What to do in Galway

Activities, attractions and tours

Dunguaire Castle showing heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture
Dunguaire Castle showing heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture
Galway which includes a castle and heritage architecture
Galway City Centre which includes a bay or harbor and night scenes
Latin Quarter which includes night scenes and street scenes

Galway Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Galway has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Galway is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Galway to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Galway Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Galway.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Galway attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most fun & popular experiences in Galway

Tours & day trips

See all 107 activities
Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.

Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.

Activity duration is 1 day
9.8 out of 10 with 93 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $197 per adult
Aran Island, Cliffs of Moher & Cruise tour from Galway. Guided.Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 55 activities
Kylemore Abbey from Dromoland Castle Private Tour

Kylemore Abbey from Dromoland Castle Private Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $1,275 per traveller*
Kylemore Abbey from Dromoland Castle Private TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 10 activities
Galway: Day Trip Ferry to Inis Oírr (Aran Islands)

Galway: Day Trip Ferry to Inis Oírr (Aran Islands)

Activity duration is 6 hours
8.2 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $65 per adult
Galway: Day Trip Ferry to Inis Oírr (Aran Islands)Opens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
From Galway: Connemara National Park Full Day Tour

From Galway: Connemara National Park Full Day Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours and 30 minutes
9.4 out of 10 with 86 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $89 per adult
From Galway: Connemara National Park Full Day TourOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 3 activities
Rossaveel, Galway: Ferry Transfer to Inis Mór (Aran Islands)

Rossaveel, Galway: Ferry Transfer to Inis Mór (Aran Islands)

Activity duration is 6 hours and 30 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 60 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $65 per adult
Rossaveel, Galway: Ferry Transfer to Inis Mór (Aran Islands)Opens in new tab

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.
Book now

Recommended things to do in Galway

Number of things to do
117
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Galway with Audio Guide: CA $9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Galway

Discover the most popular places to visit in Galway

Eyre Square which includes a statue or sculpture and outdoor art

Eyre Square

4.5/5(72 reviews)

Peruse the modern art and floral displays of this park that takes you away from the bustle of the city.

Eyre Square
Quay Street which includes street scenes, outdoor eating and markets

Quay Street

During your visit to Galway, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Quay Street. Check out the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.

Quay Street
The quadrangle at the National University or Ireland at Galway. Can't believe I get to call this place my school for the next year!

University of Galway

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Galway, during your travels in Galway. Discover the entertainment choices and shops in this walkable area.

University of Galway
Galway Harbour showing a river or creek, boating and a marina

Galway Harbour

4/5(31 reviews)

Cruise around the scenic sights of Galway Bay, see the historic Spanish Arch, spot charmingly colorful houses and dine in restaurants with water views.

Galway Harbour
Spanish Arch featuring street scenes and heritage elements as well as a couple

Spanish Arch

4.5/5(46 reviews)

Find out about the history of Galway with a stop at Spanish Arch. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

Spanish Arch
The colourful shopping street in Galway... #Architecture

Shop Street

4.5/5(26 reviews)

During your trip to Galway, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Shop Street. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.

Shop Street
Galway Cathedral showing interior views, a church or cathedral and religious elements

Galway Cathedral

4.5/5(31 reviews)

See a fascinating mosaic of John F. Kennedy in a modern church he visited in Ireland. Admire its rose window and artworks.

Galway Cathedral
Beautiful beach- ideal for children. Clean amenities. Scenic area

Silver Strand

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Silver Strand during your travels in Galway? Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its lively bars.

Silver Strand
Lynch\'s Castle featuring a city and street scenes

Lynch's Castle

Find out about the history of Galway when you take a trip to Lynch's Castle. Amble around this family-friendly area's seaside and enjoy its lively bars.

Lynch's Castle

Explore areas of Galway

Galway Harbour showing a river or creek, boating and a marina

Galway City Centre

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Galway City Centre. Make a stop by Galway Shopping Center or Eyre Square while you're exploring the area.

Galway City Centre
Galway City Museum showing interior views

Latin Quarter

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Latin Quarter. A stop by Quay Street or Spanish Arch might round out your trip.

Latin Quarter
City of Galway Ireland aerial view over the Claddagh district

Claddagh

Visitors to Claddagh enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Grattan Beach is worth a stop.

Claddagh
Aerial view on Ballyloughane Strand in Galway city, Ireland. High tide. Blue cloudy sky and ocean water. Popular area with amazing view and footpaths for walk close to Renmore residential area

Renmore

While Renmore might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Eyre Square and Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre.

Renmore
Galway, Ireland 07-08-2022 Aerial view of Salthill promenade.

Salthill

While visiting Salthill, you might make a stop by sights like Grattan Beach and Caesar's Palace.

Salthill
May 2016

Newcastle

While Newcastle might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Galway Cathedral and Galway Shopping Center.

Newcastle

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Galway

Oranmore Castle on a beautiful Day

Oranmore

Frequently asked questions

Is Galway worth visiting?
Galway has a unique mix of culture, attractions and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional cuisine, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Galway?
Start your adventures with a visit to Leisureland and Claregalway Castle. Then, check out different areas of Galway for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Galway?
The top tourist attraction in Galway is Leisureland, so don't forget to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Galway?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city attractions, such as Leisureland, Grattan Beach and Lynch's Castle. The average stay in Galway is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Latin Quarter isn't far away.
Is Galway a walkable city?
Some top sights in Galway, like Leisureland and Grattan Beach, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Galway is Galway City Centre and Salthill is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Galway with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all ages, we've got some fantastic ideas for what to do in Galway with kids.

What to do in Galway for adults?
Bohermore's Victorian Cemetery and Salmon Weir are just two of the things to do in Galway. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Galway?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Galway is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. Grattan Beach is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia