Galway is referred to as the “Cultural Heart of Ireland,” and the title is well-deserved. Located on the west coast of the country, the city is well-known for its museums, the Latin Quarter, and the medieval city walls. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. The culture, music, friendly people, and quaint streets fill me with a happiness and liveliness that can’t be matched anywhere else. I enjoy just walking around the streets and taking it all in. That could be my full Galway bucket list, but if you are looking for a little more direction, these are some of my favorite things to do in Galway, Ireland.
Galway Bucket List
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is on the left bank of the River Corrib from O’Briens Bridge down to the Spanish Arch. In this small and sociable place you’ll come by many of Galway’s best pubs, bars, restaurants, galleries, and shops.
If you’re looking for an authentic Irish experience, make your way to Eyre Square and find a pub to enjoy some live, traditional folk music.
Our favorite pub in Galway can be found in the Latin Quarter. Tig Choili is well known for it’s traditional Irish music sessions. I stumbled upon Tig Choili over 20 years and it is still home to some of my favorite memories in my life. Don’t miss the opportunity to order a Guinness and listen to talented musicians while surrounding yourself with some of the nicest, most welcoming people in the world.
If you’re on the hunt for classic Irish arts and crafts, you’ll be in luck at the Latin Quarter. Shops like the Aran Islands Knitwear and Aran Sweater Market are filled with traditional knitwear and made-in-Ireland products.
Street-performers and entertainers provide a constant Irish soundtrack for your experiences in the Latin Quarter.
Galway Bay Boat Tour
Galway Hookers are waiting for you on a customized sightseeing trips around Galway Bay and Claddagh. Galway Bay Tours is a family run business, operating boat tours and fishing trips around Claddagh and Galway Bay since April 2012.
Their love for the sea comes from generations of family sailing and fishing, with roots going back over 100 years to the fishing village of Claddagh, and it’s obvious on every tour that they do. Their wealth of local knowledge is first-hand, and it’s their passion for the water that makes each tour unique.
Visit the Galway City Museum
Overlooking the Spanish Arch, this modern, spacious building is the go-to spot for everything relating to Galway’s history and heritage.
Stroll through the collections on prehistoric and medieval Galway, as well as aspects of Galway’s social history.
If you want to know more about Galway and its UNESCO City of Film status or what the city looked like in the late 19th century, Galway City Museum is the place to go.
Galway Cathedral
The Galway Cathedral is also known as The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas is one of the largest and most majestic architectures in the city.
The interiors of the church are vaulted with stone, and the structure stands on the former site of the Galway jail. A place of distress was transformed into a place of beauty and peace. Entrance to the cathedral is absolutely free and visitors are welcomed to join the mass, but not interrupt for leisure.
Walk the Salthill Promenade
The Salthill Promenade is 3km long and offers gorgeous sea views. It’s the perfect place for a seaside stroll.
The hills of the Burren, in County Clare, are visible across the bay and benches are provided along the seafront.
Don’t forget the local tradition of kicking the wall when you have completed your walk.
