have several major attractions within reach.
Connemara
Best for: Mountains, lakes, scenery and road trips.
Our pick: If you have a car in Galway, this is the day trip we’d prioritise.
Aran Islands
Best for: Island scenery, history, cycling and a completely different side of Ireland.
Our pick: Give the Aran Islands a full day.
The Burren & Cliffs of Moher
Best for: Dramatic coastal scenery and one of Ireland’s most famous natural attractions.
Visiting the Burren is particularly convenient if you’re combining Galway with County Clare. We highly recommend stopping for lunch in Doolin, even if you don’t stay overnight. This colourful little fishing village is right beside the Cliffs of Moher and makes a great base for exploring this spectacular stretch of the Clare coast.
Kinvara & Dunguaire Castle
Best for: A shorter trip towards the Burren.
This works particularly well as part of a wider Galway-to-Clare road trip.
Mix up your Killarney trip with the following unique Irish adventures off the tourist path:
- Stargazing in Ireland: Ultimate Guide to Irish Dark Skies
- Surfing and Seaweed Baths Along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
- Visiting Hook Lighthouse – & Unique Lighthouse Stays in Ireland
- Hidden Irish Islands – Away from the obvious
Where to Stay in Galway
If you’re visiting Galway mainly to explore the city, we’d stay as central as possible. The Eyre Square, Latin Quarter and Quay Street areas put you within easy walking distance of the main sights, restaurants, pubs and live music.
For us, the biggest advantage is being able to leave the car parked and walk home after a few pints and some live music. If you’re driving, check whether your hotel has parking before booking, as this isn’t always included with central Galway accommodation.
If you’re using Galway as a base for Connemara and the surrounding area, staying slightly outside the city can give you easier parking and a quieter stay. For a short city break, though, we’d choose central.
Our 3 Central Galway Hotel Picks
Park House Hotel – Best all-rounder
Just off Eyre Square, with a quieter feel while still being close enough to walk everywhere. We’d choose it for a comfortable, traditional hotel stay in a very handy location.
Leonardo Hotel Galway – Best location
Right on Quay Street in the Latin Quarter, putting Galway’s pubs, restaurants and atmosphere right outside the door. Expect a modern, straightforward city-centre stay.
The House Hotel – Best boutique option
A stylish choice in the Latin Quarter, close to Spanish Arch and the city’s nightlife. We’d pick this if you want to be right in the heart of Galway but prefer a smaller boutique-style hotel.
Our Tips for Visiting Galway
Don’t underestimate driving times
The distances on a map can look deceptively short in Connemara. Rural roads, stops for photographs and the temptation to pull over every five minutes all add up.
Don’t try to see everything
This is probably our biggest tip when visiting Galway.
You can technically visit Kylemore Abbey, Diamond Hill, Killary Harbour, Clifden and the Sky Road in one day.
That doesn’t mean you should.
Have a rainy-day backup
Galway is on the Atlantic coast. Weather changes.
Keep the museum, cafés, food and city attractions in your back pocket for a wet afternoon.
Book popular restaurants
If you’ve got your heart set on somewhere specific, particularly at weekends, book ahead rather than hoping you’ll get a table.
Allow time for Galway itself
Don’t make the mistake of treating Galway as simply the place where you sleep before driving to Connemara.
The city is part of the experience.
Best Things to Do in Galway: FAQs
Is Galway Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Galway is worth visiting.
But we’d say it depends on what you’re expecting.
If you’re looking for a huge list of monumental attractions like you might find in a major European capital, Galway isn’t that.
What Galway does exceptionally well is atmosphere.
You get a compact, walkable city with music, food, colourful streets and Galway Bay, while some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes begin just beyond it.
And that combination is what makes Galway such a good base for exploring the west.
Is Galway Better Than Dublin?
They’re completely different experiences.
Dublin is bigger and has a much wider selection of major museums, historic attractions and city experiences.
Galway is smaller, more relaxed and much closer to the landscapes that many visitors come to Ireland to experience.
If you’re particularly interested in traditional Irish music, coastal scenery, Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way, we’d make Galway a priority.
What Is Galway Famous For?
Galway is particularly known for its traditional music, colourful city streets, festivals, food scene, Galway Bay and its proximity to Connemara and the Aran Islands.
The city is also associated with the Claddagh and the famous Claddagh ring, while the wider county is known for its rugged Atlantic coastline and Irish-speaking communities in Connemara.
What Is the Best Thing to Do in Galway?
If it’s your first visit, we’d start with walking Galway’s Latin Quarter and Shop Street, then add Salthill.
If you have a car and another day available, we’d make Connemara the priority.
For us, that’s the winning combination: one day experiencing Galway’s atmosphere and one day getting out into the landscape that makes this part of Ireland so special.
Final Thoughts: Is Galway Worth Adding to Your Ireland Itinerary?
Galway is one of those places where the best experiences aren’t necessarily the ones you can tick off a list.
Yes, visit the Spanish Arch. Walk Salthill. Explore Connemara. See Kylemore Abbey. Take the ferry to the Aran Islands if you have time.
But also leave yourself room to wander down a street because you heard music coming from a doorway, stop for a coffee when the weather turns, pull over for a view in Connemara and spend an evening simply enjoying Galway’s atmosphere.
That’s the Galway we love.
And if you’re planning a wider trip around Ireland, don’t make Galway a rushed overnight stop. Give it at least two days — and preferably longer if you want to explore Connemara properly.
Next: If you’re planning your trip around the west of Ireland, see our guides to Killarney and Dingle for more of our first-hand recommendations.
Feel free to leave a message below and let us know how you get on, or follow along with our Happy Irish Wanderers Instagram.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
