Audio Guide: Galway Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Galway
Before setting sail for the New World, Christopher Columbus paused to pray in Galway’s St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, seeking guidance and protection for the perilous journey ahead. Today, you can walk the same streets that once inspired this legendary explorer.
Galway, often called the “City of the Tribes,” sits on Ireland’s west coast, overlooking Galway Bay and serving as a gateway to the rugged beauty of Connemara. The city’s name is believed to derive from the Irish word Gaillimh, meaning “stony river,” referring to the River Corrib, which flows through the city into the bay. Another interpretation links it to a mythical woman named Gaillimh, said to have drowned in the river, giving it her name.
The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient settlements and early medieval religious sites. The city began to take shape in the 12th century after the Anglo-Norman invasion, quickly growing into a strategic trading port linking Ireland with Spain, France, and Portugal. By the late Middle Ages, fourteen merchant families, known as the Tribes of Galway, dominated commerce, politics, and city life — their influence still visible in the colorful streets, historic buildings, and civic coat of arms.
Despite political and religious upheavals in the 17th century, Galway remained a resilient center of trade, culture, and learning. The 18th and 19th centuries brought further growth, with bridges, quays, and public buildings shaping the modern city.
Today, Galway is famed for its lively arts scene, traditional music, and annual festivals such as the Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Races, and the Galway Film Fleadh. Walking through the city center, visitors discover a vibrant mix of history and culture: bustling Shop Street with colorful shops and street performers, the medieval Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum, historic St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, charming lanes with pubs and cafés.
As you explore Galway, imagine the young Columbus walking these same streets, pausing in quiet reflection before a daring journey that would change the world — and feel the same sense of adventure and discovery that has inspired travelers here for centuries.
Galway, often called the “City of the Tribes,” sits on Ireland’s west coast, overlooking Galway Bay and serving as a gateway to the rugged beauty of Connemara. The city’s name is believed to derive from the Irish word Gaillimh, meaning “stony river,” referring to the River Corrib, which flows through the city into the bay. Another interpretation links it to a mythical woman named Gaillimh, said to have drowned in the river, giving it her name.
The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient settlements and early medieval religious sites. The city began to take shape in the 12th century after the Anglo-Norman invasion, quickly growing into a strategic trading port linking Ireland with Spain, France, and Portugal. By the late Middle Ages, fourteen merchant families, known as the Tribes of Galway, dominated commerce, politics, and city life — their influence still visible in the colorful streets, historic buildings, and civic coat of arms.
Despite political and religious upheavals in the 17th century, Galway remained a resilient center of trade, culture, and learning. The 18th and 19th centuries brought further growth, with bridges, quays, and public buildings shaping the modern city.
Today, Galway is famed for its lively arts scene, traditional music, and annual festivals such as the Galway International Arts Festival, the Galway Races, and the Galway Film Fleadh. Walking through the city center, visitors discover a vibrant mix of history and culture: bustling Shop Street with colorful shops and street performers, the medieval Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum, historic St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, charming lanes with pubs and cafés.
As you explore Galway, imagine the young Columbus walking these same streets, pausing in quiet reflection before a daring journey that would change the world — and feel the same sense of adventure and discovery that has inspired travelers here for centuries.
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Galway Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Galway Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Ireland » Galway (See other walking tours in Galway)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 13
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Author: anna
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Ireland » Galway (See other walking tours in Galway)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 13
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Author: anna
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Eyre Square
- Statues of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
- Lynch's Castle
- Shop Street
- Quay Street
- Kirwans Lane
- Galway City Museum
- Spanish Arch
- Galway’s Westend
- Galway Cathedral
- Salmon Weir Bridge
- Lynch Memorial Window
- Saint Nicholas Church
1) Eyre Square (must see)
Long before it became the heart of Galway, this space was known as The Green, a wide open area just outside the town gates where medieval markets and fairs brought townspeople together. In 1631, it was officially enclosed, trees were planted, and a wooden fence marked its edges, creating a space for both trade and gathering.
In 1710, part of this land was donated to the city by Mayor Edward Eyre, whose family had prospered following Oliver Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland. Over the years, the square went through several changes. It was renamed Meyrick Square in 1801 when General Meyrick added a stone wall, and in the 19th century it took on a Georgian-style layout with paths, greenery, and seating for public enjoyment.
The square saw major reconstruction in the 1960s, including the removal of old iron railings, and was most recently renovated between 2004 and 2006, blending modern features with its historic character.
In 1965, it was dedicated as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, commemorating the U.S. President who visited Galway and spoke here on June 29, 1963. The original monument was replaced in 2005 with a bust of Kennedy, still greeting visitors today.
One of the square’s highlights is the Quincentennial Fountain, created by Eamon O’Doherty in 1984, featuring a Galway Hooker, a traditional local fishing and cargo vessel. Other historic pieces, like two cast iron cannons from the Crimean War and a statue of writer Padraic O’Connaire, were moved to the nearby Galway City Museum during the early 2000s redevelopment.
Walking through Eyre Square today, you can feel centuries of Galway life in every corner — from bustling markets to political speeches and local celebrations — a space where history, culture, and community continue to meet.
In 1710, part of this land was donated to the city by Mayor Edward Eyre, whose family had prospered following Oliver Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland. Over the years, the square went through several changes. It was renamed Meyrick Square in 1801 when General Meyrick added a stone wall, and in the 19th century it took on a Georgian-style layout with paths, greenery, and seating for public enjoyment.
The square saw major reconstruction in the 1960s, including the removal of old iron railings, and was most recently renovated between 2004 and 2006, blending modern features with its historic character.
In 1965, it was dedicated as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, commemorating the U.S. President who visited Galway and spoke here on June 29, 1963. The original monument was replaced in 2005 with a bust of Kennedy, still greeting visitors today.
One of the square’s highlights is the Quincentennial Fountain, created by Eamon O’Doherty in 1984, featuring a Galway Hooker, a traditional local fishing and cargo vessel. Other historic pieces, like two cast iron cannons from the Crimean War and a statue of writer Padraic O’Connaire, were moved to the nearby Galway City Museum during the early 2000s redevelopment.
Walking through Eyre Square today, you can feel centuries of Galway life in every corner — from bustling markets to political speeches and local celebrations — a space where history, culture, and community continue to meet.
2) Statues of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde
On William Street in Galway city, visitors can encounter a unique and thought-provoking public artwork: two bronze statues of writers Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde seated together on a bench. Positioned in front of Matt O’Flaherty’s pharmacy and Lazlo’s Jewellery, the statues invite passersby to pause, reflect, and even imagine a conversation between the two literary figures.
Wilde, renowned worldwide for his wit and flamboyance, and Vilde, a celebrated Estonian novelist known for his social critiques, never met in life, yet the installation creates an imaginative encounter between these two remarkable men.
Both writers were known for their rebellious spirits. Wilde endured persecution for his sexual freedom, while Vilde openly criticized Tsarist oppression and the social injustices of his time. The Galway bench captures their contrasting yet kindred forms of defiance, presenting them in a moment of silent dialogue.
The statues also connect Galway to wider international literary legacies. Wilde is commemorated elsewhere through Danny Osborne’s sculpture in Dublin’s Merrion Square, Maggi Hambling’s piece in London, and his famous tomb in Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris. Vilde’s statue in Galway is a copy of the original cast in 1999 in Tartu, Estonia, by sculptor Tiiu Kirsipuu, bringing a piece of Estonian cultural heritage to Ireland.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the artwork, taking photos, sitting between the figures, or imagining the thoughts and words that might pass between them.
Wilde, renowned worldwide for his wit and flamboyance, and Vilde, a celebrated Estonian novelist known for his social critiques, never met in life, yet the installation creates an imaginative encounter between these two remarkable men.
Both writers were known for their rebellious spirits. Wilde endured persecution for his sexual freedom, while Vilde openly criticized Tsarist oppression and the social injustices of his time. The Galway bench captures their contrasting yet kindred forms of defiance, presenting them in a moment of silent dialogue.
The statues also connect Galway to wider international literary legacies. Wilde is commemorated elsewhere through Danny Osborne’s sculpture in Dublin’s Merrion Square, Maggi Hambling’s piece in London, and his famous tomb in Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris. Vilde’s statue in Galway is a copy of the original cast in 1999 in Tartu, Estonia, by sculptor Tiiu Kirsipuu, bringing a piece of Estonian cultural heritage to Ireland.
Visitors are encouraged to engage with the artwork, taking photos, sitting between the figures, or imagining the thoughts and words that might pass between them.
3) Lynch's Castle
Lynch was one of the powerful merchant “tribes” who ruled Galway from around 1450 until 1690. The Lynch family lived in the fortified townhouse that still stands today at the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street. Until 1690, members of the family provided no fewer than eighty mayors of the city, a testament to their influence and prominence in Galway’s civic life.
In 1690, following the defeat of Catholic King James II by Protestant King William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne, Catholic-owned properties, including Lynch’s Castle, were confiscated. Yet the dark legend surrounding the castle dates back much earlier. In 1493, Mayor James Lynch had a son named Walter, who murdered a Spanish sailor—reportedly for winking at a local woman. Irish women, it was said, had a fondness for Spanish sailors, and perhaps young Walter overreacted.
As mayor, it fell to James to deliver justice. When an angry mob prevented him from taking his son to the gallows, James took the law into his own hands. He brought Walter upstairs in the castle, tied a rope around his neck, and hanged him from a window—giving rise, according to legend, to the term “lynching.”
The building was later extended in 1808 and, in 1930, became a branch of Allied Irish Banks, which it remains today. The four-story limestone structure features elaborately carved windows, gargoyles, and ornamental cornices. The facade displays the Lynch family coat of arms, alongside those of King Henry VII and the Fitzgeralds of Kildare. The ground floor may be visited during business hours, allowing visitors a glimpse into the city’s most storied medieval residence.
In 1690, following the defeat of Catholic King James II by Protestant King William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne, Catholic-owned properties, including Lynch’s Castle, were confiscated. Yet the dark legend surrounding the castle dates back much earlier. In 1493, Mayor James Lynch had a son named Walter, who murdered a Spanish sailor—reportedly for winking at a local woman. Irish women, it was said, had a fondness for Spanish sailors, and perhaps young Walter overreacted.
As mayor, it fell to James to deliver justice. When an angry mob prevented him from taking his son to the gallows, James took the law into his own hands. He brought Walter upstairs in the castle, tied a rope around his neck, and hanged him from a window—giving rise, according to legend, to the term “lynching.”
The building was later extended in 1808 and, in 1930, became a branch of Allied Irish Banks, which it remains today. The four-story limestone structure features elaborately carved windows, gargoyles, and ornamental cornices. The facade displays the Lynch family coat of arms, alongside those of King Henry VII and the Fitzgeralds of Kildare. The ground floor may be visited during business hours, allowing visitors a glimpse into the city’s most storied medieval residence.
4) Shop Street
Shop Street is the main shopping thoroughfare in Galway City, known for its lively mix of traditional charm and modern bustle. Partly pedestrianized and centered around retail and street life, it features brightly colored storefronts, inviting pubs, and well-preserved brick and stone buildings that retain much of their historic character.
One of its most notable landmarks is Lynch’s Castle, a fortified 16th-century townhouse now serving as a branch of Allied Irish Banks—a reminder of Galway’s medieval past amid the rhythm of modern commerce.
The street is rarely quiet. Crowds of shoppers, tourists, and locals mingle with street performers, musicians, and dancers who fill the air with lively tunes—especially traditional Irish reels. Shops of all kinds line the street, from old family-run businesses and local craft boutiques to well-known retail chains, offering everything from books and jewelry to handmade souvenirs. The buildings, usually no more than four stories tall, are painted in cheerful hues that enhance the area’s welcoming atmosphere.
Shop Street flows naturally into Quay Street, together forming the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter. While Shop Street is primarily retail-oriented, Quay Street is known for its vibrant cafés, restaurants, and pubs, where live music spills into the cobbled lanes by evening. The area’s bohemian spirit—filled with buskers, artists, and human statues—has earned it comparisons to San Francisco.
One of its most notable landmarks is Lynch’s Castle, a fortified 16th-century townhouse now serving as a branch of Allied Irish Banks—a reminder of Galway’s medieval past amid the rhythm of modern commerce.
The street is rarely quiet. Crowds of shoppers, tourists, and locals mingle with street performers, musicians, and dancers who fill the air with lively tunes—especially traditional Irish reels. Shops of all kinds line the street, from old family-run businesses and local craft boutiques to well-known retail chains, offering everything from books and jewelry to handmade souvenirs. The buildings, usually no more than four stories tall, are painted in cheerful hues that enhance the area’s welcoming atmosphere.
Shop Street flows naturally into Quay Street, together forming the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter. While Shop Street is primarily retail-oriented, Quay Street is known for its vibrant cafés, restaurants, and pubs, where live music spills into the cobbled lanes by evening. The area’s bohemian spirit—filled with buskers, artists, and human statues—has earned it comparisons to San Francisco.
5) Quay Street (must see)
Galway has often been described as “rustically modern,” a phrase that perfectly captures its mix of medieval atmosphere and contemporary flair. Nowhere is this blend more vivid than on Quay Street, where cobbled lanes are alive with music, laughter, and the hum of conversation. It’s a place made for strolling, people-watching, pub hopping, and enjoying good food in good company.
Quay Street is part of a lively sequence of pedestrianized streets that stretches from Eyre Square through Shop Street and High Street, finally leading to the waterfront by the Spanish Arch. As you leave the broad, modern shopping centers near Eyre Square, the streets narrow and the mood becomes distinctly old-world—stone shopfronts, colorful facades, and the sound of fiddles drifting from nearby pubs.
While visitors often speak of the whole area as Quay Street, locals tend to distinguish between its parts: Shop Street as the shopping hub, High Street for its blend of boutiques and bars, and Quay Street at the heart of the Latin Quarter, Galway’s cultural and entertainment district.
Along the way stands the King’s Head Pub, dating from 1649 and steeped in legend. One of its early owners, Colonel Peter Stubbers of Cromwell’s army, is rumored—though never proven—to have been involved in the execution of King Charles I. Further along, visitors can browse the Galway Woollen Market, leaf through cozy bookshops, or settle into one of the many pubs such as Feeney’s, Malloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar, or the Quay Street Pub, where traditional music fills the air.
At the southern end, the walk opens onto the River Corrib and the historic Spanish Arch, once part of the old city walls that sheltered traders and ships. Here, Galway’s past and present meet—a fitting finale to one of Ireland’s most vibrant and atmospheric streets.
Quay Street is part of a lively sequence of pedestrianized streets that stretches from Eyre Square through Shop Street and High Street, finally leading to the waterfront by the Spanish Arch. As you leave the broad, modern shopping centers near Eyre Square, the streets narrow and the mood becomes distinctly old-world—stone shopfronts, colorful facades, and the sound of fiddles drifting from nearby pubs.
While visitors often speak of the whole area as Quay Street, locals tend to distinguish between its parts: Shop Street as the shopping hub, High Street for its blend of boutiques and bars, and Quay Street at the heart of the Latin Quarter, Galway’s cultural and entertainment district.
Along the way stands the King’s Head Pub, dating from 1649 and steeped in legend. One of its early owners, Colonel Peter Stubbers of Cromwell’s army, is rumored—though never proven—to have been involved in the execution of King Charles I. Further along, visitors can browse the Galway Woollen Market, leaf through cozy bookshops, or settle into one of the many pubs such as Feeney’s, Malloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar, or the Quay Street Pub, where traditional music fills the air.
At the southern end, the walk opens onto the River Corrib and the historic Spanish Arch, once part of the old city walls that sheltered traders and ships. Here, Galway’s past and present meet—a fitting finale to one of Ireland’s most vibrant and atmospheric streets.
6) Kirwans Lane
Cobblestoned and atmospheric, Kirwan’s Lane is one of Galway’s most beautifully preserved medieval streets. Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the lane takes its name from the Kirwan family—one of the fourteen merchant “Tribes of Galway” who dominated the city’s political and commercial life from the Middle Ages until the late 17th century. Originally located within the old city walls, Kirwan’s Lane retains its historic charm, with narrow passageways, stone façades, and hidden courtyards that evoke the Galway of centuries past.
Once one of fourteen medieval lanes in the walled city, Kirwan’s Lane is among the few that survive today—only about five remain intact. In 1783, the area became home to a small 100-seat theatre established by Dick Martin, a local landlord and Member of Parliament, whose wife, a Kirwan, was an actress. The theatre became a lively cultural venue where several notable performers appeared, including the Irish revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone, who is said to have performed there.
Today, Kirwan’s Lane is a vibrant mix of Galway’s past and present. Its stone buildings now house artisan shops, cafés, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy Goya’s Bakery for freshly baked pastries, McDonagh’s Fish and Chip Shop for traditional fare, or a drink at Busker Browne’s Pub. Judy Greene Pottery and Craft Shop showcases local craftsmanship, while Kirwan’s Lane Creative Cuisine offers fine dining in an intimate, historic setting. Nearby, 2 Wild Geese on Cross Street highlights Irish art and design, and the Galway Woollen Market continues the city’s long-standing tradition of trade.
Once one of fourteen medieval lanes in the walled city, Kirwan’s Lane is among the few that survive today—only about five remain intact. In 1783, the area became home to a small 100-seat theatre established by Dick Martin, a local landlord and Member of Parliament, whose wife, a Kirwan, was an actress. The theatre became a lively cultural venue where several notable performers appeared, including the Irish revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone, who is said to have performed there.
Today, Kirwan’s Lane is a vibrant mix of Galway’s past and present. Its stone buildings now house artisan shops, cafés, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy Goya’s Bakery for freshly baked pastries, McDonagh’s Fish and Chip Shop for traditional fare, or a drink at Busker Browne’s Pub. Judy Greene Pottery and Craft Shop showcases local craftsmanship, while Kirwan’s Lane Creative Cuisine offers fine dining in an intimate, historic setting. Nearby, 2 Wild Geese on Cross Street highlights Irish art and design, and the Galway Woollen Market continues the city’s long-standing tradition of trade.
7) Galway City Museum (must see)
Standing beside the historic Spanish Arch, the Galway City Museum offers visitors a fascinating journey through the story of Galway—from its medieval beginnings to its vibrant present-day culture. Opened in 2007, the museum occupies a striking modern building designed by architects Ciarán O’Connor and Gar Harvey. Its sleek, light-filled design contrasts beautifully with the centuries-old stonework of the nearby arch and city walls, creating a setting where Galway’s past and present meet.
Before the construction of the new building, the museum was housed in Comerford House, a fine Georgian residence built around 1800 that still stands beside the Spanish Arch. The house once belonged to the Comerford and Greenwood families and later became home to sculptor and writer Clare Consuelo Sheridan, a cousin of Winston Churchill. In the 1970s, it became the first home of the Galway City Museum, displaying collections of medieval stones, folk artefacts, and military relics—many of which formed the foundation of the museum’s present-day exhibits.
Inside the museum today, visitors can explore a wide range of displays highlighting Galway’s rich heritage. Exhibitions span topics such as archaeology, maritime traditions, folk life, and the city’s development through the centuries. Highlights include artefacts from medieval Galway, objects from the fishing village of the Claddagh, and exhibits exploring the city’s role in trade and the arts. Interactive displays and temporary exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover, making the museum appealing to visitors of all ages.
Outside, the plaza between the museum and the Spanish Arch serves as a lively public space for festivals, performances, and community gatherings, with scenic views of the River Corrib and Galway Bay.
Before the construction of the new building, the museum was housed in Comerford House, a fine Georgian residence built around 1800 that still stands beside the Spanish Arch. The house once belonged to the Comerford and Greenwood families and later became home to sculptor and writer Clare Consuelo Sheridan, a cousin of Winston Churchill. In the 1970s, it became the first home of the Galway City Museum, displaying collections of medieval stones, folk artefacts, and military relics—many of which formed the foundation of the museum’s present-day exhibits.
Inside the museum today, visitors can explore a wide range of displays highlighting Galway’s rich heritage. Exhibitions span topics such as archaeology, maritime traditions, folk life, and the city’s development through the centuries. Highlights include artefacts from medieval Galway, objects from the fishing village of the Claddagh, and exhibits exploring the city’s role in trade and the arts. Interactive displays and temporary exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover, making the museum appealing to visitors of all ages.
Outside, the plaza between the museum and the Spanish Arch serves as a lively public space for festivals, performances, and community gatherings, with scenic views of the River Corrib and Galway Bay.
8) Spanish Arch (must see)
On the east bank of the River Corrib, two historic arches stand as reminders of Galway’s medieval past: the Spanish Arch and its adjacent structure, sometimes referred to as the Caoc Arch. These arches are the surviving remnants of Galway’s old Front Wall, which stretched from Martin’s Tower to the river, forming part of the city’s fortifications. The wall, including these arches, was constructed around 1504 to protect the town from potential attacks and to regulate access to the waterfront, which was essential for trade and defense.
The name “Spanish Arch” reflects Galway’s long-standing trade connections with Spain during the late Middle Ages. Galway’s merchants imported wine, salt, and other goods, establishing the city as a vital trading port.
In the 18th century, the prominent Eyre family extended the quays along the river in an area now known as the Long Walk. To improve access from the town to the new quay, they constructed an additional arch, initially called the “Eyre Arch,” though the popular name “Spanish Arch” eventually took hold.
In 1755, the Lisbon earthquake generated a tsunami that reached the west coast of Ireland, affecting the arches. Though damaged, the structures survived and continued to play a role in the city’s maritime and civic life.
Over time, the Spanish Arch grew into a cultural landmark, appearing in films such as the 1957 Irish classic “The Rising of the Moon.” Today, the arches remain a popular location for both locals and visitors, serving as a gathering point, a place for exhibitions and festivals, and a window into Galway’s rich history of trade, defense, and community life along the Corrib.
The name “Spanish Arch” reflects Galway’s long-standing trade connections with Spain during the late Middle Ages. Galway’s merchants imported wine, salt, and other goods, establishing the city as a vital trading port.
In the 18th century, the prominent Eyre family extended the quays along the river in an area now known as the Long Walk. To improve access from the town to the new quay, they constructed an additional arch, initially called the “Eyre Arch,” though the popular name “Spanish Arch” eventually took hold.
In 1755, the Lisbon earthquake generated a tsunami that reached the west coast of Ireland, affecting the arches. Though damaged, the structures survived and continued to play a role in the city’s maritime and civic life.
Over time, the Spanish Arch grew into a cultural landmark, appearing in films such as the 1957 Irish classic “The Rising of the Moon.” Today, the arches remain a popular location for both locals and visitors, serving as a gathering point, a place for exhibitions and festivals, and a window into Galway’s rich history of trade, defense, and community life along the Corrib.
9) Galway’s Westend
Cross one of Galway’s historic bridges — O’Brien’s Bridge or Wolfe Tone Bridge — and you’ll enter the neighborhood known locally as “The West End” (or simply “The West”). This part of the city is among Galway’s oldest, with narrow streets and lanes that retain their historic charm while also embracing a creative, contemporary spirit.
The West End is a vibrant mix of independent cafés, artisan shops, vintage stores, galleries, and small theatres, sitting alongside long-established family-run businesses. Visitors can explore local boutiques, browse for traditional Irish crafts, or enjoy specialty teas and coffee while soaking in the atmosphere.
Pubs and live music venues form a central part of the area, offering performances ranging from traditional Irish music to modern acts. Monroes Tavern and Róisín Dú Bhér are notable spots that contribute to the lively evening scene.
The neighborhood also hosts cultural events that showcase Galway’s artistic energy. The West End Theatre & Arts Festival encourages emerging artists to perform in unconventional spaces, including rooftops, back rooms, and streets, creating an immersive experience for locals and tourists alike. Seasonal street festivals, pop-up performances, and art exhibitions add to the sense of community and creativity.
From daytime shopping and café culture to evening music sessions and theatre, the West End blends history, commerce, and arts. With more than 100 businesses active in this compact area, it offers a microcosm of Galway’s cultural life.
The West End is a vibrant mix of independent cafés, artisan shops, vintage stores, galleries, and small theatres, sitting alongside long-established family-run businesses. Visitors can explore local boutiques, browse for traditional Irish crafts, or enjoy specialty teas and coffee while soaking in the atmosphere.
Pubs and live music venues form a central part of the area, offering performances ranging from traditional Irish music to modern acts. Monroes Tavern and Róisín Dú Bhér are notable spots that contribute to the lively evening scene.
The neighborhood also hosts cultural events that showcase Galway’s artistic energy. The West End Theatre & Arts Festival encourages emerging artists to perform in unconventional spaces, including rooftops, back rooms, and streets, creating an immersive experience for locals and tourists alike. Seasonal street festivals, pop-up performances, and art exhibitions add to the sense of community and creativity.
From daytime shopping and café culture to evening music sessions and theatre, the West End blends history, commerce, and arts. With more than 100 businesses active in this compact area, it offers a microcosm of Galway’s cultural life.
10) Galway Cathedral (must see)
The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas, commonly known as Galway Cathedral, is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Though it lacks a medieval past, it holds a unique distinction as the last major stone cathedral built in Europe. Construction began in 1958 on the site of Galway’s former county jail, and the building was completed and dedicated on 15 August 1965.
Designed by architect John J. Robinson, Galway Cathedral combines Renaissance and Romanesque Revival influences with mid-20th-century architectural sensibilities. Its 145-foot dome rises prominently above the city, creating a striking silhouette along the River Corrib.
Inside, the cathedral features octagonal pillars supporting rounded arches, intricate marble flooring and altars, and detailed stonework that frames the nave and side chapels. Stained glass windows depict religious scenes, casting colorful light across the interior, while the high vaulted ceilings enhance acoustics for music and worship. Decorative elements include carved capitals, mosaic accents, and elegant wooden pews, reflecting both craftsmanship and modern design.
Music has been integral to the cathedral since its opening. The cathedral choir, active since 1965, performs sacred works ranging from 16th-century polyphony to contemporary choral music, as well as Gregorian chant and traditional Irish melodies. The main pipe organ, built by Rushworth & Dreaper of Liverpool in 1966 and later restored by Trevor Crowe, features three manuals and 59 stops. A smaller portable organ supports services and concerts in the side chapels.
Located on Nun’s Island beside the Salmon Weir Bridge, the cathedral stands where the old city jail once stood. Open daily for worship and visitors, Galway Cathedral remains both a place of prayer and a symbol of resilience and renewal in the heart of the city.
Designed by architect John J. Robinson, Galway Cathedral combines Renaissance and Romanesque Revival influences with mid-20th-century architectural sensibilities. Its 145-foot dome rises prominently above the city, creating a striking silhouette along the River Corrib.
Inside, the cathedral features octagonal pillars supporting rounded arches, intricate marble flooring and altars, and detailed stonework that frames the nave and side chapels. Stained glass windows depict religious scenes, casting colorful light across the interior, while the high vaulted ceilings enhance acoustics for music and worship. Decorative elements include carved capitals, mosaic accents, and elegant wooden pews, reflecting both craftsmanship and modern design.
Music has been integral to the cathedral since its opening. The cathedral choir, active since 1965, performs sacred works ranging from 16th-century polyphony to contemporary choral music, as well as Gregorian chant and traditional Irish melodies. The main pipe organ, built by Rushworth & Dreaper of Liverpool in 1966 and later restored by Trevor Crowe, features three manuals and 59 stops. A smaller portable organ supports services and concerts in the side chapels.
Located on Nun’s Island beside the Salmon Weir Bridge, the cathedral stands where the old city jail once stood. Open daily for worship and visitors, Galway Cathedral remains both a place of prayer and a symbol of resilience and renewal in the heart of the city.
11) Salmon Weir Bridge
Built in 1818–1819, the Salmon Weir Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge across the River Corrib in Galway. It was constructed to link the county courthouse with the old jail, which once stood on the site now occupied by Galway Cathedral. Made of local limestone, the bridge consists of multiple arches that span the fast-flowing Corrib, one of the shortest yet most powerful rivers in Europe.
The bridge quickly became one of Galway’s landmarks, especially popular during the salmon runs in spring and early summer, when fish can be seen leaping upriver to spawn. Visitors often pause here to watch the water surge through the weir and to take in views of the Cathedral upstream and the Wolfe Tone Bridge downstream.
For centuries, the Corrib fisheries were of great importance to Galway. In medieval times, they were controlled by local religious orders such as the Franciscans, before being transferred to private hands after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. These fishing rights were long associated with prominent Galway families like the Lynches.
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge, opened in 2023, now stands beside the historic structure, easing modern traffic while preserving the character of the old bridge. Today, the Salmon Weir Bridge remains both a practical crossing and a favorite vantage point for locals and visitors drawn by the river’s force and the movement of the salmon below.
The bridge quickly became one of Galway’s landmarks, especially popular during the salmon runs in spring and early summer, when fish can be seen leaping upriver to spawn. Visitors often pause here to watch the water surge through the weir and to take in views of the Cathedral upstream and the Wolfe Tone Bridge downstream.
For centuries, the Corrib fisheries were of great importance to Galway. In medieval times, they were controlled by local religious orders such as the Franciscans, before being transferred to private hands after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. These fishing rights were long associated with prominent Galway families like the Lynches.
A new pedestrian and cycle bridge, opened in 2023, now stands beside the historic structure, easing modern traffic while preserving the character of the old bridge. Today, the Salmon Weir Bridge remains both a practical crossing and a favorite vantage point for locals and visitors drawn by the river’s force and the movement of the salmon below.
12) Lynch Memorial Window
Beside the graveyard of Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church in Galway stands the Lynch Memorial Window, a stone-framed opening that recalls one of the city’s most famous legends. According to local tradition, in 1493 the mayor of Galway, James Lynch FitzStephen, condemned his own son, Walter, for the murder of a young Spanish sailor. The crime was said to have been committed in a fit of jealousy, and when the townspeople gathered to prevent the execution, the mayor reportedly took justice into his own hands — hanging his son from a window of his house to uphold the law.
The Lynches were one of Galway’s Fourteen Tribes, wealthy merchant families who governed the city for centuries. Their name remains etched into Galway’s history, most visibly in Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street, a 16th-century fortified townhouse that still bears the Lynch coat of arms.
The site of the supposed execution, known today as the Lynch Memorial Window, features a carved skull and crossbones and a plaque recounting the tale. While there is no historical proof that the hanging took place, the story has endured for centuries as a powerful symbol of justice, duty, and tragedy.
The legend of James Lynch FitzStephen is often retold to visitors as a uniquely Galwegian tale, blending history and folklore. Though the English word “lynching” arose much later and from unrelated origins, the story of the mayor who hanged his son continues to capture imaginations as one of Galway’s most enduring myths.
The Lynches were one of Galway’s Fourteen Tribes, wealthy merchant families who governed the city for centuries. Their name remains etched into Galway’s history, most visibly in Lynch’s Castle on Shop Street, a 16th-century fortified townhouse that still bears the Lynch coat of arms.
The site of the supposed execution, known today as the Lynch Memorial Window, features a carved skull and crossbones and a plaque recounting the tale. While there is no historical proof that the hanging took place, the story has endured for centuries as a powerful symbol of justice, duty, and tragedy.
The legend of James Lynch FitzStephen is often retold to visitors as a uniquely Galwegian tale, blending history and folklore. Though the English word “lynching” arose much later and from unrelated origins, the story of the mayor who hanged his son continues to capture imaginations as one of Galway’s most enduring myths.
13) Saint Nicholas Church (must see)
For over seven centuries, the Collegiate Church of Saint Nicholas has stood at the heart of Galway, serving as both a place of worship and a witness to the city’s history. Constructed around 1320, the church was originally built in the Gothic style and has remained a central part of civic and religious life ever since.
In the 16th century, the church was expanded by two of Galway’s leading families, the Lynches and the Frenches, who added side aisles to the nave. This created a distinctive square interior with three parallel roofs. The interior also contains historical memorials, including a gravestone of Adam Bures, a Crusader who died in the 13th century. High above the north aisle, a lepers’ gallery recalls the church’s role in medieval healthcare and social support.
The exterior is adorned with carved figures, including mermaids, a dragon, a lion, and an ape, as well as numerous gargoyles, which were both decorative and functional, channeling rainwater away from the building.
Saint Nicholas’ Church also holds significance beyond Galway. Christopher Columbus is traditionally believed to have visited in 1477, pausing to pray before his later voyages to the Americas. While records of this visit are limited, the connection reflects Galway’s status as an important port city during the late Middle Ages.
The church survived the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in 1652, when many religious buildings were damaged or destroyed. Over the centuries, Saint Nicholas has continued to serve as an active parish church, maintaining both its spiritual and cultural importance.
In the 16th century, the church was expanded by two of Galway’s leading families, the Lynches and the Frenches, who added side aisles to the nave. This created a distinctive square interior with three parallel roofs. The interior also contains historical memorials, including a gravestone of Adam Bures, a Crusader who died in the 13th century. High above the north aisle, a lepers’ gallery recalls the church’s role in medieval healthcare and social support.
The exterior is adorned with carved figures, including mermaids, a dragon, a lion, and an ape, as well as numerous gargoyles, which were both decorative and functional, channeling rainwater away from the building.
Saint Nicholas’ Church also holds significance beyond Galway. Christopher Columbus is traditionally believed to have visited in 1477, pausing to pray before his later voyages to the Americas. While records of this visit are limited, the connection reflects Galway’s status as an important port city during the late Middle Ages.
The church survived the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland in 1652, when many religious buildings were damaged or destroyed. Over the centuries, Saint Nicholas has continued to serve as an active parish church, maintaining both its spiritual and cultural importance.
Walking Tours in Galway, Ireland
Create Your Own Walk in Galway
Creating your own self-guided walk in Galway is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Salthill Seaside Walking Tour
If you fancy a quality break by the sea, while in Galway, you don't need to go far. The small seaside spot called Salthill is only 3km away from the downtown shops, clubs and pubs, and you can get here on foot easily.
Speaking of pubs, there's no shortage of them in Salthill either. In fact, one of the local waterholes – O'Connors – bills itself as the first singing pub in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Speaking of pubs, there's no shortage of them in Salthill either. In fact, one of the local waterholes – O'Connors – bills itself as the first singing pub in... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
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