Galway & The West

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Galway & The West

Dramatic, haunting and utterly wild, Galway – in the West of Ireland – is a unique place. Rugged cliffs and craggy countryside are dotted with bursts of colour. Galway is famed for its beaches and soaring mountains, as well as its creative spirit, raucous nightlife, and tradition-rich Gaeltacht region.

Top 5 The County Events

Top 5

With a youthful population and a bohemian spirit, Galway’s charms are best enjoyed by strolling the Old City lanes and wandering the rugged landscapes. Known for its artistic spirit, Galway is oozing with culture, a confluence of the modern and the ancient.

The County

Known as the “City of the Tribes” – after the 14 famous families who forged Gaillimh’s history –, Galway is one of Ireland’s most charming and romantic cities, and a magnet for visitors as to its rich Celtic and Spanish heritage, its vibrant arts scene, and its lengthy list of festivals. Delightfully compact, the city is easy to stroll around, so do explore its medieval streets dotted with brightly-painted shop fronts, handsome limestone buildings and landmarks. The Gaeltacht area of County Galway offers an authentic insight into life through the Irish language, and the Aran Islands have a breathtaking beauty of their own.

Events

Galway is a high-spirited and lively city, teeming with bustling bars and inspiring art. Events happen year round and the festival atmosphere is rife for revelling.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

With a young population and a bohemian spirit, Galway’s charms are best enjoyed by strolling the Old City lanes and wandering the rugged landscapes. Known for its artistic spirit, Galway is oozing with culture, a confluence of the modern and the ancient.

Aughnanure Castle

Built by the O'Flaherty family in the 16th century, Aughnanure Castle crowns the picturesque scenery of Oughterard. One of over 200 tower houses in County Galway. visitors will explore the remains of a banqueting hall, a watch tower, an unusual double bawn, bastions and a dry harbour.

Brigit’s Garden

Magic lingers in this beautiful Celtic-themed garden. The nature trail, stone chamber, and nature discovery trail will spirit visitors of all ages to a world of imagination.

Connemara National Park

Connemara’s rich landscape has long been a place of discovery and exploration. Explore the Diamond Hill Trails to fully immerse yourself in this unique environment. The park also features audio visual, a playground, an indoor and outdoor picnic areas. Meet Connemara ponies before settling in to enjoy some wholesome home baking at the park's café.

Connemara Smokehouse

Connemara Smokehouse is steeped in tradition. A proud producer of traditional Irish smoked and marinated seafood, this venue is one of Rick Stein's Super Food Heroes. Sustainability is a growing area of interest, with Wild & Organic Salmon, and the line caught Smoked Tuna growing in popularity.

Dun Aonghasa

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Dun Aonghasa is the most monumentous of the prehistoric stone forts on the Aran Islands. A semi-circular building enclosed by three massive stone walls, excavations revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several settlements and ancient sites of burial.

Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden

Home of the Benedictine nuns, the 1000-acre-wide Kylemore estate is a perfect day trip destination. Take a guided tour and discover an award-winning Victorian Walled Garden - which often hosts musical performances.

Druid Lane Theatre

The award-winning Druid Theatre is one of Ireland’s premiere theatre companies, featuring both classic and contemporary performances. Check out their programme for a taste of local culture.

Galway Atlantaquaria

The National Aquarium of Ireland is home to the country’s largest collection of aquatic life - with over 150 species of fish and invertebrates. The exhibits provide a unique insight into native marine and freshwater habitats, a perfect opportunity to learn more about the sea which characterises Galway.

Galway City Karting

Galway City Karting is Galway’s only indoor karting venue. A fun and safe environment to chase high speeds, the venue is family-friendly with karting options for children.

Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum is a spacious and modern building on the banks of the River Corrib. Visit to learn all about the city's unqiue character, with displays on archaeology, local history, art and craft.

Athenry Heritage Centre

Enjoy an immersive Medieval Experience in the Athenry Heritage Centre. Get into character by borrowing a medieval costume, and try your hand at Archery. The museum is fun for all ages and offers interactive exhibits as well as guided tours.

Irish Workhouse Centre

This humbling museum offers insight in to an often overlooked instituion in Irish history - the Workhouse. From the 1840s until Independence (1920s), Workhouses were the last resort for the destitute poor. Offering minimal living conditions in exchange for gruelling work, these institutions characterise the hardship of life in the era. The centre is composed…

The Latin Quarter

Galway's Latin Quarter sprawls winding medieval streets and incorporates some of the city's most historic landmarks. High spirits abound in the Tribes Alive Theatrical Walking Tour which explores the area's colourful, artistic reputation.

Menlo Castle

Menlo Castle is a secluded castle reclaimed by nature - it may be a challenge to spot behind the green blanket of vegetation covering it! Partially destroyed by a fire in 1910, the ruin is a beautiful place on the banks of the Corrib River, and a point of interest to include on a long…

Céide Fields

An ancient site, the Céide fields are the remnants of the oldest known field system in the world. The visitor centre offers a rare opportunity to learn about the spiritual beliefs and culture of the neolithic society which created this landscape. The fields are also worth visting for their wild ecology - blanket bog, dramatic…

Croagh Patrick

An ancient place, Croagh Patrick has long been a place of pilgrimage and discovery - no wonder it has inspired so many myths and legends! Archaeological evidence suggests settlement on this cone-shaped mountain as far back as 3000BC. It is said in the 6th century St. Patrick (Ireland's patron saint) undertook a 40 day Lenten…

James Mitchell Geology Museum

Often called "Galway's hidden museum", this unique centre is located in the south-east wing of the "Quadrangle" - the iconic central feature of NUI Galway's Hogwarts-esque campus. The museum houses over 1725 mineral and 1587 rock specimens. Palaeontology enthusiasts will admire the collection of invertebrate fossils, as well as dinosaur bones. Rare exhibits vary, with…

Dining

Galway is the perfect place to taste a crop of Ireland's finest traditional food, as well as cosmopolitan cooking. With options for all budgets and occasions, Galway is an up-and-coming city in Ireland's foodie scene.

Donnelly's of Barna Bar & Seafood Restaurant

One of Ireland’s most renowned seafood restaurants, Donnelly's also caters to carnivores with its game and meat dishes. Wash it all down with a few drinks at the on-site bar.

Aniar

The only Michelin Star restaurant in the whole West of ireland, Aniar is based in Galway’s West End. Committed to honouring the local and the wild in contemporary Irish cuisine, this is an ideal place to experience food traditions in an award-winning setting.

Ard Bia at Nimmos

Ard Bia at Nimmos is a charming restaurant with a fusion of multicultural dishes, from Ireland, New Zealand and the Middle East. Also a cafe and wine bar, one can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner all under one roof.

McDonagh's

This four-generation family restaurant serves quality seafood ranging from Clarenbridge Oyster to salmon and crabs. Grab a classic fish and chips to taste the local flavour of this seaside town.

The Forge & Venue

This eatery lies in beautiful Moycullen, the gateway to Connemara. As you might expect, the venue prides itself on traditional Irish dishes made with locally-produced ingredients, in a relaxed and open atmosphere.

White Gables Restaurant

Experience old world charm in this 1920s stone cottage. Renowned for its fine seafood, with lobster, crabs and oysters fresh from the sea, this sophisticated yet cosy atmosphere will warm your heart as well as please your tastebuds.

Tulsi

Tulsi is one of Galway's foremost Indian restaurants. Lamb, beef, poultry and seafood dishes insure there is something fro all tastes in this authentic Indian eatery.

The Seafood Bar at Kirwan's

In the heart of medieval Galway, The Seafood Bar at Kirwan's specialises in seafood as well as the essential companion red or white wine.

Fat Freddy's

This family-favourite in the heart of Galway City offers a range of Italian and Mexican food such as including pizza, pasta, enchiladas and burritos. Prices won't hurt your pocket, but there is no compromise on quality - Fat Freddy's uses the freshest ingredients and is well-decorated in a vintage, urban style.

Cooke's Restaurant & Wine Bar

A classic venue located in one of Galway City's oldest districts, Cooke's Restaurant boasts excellent modern cuisine as well as a selection of fine wines. A perfect place to enjoy a night out with quality drinks, tasty food, and great people.

Martine's Restaurant and Winebar

Martine's is an award-winning family-run restaurant and wine bar located in the heart of Galway City. Savour both lunch and dinner in this snug bistro, or venture out to the outdoor terrace.

Brasserie On The Corner

This venue specialises in steak and seafood dishes, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce.

Cafes

Galway's cosy cafes offer refuge from the Wild Atlantic weather. Enjoy traditional Irish homemade cakes, bakes and lunchtime treats such as warm fluffy brown scones, jam-laden soda bread, Irish fruit cake, open crab sandwiches, boxty and soda farls.

Corrib House Tea Rooms

This beautifully restored Georgian Townhouse overlooks Galway’s famous Salmon Weir. Two spacious tearooms offer a scrumptious selection of delicious cakes and treats, freshly baked in house each morning. This beautiful place is an oasis of calm in a lively and bustling town centre.

PoppySeed Cafe

PoppySeed Cafe is committed to serving "healthy and real" good. Drop in at any time of day to enjoy all day specials, as well as breakfast, lunch, and delectable homemade pastries.

Food 4 Thought

Food 4 Thought is a family-run cafe, only a stone's throw away from Lynch's Castle in city centre. Relax here after a day's sightseeing.

High Cafe

Right in the heart of the Latin Quarter, High Café serves savoury dishes as well as sweet treats.

The Kitchen

The Kitchen Cafe and Restaurant is a funky place serving some of Galway's most exciting food, both sweet and savoury. Located in the Galway City Museum, enjoy views of the historic Spanish Arch while you savour delectable cakes and great dishes.

Butlers Chocolate Café

Butlers is an iconic Irish brand, loved both at home and abroad. Their divine selection of chocolates and hot beverages offer some well-needed indulgence after a day's exploring.

Upstairs at McCambridge's

Upstairs at McCambridge's serves artisan food and wines in a classy and polished city centre location.

The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden is Galway’s worst kept secret! One of the city's most popular meeting places, its shop, bar and cafe are well worth a visit.

Bars & Nightlife

Galway's unique, celebratory spirit festers in its many pubs. From traditional pubs to hopping bars, Galway is famed for its nightlife. A university town, it draws a young crowd, as well as groups of friends visiting from other parts of the country.

The King's Head Bar

The Kings Head Bar is a typical Irish pub - great food, great music, and great atmosphere. The historic buildings often hosts music events and is the preferred venue for watching sports.

Trappers Inn

The Trappers Inn is a traditional, family-run bar and restaurant, passionate about serving the freshest seasonal and locally-sourced food.

Taaffe's Bar

Renowned for its traditional Irish music sessions (both day and night), this bar teems with "craic".

Busker Brownes

In the heart of Galway ’s vibrant Latin Quarter, Busker Brownes has long been a meeting place for the Tribes of Galway. Regulars enjoy the delicious food and rousing atmosphere.

Murty Rabbitt's

Just off Eyre Square, Murty Rabbits' serves a huge variety of dishes and drinks. Ranked among the favourites of visitors and locals alike, this bar is the place to be on game days.

The Cellar

This stunning two-storey venue transforms from a busy restaurant by day to a buzzing late bar by night. High quality food and drinks combined with excellent service make for a must-visit in Galway city centre.

The Quay's Bar

For nearly 400 years, The Quays Bar has pleased Galwegians and visitors alike with its delicious menu, lively atmosphere, and diverse choice of live music.

The Huntsman Inn

The Huntsman Inn is one of Galway’s most impressive bars, maintaining a personal touch. Popular with college students, the inn is lively and draws a big crowd on both week nights and weekends.

Massimo

Massimo is a spacious pub featuring a diverse selection of events. Consult their programme to make sure you don't miss out on some of the city's best live music and DJs.

Galway Arms Inn

The Galway Arms Inn is one of Galway's most recognisable buildings and stands proudly at the entrance to Galway City West. Known for their selection of beer, The Grill offers some well-needed soakage in the form of hot food.

The Dáil Bar

In the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter, The Dáil Bar is a firm favourite of foddies, and those who love award-winning cocktails. For a lively night out, come here to enjoy live music five nights a week and top DJs on the weekend.

The Front Door Pub

The Front Door is a large yet intimate historic pub nestled in Galway's Latin Quarter. Tastefully decorated with dark wood, textured walls and stunning stained glass, the vibe is comfortable yet creative.

Tigh Chóilí

Tigh Chóilí is famous for its traditional Irish music sessions. Mingle with locals and experience the old world charm in this iconic pub.

Monroe’s Tavern

Tuesday night is traditional set-dancing night at Monroe’s Tavern, a whitewashed pub in Galway’s West End. Don't be shy and dance along to traditional tunes such as the Siege of Ennis or the Walls of Limerick.

Shopping

Galway provides a unique shopping experience. As well as the high street shops, there is a variety of specialist and unique gift shops. The immediate city centre, as well as indoor shopping centres on the outskirts, insure plentiful options for visitors and locals alike.