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Galway, Ireland

Things to Do in Galway

Top sights, the tours and tickets travellers book most, hidden gems and day trips.

Most booked:Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour

Most booked tours and tickets in Galway

Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour

Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour

4.93,675 reviews8h
Galway to Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Tour & Cliffs Cruise

Galway to Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Tour & Cliffs Cruise

4.82,745 reviews10h
Cliffs of Moher & the Burren Tour from Galway

Cliffs of Moher & the Burren Tour from Galway

4.92,169 reviews8h 15m
Galway to Aran Islands Inisheer, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

Galway to Aran Islands Inisheer, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher Day Tour

4.92,007 reviews10h 30m
Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway

Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway

4.81,275 reviews7h 30m
Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

4.81,149 reviews8h

Top sights in Galway

  1. 1Quay Street
  2. 2Spanish Arch
  3. 3Cliffs of Moher day trips
  4. 4Traditional pubs
  5. 5Salthill Promenade
  6. 6Connemara
  • The Unbeatable Pub Culture & Live Music: Experience authentic 'craic' in pubs where music isn't scheduled, it just happens. Join a session at Tigh Neachtain, hear ballads at The Crane Bar, or enjoy a pint in the historic wood-paneled interior of Garavan's. This is the home of the 'trad session,' where musicians gather informally, creating an electric, communal atmosphere you won't find anywhere else.
  • Gateway to Mythical Landscapes: Use Galway as your base to explore the raw, untamed beauty of the West. A short drive takes you to the otherworldly karst landscape of The Burren, the soaring Cliffs of Moher, and the hauntingly beautiful Connemara National Park with its Twelve Bens mountain range and Kylemore Abbey.
  • A Year-Round Festival Calendar: Immerse yourself in a city that celebrates constantly. From the raucous Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival in September to the cutting-edge theatre and art of the Galway International Arts Festival in July, and the magical Christmas markets, there's always a reason for a street party.

Tickets and passes in Galway

Trad on the Prom - Ireland's #1 Music, Song & Dance Experience

Trad on the Prom - Ireland's #1 Music, Song & Dance Experience

4.9424 reviews2h
Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Private Day Tour, West Of Ireland

Connemara & Kylemore Abbey Private Day Tour, West Of Ireland

5.01 review7h
Ireland’s history – 7 Different drama theatre plays. Connemara . Guided. 1 hour.

Ireland’s history – 7 Different drama theatre plays. Connemara . Guided. 1 hour.

1h

Food and drink experiences in Galway

Micil Distillery Experience 2 - Gin, Poitín and Whiskey

Micil Distillery Experience 2 - Gin, Poitín and Whiskey

5.0305 reviews1h
Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread

Traditional Irish Homemade Baking Scones and Bread

4.9245 reviews2h

Day trips and outdoor activities from Galway

From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.

From Galway: Guided tour of Connemara with 3 hour stop at Connemara National Pk.

4.8615 reviews9h
Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour with a 2 hour stop at Cliffs

Cliffs of Moher & Burren Day Tour with a 2 hour stop at Cliffs

4.8578 reviews8h
Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

4.5499 reviews8h 30m
Small Group - Cliffs Cruise and Aran Islands in a Day from Galway

Small Group - Cliffs Cruise and Aran Islands in a Day from Galway

4.9443 reviews8h 45m

Hidden gems in Galway

Places most visitors miss, many of them free.

The Hall of the Red Earl

The excavated ruins of a 13th-century medieval hall, hidden behind a glass wall on Flood Street.

Róisín Dubh

An intimate, legendary live music venue in the Westend, known for launching major Irish acts.

Menlo Castle

The picturesque, ivy-covered ruins of a 17th-century castle on the banks of the River Corrib, a few miles from the city.

Brigit's Garden

A award-winning Celtic-themed garden in Roscahill, about 30 minutes from Galway city.

The Secret Garden at Galway Cathedral

A small, tranquil garden located behind the Galway Cathedral, overlooking the River Corrib.

Day trips from Galway

The Cliffs of Moher & The Burren

1.5 hours by car or organized tour bus

Experience two of Ireland's most iconic natural wonders in one trip. The sheer, 700-foot Cliffs of Moher offer breathtaking Atlantic views, while the nearby Burren is a vast, rocky limestone landscape rich in unique flora and ancient archaeological sites.

Connemara National Park

1 hour 15 minutes by car

Journey into the heart of Ireland's wild west, a region of breathtaking beauty defined by misty mountains, sprawling peat bogs, crystal-clear lakes, and a deeply Irish-speaking culture.

Aran Islands (Inis Mór)

40-minute ferry from Rossaveel (30 min drive from Galway) or Doolin

Step back in time on these remote, Gaelic-speaking islands. Inis Mór, the largest, is a starkly beautiful place of stone walls, thatched cottages, and prehistoric forts perched on dramatic sea cliffs.

Plan your Galway trip

Things to do in Galway: FAQ

What are the best things to do in Galway?+

Top sights include Quay Street, Spanish Arch, Cliffs of Moher day trips and Traditional pubs. Away from the crowds, try The Hall of the Red Earl and Róisín Dubh.

What are the most popular tours in Galway?+

The most booked experiences on Viator are Galway to Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave & Dunguaire Castle Tour (4.9 stars, 3,675 reviews); Galway to Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher Day Tour & Cliffs Cruise (4.8 stars, 2,745 reviews); Cliffs of Moher & the Burren Tour from Galway (4.9 stars, 2,169 reviews).

How much do tours in Galway cost?+

The tours and tickets on this page start between €8 and €600 per person, depending on length and what is included.

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.