Things to Do in Galway
Explore the beautiful medieval city of Galway with us!
We visit all of the most important sights, including:
- Galway City Museum
- The Long Walk
- The Spanish Arch
- Claddagh Ring Shop
- Hall of the Red Earl
- Lynch's Castle
- The King's Head
- Medieval City Walls
- Eyre Square
- JFK Memorial
- The Browne Doorway
- Lynch's window
- St. Nicholas Church
- Latin Quarter
Join us for the craic!
Every city tells a story. Galway sings one — layered, weathered, and full of discord. We’re here to tune you in.
Galway has always welcomed outsiders — traders, rebels, invaders, artists — and they’ve all left their mark.
But Galway wasn’t shaped by others alone — it carved its own path.
Through emigration, rebellion, and cultural revival, Galway became a vibrant, creative outpost on the Atlantic’s edge — stubborn, spirited, and unlike anywhere else.
We'll trace it all: from the Spanish Arch and medieval walls, to the scars of Cromwell and the echoes of rebellion.
Led by locals who know the lore, we follow the threads most tours leave out.
Walk with us — and see Galway the way it deserves to be seen.
We're a small, local collection of Tour Guides who try to mix history, legend, conversation, laughter and our own experiences into one eventful walk around Galway City.
Galway is a city of arts, theatre, history, and storytelling, and we will show you all these sides of our city. We will walk around the old medieval city and try to tell and debunk as many myths and legends as we can!
The tour will also unfold Irish history from a west coast perspective and explain Galway's place in Ireland. Lastly, the tour is a great way to orient oneself in the city and find out about what else besides the main attractions the city has to offer. In a city of festivals, a local guide can come in quite handy for getting this information!
We will visit all the following sites and talk about their place in Galway's past and present: Eyre Square - Galway's Medieval Walls - Lynch's Castle - St. Nicholas's Church - Kirwan's Lane - St. Augustine's Church - Lynch's Window - Quay Street - The Spanish Arch.
Have you ever done a FREE tour where you are able to pour your own pint of Guinness at the end? If not, now is your chance ✅
Discover Galway in the most authentic and fun way with Stroll To The Stout, a completely free walking tour full of stories, laughter and local charm.
After exploring the city's rich history and hidden gems, we finish in a welcoming pub where you can pour your own pint, enjoy a discounted drink and take home a Polaroid photo as a keepsake.
It’s a light-hearted, memorable way to experience Galway through the eyes of someone who loves the place.
This is our first year in business, so make sure to get to us before the bigger crowds do!
An interactive, organic, and lively tour that flexibly adapts to the group's interests and knowledge level.
Forget rigid lectures! This isn't a dry history or architecture masterclass; it's a team expedition designed for you. We'll explore together in a friendly style, making it easy and comfortable for you to jump in with questions or share your own insights.
We’ll wander through Galway's winding medieval streets, explore iconic landmarks, and dive into the stories that make this city the cultural heartbeat of the West of Ireland. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you’ll walk away with a deeper connection to the city!
What’s included?
✅ An immersive 90-minute journey strolling through Galway's vibrant heart and soul
✅ Your dedicated expert guide (that's me!), ready to share authentic stories and unique insights only a local knows
✅ Uncover the captivating layers of Galway's history, from ancient origins to its modern-day pulse
✅ Lively tales that bring Galway's rich culture, folklore, and recent happenings to life
✅ Insider recommendations for truly experiencing the best local food, drink, and hidden corners off the beaten path
✅ A genuine connection with the spirit of Galway and the chance to share the magic with fellow explorers.
By the end, you'll carry a piece of Galway's spirit with you.
Itinerary: Our unforgettable journey begins in Eyre Square, precisely next to the statue of Pádraic Ó Conaire. Your guide will be carrying a black umbrella to ensure a smooth start to your tour. (A helpful image is available in our gallery!) From there, we'll delve into the fascinating layers of Galway's history:
- The Norman Wall (inside Eyre Square Shopping Centre): Discover the invasions that changed the course of history and how Galway transformed into the cultural and artistic hub it is today, thanks to its innovations.
- Lynch's Castle: Explore the ancestral home of the Lynch family, admire its unique architectural style, and uncover the intriguing rumors passed down through generations.
- St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church: Learn about the only church that survived the many invasions and why it is the last remnant of medieval architecture in Galway.
- The King's Head: Who was King Charles I's executioner during the English Revolution? Prepare to be surprised!
- The Great Hall of the Red Earl: Witness the humble beginnings of what would become the "Venice of the Atlantic."
- Blake's Castle: From its original function to its many transformations, see how this historic building became a popular tourist shop for Aran Islands sweaters.
- The Spanish Arch: Galway's equivalent to the Great Wall of China, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Brandenburg Gate! Discover its incredible significance.
- Claddagh Port: A picture-postcard landscape with a hidden side you won't expect. We'll explore the canal, the West End, and Bridge Street.
- The West End: Immerse yourself in the authentic heart of traditional music, vibrant nightlife, and Galway's thriving art scene.
- William O'Brien's Bridge: Get insider directions and recommendations to continue exploring the length and breadth of Galway.
- Mainguard Street: We'll share our top recommendations for experiencing live traditional music, trying local craft beer, and savoring traditional food.
Join us on this tour to the Middle Ages in which we'll explore the castles of Connemara. We'll visit Kylemore Abbey and Aughnanure Castle. You'll have a ball!
Visiting Galway is like experiencing the most authentic Ireland: you'll sense it as soon as you step foot on its colorful streets, filled with street musicians and performers. Galway is magical: a rich history, a special connection with the Irish language and culture, and a sensational university atmosphere. It's also full of secrets and anecdotes that will delight visitors.
Did you know that Galway has a pub that's over 800 years old? And that the city has a strong connection to Spain? If you want to discover it and get the full experience, don't hesitate to book your tour with us. You'll love it!
This tour awaits a surprise and a gift at the end.
Galway is a city of contrasts, a two-sided coin where the joy of its music-filled streets coexists with stories of pirates, ghosts, and broken loves.
On this free tour, we'll begin in Eyre Square, the heart of the city, and travel back in time with vintage photos showing its transformation. We'll discover St. Nicholas Church, a witness to centuries of history, and talk about the Celts and their legacy. We'll stop at the Spanish Arch, recalling Galway's strong connection to Spain, from trade to the shipwrecked sailors of the Spanish Armada. We'll explore the Claddagh Village, home to the famous Claddagh ring, and the Cathedral, imposing and full of symbolism.
Throughout the tour, we'll learn about the city's legends, from spirits roaming the old streets to stories of tragic love and betrayal. We'll also talk about the Aran Islands, their unique culture, and surprising facts.
Join us and discover Galway like never before!
Do you dare to discover the hidden side of Galway?
Galway is much more than its colorful streets and live music. Behind every corner lurk true crime stories, ancient legends, restless ghosts, and mythological creatures that still whisper in the night.
On this unique tour, we'll explore the city's most chilling tales, blending history, Irish folklore, and documented events.
🔥 What you'll discover on the tour:
🩸 Mayor Lynch's murder
The man who hanged his own son and gave rise to the term "lynching."
🏰 The Lynch's Cursed Room
Sealed for centuries… what did they really lock away in there?
⚔️ The King's Executioner at The King's Head Pub
Galway's connection to the execution of Charles I of England.
🌊 The Claddagh Fishermen's Curse
Dark pacts with sea creatures (merrows) in exchange for fortune.
🌫️ The ghost of the Salmon Weir Bridge
The faceless monk who appears in the fog and brings bad luck.
🪦 The restless souls of Bohermore Cemetery
Shadows and laments that still haunt Galway's oldest cemetery.
🧛 Shantalla's vampire
Mysterious deaths from blood loss in the 19th century.
🔮 The Forbidden Secrets of Nun's Island
Convents, hidden loves and nocturnal apparitions.
🌲 The Hidden Creatures of Merlin Woods
Strange lights and beings from the Otherworld roam the nearby woods.
👻 Spanish Arch and the Lady of the River
The tragic apparition of the woman in white who wanders along the Corrib.
I'm waiting to tell you all these stories!