Galway brings together the city's history, stages, markets and outdoor walking routes. Galway City Museum is next to the Spanish Arch on the banks of the River Corrib; the city also has places where you can trace its medieval history. For your plans, you can choose between exhibitions and historic buildings, events, market visits and walking routes.
City history by the museum and river
Exhibitions at the museum behind the Spanish Arch cover the medieval city, the village of Claddagh and Galway from 1800 to 1950. Galway City Museum also collects, preserves and displays materials on the city's history, including archaeology, art, geology, natural history, social, political and industrial history, and folk life. This offers a view that extends beyond individual periods and encompasses different aspects of local life.
The Spanish Arch dates from 1584. Its four arches formed part of Galway's medieval city walls. Another archaeological site in the city centre is the Hall of the Red Earl, a medieval complex that is one of the city's most significant visitor attractions. Information panels explain the significance of the site, and replicas of artefacts are also on display.
St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church also combines a historic site with a guided tour: the medieval building has stood in the centre of Galway since 1320. The church offers the “Story of Galway” tour. Check the tour schedule before travelling so you can plan around the available dates.
Squares and stages
Eyre Square is officially known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park; its Irish name is An Fhaiche MhĂłr. Its history dates back to medieval markets. In 1710, Mayor Edward Eyre officially handed the land over to the city. Today, the square has a playground and hosts seasonal markets throughout the year.
A variety of venues host cultural events. The city's Town Hall Theatre has 400 seats and presents theatre, classical, traditional and popular music, comedy, dance, film, musicals and literary events throughout the year. The Black Box is a versatile performing arts venue; its programme changes annually and includes theatre, music, comedy and events in a range of formats. This variety helps you choose events according to your interests. Check the specific dates before travelling.
Walking routes and nature
South Park in Claddagh has a dedicated cycling and walking route. The South Park / Claddagh public walkway is 6 km long, starts at the Spanish Arch and follows dedicated cycling and walking paths. Terryland Forest Park has nature trails as well as woodland and riverside walks. Reeds along its banks form a protected area for native flora and fauna, as well as fish stocks. This gives you a choice of different routes and landscapes in Galway; the routes described should not be understood as one continuous route.
Nearby in Salthill, Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland's largest aquarium for native species. It offers an educational visit for all ages and is fully accessible. As visitor information can change, check the latest details before your visit.
Markets and practical information
Galway Market takes place weekly in the city centre on Saturdays. In addition to food, you can find distinctive goods and gift ideas. Food stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh pasta, cheese, homemade relishes and sauces, and around 20 varieties of olives. The Saturday market and the seasonal markets at Eyre Square are two separate events to consider when planning your visit.
For bus journeys around the city, Eyre Square is a useful landmark: most bus services in Galway start there. Bus network arrangements can change, so check the latest timetable information before travelling. A more recent milestone in the history of river crossings is the Droichead an DĂłchais bridge: it opened in May 2023 and was the first new bridge over the River Corrib in more than 30 years.
Visitors are welcome at Galway Cathedral at any time. Admission is free, and a donation of €3 is recommended. As admission arrangements can change, check the latest information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Dunmore, Castlerea, Ballinasloe, Cornamona, Gowlaun, Cleggan, Clarinbridge, Clifden
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