Introduction to Galway and the Best Things to Do on a First Visit
If you’re looking for things to do in Galway, the good news is you won’t need to hunt very hard. This is a city that wears its character on the street. One minute you’re listening to a fiddle player outside a medieval arch, the next you’re watching the Atlantic roll in over Galway Bay with a coffee going cold in your hand.
Galway works because it feels lived-in. It’s compact, walkable, and just scruffy enough around the edges to stay interesting. You can fill a weekend without trying, or use the city as a launchpad for Connemara, the Burren, or the islands offshore. Whether you’re after culture, coastlines, or a decent pint without the fuss, Galway delivers.
Must-See Sights and Historic Attractions in Galway City
Start in the heart of things. Eyre Square is where most visitors land first, and it’s a useful place to get your bearings. From here, everything fans out naturally. Shops, cafés, buskers, and locals cutting through town on their lunch break.
A short walk brings you to Quay Street, which is busy without being unbearable if you time it right. Look up as much as you look around. The stone facades and narrow lanes tell half the story.
At the end of the street sits Spanish Arch, backed by the Corrib and the open air. It’s not grand in the postcard sense, but it’s one of those places that quietly anchors the city. Nearby, the Galway City Museum is worth half an hour if the weather turns, which it might.
Galway’s reputation for nights out isn’t marketing spin. The city has over 450 pubs, bars, and drinking spots packed into a relatively small centre. The standout for history is The King’s Head, which traces its roots back around 800 years. It’s not a museum piece either. People still meet here, drink here, and argue about rugby or GAA here, which is exactly how it should be.
Coastal Walks, Sea Views, and Things to Do Around Galway Bay
A walk along the Salthill Promenade is one of the simplest and best things to do around Galway Bay. It’s flat, runs right along the water, and offers views across Galway Bay towards the Burren on a clear day. You can walk a short stretch or the full length, then loop back through cafés and shops without thinking too hard.
On calmer days, boat trips head out across the bay, offering a different view back towards the city. You don’t need a full itinerary here. A loose plan works better. Our suggestion would be to grab some fish and chips and watch swimmers brave the water year-round. A word of warning, keep an eye out for hungry seagulls!
If you want something more active, kayaking on the Corrib offers a quiet contrast to the buzz of town. You’re still close, but it feels a world away.
Top Outdoor Things to Do in Galway and Connemara
Galway earns its reputation outdoors because everything worthwhile is close, varied, and easy to reach. All you need are decent shoes and a bit of time.
If you want woodland rather than sea air, Barna Woods is ten minutes from the city and feels properly removed once you’re inside. The trails are well maintained, clearly marked, and popular with dog walkers rather than tour groups.
Further west, Connemara delivers the kind of rugged landscape people expect Ireland to look like. The drive alone is part of the appeal, especially once you leave the main routes behind. Hill walks, lakeside stops, and quiet beaches all sit within reach of each other. No need to plan, just enjoy the moment.
For something genuinely different, Killary Fjord is Ireland’s only fjord and is well worth the journey. Walk along the shoreline or take a short boat trip to get a true feel for the place. Conditions change quickly here, so check forecasts and dress accordingly.
Closer again to Galway city, Silverstrand Beach offers a compact coastal escape. It’s sheltered so it’s popular with swimmers, and is ideal for a quick walk or dip before heading back into town.
Secret Spots Around Galway for Visitors
Galway has no shortage of shops and venues aimed squarely at visitors, but some of the places that stick with you are the ones that quietly get on with their job.
Bell Book & Candle is a good example. Tucked away in the West End, it’s part bookshop, part record store, part curiosity cabinet. Shelves are packed with new and second-hand books, vinyl records in constant rotation, and the odd retro camera or accessory that stops you mid-browse. Stock comes and goes daily, which means no two visits feel the same. Look out for the tiny one-seater car inside. It’s impossible to miss once you know it’s there.
A few steps away, the Taibhdhearc Theatre adds another layer to Galway’s cultural life. It’s the oldest Irish-language theatre in the country, but it’s not locked in the past. Alongside performances, the venue doubles as a cocktail bar, and the lobby is sometimes used for informal events like live jazz sessions.
For something quieter in the evening, Silent Cinema Galway offers a completely different pace. It’s small, deliberately low-key, and refreshingly free of chatter. There’s table service, a bar, and enough space to settle in properly. It’s an easy option if you want to do something without committing to a full night out.
Where to Stay in Galway and How to Plan Your Visit
Choosing where to stay in Galway affects how you move, what you prioritise, and how much ground you realistically cover. City centre stays make sense if you want evenings to roll naturally from dinner to music to one last drink without checking the time. Everything is close, and walking does most of the work for you.
Coastal areas like Salthill or Barna suit longer stays, especially if fresh air, swimming, or coastal walks are high on your list. You trade late-night buzz for sea views and quieter mornings. For many visitors, that’s a worthwhile swap.
If Galway is part of a wider west of Ireland trip, countryside accommodation gives you flexibility. You’re well placed for Connemara, quieter roads, and early starts without fighting city traffic.
Above & Beyond offers accommodation across Galway city, the coast, and the surrounding countryside, making it easier to choose a base that actually fits how you travel. Get that decision right, and the rest of Galway falls into place far more easily.
