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The staff are happy to help you discover the many places of interest around the country, including The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's Ancient East, Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and Dublin.

Stop by the Galway Tourist Information Centre, chat with friendly Travel Advisors who will support your visit to the colourful City of the Tribes. Their expert local knowledge will take you on a journey through this bohemian city bursting with culture. Get to know about the many attractions, medieval heritage, historic landmarks, traditional music, beaches, seaside promenade, events, and endless festivals. You may even get “to watch the moon rise over Claddagh and see the sun go down on Galway Bay.”

Located in Galway City, Ard Bia at Nimmos Restaurant is a charming locale where guests can enjoy diverse cuisine, such as Irish, New Zealand and Middle Eastern dishes. It includes a café, restaurant and wine bar.

Welcome to Éan Bakery, Restaurant & Wine Bar, located on Druid's Lane, Galway City, next to the prestigious Druid Theatre Company. Éan, meaning 'bird' in Irish, is an inventive bakery, restaurant and wine bar from the creators of Galway's sustainable Michelin starred restaurant, Loam.

Experience the epic craic in Connemara, County Galway. Book in with Connemara Pub Tours and get a tour of all the best spots.

Dela Restaurant is located at 51 Lower Dominic Street, Galway city and is just a short stroll from shop street. Serving brunch and dinner, the menu is focused on sourcing, using and sharing the finest Irish ingredients.

The Dough Bros started out with a woodfired oven in a street food truck in June 2013, with the sole aim to revolutionize the pizza game in Ireland. Why can’t the best pizza in the world be right here, in little old Galway, Ireland? That’s 'The Bros' mission.

Experience Irish dance the way it was shared in the past. Irish Dance at the Thatched Cottage in Galway City, on the Wild Atlantic Way, offers a one off dance class aimed at visitors to Galway. Taught by an experienced tutor and dance scholar with years of experience in teaching Irish dance.

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JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY MEMORIAL

If you are a fan of history and culture, you might want to visit the John F. Kennedy Memorial at Eyre Square in Galway. This memorial commemorates the visit of the then US president to the city in 1963, just five months before his tragic assassination.

The memorial is located at Eyre Square, a popular public park in the heart of Galway. The square has a long and rich history, dating back to medieval times when it was an open space in front of a town gate, known as the ‘Green’. The square was officially presented to the city in 1710 by Mayor Edward Eyre, from whom it took its name. Later, in 1801, it was renamed ‘Meyrick Square’ after General Meyrick erected a stone wall around it.

However, the most significant event in the square’s history happened on June 29, 1963, when John F. Kennedy, the first US president to visit Ireland during his term of office, made a speech to a crowd of thousands of people. He expressed his admiration for the Irish people and their contribution to America, and he also spoke about his own Irish ancestry. He said:

“If this nation had achieved its present political and economic stature a century or so ago, my great grandfather might never have left New Ross, and I might, if fortunate, be sitting down there with you.”

The speech was met with cheers and applause from the enthusiastic audience, who gave Kennedy a warm welcome and a memorable farewell. The president then left Galway to return to Dublin, where he departed from Ireland.

In 1965, two years after Kennedy’s death, the square was officially renamed ‘John F. Kennedy Memorial Park’ in his honour. A bronze bust of Kennedy was erected in the park, cast from a wood carving by local sculptor Albert O’Toole. The bust was later replaced by a new one in the early 2000s.

Today, the memorial is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, who come to admire the likeness of one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the 20th century. The park also hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Galway International Arts Festival.

The John F. Kennedy Memorial is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about the history and culture of Galway and Ireland. It is a tribute to a man who inspired millions of people around the world with his vision and courage.

53.274566, -9.048758

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial

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Galway City Attractions

Things to see and do in galway city..

Galway City is the capital of the west of Ireland and it’s idyllic location on the edge of the Atlantic combined with the surrounding countryside provides a memorable setting for any holiday. With every possible variety of scenery and a multitude of things to see and do Galway is an essential part of any visit to the Ireland.

Known as The City of Tribes Galway is a beautiful city located on the western seaboard of Ireland. So beautiful is it, that it was once described as the “Venice of the West” by well-known Irish poet, William Butler Yeats. Galway is a vibrant colourful city, recognised worldwide for its friendly people and welcoming atmosphere. In recent decades Galway has emerged as the hub of Artistic, Modern and cosmopolitan energy in Ireland. Galway is second only to Dublin in yearly visitors. With it’s charming streets, shopping and nightlife mixed with culture, traditional Irish music and activities for all the family, look no further for the perfect escape.

Photos of Galway City

Sightseeing in Galway City

Book a sightseeing tour of Galway City here. Explore Galway with friendly, knowledgeable guides to learn about this colourful city and see it from the best perspective, with an open top bus! On this Hop-on Hop-off tour, you’ll discover everything from medieval walls in the city centre to the sandy beaches of Salthill. Tour tickets are valid for 24 hours, during which time you can hop-on and off as often as you like. With regular departures from Eyre Square and Salthill you can explore our favorite city at your own pace. Galway is a compact city so it ideal to explore on foot if you prefer to take a walking tour of Galway City .

If you are travelling on a shoestring check out our list of the Top Free Things To Do in Galway.

Galway City Attractions FAQs

What are the top attractions to visit in galway city.

• Salthill Promenade
• Galway’s Latin Quarter (The Spanish Arch, Quay Street, Kirwans Lane)

Galway Cathedral

• National University of Ireland

Eyre Square

Galway city museum, galway market.

• River Corrib walk
• Circle of Life National Organ Donor Commemorative Garden

What are the most popular things to do in Galway City with kids?

• Salthill Beaches
• Atlantiquaria National Aquarium
• Barna Woods
• Leisureland
• Rinville Forest Park and playground
• Galway City Karting
• Pure Skill Activity Centre
• Monkey Business
• Loughwell Farm Park

Is Galway a good place to visit for young people?

• Around Galway
• City Attractions
• South East Galway
• The Cliffs of Moher
• The Gaeltacht
• The Islands
• Unusual Galway Attractions

Circle of Life Commemorative Garden

Courthouse & Town Hall

Forthill Graveyard

Galway Fisheries Watchtower Museum

Hall of the Red Earl

Katie’s Cottage Museum & Claddagh Arts Workshop

Kirwans Lane

Best rate hotels.

You may also be interested in...

Galway City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Corrib Princess

Galway City Cycle Tours

Galway Food Tours

Galway Jogging Tours

Galway Walking Tours

Galway Bay Boat Tours

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Eyre Square Centre

Top ways to experience Eyre Square Centre and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

EYRE SQUARE CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.01 mi) Town Square Townhouse - Best Location in Galway
• (0.02 mi) Town Square Townhouse - Best Location
• (0.04 mi) Kinlay Hostel Galway
• (0.06 mi) Skeffington Arms Hotel
• (0.08 mi) The Hardiman
• (0.11 mi) Esquires Coffee (Galway)
• (0.08 mi) The Dough Bros
• (0.11 mi) Zappi's
• (0.06 mi) Pascal Coffee House
• (0.09 mi) The Cellar Bar and Restaurant

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.5 By boat
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2.1 Bed and breakfasts
• 10.2.2 Hotels
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe

Galway ( Irish : Gaillimh ) is the county town of County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. It's Ireland's fourth largest city, with a population in 2024 of 85,000, but its historic centre on the east bank of the River Corrib is compact and colourful. Popularised on the world stage by Ed Sheeran's song, Galway Girl , Galway is a party town with live music and revellers spilling onto its pedestrianised central street. It's also a base for exploring the scenic surrounding county.

Galway (jointly with Rijeka ) was the " European Capital of Culture " for 2020.

Understand [ edit ]

Galway expanded from a small fishing village from the 13th century, when the Anglo-Normans captured the area and built a fortified city. A charter of 1396 granted power to 14 merchant families, and this elite would later be mocked by Cromwell as "tribes" - hence the nickname "City of the Tribes". This illustrious 14, now immortalised in the names of the city roundabouts, were Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'arcy, Deane, Font, ffrench, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, and Skerritt. All but two were Anglo-Norman rather than Gaelic. They're often described as an oligarchy, cartel or cabal, but by medieval standards 14 influential families operating an urban centre looks positively diverse. Imagine the Medici welcoming the Borgias and Sforzas to Florence: "Sure the city is big enough for all of us, and let's bring in the Albizzi, the Alberti...." They prospered through trade with Spain and Portugal, and by loyalty to the Crown, but that was the reason for Cromwell besieging and smashing the city. They recovered somewhat during the Restoration, but fell forever with the ousting of the catholic Stuart monarchy. Under the Hanoverian kings, power and fortune throughout Ireland centred on a tight little "Protestant Ascendancy", just to show everyone what a cartel or cabal really looks like. Sea trade also moved away to Dublin and Waterford. Galway stagnated until the 20th century, recovering slowly with independence, and more rapidly later with growth in students and in tourists. It's now a lively, buzzing colourful city that again feels well-connected to the rest of the world.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

• Dublin ( DUB  IATA ) has the widest selection of flights across Europe and UK, then you have a 3-4 hour journey to Galway.
• Shannon ( SNN  IATA ) has UK and European flights though not as many as Dublin, but is well-connected to the USA with pre-border clearance.
• Knock ( NOC  IATA ) has few flights, you'd only consider it for a road trip through Connaught and other northwestern areas.

The airports all have car hire, best reserved in advance, and see below for onward public transport to Galway.

The existence of Galway Airport was almost as short as its runway: commercial flights ceased in 2011 and private aviation ceased in 2015.

By train [ edit ]

• From Dublin Heuston there are ten trains M-Sa, six on Sunday, taking 2 hr 30 min via Athlone . Buy your ticket to or from Dublin city centre not Heuston, as this will include the city tram fare and save a couple of euros over separate tickets.
• From Limerick Colbert five trains run M-Sa, four on Sunday, via Ennis taking two hours. Limerick has connections from Cork .

By bus [ edit ]

• From Dublin there's competition, with Aircoach 706, GoBus 720 and Citylink 660 / 760 / 761 all taking 2 hr 30 min from Dublin airport and city, plus Citylink 763 also stopping in Athlone and Ballinasloe.
• From Limerick and Clare Bus X51 runs hourly nonstop from Limerick city to Galway, 80 min, while Bus 51 runs hourly from Cork via Mallow, Limerick, Shannon Airport, Ennis and Gort to Galway.
• From the north Bus 64 runs every two hours from Derry via Letterkenny , Donegal Town , Sligo and Knock Airport to Galway.
• Operators include Bus Éireann , CityLink and GoBus .

53.274 -9.048 1 Galway railway and bus station are side by side in Eyre Square. The railway ticket office is open M-F 07:00-18:00 and there are ticket machines and toliets. CityLink and GoBus buses use the coach station 100 m further north. The railway station is officially called "Ceannt" for Éamonn Ceannt, executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising.

By car [ edit ]

• From Dublin take the toll motorway M4 west then M6 to the city's edge, maybe 2 hours depending on traffic.
• Parking is expensive. If your accommodation doesn't offer any, there's long-stay parking by the cathedral for a flat fee of €5/day.
• By thumb: outbound, ask around at your accommodation, there might well be a lift going towards Dublin. Otherwise head for Galway shopping centre: all the major routes branch out from the roundabouts here.

By boat [ edit ]

• For the Aran Islands , a connecting bus runs to Rossaveal the ferry port 38 km west. Ferries also sail from Doolin in County Clare, linked by an occasional bus from Galway. This means you don't have to go there and back the same way.
• India, or is it America? As a young merchant Christopher Columbus travelled in Europe before his transatlantic journey, and in 1476 he landed in Bristol then Galway. He may have continued to Iceland; in 1477 he settled in Lisbon. He was intrigued later to hear that two bodies washed up at Galway appeared to be Indian. This reinforced his belief (as he lacked a reliable internet travel guide such as Wikivoyage) that he could reach the Indies by sailing west.

Get around [ edit ]

• Walk: Central Galway is easily accessible on foot, and Salthill is a pleasant 30 minute walk from the centre, down the Prom to Blackrock.
• Taxis: there are ranks in Eyre Square and Bridge Street. Fares are nationally regulated and taxis must use the meter. As of March 2021, fares M-Sa 08:00 to 20:00 are €3.80 flagfall then €1.14-1.50 per km, 20:00 to 08:00 and Sunday €4.20 flagfall then €1.45-1.80 per km. In slow traffic or if asked to wait they charge by the minute, 40-50 cents.
• Try not to bring a car into town, it's congested and has limited, expensive parking. Central parking lots include Dyke Road and at the Cathedral.

Bus Éireann operate a frequent city bus network in Galway, consisting of seven routes:

• Route 401 provides a cross-city service from Salthill in the southwest to Parkmore Industrial Estate in the northeast, daily, every 20 minutes.
• Route 402 provides a cross-city service from Shangort Road in the west to Merlin Park University Hospital in the east, every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 60 minutes on Sundays.
• Route 404 provides a cross-city service from Newcastle in the northwest to Oranmore in the southeast, daily every 30 minutes.
• Route 405 provides a cross-city service from Rahoon in the west to Ballybane Industrial Estate in the northeast, every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 40 minutes on Sundays.
• Route 407 provides a service from Eyre Square in the city centre to Bóthar an Chóiste in the north, every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 60 minutes on Sundays.
• Route 409 provides a frequent service from Eyre Square in the city centre to Parkmore Industrial Estate in the northeast, every 10 minutes Monday to Saturday, and every 15 minutes on Sundays.
• Route 424 provides a service from Eyre Square in the city centre to Barna in the west, 12 times per day Monday to Friday, 11 times on Saturdays and 5 times on Sundays.

City Direct also operate a frequent bus network on the western side of the city, consisting of four routes:

• Route 410 provides a service from Cappagh Road in the west via Salthill to Eyre Square in the city centre, every 60 minutes Monday to Saturday, with no service on Sundays.
• Route 411 provides a service from Cappagh Road in the west via Westside to Eyre Square in the city centre, daily every 30 minutes.
• Route 412 provides a service from Cappagh Road in the west via Gateway Retail Park to Eyre Square in the city centre, every 30 minutes Monday to Friday, with no service on Saturdays or Sundays.
• Route 414 provides a service from Barna in the west via Lombard Street to Eyre Square in the city centre, twice per day Monday to Friday, with no service on Saturdays or Sundays.

A map of the combined city bus network (Bus Éireann and City Direct) is available here . All routes connect with each other at Eyre Square in the city centre. Note that this map is a little out of date and route 403 has since become an extension of route 401, which now runs west-east across the city.

Cash fares on the Bus Éireann network are €2.40-2.80 adult and €1.40-1.70 child, while if paying with a TFI Leap Card are €1.68-1.96 adult and €0.98-1.19 child. On TFI Leap Card, 24 hour, 7 day and monthly tickets are also available.

Cash fares on the City Direct network are €2.50-3.50 adult and €1.00-1.50 child, while if paying with a TFI Leap Card are €2.00 adult and €1.40 child. Weekly and monthly tickets are also available.

See [ edit ]

• The historic spine of the city leads from Eyre Square southwest to the river, called William Street then Shop Street then High Street then Quay Street. It's all pedestrianised, an agreeable stroll from park to pub to pub to eating place to pub. At the top of Shop Street, 53.273188 -9.052186 2 Lynch's Castle is a fine medieval town house, once home to the Lynch dynasty. But it's now a branch of Allied Irish Banks: you're welcome to look in during opening hours but there's not much to see.

• 53.270885 -9.052186 5 Hall of the Red Earl ( Halla an Iarla Rua ), Druid Lane . 24 hours . The Hall is the earliest medieval structure to be seen within the walls of the city. It was built by the de Burgo family in the 13th century and was the main municipal building, acting as town hall, court house and tax collection office. But a fragment is all that remains, protected behind glass, and it won't take a minute to see. The modern building adjoining is the base of Galway Civic Trust, and their guided walks through the city (see "Do") start here. Free . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.273 -9.055 8 Nora Barnacle's house is at 8 Bowling Green. Nora (1884-1951) grew up in Galway and came to live here with her mother who'd separated from the drunkard father. Her boyfriends had a habit of dying, so she left for Dublin where in 1904 she met James Joyce, and "knew him at once for just another Dublin jackeen chatting up a country girl". Soon she would have cause to bemoan his drinking, hanging about with artistic ne'er-do-wells, spendthrift ways, obscure nonsensical writing style, and his demands for English puddings. They lived mostly in Trieste and Paris then Zurich, where James died and Nora lived out her own final years. The house in Galway is a small museum of Joyce memorabilia (including letters, but not the hotties) but is closed in 2020.

• River Corrib flows for 6 km south from Lough Corrib to enter Galway Bay. In 1178 the friars of Clairegalway cut a new channel out of the lough, east of the original outflow, and this became the main course of the river. It passes the ruin of Menlo Castle to reach the northwest edge of the city at a salmon weir: watch them swim upriver in early summer. The last km of river is very fast, great for driving waterwheels but not navigable, so the 53.276 -9.061 10 Eglinton Canal was cut in the 19th century, with swing bridges, locks, and side-races for mills. The swing bridges have been replaced by fixed bridges so the canal is no longer navigable except by kayak.
• 53.278542 -9.060529 11 University Quad . Daily 08:00-21:00 . This was the original quadrangle of the college that opened in 1849 and became one of the three colleges of Queens University of Ireland (the others being Belfast and Cork). Since 1997 it's been known as the National University of Ireland Galway. The Quad buildings are in mock Tudor Gothic style modelled on Oxford's Christ Church, so their aspirations are clear. They're nowadays the admin offices of a huge modern campus stretching from the river and canal to Newcastle Road, then continuing west of that as University Hospital. Free . ( updated May 2020 )
• The medieval fort and walled city of Galway stood east of the river, controlled by the Anglo-Normans, with "No damned Irish here!" signs at its gates. The Irish were kept in their place in a village just west of the river outlet, An Cladach , the shore. Jewellers also worked there, hence the name of the ring. Nothing remains of that village so the present Claddagh neighbourhood is modern.
• 53.262603 -9.070556 12 The Promenade is the main shoreline attraction, stretching for 2 km into Salthill. Traditionally you turned around once you'd kicked the wall at the two-level diving platform at the junction of Threadneedle Rd. Lots of pubs and B&Bs along here. It's long been hoped to extend the promenade west to Silverstrand, and to reinforce the crumbling coast against sea erosion. By 2015 this plan had reached design stage, but with no prospect of the funding that would enable it to go to tender, and it's all gone very quiet since then. So you can pick your own way along the headland west of Salthill but there's no paved prom.
• 53.259838 -9.074062 13 Galway Atlantaquaria , Seapoint Promenade, Salthill H91 T2FD , ☏ +353 91 585 100 , [email protected] . M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-18:00 . Large aquarium that majors on local marine life, so you will see sharks, but they're Irish sharks and proud of it. Staff display the various beasties: care to cuddle a huge crab? Adult €13, child €8.50 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.254 -9.055 14 Mutton Island is connected to the mainland at Claddagh by a one-km causeway. (Don't confuse it with Mutton Island off Quilty in County Clare.) It's popular for wedding photos taking in the lighthouse foreground and cityscape background, while artfully avoiding the sewage plant.

• 53.28 -8.998 15 Merlin or Doughiskey is a turret in wooded parkland 3 km east of city centre.
• 53.296 -9.074 16 Menlo is the ivy-shrouded stump you see from the river. By road it's a bit of a scramble over a padlocked gate and down an unsigned track.
• 53.298 -9.022 17 Castlegar means "short castle", which may refer to its structure or because it was used as a short-stay annexe by Menlo Castle. The name's even more accurate nowadays.
• 53.309 -9.028 18 Ballindooley is a turret along Headford Road N84 near Castlegar. Slow down for a look but it's hardly worth stopping.
• 53.313 -8.979 19 Killeen is a 15th century towerhouse that has been restored and is now a private residence.
• 53.323 -8.988 20 Cloonacauneen is a restored 15th-century towerhouse that's now a restaurant, often booked for weddings.
• Ballybrit is a turret just south of the racecourse, so if you've brought your racing binoculars you can save trudging across the field.
• Dunguaire: see Ballyvaughan for this plush place in Kinvarra south of the bay just before the boundary with County Clare.

Do [ edit ]

• What's on? Listen to Galway Bay Radio on 95.8 FM, or read This is Galway , or the Galway Advertiser online or in print (free) on Thursdays.
• Walk: Stroll along the banks of the River Corrib and the Eglington Canal, or along the promenade to the diving platform at Salthill, or out along the causeway to Mutton Island.
• 53.276198 -9.054004 1 Town Hall Theatre , 1 Courthouse Square H91 VF21 , ☏ +353 91 569 777 (Box Office) . The THT features plays, music, dance, comedy and of course panto. They run three venues: the main auditorium is only 400 seats, so it's cosy and suits many performances but is a bit small for grand occasions. Studio Space also in the square is 52 seats. Black Box, 500 m north on Dykes Road, has 600 seats and is more suitable for a rock concert. ( updated May 2020 )
• Druid Theatre is a small independent theatre at Flood St towards the Quays.
• Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe , 19 An tSráid Láir (Middle St), Gaillimh H91 RX76 , ☏ +353 91 562 024 . Box Office Tu-F 10:00-17:00, Sa 12:00-17:00 . This is an Irish language theatre, which has produced some of Ireland's most celebrated actors. ( updated May 2020 )

• 53.278 -9.055 2 River cruises , Waterside, Galway , ☏ +353 91 563 846 . May-Sep: daily 12:30 and 14:30, and Jul Aug: Su-F 16:30 . Corrib Princess is a 157-seat river boat that sails from Woodhead Quay, east bank of the river just above the weir, for 90 min cruises up the Corrib into the lough. Adult €17 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Kayaking is a choice of gentle paddles on the upper river and lough, sea kayaking, and white water on the lower Corrib right in the heart of the city. The white water flow depends on recent rainfall and the status of the locks above. There's a standing wave at O'Brien's Bridge to test your sense of humour, and the Eglinton Canal rejoins the river at the Jury Drop: it faces Jurys Inn Hotel, where onlookers can express their verdict on your skill.
• Rugby Union: Connacht Rugby are one of the four Irish professional teams playing in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro14), the European and predominantly Celtic tournament. Their home stadium is The Sportsground, capacity 8000, a mile northeast of the centre.
• Gaelic games: the County GAA team plays Gaelic football and hurling at Pearse Stadium (capacity 26,200), in Salthill 2 km southwest of city centre.
• Football: Galway United were promoted in 2023 and now play soccer in the Premier Division, the Republic's second tier. Their stadium is Eamonn Deacy Park (capacity 5000) 1 km north of city centre. The playing season is March-Nov with games usually on Friday evening.
• Galway International Arts Festival features music, theatre and exhibitions for two weeks in late July. The next is July 15–28 2024.

Learn [ edit ]

• The National University of Ireland , Galway.
• Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology , Galway.

Buy [ edit ]

• Eyre Square Centre is the big mall next to the railway and bus stations. The shopping area runs south from the square to the river, as Williams St, Shop St, High St, Mainguard St and Quay St. The old buildings and busy atmosphere make it an attractive area to stroll.
• Middle Street, parallel to Shop Street, is good for creative independent outlets, including the Irish-speaking theatre "An Taibhdhearc," the Cocoon designer studio, Charlie Byrne's Bookshop and Kenny's gallery / bookshop.
• Galway Market is in Church Lane next to St Nicholas Church. It's open Sa 08:00-18:00, Su 14:00-18:00.
• Sheridan's Cheesemongers on Kirwans Lane is a great place to get wine, pates, bread, and of course cheese.

Eat [ edit ]

• See "Buy" above for Eyre Square supermarket and Galway Market.
• 53.271353 -9.053377 1 Kirby's , 3-5 Cross St Lower H91 FX30 , ☏ +353 91 569 404 . Daily 12:00-22:30 . Great food and service for a good price. ( updated May 2020 )
• McCambridges , 38-39 Shop St H91 T2N7 ( off Eyre Square ), ☏ +353 91 562 259 . M-Sa 08:00-19:00, Su 10:00-18:00 . Deli food hall downstairs does take away sandwiches, upstairs restaurant serves good sit-down meals. ( updated May 2020 )
• Fat Freddy's , The Halls, 15 Quay St , ☏ +353 91 567 279 , [email protected] . Daily 12:00-22:00 . Longest established cheap-and-cheerful place: pizza, burgers, and the like. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.271 -9.054 2 McDonagh's , 22 Quay St H91 N902 , ☏ +353 91 565 001 . M-Sa 12:00-23:00, Su 14:00-21:00 . Famous fish and chip shop, takeaway or eat either at the communal cafe tables or in the restaurant. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.27513 -9.052711 3 McSwiggans , 3 Eyre St , ☏ +353 91 568 917 , [email protected] . Daily 12:00-22:30 . Big restaurant on the two floors above the bar but rightly popular and gets crowded. Traditional fare. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.269557 -9.053781 4 Ard Bia at Nimmo's , Spanish Arch, Long Walk H91 E9XA , ☏ +353 91 561 114 , [email protected] . Cafe Tu-Su 10:00-15:30; restaurant Tu-Sa 18:00-22:00 . Delicious food and atmosphere, gets rave reviews. Restaurant is a splurge and you'd better book, cafe brunch is less pricey. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.27 -9.058 5 Oscar's Seafood Bistro , 36 Dominick Street Lower H91 V253 , ☏ +353 91 582 180 . M-Sa 17:30-21:30 . Gets rave reviews for its seafood, vegans also catered for. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.259 -9.076 6 O'Reilly's ( formerly Lohans ), 232 Upper Salthill Road H91 PTD9 , ☏ +353 91 522 610 , [email protected] . Daily 09:30-21:00 . Mostly traditional Irish fare with a leavening of Med dishes. ( updated May 2020 )
• Grain & Grill is within Maldron Hotel, see Sleep. Serves food daily 08:00-21:00.
• Others worth trying are Finnegans on Market St, Kirwan's Lane Seafood, and Goya's bakery next door for cakes.

Drink [ edit ]

• Galway Hooker is the local beer, brewed since 2014 at Oranmore at the head of Galway Bay. It's a chemical-free pale ale: "We couldn't afford chemicals." They don't do brewery tours but the product is widely available.
• An Pucan , 11 Forster St H91 P65D ( by railway and bus stations ), ☏ +353 91 376 561 . Lively bar with music and dancing, it's the food that reviewers seem most to enjoy. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.2726 -9.0529 1 Taaffes Pub , 19 Shop St . Daily 10:30-00:30 . Great authentic Irish experience. You can find trad music there almost any night and there's a friendly atmosphere. Food only to 17:00. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.272167 -9.053281 2 King's Head , 15 High Street H91 AY6P , ☏ +353 91 567 866 . Daily 11:00-22:00 . Bar with restaurant on three floors, often has live music. ( updated May 2020 )
• Freeneys , 19 High St H91 TD79 ( next to King's Head ). Daily 10:30-23:30 . Fine traditional pub, often much quieter than its neighbours midweek, indeed at first glance from the street it doesn't look like a pub. They pour a good Guinness but where Freeney's excels is in its collection of Irish whiskeys. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.271399 -9.054048 3 Tigh Neachtain , 17 Cross St ( The bright cornflower-blue one, corner with Quay St ), ☏ +353 91 568 820 . Su-Th 10:30-23:30, F Sa 10:30-00:30 . A local favourite: good grub, whiskey and atmosphere. ( updated May 2020 )
• Busker Brownes , 5 Cross St Upper H91 FX30 ( part of Kirby's Restaurant ), ☏ +353 91 563 377 . M-Sa 10:00-02:00, Su 12:00-02:00 . Four bars: the original Busker's and Slatehouse, while the large Hall and small Mezzanine bars are often booked for events. Also, Kirby's upstairs turns into a late bar after dinner. Live bands nightly from 22:30. Decent bar food. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.27116 -9.053922 4 The Quays , 11 Quay Street , ☏ +353 91 568 347 . M-Th 09:00-00:30, F-Su 09:00-03:00 . Lively pub, the interior is done up like a church. Also calls itself a "gastropub" (which frankly it's not, you won't starve but few visitors rate the food) and a "music hall" which is on the mark, there's always live folk and other styles of music. ( updated May 2020 )
• Monroe's , 14 Dominick Street Upper H91 WD2H ( white frontage is very prominent from Spanish Arch ), ☏ +353 91 583 397 . M-Th 10:00-23:30, F Sa 10:00-02:30, Su 12:00-23:30 . Has traditional music every night and set dancing on Tuesdays. ( updated May 2020 )
• Roisin Dubh , 9 Dominick Street Upper H91 X266 ( opposite Oscar's Restaurant ), ☏ +353 91 586 540 . Su-Th 15:00-00:00, F Sa 15:00-01:00 . Pub with two stages, mostly alternative and rock gigs and comedy. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.269865 -9.060383 5 The Crane Bar , 2 Sea Rd H91 YP97 , ☏ +353 91 587 419 . M-Th 10:30-23:30, F 10:30-01:00, Sa 12:30-01:00, Su 12:30-23:30 . Great pub, music nightly: trad downstairs or various styles upstairs, where you need to grab your seat not much after 21:00. Bar is cash only. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.272 -9.062 6 Cookes Thatch Bar , 2 Newcastle Rd ( near University Hospital ), ☏ +353 91 521 749 . Daily 12:30-23:00 . The last thatched pub in Galway city, dating back to the 1600s. (Within the county are Powers at Oughterad, and Morans at Kilcolgan). Has trad music on Wednesday and Sunday nights. ( updated May 2020 )
• Others worth a look: Blue Note on West William St, Tigh Chóilí on Mainguard St, and Front Door on Cross St.

Sleep [ edit ]

As Galway is a popular destination, there's a large selection of accommodation in all price brackets.

Budget [ edit ]

Where else would you find so many decent hostels right in the centre? In any other city, the chain business hotels and financial firms would have bought the land from under them.

• Snoozles Hostel ( formerly Barnacles ), 10 Quay St H91 FXY4 , ☏ +353 91 568 644 , fax : +353 91 568 644 , [email protected] . Basic hostel in quirky 400-year old building has dorms and private rooms, sleeps 110. They've another branch on Forster St (sleeps 130) which is far more expensive. Dorm €20 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Galway City Hostel , Frenchville Lane, Eyre Square , ☏ +353 91 535 878 , [email protected] . Very central hostel, upgraded in Nov 2019, clean and well-run. A bit cramped for storage. Dorm €20 ppn includes breakfast . ( updated May 2020 )
• Kinlay House Hostel , Merchants Road, Eyre Square H91 F2KT , ☏ +353 91 565 244 , fax : +353 91 565 245 , [email protected] . Affordable, clean and central hostel, refurbished in Jan 2020. Dorm €30 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Sleepzone , Bóthar Na mBan H91 TD66 ( 200 m north of Eyre Square ), ☏ +353 91 566 999 , [email protected] . 200-bed hostel, clean and well-run. In summer they run tours to Connemara and The Burren, which have affiliated hostels. Dorm €30 ppn . ( updated May 2020 )
• Woodquay Hostel , 23/24 Woodquay H91 P8RP , ☏ +353 91 562 618 , [email protected] . Woodquay Hostel is a small, friendly independent hostel in the city of Galway. One of the oldest hostels in the town, with a great reputation. Dorms €15 ppn . ( updated Aug 2020 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

Bed and breakfasts [ edit ]

Even by Irish standards, Galway has a ridiculous abundance of B&Bs. Two clusters are on College Road by the lough, within 1 km of the centre, and in Salthill where you'll probably want your own car.

• 53.273262 -9.062357 1 Desota House B&B , 54 Newcastle Road, Cookes Corner H91 F5Y3 , ☏ +353 91 585 064 . Six rooms all en suite. No children. B&B double €130 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.26 -9.088 2 Rockbarton House Hotel , 5-7 Rockbarton Park, Salthill H91 F68E , ☏ +353 91 522 286 . Called a hotel but really a comfy small B&B near Blackrock Beach, excellent hostess. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.258984 -9.090263 3 Coolin House B&B , Threadneedle St, Salthill H91 K2N9 , ☏ +353 91 523 411 . Small B&B open Apr-Oct, has private parking. B&B double €90 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Marless House , 8 Threadneedle Rd, Salthill H91 AK85 ( next to Coolin House ), ☏ +353 91 523 931 . A Georgian-style family home in a quiet residential area, Great welcome, and rooms cosy and immaculate. B&B double €90 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.258418 -9.102011 4 Claremount House B&B , Upper Salthill Rd H91 DT99 , ☏ +353 91 584 741 . Family-run B&B next to Galway Golf Club and Salthill Promenade. All rooms are en suite, great welcome and service. B&B double €100 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.277686 -9.040363 5 Asgard Guesthouse , 21 College Rd H91 XR8P , ☏ +353 91 566 855 , [email protected] . Pleasant B&B by lough 500 m from city center. Rooms small but clean and comfy, free Wi-Fi. B&B double €90 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.276091 -9.004658 6 Almara House , 2 Merlin Gate, Old Dublin Rd H91 R2V8 ( 3 km east of centre ), ☏ +353 91 755 435 , [email protected] . Clean B&B with friendly helpful hosts. B&B double €100 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.265445 -9.072269 7 Tara House , 138 Salthill Road Lower H91 P400 , ☏ +353 91 527 966 . Clean friendly B&B with private car park. En suite rooms have TV, wifi, hairdryer, ironing, tea and coffee making facilities. Ground floor accommodation available. B&B double €120 . ( updated May 2020 )

Hotels [ edit ]

• 53.270759 -9.054586 8 Jurys Inn , Quay St H91 E8D7 , ☏ +353 91 566 444 , [email protected] . Good mid-range chain, great service. B&B double €150 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.287936 -9.046892 9 Menlo Park Hotel , Headford Rd H91 E98N , ☏ +353 91 761 122 . Hotel with 54 rooms in quiet area 2 km from centre, friendly staff and lovely rooms. B&B double €130 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.283 -9.036 10 Travelodge Galway , Joyce Roundabout, Tuam Road H91 HX8Y , ☏ +353 91 781 400 , fax : +353 91 781 798 , [email protected] . Reliable chain hotel, great service, 1.5 km from centre. ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.267 -9.068 11 Wards Hotel , 17 Lower Salthill Rd H91 NY13 , ☏ +353 91 581 508 . Basic small hotel, usually clean but sometimes smelly. ( updated May 2020 )
• Galmont Hotel ( formerly Radisson Blu ), Lough Atalia Rd H91 CYN3 , ☏ +353 91 538 300 . Good modern hotel overlooking the lough, short walk to city centre. B&B double €110 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.286025 -9.045067 12 Maldron Hotel , Sandy Road, Headford Point H91 ET6N , ☏ +353 91 513 200 , [email protected] . Modern hotel 1.5 km north of centre. Free car parking and easy access from M6 and M17. B&B double €160 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.28 -9.022 13 Connacht Hotel , Old Dublin Road H91 K5DD , ☏ +353 91 381 200 , [email protected] . Good modern hotel two km east of centre. Onsite dining, coffee shop and meeting rooms. Free parking (though limited) and free Wi-Fi. B&B double €150 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.27105 -9.05415 14 Residence Hotel ( formerly Spanish Arch Hotel ), 14 Quay Street H91 P628 , ☏ +353 91 569600 , [email protected] . Boutique hotel in Latin Quarter. 20 bedrooms. Good ratings for comfort and service, but there's often loud music downstairs until 02:00. Double (room only) €150 . ( updated May 2020 )

Splurge [ edit ]

The plentiful mid-range options mean that the upscale group are cheaper than in many other cities. Most are clustered around Eyre Square and adjoining Forster Street very close to the bus and railway stations; this area is often noisy on weekend nights. There's a scattering further out.

• Eyre Square Hotel , 8 / 10 Forster Street H91 TCP0 , ☏ +353 91 569633 . Very central comfy 3-star hotel. It doesn't have parking, but is next to bus and railway station. B&B double €190 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Hyde Hotel ( The Forster Court Hotel ), Forster Street H91 PY7E ( just north of Eyre Square ), ☏ +353 91 564 111 , [email protected] . Stylish boutique hotel with restaurant. Very central, occasional street noise. B&B double €160 . ( updated May 2020 )
• The Hardiman ( formerly Meyrick Hotel ), 14 / 15 Eyre Square H91 NFD2 , ☏ +353 91 564 041 . Victorian hotel, the modern rooms are good, but the older rooms are a bit, well, old. Service standards variable. B&B double €180 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Imperial Hotel , 35 Eyre Square H91 X529 , ☏ +353 91 563 033 . Comfy central hotel, great service, some noise from the square. B&B double €170 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Park House Hotel , 18 Forster St H91 PCF8 , ☏ +353 91 564 924 . Grand old place, clean and friendly. Very central, ask for a back room if you're bothered about street noise. Parking may be available. B&B double €200 . ( updated May 2020 )
• Victoria Hotel , Victoria Place H91 KVW0 ( off Eyre Square ), ☏ +353 91 567 433 . Central 3-star hotel, under renovation in spring 2020. B&B double €170 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.282072 -9.032961 15 G Hotel , Old Dublin Road H91 V0HR , ☏ +353 91 865 200 . Swanky five-star hotel, 1 km from centre, with spa. Great comfort and service. B&B double €250 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.258214 -9.084921 16 Galway Bay Hotel , The Promenade, Salthill Rd Lower H91 W295 , ☏ +353 91 514 644 . Great service, rooms dated but comfy enough. Has a spa and leisure centre. B&B double €180 . ( updated May 2020 )
• 53.258638 -9.087299 17 Salthill Hotel , Promenade, Salthill H91 DD4V , ☏ +353 91 522 711 . Good spacious hotel with leisure centre and pool. B&B double €200 . ( updated May 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Galway is a safe town by any standards, but give the swerve to damnfool drunks.

Connect [ edit ]

As of April 2021, Galway has 5G with all Irish carriers.

Go next [ edit ]

• South across Galway Bay is County Clare , and the spare limestone terrain of The Burren , which meets the Atlantic at the Cliffs of Moher .
• If you wish to hear Irish being spoken as a first language, visit towns like Carna, An Spidéal, Carraroe, Barna, all west of Galway City in the Connemara area. English is also spoken in these towns if you are not confident enough to speak Irish just yet, but as a visitor you can appreciate hearing the Irish language being spoken in one of the few areas where it is a thriving first spoken language and has priority over English.
• The Aran Islands are reached by ferry from Connemara.

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Eyre Square

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John F. Kennedy Memorial Park

Eyre square, galway overview.

Eyre Square is a famous and lively public park located within the city centre, a stone throw away from a popular shopping street in Galway called William Street. The park offers a lively vibe, with several people visiting the park each day to witness several beautiful statues and fountains.

Eyre Square is a famous public park of Galway, and the roads around it are the main streets of Galway's city centre. The well known William Street and Shop Street are nearby, great places for shopping in the city. The park is full of hordes of people every single day, making for a very lively atmosphere. You will notice the 14 flags of the famous Tribes of Galway, 14 families which ran the city from the 14th to the 18th century, and also a photo of former US President John F. Kennedy. He had visited Galway a short while before his assassination, and the park was renamed in his park honour in 1965. Throughout the park you will come across many interesting places, like Browne Doorway - the gate of the house of one of the Tribes, the statue of Liam Mellows, and an intriguing fountain of the Galway Hookers. A great option to relax in the outdoors with the family!

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Eyre Square Centre is Galway City liveliest and most attractive meeting place, incorporating over 70 shops including a mix of local Irish retailers as well as the best known brands from the high street including Penneys, New Look, JD Sports, DV8, Specsavers, Vera Moda, Jack and Jones, Dunnes Stores, Regatta and many more. As well as our leading mix of fashion and leisure retailers, Eyre Square Shopping Centre has a selection of cafe style eateries offering shoppers a range of choices from tasty nibbles to coffee and snacks.

Tá Ionad na Faiche Móire ar an láthair chruinnithe is beomhaire agus is tarraingtí i nGaillimh, le os cionn 70 siopa ar a n-áirítear meascán de mhiondíoltóirí áitiúla Éireannacha chomh maith le brandaí mór le rá na mórshráide, ar a n-áirítear Penneys, New Look, JD Sports, DV8, Specsavers, Vera Moda, Jack and Jones, Dunnes Stores, Regatta agus neart eile. Chomh maith le meascán de mhórshiopaí faisin agus fóillíochta, tá rogha de chaiféanna beaga freisin, a thairgíonn raon leathan soláistí blasta, chomh maith le caife agus sneaiceanna dár gcustaiméirí le fáil in Ionad na Faiche Móire.

Here at Eyre Square Shopping Centre, we provide all the facilities you need to make your shopping experience that little bit easier.

Anseo in Ionad na Faiche Móire tá na háiseanna ar fad a theasta­onn chun do chuid shiopadóireachta a dháanamh ná­os asca.

• Customer Service Desk (On the First Floor. Our Security Officers will help you with locating stores, Gift Card purchases, Lost & Found, Transport information and any other queries or comments you may have)
• Deasc um Sheirbhísí do Chustaiméirí (Ar an gcéad urlár. Cuideoidh ár gcuid Oifigigh Slándála leat teacht ar shiopaí, Cártaí Bronntanais a cheannach, tuairisc faoi Earraí Caillte & Faighte, eolas faoi chúrsaí taistil agus déileáil le haon cheist nó aon tuairim eile a bheadh agat)
• Gift card purchases covering over 70 stores.
• Cártaí bronntanais a cheannach gur féidir a úsáid in os cionn 70 siopa.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi to all shoppers. (Surf while you shop at the Eyre Square Shopping Centre with our free Wi-Fi Service. Wherever you are in the Center, you have the freedom to connect to the internet for free)
• Wi-Fi saor in aisce dár gcustaiméirí ar fad.  (In Ionad na Faiche Móire is féidir leat scimeáil ar an idirlíon agus tú ag siopadóireach tríd ár gCóras Wi-Fi saor in aisce).  Tá fáil agat ar an idirlíon saor in aisce is cuma cén áit san ionad ina bhfuil tú)
• First aid (In case of an accident or emergency you’ll be in safe hands. Our security staff are trained in first aid skills and will assist on request.)
• Garchabhair (I gcás timpiste nó éigeandála beidh tú slán sábháilte. Tá ár bhfoireann slándála oilte i gcúrsaí garchabhrach, níl ort ach cúnamh a iarraidh)
• Lifts (For your convenience there are three lifts located next to the  entrance/ exit of the Centre to facilitate easy access to all levels.
• Escalators (There are escalators located after the Customer Service Desk on First Floor and beside Dunnes on the Ground Floor)
• Staighra­ beo (Ta staighra­ beo suite tar aris na Deisce um Sheirbhsa do Chustaimaira­ ar an gCead Urlair agus le hais siopa Dunnes ar Urlair na Talan)
• Toilets (Our clean, spacious toilets (and disabled toilets) can be found on the ground floor, next to the Whitehall entrance /exit)
• Disabled toilet facilities (We have a disabled toilet to make your experience at the centre hassle-free. The disabled Toilet is immediately accessible from the toilet area lobby on the ground floor.)
• Baby changing suite
• Cash machines (you can find a cash dispenser on the ground floor next to Dunnes and adjacent to XL Newsagents.)
• Accessibility (Here at Eyre Square Shopping Centre we understand the needs of our disabled customers, we constantly strive to make your shopping experience with us a happy, effortless and enjoyable one.)
• Shop and Drop
• Indoor car parking (Q Park)

Who would believe the medieval city walls are actually located on the inside of the Eyre square shopping centre. This Historic and unique wall can be viewed by popping into the centre.

An gcreidfeá go bhfuil ballaí meánaoiseacha na cathrach suite taobh istigh d’Ionad na Faiche Móire? Is féidir na ballaí stairiúla agus speisialta seo a fheiceáil ach bualadh isteach chuig an Ionad

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Management Office Eyre Square Centre, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland Phone: +353 (0)91 568302 Fax: +353 (0)91 568671 Email: [email protected]

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