Michelle’s guidebook
City/town information
Discover Galway City
Known as the City of the Tribes, Galway City sits perched on the roaring River Corrib. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route along Ireland’s western seaboard.
Galway’s rich history is evident at each turn, from the 13th-century walls that once defended the city from attack - now part of the bustling Eyre Square Shopping Centre - to the 16th-century Spanish Arch on the banks of River Corrib.
Close to the Spanish Arch is Galway City Museum, one of the most popular free attractions in Ireland. With three floors dedicated to archaeology, history and sea science, it’s the perfect place to begin your exploration of Galway’s past.
Nearby is the free-entry Hall of the Red Earl, a fascinating archaeological site in the heart of Galway City, close to the iconic Druid Theatre. Linked to the founding of Galway, the site dates to the 13th century and gives an insight into the many secrets hiding beneath Galway’s city streets.
The Claddagh
Just a street away is the Claddagh Ring Museum, where visitors can learn about the world famous Claddagh ring, a beloved symbol of the city. Popular as a wedding ring, the band features a crown for loyalty, hands for friendship and a heart for love.
A short walk away is the Claddagh itself, a former fishing village where the ring was first made in the 17th century. Home to the much loved Claddagh swans, the scenic area features Katie's Claddagh Cottage, an old world thatched cottage in the heart of a modern community. One of Galway's most popular heritage attractions, this unique heritage centre also showcases quality Irish designs.
Quay Street
On your way back from the Claddagh, stop to enjoy the sights and sounds of Quay Street in the Latin Quarter, the top-rated city centre location on TripAdvisor. At the heart of the Galway experience, here you can listen to street musicians, dine in acclaimed local restaurants and shop in quirky independent shops. You can also indulge in a beverage in one of Galway’s best-known bars, Tigh Neachtain, home to a collection of historic Galway International Arts Festival posters.
City of Music
Galway’s streets and bars are filled with music year-round, with the Festival Big Top at the Galway International Arts Festival becoming the epicentre during the summer. The city’s buskers and buzzing nightlife has inspired, among others, American singer Steve Earle and English pop star Ed Sheeran, who both penned songs dedicated to a ‘Galway Girl’. Sheeran busked on the city's streets as a teenager and returned in recent years to film his very own ‘Galway Girl’ music video in some of Galway’s iconic bars - O’Connor’s in Salthill and O’Connell’s on Eyre Square.
Galway's Gastronomy
Galway is filled with quirky local eateries and top-rated restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, including the Michelin Star Aniar and Loam, which focus on quality local produce.
For true foodies, a two-hour culinary walking tour is available with Galway Food Tours for those who want to learn more about West of Ireland food. On the tour, you can meet artisan producers and sample some delicious produce.
St. Nicholas Market
A short walk from Quay Street is the popular Galway Market, the best place to truly experience the best of Galway, including tasty home-baked treats, locally sourced fish, cheeses at Sheridan's Cheesemongers & Wine Bar and much more. After you’ve had a bite to eat, the Market is also a great place to browse the work of talented local artists, including an array of handcrafted jewellery.
73 locals recommend
Galway
Discover Galway City
Known as the City of the Tribes, Galway City sits perched on the roaring River Corrib. It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route along Ireland’s western seaboard.
Galway’s rich history is evident at each turn, from the 13th-century walls that once defended the city from attack - now part of the bustling Eyre Square Shopping Centre - to the 16th-century Spanish Arch on the banks of River Corrib.
Close to the Spanish Arch is Galway City Museum, one of the most popular free attractions in Ireland. With three floors dedicated to archaeology, history and sea science, it’s the perfect place to begin your exploration of Galway’s past.
Nearby is the free-entry Hall of the Red Earl, a fascinating archaeological site in the heart of Galway City, close to the iconic Druid Theatre. Linked to the founding of Galway, the site dates to the 13th century and gives an insight into the many secrets hiding beneath Galway’s city streets.
The Claddagh
Just a street away is the Claddagh Ring Museum, where visitors can learn about the world famous Claddagh ring, a beloved symbol of the city. Popular as a wedding ring, the band features a crown for loyalty, hands for friendship and a heart for love.
A short walk away is the Claddagh itself, a former fishing village where the ring was first made in the 17th century. Home to the much loved Claddagh swans, the scenic area features Katie's Claddagh Cottage, an old world thatched cottage in the heart of a modern community. One of Galway's most popular heritage attractions, this unique heritage centre also showcases quality Irish designs.
Quay Street
On your way back from the Claddagh, stop to enjoy the sights and sounds of Quay Street in the Latin Quarter, the top-rated city centre location on TripAdvisor. At the heart of the Galway experience, here you can listen to street musicians, dine in acclaimed local restaurants and shop in quirky independent shops. You can also indulge in a beverage in one of Galway’s best-known bars, Tigh Neachtain, home to a collection of historic Galway International Arts Festival posters.
City of Music
Galway’s streets and bars are filled with music year-round, with the Festival Big Top at the Galway International Arts Festival becoming the epicentre during the summer. The city’s buskers and buzzing nightlife has inspired, among others, American singer Steve Earle and English pop star Ed Sheeran, who both penned songs dedicated to a ‘Galway Girl’. Sheeran busked on the city's streets as a teenager and returned in recent years to film his very own ‘Galway Girl’ music video in some of Galway’s iconic bars - O’Connor’s in Salthill and O’Connell’s on Eyre Square.
Galway's Gastronomy
Galway is filled with quirky local eateries and top-rated restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets, including the Michelin Star Aniar and Loam, which focus on quality local produce.
For true foodies, a two-hour culinary walking tour is available with Galway Food Tours for those who want to learn more about West of Ireland food. On the tour, you can meet artisan producers and sample some delicious produce.
St. Nicholas Market
A short walk from Quay Street is the popular Galway Market, the best place to truly experience the best of Galway, including tasty home-baked treats, locally sourced fish, cheeses at Sheridan's Cheesemongers & Wine Bar and much more. After you’ve had a bite to eat, the Market is also a great place to browse the work of talented local artists, including an array of handcrafted jewellery.
Food scene
This is great for families. There is something on the menu for everyone.
29 locals recommend
Tom Sheridan’s
Clybaun RoadThis is great for families. There is something on the menu for everyone.
Lana Salthill Asian Street Food
224 Upper Salthill RdHandsome Burger
49 Dominick St LowerThe Huntsman Inn
164 College RdGreat for Breakfast
The Dean Galway
80 Prospect HillMcSwiggans Restaurant & Café Bar
3 Eyre StGreat for Kids and large groups
Gemelle's
23 Quay StreetMcDonagh's
22 Quay StFish & Chips
Asian Lounge Asian Tea House Restaurant
15 Mary StMilano
Middle StreetGreat for kids
Sightseeing
Fun for all ages! It gets busy during the summer months, so book to avoid disappointment. There is a lovely restaurant at this location also. This is approx. 8Km from the property,
31 locals recommend
Wildlands
Fun for all ages! It gets busy during the summer months, so book to avoid disappointment. There is a lovely restaurant at this location also. This is approx. 8Km from the property,
Omniplex Salthill
Upper Salthill RoadGreat place to watch a movie on a rainy day.
Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Beautiful golf course and scenic walks, only 2Km from property.
Beautiful Abbey with an abundance of history. It also has a great restaurant.
15 locals recommend
Kylemore (Abbey Entrance) station
Beautiful Abbey with an abundance of history. It also has a great restaurant.
Beautiful Prom for an evening stroll. It has lovely beaches for water activities and a diving board. These are some lovely restaurants and coffee shops here also.
113 locals recommend
Salthill
Beautiful Prom for an evening stroll. It has lovely beaches for water activities and a diving board. These are some lovely restaurants and coffee shops here also.
Dog's Bay
Amazing beach!
Rusheen Bay
Great for water activities!
Cliffs of Moher
Amazing scenery!
Inishmore
Aran Islands.
Galway Races
Galway International Arts Festival
Dyke RoadMacnas
City advice
Getting around
A Taxi into the city center will cost approx. 15 Euro
Big O Taxi are a local reliable taxi company
Moovit - this is a great app if you need to order a taxi for larger numbers.
There are numerous bus services, within a 10 minute walk from the house.
- ROUTE 404: ORANMORE - EYRE SQUARE - NEWCASTLE
- ROUTE 405: RAHOON - EYRE SQUARE - BALLYBANE
- ROUTE 411: CAPPAGH ROAD - WESTSIDE - EYRE SQUARE
Please visit for more detail - transportforireland website