Top 49 things to do and attractions in Galway

The red loop that brings you to the top of the mountain had a lot(mainly 90%) of stone stair but easily doable for most people that hike a least 2-3 time a year. It is a beautiful hike of around 6.5km. Lot of wind of top of it, bring good equipment if you can't handle cold. It says to not do it on bad weather, but if you're an avid hiker, it won't be a problem, simply be careful not to lose for on the stone, it could get slippery. Clean site, beautiful place.

Beautiful national park! They have a visitor center offering information, parking, toilets, and areas for eating—all for free. The different hiking paths are well marked, with options for all levels, from easy to hard.

A great National Park with a good visitor centre with a large free car park on the outskirts of Letterfrack. Varied scenery from coast to mountains, a marked "mountain" trail up Diamond Hill from the visitor centre. Many historic sites, famine villages, holy wells, prehistoric forts, and such like, within the park. Visitor centre has cafe and toilets. Can be very busy in season.

The spirit of Ireland is here! Breathtaking! So many things to see and do here! Maybe you will catch a leprechaun or better yet, speak with a local who can show you how they work and live on the land here and have for generations! Make a good day of it at least before heading on. Go see the abbey! Eat there also!

Absolutely gorgeous! Don't miss the upper Diamond Hill Trail loop if you're able. We were all alone except for a few sheep. The views are incredible and just get better and better as you go.

Definitely do the Diamond hill walk in Letterfrack. I'd say medium grade walk but you can see most of it from the village so you can make up you own mind. Great local pubs immediately at the bottom to eat and drink.

Fantastic, you can pick full loop or smaller loop. Views are great from both. From the long one better as you can see great panorama around you.

A wonderful cathedral to visit, right in the heart of Galway, there is a colourful beautiful dome in the ceiling with many windows to let in the light with a purple glow. Many splendid columns support the wonderful arched wooden ceilings. The organ pipes are in a wonderful display surrounding a beautiful stained glass window. There are many beautiful stained glass windows to see. Many rows of great wooden pews that run the length of the cathedral and seem to go on forever. Entrance is by donation.

Majestic , Serene & Beautiful! Wonderful place of worship and reverence! The organ, stained glass , alter, etc is just plain amazing. Wonderful history behind all of this as well. A definitely must see in Galway! Pictures don’t do it justice. You have to be here in person to experience and view its grandeur!

The most beautiful cathedral I’ve ever visited Galway Cathedral truly took my breath away. The architecture, the atmosphere, the light streaming through the stained glass — everything felt majestic and peaceful at the same time. Out of all the cathedrals I’ve seen, this one left the strongest impression on me. A must-visit when in Galway!

Very modern, but at the same time with a nod to the past with the building materials used. Very beautiful, peaceful and serene inside. A good place to stop, think, pray and contemplate.

Must visit. Don't miss it. We just had a couple of hours to spend in Galway and it was cloudy and rainy. On a grey, cloudy and rainy Sunday in Galway, the cathedral feels just right. Its solid stone exterior blends into the muted sky, sitting proudly by the river. Inside, it’s a different world—stained-glass windows glow softly, even without much light, and the faint smell of incense mixes with the quiet hum of Sunday service. It’s calm, peaceful, and a perfect escape from the damp day outside. A great spot to pause and reflect.

Stunning Cathedral in Galway. There must be 80 beautiful stained glass windows inside. The walls are a spectacular dark and light gray sandstone.

BEAUTIFUL!! The artistry and detail are incredible. Stations of the cross sculptures are excellent. There aren't enough words to describe how magnanimous the cathedral is. You have to see it in person.

Celtic Hop on Hop off tour ride is short for Hop on when we tell you too, Hop off where we tell you, too . And stay for as long as you want but the van is leaving in an hour. And not returning.

Went to Inis Mor, rode cycles all day, beautiful island, had a great time!

Rent a bike and enjoy the scenic views!

Beautiful place for a walk or a cycle.

Must visit these beautiful and historic islands.

Very nice

Very nice to disconnect and bike around

MOST VIBRANT CULTURAL SPACE IN GALWAY: We visited the museum in Sept 2025 and were deeply impressed by the vibrant cultural space. The museum is located right next to Spanish Arch, overlooking the fast moving Corrib river as well as the Galway Bay and the mighty Atlantic Ocean. We understand that the museum came into being in 2007. The museum blends effortlessly in the historic surroundings, signifying a combination of heritage and traditions with modernity. The museum displays art, history and architecture of Galway. We were impressed with the traditional fishing practices of Galway. The museum also highlights the importance of story telling with the rooftop offering a breathtaking view of the town on the western coast of Ireland. In short, it provides a cultural immersion into the culture and history of the Irish Republic.

What a cool design for a museum. There is so much history about Galway, from the poets to its fishing history, and all the people who once walked the streets shoeless. I love the historical model facing how the town across the bay now looks. Oh! And the Legos throughout the museum.. Nice touch.

Free entry, no need to book in advance! Very interesting experience, you learn a lot about the history of Galway.

This free museum is very descriptive and informative about the history of Galway. Also, for families with kids it can be educational as there are lots of interactive parts.

Entry is free😍 Museum is worth visiting here and is really good if you want to know about the history of Galway. Worth all the time spent here

Perfect for a rainy morning! Admission is free and there are many interesting exhibits on multiple levels.

Fre museum, with a wide range of exhibits, documenting everything from the effects of the fight for Irish independence, to the growth of the town, to the marine life in the waters around Ireland. Our visit was fascinating!

Absolutely stunning Abby as well as fantastic example of an extremely large fully walled English garden. We appreciate that there was a shuttle bus taking people from the ticket area all the way to the English gardens. Walking here was absolutely stunning. We had a fantastic lunch inside their cafeteria style food service area. The prices for the food were very reasonable and everything we had was excellent. The historical tour inside the Abbey was also noteworthy.

Small self guided tour through a very well put together downstairs museum. The upstairs display area is very disconnected and feels super random. The grounds are gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful setting right on the lake. Parking is very easy, there is a wonderful cafe at the bottom and another near the gardens. Highly recommend visiting this castle, and the drive out is STUNNING!

We visited Kylemore Abbey on a rainy day — and although the skies were grey, the atmosphere was magical, and we ended up spending a full 2-3 hours exploring the estate. The moment you arrive you sense you’re in somewhere timeless: a grand castle-turned-abbey set amidst the wild Connemara landscape. What stood out for us: the Victorian Walled Garden (about 6 acres), originally created in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry in loving tribute to his wife, and painstakingly restored from the 1990s onward.  You stroll through the formal flower beds, herb & vegetable plots, old glass-houses, and fruit trees — all within high brick and granite walls.  We also took the shuttle bus from the visitor centre to the gardens (this runs regularly) and found it very convenient.  The estate features peaceful woodland & lakeside walks, a café where you can pause for tea and scones, and a craft shop showcasing local treasures.  Inside the abbey itself, you learn about the castle’s origins, the story of the Henry family, the later arrival of the Benedictine nuns in 1920, and how the estate evolved through time.  Highlights include the charming neo-Gothic church (built in memory of Margaret Henry) and the family mausoleum — small but deeply atmospheric.  Even in the rain, the reflections of the castle in the lake, the misty hills behind it, and the rich gardens made the visit unforgettable. I’d heartily recommend bundling up and giving yourself enough time to wander gently, perhaps linger in the tea house and enjoy the quiet. A beautiful blend of nature, history and calm that stays with you long after you leave.

Absolutely worth visiting. Stunning views around , plenty to do. We visit in autumn so the garden wasn't so spectacular but still have it's charm ✨ You can grab a coffe in the tea room next to the gardens and do a little stroll on one of the accessible walks around, admiring. Visit the Abbey inside , see the Wishing Stone and many more. Beautiful ❤️

One of the most stunning places we visited on our 1000+ mile Irish road trip. The story of this place is part of what makes it special so I'd encourage enought time for that. But the grounds are enormous. They have walking paths, gardens, and so so much to explore. We spent 4 hours here. The gift shop is one of the better ones, it carries hand crafted items from the Nuns. The restaurant is cafeteria style, but honestly, some of the better food we had on our trip. The landscape on your way here is also breathtaking. We saw the Fjords on our way north. One of our must sees for sure.

This is a gorgeous place and so much history. The walled gardens are pretty much done for the year, being October, but imagine they are spectacular in summer. It's still worth the visit, even late in the season.

This has to be one of my favourite places in Ireland. First came about 15 years ago and so happy to have had the chance to go back! The website advises at least 3 hours but honestly take your time, enjoy the quiet and the view!

Very beautiful view but the walking path is extremely tight so you constantly have to watch out for people behind and Infront of you, and if that wasn't enough there is an electric fence which you almost need to touch because the tight path. Also there are a lot of flies which ruin the view because they keep flying in people's faces. The unisex toilet stinks very bad, so I would recommend going to the bathrooms at the souvenir shop

An amazing place !! While ALL of Ireland is beautiful, the Cliffs of Moher are the essence of the north. We had great visibility (yet very high winds). You can easily spend the entire day here and I would suggest doing so. Tours may only stop for a couple of hours ... so ensure you have plenty of time to wander and bask.

You cannot go to Ireland without seeing the Cliffs of Moher. They are beautiful and rugged. You can climb as much as you want or just a little and still see the Cliffs in all their splendor. There is also a really good museum built into the hill.

Sadly a foggy day for us when we were there. Otherwise im sure the views would have been excellent. There are lots of small flies along where people would take pictures and its kind of annoying. There is a visitor centre where you can tour some exhibitions and there is a cafe and restaurant there too. There is also a well stocked gift shop.

Very nice views. Amazing for fresh air and pictures. You need minimum 2 hours to enjoy slowly. There is a visitor center with souvenirs and very pricey snacks. Free toilet (free of charge, full of people waiting tho). I totally recommend.

Such a beautiful place to visit. Well designed location when it comes to the Welcome Centre being built into the hillside. Paths are easy to navigate and they have golf cart for people with mobility issues. The views are stunning and well worth the trip to get there. Nice big gift shop with plenty of things to buy and they also have a sit down restaurant. Recommended.

The Cliffs of Moher are an absolute must-see in Ireland! The views are breathtaking — endless ocean, dramatic cliffs, and a sense of pure wild beauty. It’s incredibly windy up there, so dress warmly, but the experience is worth every gust! The site is well organized, with parking and entry near the cliffs (around €15). We loved walking the trails and visiting O’Brien’s Tower for an even better view. Fun fact: parts of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince were filmed here! You’ll need about 2–3 hours to explore everything — an unforgettable highlight of any Ireland trip. 🌊🇮🇪

If you enjoy walking along a coastal pedestrian friendly path that overlooks the water, this is perfect. Lots of benches to rest at along the way, we saw several swimmers and divers in the water, there is a cool solar powered bench to charge your phone (with USB or direct contact charge!), and lots of restaurants and pubs nearby if you want to grab a quick pint or snack!

I brought my bathing suit on this trip in hope of swimming, but my entourage was not interested. And yet, we had sunny days every day and locals were bravely enjoying themselves.

Great rocky beaches, too cold for swimming however there were some people in the water. Parking wasn't incredibly difficult if you are patient.

Beautiful walk along the shore , a busy spot with plenty of parking

A very nice view of the sea. It t was raining that day.. those are the best that I could take.

I very much enjoyed my walk ;)

Stunning views of the beach and disability friendly 🌟

We stopped on a Monday afternoon just to take a peek. Parking is across the street and down the road a little bit, but an easy walk overall. Parking is also free which is nice. The castle itself was not open when we were there, I'm not sure if it ever is anymore? But we could see theres a gift shop inside through the windows. We took some photographs and walked around it and went on our way. There were many others there as well. All in all expect to spend 30 minutes here.

Stopped off on the way down the coast and wasn't dissapointed. There was a free carpark a short walk from the castle with plenty of parking available. The walk to the castle was actually good as it provided a few photo opportunities and survey the surrounding scenery. While it was closed it was still a very interesting walk around and well worth the visit.

Key Facts: • Built: circa 1520 by the Hynes clan on the site of an ancient fortification of the 7th-century King of Connacht, Guaire Aidne (hence the name Dún Guaire - "Guaire's Fortress"). • Type: 16th-century tower house, typical of Irish chieftains of the time. • Height: approximately 23 meters (75 feet). • Condition: Excellent condition, fully restored. History in Brief: • 16th century - Belonged to the Hynes clan. • 17th century - Passed to the Martyn clan, wealthy merchants from Galway. • 1920s - The castle was purchased by Lady Christabel Amphe, who carried out a complete restoration. • Since 1924, the castle has been a meeting place for figures of the Irish Literary Revival, including W.B. Yeats, J.M. Synge, Seán O'Casey, Lady Gregory, and others. • Since 1954, it has been privately owned but is open to tourists. • Since 1966, it has been managed by Shannon Heritage.

Only 4 stars because we couldn't get into the inside as it was locked, apparently it's a seasonal attraction. We were able to walk around the outside, completely around the castle and that was ok. The view of the castle is great,v from the road, from town and from the entrance walkway. There is a car park across the road. There are no public toilets outside as far as I can see and I walked all around it. The view of the bay is gorgeous.

Dunguaire Castle is one of the most iconic sights on Galway Bay. Built in the early 1500s by the Ó hEidhin (Hynes) clan, it later passed to the Martyn family — one of the “Tribes of Galway.” In the 20th century, it became a gathering place for Ireland’s Literary Revival, hosting the likes of Yeats, Lady Gregory, and George Bernard Shaw. The car park is a few minutes’ walk away on the opposite side of the road, so be ready for a short stroll. At the moment, the castle itself is closed (major repair works needed, so no tours or banquets), but it’s still worth stopping to walk around and take in the views. Great to see a Palestinian flag flying from the walls here — you’ll notice quite a few of them around Clare. It adds a contemporary layer to a place already steeped in history.

Dunguaire Castle is absolutely charming and steeped in history. Perched right by the water, the views are stunning, especially around sunset. The castle itself is small compared to others in Ireland, but it’s beautifully preserved and gives you a real sense of what life might have been like in a 16th-century tower house.

Beautiful little castle overlooking the Galway Bay inlet and nearby village. Was unfortunately closed on our visit but we were able to walk around the exterior. It was so picturesque that I proposed to my partner and she said 'YES'!!

The spiritual centre of Galway. Market has selection of stalls but would like to see food choices upgraded to make it compete better with vast selection nearby. Would love to see a permanent theatre like many urban parks.

The Galway Christmas Market is one of Ireland’s most magical holiday experiences, bringing Eyre Square to life with lights, music, and festive charm. From the moment you enter the market, you’re surrounded by the warm glow of stalls, the smell of cinnamon and roasted nuts, and the cheerful buzz of crowds enjoying the season.

Lovely place to visit with great bars. On every occasion we visited there was some music being played. Lovely vibe

Nice and lively square in the heart of Galway. Perfect for a break… but beware of the local “mafia”: pigeons and seagulls are always ready to steal your food. Great spot – just guard your sandwich!

Great place for shopping, food and spirits. Easily walkable and a little something for everyone particularly around Christmas time.

A beautiful space in the heart of the city, good to relax but surrounded by history and culture. Public toilets are in need of some attention but that aside, it's a lovely square.

Great location. In the middle of downtown Galway. Close to shopes,places to eat and pubs. Meeting place for walking tours. The park has a fantastic chirstmas market. Train and bus station also right next to the park.

Well, The Spanish Arch itself is just a quick site to see as you explore Galway. It is interesting. Make sure you read the signs so you know what you're looking at. As an American, anything that super old is amazing. I enjoyed envisioning the city as being fully walled in.

One of Galway’s most iconic landmarks! The Spanish Arch is perfect for a riverside walk, offering lovely views, great photo spots, and a charming glimpse into the city’s rich history.

Nice area with ancient buildings, shops, restaurants and old bars. Parking in the Spanish Arc car park is a bit tight but with a bit of driving skills it is doable and a 1 minute walk from all the beauty...

MOST ICONIC LANDMARK OF GALWAY: The Spanish arch is believed to have been built by the then Mayor of Galway Wylliam Martin way back in 1584, essentially to protect the quays and provide access to the riverside, where vessels from Spain carrying goods, especially wine, are believed to have been docked. The fast flowing current of river Corrib carrying huge quantity of water, emptying into Atlantic less than half km away should be seen to be believed. The arch is said to have been partially affected by the Lisbon earthquake of 1775. The arch is located on the Long Walk, right at the entrance of the Galway City museum. On a summer month, one could observe musicians and artists performing here. There are arrangements for visitors to relax at the riverside. Indeed we enjoyed spending an hour here, appreciating the river and the Atlantic Coast, together with the rich history of Galway town

Getting to the Spanish Arch is easy and walkable. Tourist attraction but not super busy. Lots o history available to read once you arrive. Looks like there were tours you could take that included this attraction also.

Beautiful area. Love the local artists areas with views of the water.

Loved this area in Galway. Great atmosphere around. People busking and enjoying the weather. The place was buzzing.

The second largest lake in Ireland. The formation of Lough Corrib is the result of the melting of limestone bedrock and the activity of glaciers. The wonderfully shaped, perforated, porous stones on the shore are truly a delight to the eye. Many beautiful places for walks. We also found abandoned buildings and former churches..

Great for fishing and boat trips just down the road from Castle View holiday cottage oughterard.

Beautiful island, excellent service by locals who know what true hospitality is!

Great place to explore on the water, but, beware of the rocks !

Most peaceful place...heaven on earth...😍😇

Quiet spot where spend a few hour. Amazing

What an amazing natural landscape. This place is so beautiful and unexplored. Must see. Go with your friends and family and stay there for long hours. So soothing and calming place. Some places have parking as well.

Very alive, lots to do from eating to shopping or just strolling by and catching a street performer. A little crowded. Lots of photo opportunities.

1. Name and Location: Galway's central pedestrian street is Shop Street (along with the adjacent High Street and Quay Street), which stretches from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch and is the heart of the historic city center. 2. History and Atmosphere: The street has existed since medieval times (mentioned as early as the 14th century), retaining its ancient facades. In the 19th century, it was a major shopping thoroughfare. Today, it is a lively pedestrian area with buskers, pubs, and traditional Irish shops. 3. Cultural Role: Shop Street is the center of Galway's street festivals, including the Galway International Arts Festival (July) and the Galway Oyster Festival (September), where artists perform, and pubs like The Quays and Tig Cóilí offer live traditional music almost every evening.

🌍 Explore, Taste, and Travel with Us! Follow our adventures and food journeys on Insta: vibrant_wanderer_rhythm Loaded with restaurants, pubs, bars, shops to shop at. Lively street . Live music in the evenings. Sure to include in your itinerary for touristy kick.

Visited on a Sunday during the arts festival. Street was very busy and lively with multiple buskers and street acts. A very vibrant place to visit with plenty to do.

Cool old style architecture. A few good shopping options offering local products. Very busy with tourists, and angry fire juggling street performers berating tourists: "I don't get paid to do this, anything less than a 5 euro donation is an insult after I entertained you for 45 minutes!!"

Very lively, loads of locals and tourists in the pubs, shops & restaurants. Music on the street from trad to anything goes, and spontaneous dancing.

vibrant, lots of street performers, doesn’t feel like a tourist trap but more like people of Galway authentically living their lives 🇮🇪

I was incredibly disappointed. The church itself is an invaluable cultural monument with great importance for the region, but the management has turned it into something far from a spiritual place. The entrance fee is unreasonably high, and inside, half of the church has been converted into a souvenir shop while the other half is filled with tourist props that have nothing to do with the church. I received a leaflet that was supposed to describe the church and the exhibits, but the content did not match what was actually there. On top of that, the interior is not particularly impressive compared to other nearby churches, which are free to enter and much more beautiful.

A lovely church that played an important role in the city, particularly in the medieval and early modern era. It's €4 per person to get in, and well worth a visit.

Beautiful old church in the heart of the city! I walked in just before Sunday mass without knowing it was that time. The morning had gone really bad for us after an incident with Aran Ferries' that had been very disappointing. just needed to reset and the service here was a literal god-send 🙏. The community was very inviting and warm. And the cantor at the service had the most gorgeous voice I've heard in a while. Was enough to bring me to tears! Thank you for welcoming a stranger.

Very enjoyable experience in such a historic location. The church acoustics and candles really added to the atmosphere. I could hear Freddie Mercury singing all the songs in my head.

We did the bell ringing tour and it was an absolute privilege! Jessica did an amazing job of educating us on all this church had to endure to continue providing spiritual refuge. I would highly recommend booking a private tour if you would like to learn more about the history of Galway and the fantastic architectural features of St. Nicholas! Thank you Jessica for going above and beyond in educating us on the history of St. Nicholas and Galway!

It was the first time I attended CANDLELIGHT and it was truly a wonderful and very different experience. From walking into the church....totally by candlelight, to sitting there in this wonderful atmosphere, listening to these amazing musicians bringing QUEEN music to life.....it was just magical. Took my breath away.

Brilliant setting. Easy ticket process. Sound set up very good. Musicians very engaging. Great enjoyment.

Hall of the Red Earl is a very cool, free exhibit where there has been an excavation of an historic site. It is down a small alleyway across from the Druid Theatre. Good such a small site, there is a good amount of information and a walkway sound the top of the ruins. Very interesting and worth a stop when in Galway.

Only the foundations remain of the hall itself, but there's a nicely done free exhibition that shows a variety of finds excavated at the site and explains what it would have originally looked like. Worth a short visit for anyone interested in history.

I took the Claddaugh walking tour with Ian and was lucky enough to be the only person on the tour. Ian was so knowledgeable and gave an incredible history of the area. 2 hours flew by. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Galway. Could not believe it was a free tour, be sure to tip!! Thanks Ian!

Amazingly preserved Norman ruins that are free to visit.

It’s a rather small area, dating back to the 13th century and it was Galway’s first municipal building and as such was used to collect the taxes, dispense justice and hosted banquets. In the 15th century the Tribe families of Galway seized power from the De Burgos (the Hall got its name from Richard de Burgo, the Earl of Ulster, who was the grandson of the town’s founding father) and forced them to flee the city. The hall then was abandoned and fell and it was covered over and built upon. The remains of the building were digged up by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 1997 and it’s open to the public all year from Monday – Friday 9.30 to 16.45 & Saturday 10.00 to 13.00 (May – September). Admission is free.

History is only inches beneath your feet in Ireland. Great history lesson and ruins!

Neat little archeological site. I wish there were more signs and details about it.

A lovely tour of the lough, with some beautiful views. A relaxing time and taking the lake views in. Enjoyable and worthwhile

We were in Galway on a holiday with a few friends. This was a well worth addition to the trip. Not sure what I was expecting before hand but this was a tremendous experience. Up and down the river, great weather and a bar on board. Perfect thing to do. Not too far away from the centre. The prices are very reasonable. Will come back next time I’m in Galway.

Nice relaxing tour. Weather hit us and we had to go inside on the lower deck. There was a large group of people just drinking and partying and were so loud we weren’t able to hear the information from the tour guide because they were very rude and inconsiderate. Maybe they shouldn’t serve alcohol until the 2nd half of the cruise.

Great river boat cruise with lots of historical information. Bartender taught us how to make Irish coffees and bartendress did an authentic Irish dance. Great fun. Cocktails and small bites available. Inside and outside seats available

A unique way to view the historical scenery with a friendly commentary.

Beautiful cruise on the Corrib Lake, the views are spectacular, obligatory thing to do when in Galway. On the boat you can order drinks and small snacks, there are also toilets. It's been a real pleasure.

Highly recommended for the whole family. We boarded from the castle and had a great trip. Coffee and tea available inside. Plenty of seating. Great views and colourful commentary.

This castle is actually a aib bank. Missed it the first time I pass through it. At the entrance there are some posting of the history of the building and its family, but other than that, there is nothing much there to see. It is good to take a picture from the outside and that is about it.

If you walk by, it's worth taking a photo, but it is a bank now. There is no castle to tour. You only get to see the exterior.

We had a very good guide explaining with a lot of fun knowing the history. We just missed the event with Mel Gibson. It seems the movie Brave hart has scenes recorded in the castle.

Now a bank, once was a castle. Made in the 1600s. Still a lot of great stone work.

Such a shame this is now a branch of AIB, but at least it hasn't been knocked down or left in ruins. Admire it from the street, but not much to see beyond that.

It’s just an old building - but it’s nice. Better to do on weekdays when the bank is open so you can see the ceiling.

There is only an outer shell and one room on the inside of this building to see the history of the castle that once encompassed the whole city. I was quite disappointed but would definetly be interested in finding out the in-depth history on this castle, if there would be a place to tell me.

Absolutely loved this experience ❤️ I could of spent all day here! The fish were very active, the staff were nice and welcoming. My little boy got frightened by the loud noise at the entrance and was crying and a staff member appeared with ear defenders and stickers and saved the day. We really enjoyed feeding times and the information. The tanks are immaculate ✨️ The octopus 🐙 was very entertaining i recommend spending sometime watching it show off I wish I had asked its name!!

Tickets are cheaper when purchased online beforehand. Staff was very helpful, and aquarium was super clean. Fish looked so happy, I wish there were some octopus or squid however.

a lovely experience! There were so many beautiful sea creatures to see-from colorful fish to fascinating marine life. The place is well-organized, clean, and perfect for both adults and kids. It’s really interesting and educational too. We enjoyed every moment and definitely recommend visiting if you’re in Galway! 🐠🌊🐙

Great for family kids were excited. Place could be upgraded but generally its interesting. Gift shop with very poor stock, possibly because of Sunday, but still not great. Big car park beside. Place to eat something beside i recommend supermacks about 300m away. There is in this building too but crowded and various quality

Huge ray/ shark/ flat fish tank! Highly recommend for parents of tiny humans! Our son was screaming and tired before we entered, he calmed right down watching the fishies, stayed in the stroller the whole time and was able to see so many aquatic animals from his level. Octopus tank was awesome, price was right, and the whole aquarium was a good size for little ones, not too overwhelming.

Great place to visit with family and especially for the kids.. loads of fun for them

We loved and the kids get to see and experience from very close proximity the aquatic life! I would definitely suggest it.

The Burren is one of the largest Karst landscapes in the world. It was formed during the ice age as glaciers scraped away anything above bedrock. This is what's responsible for the crevices and random boulders everywhere. Overall it's well worth a stop.

The Karst landscape is truly unique region, and rather aptly named (Boireann, the rocky landscape). From a geologic view, there is lots to see, including fossils within the limestone, exposed strata at the cliff edges, glacial erratics, drumlins, clints & grikes, poljes, turloughs and the limestone caves. Mullaghmór is interesting for its odd shape, a layer of folded rock which stands out from the relatively flat surroundings. The ecology is also noteworthy, with around 75% of all Irish flora being present there. The longitudinal range is impressive, from mountain avens to orchids. The gentians are pretty to see when they're around. A lot can be seen when looking closely between the grikes. In terms of fauna, you have the "wild" goat which I haven't seen nearly as much elsewhere in the country personally. Up to 95 bird species have been spotted, the common whitethroat is perhaps noteworthy to the Burren. My personal favourite is the coastline, with long limestone pavements which reach out directly to the sea. The tumultuous coastal waves create stunning spray, especially when accompanied by heavy winds (the weather can be intense and forboding).

Such a cool secret little stop. The whole area is covered in limestone, shaped by rainwater. The water slowly breaks down the rock and leaves behind the jagged formations you can see in the photos. Worth checking out! Just be careful where you step. You can easily twist an ankle if you're not careful. The grassy areas have especially uneven footing. Keep an eye on kids because they may wander off in excitement. Enjoy!

Awesome place with an interesting landscape. Parking is easy off the road but a small but challenging climb is needed to reach the top. Definitely can be challenging for anyone not in shape but not impossible. Worth a visit! The cliff walk closer to the shore is easier and equally as beautiful. Good place to add onto your stop to the Cliffs Of Moher.

Stunning impression in front of the clints and grikes I'm impressed by the vegetation in between the rocks If you reach the parking area it is very easy to have a walk near the Dolmen

Stunningly beautiful geological experience. Very windy plz bring good shoes. Major tripping hazard!

What a stunning place to visit. the view alone is out of this world x

I want to say this is the heart of Galway if you like night life. Lots of bars, restaurant (close pretty early around 10pm), live bands. Shopping is available but most store close around 6pm. We spent two days here. Visiting it at night time and one day time. We saw the marathon.

One-hour stop with a tour bus -just enough time to fall in love with the charm, not enough to enjoy it properly. In 60 minutes: wonder through Eyre Square, admire the colorful Latin Quarter, catch live music on Quay Street, and spot a handful of quirky hidden sculptures). It’s walkable, vibrant, and packed with history, art, even in fast-forward. Be warned: an hour only scratches the surface. You’ll leave wanting more. Consider staying the night, this city deserves it

We flew to Dublin to join a bus tour of the island. Starting in Dublin and the all around the island and finally finishing back in Dublin. It was a great trip. One of the stops was in Galway. We spent the day and night here and had lots of fun especially in the Latin Quarter. So much to are in.

Fun atmosphere. Lots of night life, stores, food/cafes/pubs. If you stay in a hotel on the street it is loud until well after 1:00 am (even on a Sunday) and then early city services.

The Latin Quarter is without a doubt the heart of Galway 💚. If you want food, drinks, fun, and charming little shops, this is where you need to be. The cobblestone streets are always buzzing with music and street performers 🎶, and the colorful shopfronts make it a joy to just wander around. I loved the mix of traditional pubs and quirky cafés, and you can find everything from tapas and wine bars 🍷 to proper Irish pubs with live music that keeps going late into the night 🍻. There are also plenty of small boutiques and even gems like Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop 📚, which feels like a magical maze of books. One thing to note is that it can get very crowded in the evenings, especially on weekends, so go a bit earlier if you want to explore more peacefully. ✨ Tip: Start at the Spanish Arch and walk your way up through the streets, stopping for food, drinks, and a bit of shopping along the way. It’s an absolute must-see when in Galway!

This is a must see if you are ever in Galway, had my first proper Irish coffee here and it was marvellous, the place is full of life street entertainers and great even on a poor wether day. I would fully recommend a visit.

This is Galway!!! What a vibe, it's friendly, colourful and buzzin from morning to night. The people are fantastic, the shops local and the selection of eateries abundant. For me this is the heart and soul of the BEST chathair in Éireann! Despite the name, it is the croí agus anam of the céad míle fáilte that Ireland has to offer. It is an eclectic mix of saints and scholars, showcasing the rural innocence of days gone by with the evolution of artistic creativity of a new age vision. Galway is the hippie hearth of Ireland, and the Latin Quarter is the fuel on this enternal flame. My blood líne lies thick in this place, I'm a proud daughter of Galway and I feel the energy of my ansestoral Galway shawl wearing warrior mná na Gallaimha every time I walk these streets. Only 2 hours by train or 2.5 by car I'm 'abhaile' in the teallach ar lasadh ✌️💚🌞

Very nice place to hangout on weekends with friends and family. Good to go for a long walk and enjoy the beautiful sea view and other places. Interestingly you can notice the water flow and level will increase drastically in one day and even during the same day or next day the water level will come down which you can notice easily in this place. Very cool and breezy, you can see swan and ducks also in this bay area. Kids will like and love this place

Lovely view , always a nice place to sit down and relax and watch the sun set

Such a lovely place for young and old alike! Very friendly people the Irish😀 Highly recommend!

One of the most beautiful places in Ireland 🇮🇪

Lovely even during rainy weather!

Great walk and view along the prom

The best Music, food, and Guinness...

Bridget’s Garden and Café is a beautiful, peaceful place to visit, with 11 acres of varied and interesting gardens to explore. The café is lovely, the facilities are good, and parking is decent. I really enjoyed my visit and would definitely return. Just two things to keep in mind: when I visited on a weekday, there were several school groups enjoying the gardens, which did mean a fair amount of noise throughout. Also, at peak lunchtime, the café struggled a bit with the volume of customers. The food looked and smelled fantastic, but the waiting time in the queue was long and things appeared quite disorganised. The hardworking staff were doing their best, but a little more behind-the-scenes organisation would make a big difference. Entry is €11 and well worth it overall. I look forward to visiting again!

It was a peaceful moment. The people were very kind, and the food was tasty. It's objectively a good spot and I highly recommend it.

Probably my toddler's favorite stop! We loved this place. It was cute and relaxing after 15 days rushing around the country. We got coffee and treats and started winding down for our last couple days in the country. Sept 15, 2024.

Love this place. Really breathtaking atmosphere and very friendly people around. Great nature experience with family. Must visit place.

Lovely place for family! Nice environment and brilliant food! Will definitely visit again soon!

Well worth a short diversion! Lovely Celtic wild garden. The sausage rolls on the cafe are well worth trying😜

An absolutely fantastic place. It has the most accurate sundial in Ireland, 28 acres of surprises and walks. A lovely cafe and gift shop. My puppy was in his element. A great place to visit

Originally built to monitor fishing, this Victorian tower has been restored and converted into a tiny, free museum to educate visitors about the local salmon industry through displays including photos, along with fantastic views over the waterways. As Galway is a small city eventually you’ll pass by this museum, however, in my opinion it’s not worth a visit.

A wonderful, free museum. The view from the tower is nice and the man who was there was very knowledgeable and had tons of stories about himself and Ireland! Can be in and out in 15 minutes, or you could stay for hours to read all the signs and have a lovely chat with the staff. Highly recommend.

Really cool place to see. I walked in while passing on the way to town, very interesting old photos and old fishing tackle. Great view once you get to the top of the watchtower. I'm not sure of the opening hours but whenever it is open its free admission

this museum is small but interesting! the keeper was VERY nice and had many interesting details and stories to share, I could have stayed for hours :)

The fisheries museum was an unplanned stop but one of the best places we visited in Galway! Brendan the tour-guide gave a comprehensive and interesting history of the Corrib River and Galway City. He was incredibly knowledgeable and very friendly! The views of the river were beautiful from the top of the tower. Definitely worth it if you love Irish history, fishing, or both!

Not a huge museum, but offers a lot of information about the history of fishing in Galway and some local artifacts. Also great views of the area.

It's a fast exhibit but the people working there are super friendly and helpful. A nice but of history. In and out in about 10 - 15 minutes

There is no fish market here, only a street market that pops up with range of stalls. Mostly fresh vegetables and trinkets. When we visited on two occasions there were no fish or fresh seafood stalls only a single oyster stall selling fresh oysters to eat with lemon for an extortionate price. Note: that you can get a range of fresh seafood and oysters for a great price at Galway Fresh Seafoods on the docks. It’s a 15 minute walk to an industrial estate but sells extremely fresh fish. Oysters at €1.25 each. It’s best to just pop in there when leaving Galway as easy accessible by car and free parking.

(Translated by Google) Among other things, you can find some locally grown vegetables and fruits. Fresh oysters are also available, which are opened on the fly (€5 for 3 oysters). Otherwise, the market is unfriendly to visitors in the rain. (Original) Med ostalim najdete nekaj lokalno pridelane zelenjave in sadja. Na voljo so tudi sveže ostrige, ki jih sproti odpirajo (5€ za 3 ostrige). Sicer je v dežju tržnica neprijazna do obiskovalcev.

Aaleagh Waterfall is surrounded by beautiful nature, and the area is peaceful and green. However, the path to the waterfall is on the wrong side — the best view is actually from the opposite side, where there’s no official trail. Overall, it’s not a must-see, especially since the road leading there is quite busy and has sharp turns. It’s worth stopping by if you need a break from driving and want to stretch your legs.

The falls are an interesting spectacle and one that in winter months would be even more impressive; the salmon run that tracks along the side of the river is thoughtfully designed too, which is nice to see.

1. Located on the county border Aasleagh Falls is located approximately 1 km north of the border between counties Galway and Mayo, on the River Erriff, shortly before it flows into Killary Harbour. 2. Part of the Western Way This waterfall is the starting point for one section of the long-distance Western Way walk. The walk along the Erriff river valley, with views of lakes, mountains, and forests, is very picturesque. 3. Popular spot for salmon fishing and easy walking The water near the falls is part of a salmon run, so fishing here is especially popular in the summer months. Furthermore, the approach to the waterfall is quite easy—the path is short, but can become muddy after rain.

Beautiful surroundings and good hiking or trail walks. Plenty of bars & restaurants within easy driving distance. Absolutely God's country..!!! 👍

Visited on a lovely sunny day and that really enhanced the experience. You can't get that close to the falls unfortunately, but there's a good view from the bridge on the road and a nice walk alongside the river. Limited amount of parking, but as there were not many visitors, that wasn't a problem. Well worth a stop.

Beautiful falls in very scenic area. Easy parking and free to visit.

Beautiful. However Hurricane Amy came ashore and brought a ton of rain.

Beautiful place to visit. Lovely walks around the estate and the lake. Very peaceful. The visitor centre is closed at the moment but there is a wonderful little coffee shop/cafe. Fantastic helpful and friendly staff. Would definitely recommend it if in the area.

Peaceful, well-kept woodland with easy trails and clear signage. The walled garden and Autograph Tree are a lovely literary touch. Free entry, plenty of parking, and friendly staff. Great for a quiet walk; dogs on leads. A calm, restorative spot close to Galway.

A modern (early 20th Century) historic site. Beautiful woodland walks to a large lake. Walked gardens and a visitor's centre. There is ample parking and good toilet facilities. Combine it with a visit to nearby Yates' tower for a good day out (check whether the tower is accessible or not before travel).

Had never been here before. Beautiful place {even in the rain}, plenty of sights though I didn't take it all in as I was too busy talking (surprise surprise). I'll just have to go back and spend more time there but definitely worth a visit

Lovely huge place. We enjoyed walking along the lakeside. Definitely worth visiting

Simply beautiful. The walled garden is meticulously maintained and very peaceful but the true beauty is found amongst the numerous walks through the forest. Easily navigated, with wide paths and some lovely little rest areas, we walked for a few hours. The lakeside is so peaceful. The variety of trees is lovely and the sheer size of some of them like the western cedar is phenomenal. Family friendly, dog friendly and clearly laid out, we had a lovely walk that we finished off in the cafe. The service here was excellent, friendly and efficient, the food we had was fresh and tasty and reasonably priced. We finished our lunch off with a lovely slice of apple and blueberry crumble. Overall a lovely place to visit that I would highly recommend.

Beautiful spot for a family day out, a walk with your partner or simply a moment of solitude alone. The place is stunning the whole year around although spring and summer will allow you to see the full potential of the place. If you need to stop for a tea break, there is a tea room at the old couch house and the walled garden is perfect for picnics. I've been there few times and there is always something new to look at. Highly recommend it.

We visited The Dough Bros in Galway twice on different occasions, and both times the experience was excellent. The food came out quickly, which is always a plus, and the pizzas themselves were consistently great. There’s a large variety to choose from, with some really creative options on the menu that make it stand out from your typical pizzeria. The crust is thin, cooked just right, and the ingredients are fresh and flavorful. What I really liked is that the pizzas are delicious but also quite light—you don’t walk away feeling overly stuffed, just perfectly satisfied. A definite Galway highlight.

Often really busy, there is a long line up here around dinner time, so go early if you can! Really good pizza, nice wood fired crust and toppings, it has a really good sauce. The hot honey with pepperoni was fantastic, would definitely recommend. There are gluten free options as well if people need it.

I had dinner around Dough Bros on a Wednesday night. We got in line at 7:15 PM and had our food by 7:50 PM. You order first and then are seated by the staff. We tried the curry cheese pizza which was a white pizza with roasted potatoes, cheese, and curry aoili. We LOVED this pizza. The crust was nice and thin and the toppings were delicious and went well together. We also got the wild garlic dipping sauce for the crust, which we enjoyed.

In my opinion, the ”Peter Stinger” chorizo pizza I ate today was probably the best pizza I have ever eaten. From Italy, to NYC - I’ve had them all. This is by far the very best! Light, fluffy base, wood fire charred bubbles at the crust. Amazing consistency - every aspect of flavor balanced perfectly. Staff are A1! Interior and decor is clean and well designed with the owners personal taste. Not just the best pizza in Galway, the best ever… Strawberry and basil margarita cocktail is a perfect compliment. Cannot recommend enough!

The pizza here is absolutely delicious, and the service is impressively fast, making for a very enjoyable dining experience. The dough is thin, perfectly cooked, and has a great texture that complements the toppings beautifully. Everything tastes fresh and flavorful. The only downside is that it’s a bit on the expensive side considering the portion size, but overall, it’s a tasty treat worth trying.

We eat a lot of wood fired pizza so we have a bit of a picky perspective, so, this didn't blow our socks off in terms of flavor or textures etc. I was actually really surprised how much I loved the bruschetta. That was good, the cheese overpowered the rest of it so I'd get that no added cheese next time. They do not have beers on tap, just can. The staff were all so kind and attentive. The smell of the cleaning products coming from the bathroom were a bit strong for me, but I'm very sensitive to chemical smells. The lights were a bit bright for a 9PM meal. The ambiance could be better with more relaxing lighting and some chill music. Prices were decent, happy we tried it!

The moment I have entered the restaurant, I felt a warm and cozy atmosphere. Service was kind and really welcoming. Food was ordered almost immeadetly and brought to our table in a great pace of time. Me coming from Czech not knowing my way around Galway let alone Ireland. Stumbling on this place randomly feels like paradise

Absolutely stunning place! 🌊✨ The views of the endless ocean 🌌 and dramatic cliffs 🏞️ are breathtaking and truly worth the trip 💯. I recommend wearing sturdy shoes 👟 with good ankle support 🦵, as the terrain can be uneven ⛰️. Also, be prepared for any kind of weather ☔🌤️🌬️ – it can change very quickly here ⏳. Despite that, the atmosphere is magical ✨🌿, and standing on top of the fort 🏰 with the sea below 🌊 is an unforgettable experience ❤️.

Experience is breathtaking especially if you compare it to the cliffs of Moher. Site is not super accessible and it takes around 15 min to get there but totally worth it. There are no safety measures which will enhance your experience if you are careful.

The fort is an uphill trek that is worth every step. It starts a few meters from the beach and follows a rocky path to the top. Once there, crawl to the edge for a spectacular view of the surf below. Find a local guide to learn the history of the fort. It is challenging to imagine living on the edge of the Atlantic, but the early Irish have done so for centuries.

Nice spot for the views! It’s small and has very little historical information, but it’s still worth a visit. We didn’t need a ticket (it was free). You’ll need to leave your bike outside and walk about 800m uphill. Part of the path can be slippery, so it’s better to wear shoes with good grip.

This was a beautiful spot to visit while on Inishmore. We went in the evening and had the whole spot to ourselves. All of our kids made the hike up easily. Careful of the edges since there are no fences. However, the views are worth it and it is incredibly peaceful!

Dún Aonghasa is incredible. The views from the cliffs are breathtaking, and the walk up to the fort is worth every step. Such a historic and dramatic spot—definitely a highlight of the Aran Islands.

A fascinating site. A must see if you are on the island. There is surprisingly minimal knowledge about it. Free to enter and staff are on hand to keep an eye on visitors

The scenery was stunningly beautiful and uniquely Irish. We took a 4 mile hike on the red trail but didn’t finish the complete trail. We turned back after 2 miles due to the rough, rocky terrain when it went up the mountain. The multiple trails were well-marked.

Great hiking experience. Lots of terrain that is unique to Clare County. I took a 3.5 hour hike that had me on a gravel road, then forest, then rock formations, through a cattle farm, past a house that offers tea to hikers, past a lake, and looped back to my vehicle. Absolutely beautiful

Stunning in it's own right. Truly unforgiving landscape. Worth a climb to the peak if wearing good shoes. Go slow and enjoy the view.

Honestly one of my favourite spots in all of the 'Emerald Isle', despite it being one of the least green! It's stark, barren, almost otherworldly, and breathtakingly spectacular. Don't miss it if you have a chance, and take time to linger here, explore the coast, the hills, the strange layers and textures, really experience it. Get out of your car and walk around!

Amazing place. Great trails for walks. I hope to get back here some day. My Irish favourite.

We did the blue trail hike. Pro tip is that you can park down the road about 0.6 miles if you want to shorten the hike a bit. The only thing you’re skipping is the walk down that road. In total that will shorten the hike 1.2 miles (Approx 2 KM). The views are unlike anything else in Ireland. You’ll walk along a lake, through a field filled with goats, and up the side of the rocky burren mountain/hill. The hike isn’t overly strenuous but there are 3-4 little areas where you’ll scramble up around a 10 foot steep incline/decline. I’d recommend proper hiking shoes as some of the rocks you’ll step on are rather pointed and could hurt your feet if you’re wearing joggers/skate shoes. If you have the time, it’s a nice little hike and not too far from cliffs of Moher if you need to get away from the rampant swarms of tourists there.

Magnificent scenery. A beautiful place to visit and walk. We did the blue loop walk. It's just short of 8k, up and round Mullaghmore. All routes are very well marked, if you are not sure where to go next just look around more, markers are there! It was a warm cloudy, breezy day. Be warned, it can be very windy up there even though it's not that high. The blue loop ascent is not tough. However walking on the limestone pavement is tricky enough so don't expect a fast pace up or down. If you have them, wear ankle high walking boots. It is doable in normal runners/walking shoes though. Dry enough in summer. There are no toilets or facilities at the cross roads parking. We stopped in Corofin on way and stocked up with snacks in Centra. It's a big shop and has parking. Fab views from the top of Mullaghmore. Well worth the climb!

So much love, time and work is put on this place. Is very saf to se signatures of some idiots on the walls inside. But is worth this. I encourage you to buy a heritage card for all monuments that are under the care of the OPW

Interesting place, with a varied fascinating history. So much hard work has gone into bringing it back to its current condition. The gardens were beautiful and also the Abbey ruins on site too. Lovely cafe on site too. Loved the cheeky ducks who clearly know this is the place for some free food from the visitors and drinking from the dogs bowl tickled us!

The grounds and garden are beautiful. I look forward to see how the site evolves as the restorations and archeological investigations continue. I loved the addition of the tea room and art exhibit. And the gardens were absolutely fabulous. Could have spent another hour in them easily.

Such beautiful gardens and amazing history behind it. What a great place. The restaurant was stunning, and the food looked amazing. Would suggest the Chai Latte. Was perfect. The walking and riding routes are well maintained, and the staff are fantastic. Thank you so much for the hospitality.

It is a beautiful and quiet place where you can see horses and other hoofed animals. Good for walks and wedding photography. This place is definitely worth adding to the list of places to visit in Ireland. Not far from the castle, you can see a lake or another interesting areas.

Nice place to relax with the family. We had a great time. At the same time, it may need some maintenance specifically the kitchen garden and inside the castle.

Really helpful OPW staff will explain the history of this beautifully situated castle. Cafe on site serves great, cakes. salads, lunches and its own lemonade.

An absolutely beautiful spot to watch a sunset with ample parking and nice village close by .

Beautiful place, stunning view of the Killary Fjord. The Aran Islands can be seen from here.

Breathtaking, outstanding stunning natural place . One of Ireland's top 5

It is not possible to arrive at this point, it’s private property! On the way the view is nice though.

Stunning scenery, killary fjord, is the only fjord in ireland, this is a must see place, there's also a cruise you can go on too

Famine memorial was an intense visit. I cried, my wife cried, and several native irish visitors were weeping in openly obvious grief and heartache of the perished Irish. The many hardships of a gregarious nation brought to their knees by the British. The Irish populace who could've used the help from the British isles in doing their best to assist a neighbor in need of their help, which never came. The only thing the Irish got from the brits was their pity and disdain. The brits wonder why there is a sore spot on the hearts of the Irish!! There it is!!! Great Memorial!!

Super Service

Thanks for another exceptional week at the Galway Races made ever more special with a winner in Some Pretender for Syndicates.Racing in the Mares Bumper.

Very good experience, a lot of different bars to get drinks, fast service and great food in general. And the horse races just amazing

It was my first time at the Galway races on Ladies' Day, July 31st, and it was the best experience we had.

Lovely environment with classic Irish families on horse business.All services, betting very well organized.

No winners on a cold day....Nice Guinness though

Amazing experience as a tourist. Great race atmosphere.

Great atmosphere. The only thing that marred it was the sight of one of the cleaners using a mop to wipe the tables. Disgusting

One of the Historic Sites In ireland Don’t expect more Just an old castle near a river No need to wait or ticket booking for the entrance but parking area is not available Way to castle is through a private property road Parking beside the entrance is not allowed Not too Crowed

Reviewing to let folks know that the castle is not accessible. You have to trespass technically to get to it. Today I went with a friend because we thought it was “open”. We had to walk about 10 min from the road but all fences were locked. The area is stunning but not worth trespassing on someone’s land! Many signs say no parking, no entry.

The castle is closed, and the only way in is through a side path that’s overgrown with weeds. Inside, there’s some scattered trash, but the interior itself is off-limits. Next to it, there’s a small turret-like structure, but it’s covered in graffiti, which ruins any charm it might have had. The area in front of the castle that used to be full of tall grass has been cleared, but unfortunately, that didn’t help the look on the contrary, now the place looks even more neglected. Overall, the castle has lost its charm and looks quite run-down. 08/06/2025.

Although the ivy has been removed, there is still something very majestic about this XVI century castle, located on the banks of River Corri. The caste was a home to the Blake’s family until the early XX century, when a fire led to its abandonment. It is now home to numerous crows and ducks. The gate is reportedly closed to prevent cattle from escaping. Don’t forget your PPE :)

Be careful when navigating with Google Maps. You cannot cross the river! You must first drive to Menlo and walk from there. However, it is currently (September 2025) under construction.

This was a beautiful spot to see some history and the ruins of what I’m sure once was a gorgeous building that bad become covered in ivy. The ivy provided its own character and certainly a great deal of beauty to the stone work. Unfortunately, as we know, ivy, though beautiful, is no friend to the structures it swallows in time. This place has gone through some changes since my previous visits. While you could come here and it would be completely empty, other times you’d find people camped out or sh*gging on the grass. It’s a shame it didn’t have a bit more protection before the graffiti and the people that could really just find a room for their activities. Also, since I’d walk here, the people on the main road before you make that final turn could really stand to keep their dogs in their yard or on a lead. I’ve had an Akita run out at me, a Dachshund, a Pug, and a few others just from the one block. Here are some of the photos from my previous visits.

The castle was built on the site of a mid-16th-century tower, first recorded in 1569. It was occupied by Thomas Colman in 1574 and sold to the Blake family in 1598. • Blake Family: The Blakes, of Anglo-Norman descent, settled in Galway in the 13th century and became one of the wealthiest families in the region, owning lands in the counties of Galway, Mayo and Clare. They expanded the castle, adding a Jacobean mansion in the late 17th century, giving it a grand appearance. The Blakes were renowned for their hospitality, hosting the annual Maying in Menlo, a spring festival of music, dancing and feasting to which locals were invited. • The 1910 Disaster: On 26 July 1910, the castle was destroyed by a massive fire, considered one of the worst to hit western Ireland in 50 years. A fire, believed to have started in the room of Eleanor Blake, the daughter of Sir Valentine and Lady Blake, claimed the lives of Eleanor, who was an invalid, and two maids. Eleanor's body was never found, adding to the mystery of the tragedy. After the fire, only the ivy-covered walls remained of the castle. Sir Valentine and Lady Blake, who were in Dublin at the time, moved to England and never returned to Menlo. Current state • Ruins: Today, Menlo Castle is an ivy-covered wall that blends harmoniously with the natural landscape, creating a picturesque and slightly mystical appearance. It is a popular local attraction, located opposite the campus of the University of Galway (NUIG).

It’s restored. The story plaque could be improved to provide all the stories that could have been involved in its legend.

I was expecting something more, it's cool, and definitely worth a look, but it definitely needs a more informative board/plaque to explain the importance of the window in local folklore. Also, I wasn't aware that this had been moved and reassembled at this current site which detracts from it a bit.

The story behind the Lynch Memorial Window is captivating to warrant a visit. If expectations are high you may be disappointed. However, while exploring the streets of Galway it's worth a stop.

Very interesting story No tickets required its just a wall

Rating this as neutral. Horrible story behind this historical area. You’ll definitely miss this area if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Good place to take a picture if you know the history

This window has been glazed with glass, and you can see straight through it. Inside it, there are memorials to the past history of the castle to which it is attached. I have yet to see a name of an establishment in Galway which is more suitably named.

Lovely facility and peaceful place. Cabins are comfortable and well equipped. Just a shame that there's no discounted rate for residents for any of the activities while they're staying. It makes the activities poor value as you already have access to the playground, disc golf etc and yet you've to pay full price to go on the bounce nets.

Brought my 11 year old sona md his friend for Zip n Trek. Had a great time, staff were really friendly and helpful. Very safe and clean. Would recommend

We just completed a day in Wildlands and I have to say it was fantastic. We were on holidays in the city and someone suggested we do an activity. Just outside the city and well signposted. We signed up for the wall climbing with an 9 and 6 year old. It was excellent, our 6 year old was reluctant at the start but a member of staff gave her so much time and got her to follow her around. Eventually she was climbing and had a blast. We also had a 4 year old who loved the fairy trail and the playgrounds. All in we had a lovely few hours here, will visit again and thanks to the great staff on the climbing wall they were so patient and great with the kids.

Nice place, but it's hard to give 5 stars when you're not fully satisfied. The prices are insanely high, and the restrictions are so senseless it's honestly frustrating... My kids went to the ropes park and only used it for 10 minutes before it started pouring so heavily that they could barely see anything. One of the staff members was really kind and offered us to exchange the attraction for something indoors since it was impossible to do anything outside... Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible – or rather, it was possible, but only for an extra fee. So we literally threw money down the drain on an attraction that lasted under 10 minutes... I really don’t understand why we couldn’t switch to something else, especially when it clearly wasn’t crowded at the time? The reception staff was unfriendly, rolling their eyes the moment you weren’t looking... Also, another thing – if someone is paying that much money for a cabin, why aren’t the attractions included in the package? Or at least offered with a bigger discount? Honestly, it was a disappointment... The older girls were really let down. The only plus was that our youngest – 20 months old – had her moment and had fun.

Cabin - Amazing Staff very good. Zipline - one of the best we have been to. Ninja course - good laugh with the family. Should be a discount on activities when staying - very expensive after paying nearly 800e for a 2 night stay, would be a nice touch and encourage more ppl to stay, especially when there is onlt 14 lodges and so many come in from outside to avail of activities.

We recently held our corporate team event at Wildlands in Moycullen and had an absolutely brilliant experience. The event room was spacious, spotless, and beautifully set up with thoughtful table décor and designated areas for coats and bags. The projector worked perfectly, making our presentations seamless. Lunch at the Olive Tree Kitchen was a highlight — we enjoyed a delicious variety of food including pizzas, burgers, and goujons. The team was incredibly accommodating with dietary needs, offering great vegan and vegetarian options. In the afternoon, we split into three groups for activities: the Ninja Course, Escape Rooms, and Zip ‘n’ Track. Despite the rainy weather, the atmosphere was upbeat and energetic. Every staff member we encountered was friendly, helpful, and professional. We were well looked after throughout the day, with plenty of coffee and refreshments available. A special shoutout to James, our event organiser, who was fantastic in coordinating everything to suit our needs. His support made the day run smoothly from start to finish. Highly recommend Wildlands for any corporate or team-building event — great facilities, amazing staff, and a truly memorable experience!

Our family stayed in the cabin no 7 last week on first impression we thought it was fantastic but we soon reliased we had more than us staying in the cabin. The place was crawling with spiders i counted around 15 which i had no choice to kill then with my shoe. My kids couldn’t sleep most of the night because they were afraid that one would be in the bed. My wife did say it to the girl when checking out but she just didn’t care enough. Pity that because we did enjoy the park. The prices are very high for food and activities and most of the staff are lovely. Fintan you can contact me by email .I have no missed calls on my phone so you might have the wrong number.

A live piece of Irish history, one of the few centuries-old stone towers still in pristine condition and open to the public all the way to the rooftop. Unbelievable stone architecture with beautiful but very narrow spiral stairs. It is a must-see place! You'll be served a nice tea or coffee as well after exploring the tower!

Thoor Ballylee Yeats Tower was one of those things you see on the map and wonder what it is. At least that’s what I did, so we went to find out, and I’m glad we did. It was in the middle of nowhere and down some very narrow streets in farm country. We parked in the lot and walked to the tower. We found the sweetest woman working in the gift shop who shared a ton of information about Yeats and his time in the tower. We watched the documentary (15 mins) about Yeats and his time in the tower. We wandered around the museum and then trekked up into the tower. It must have been rough living, but it seems like it revved up his creative genius. The view from the top was nice and on a clear day, it’s probably amazing. Make the trek to see Thoor Ballylee and learn about Yeats and his family.

We didn't go in but had a lovely walk around and visited the local very friendly horses! There's a lovely picnic area across the road and a fab walk through woods just before it to the old water mill.

Great place to visit! Interesting museum and the tower was amazing, walked all the way up to the top with stunning views. Best was the hospitality and coffee served in the end!

What a magical, historical delight! How lucky I feel to have been able to walk steps and gaze out windows created in the 15th century and revitalised last century by Georgie Yeats and her husband. Highly recommend to everyone. The river and surrounding area is beautiful. A special thank you to Louie for the extra special attention, we will never forget that afternoon

lovely place to visit, great piece of Irish history, staff so helpful and knowledgeable.

A lovely location with great parking. It was spotless and well kept. The castle is in great condition, there are loads of walks around the vicinity. A nice little river runs around the castle, a charming and peaceful location, enjoy

We visited Galway as part of our vacation tour through Ireland in September 2025. Soooo happy we had booked tickets for the Trad on the Prom show, having Riverdance experiences from many years ago in mind. Both the dancing and the music were amazing by top performers in the world. The music by Ger Fahy on Flute and Irish Pipes is still giving me goose bumps when I replay it. Absolute Must Go if you are in the area where they are performing!

We attended this event with my family in September 2025. It was wonderful! I have been to several Riverdance performances and this was every bit as good. We enjoyed the different aspects of the performances such as the different musical presentations. The different instruments were beautiful to listen. The musicians were outstanding! And the dancers were fantastic! I loved the little competitions among the men. Very entertaining. And the ladies did an outstanding job with their dances! I highly recommend getting tickets and attending this show. We loved every minute of it and you will too!

What a wonderful show in Galway Ireland. My wife and I visited Ireland in May 2025. From all the reviews, this was one event we were looking forwad to. It did not dissapooint. A description of song and dance doesn't do it justice. All the postives reviews on the Internet were spot on. The highlight for me was the "Uilleann pipes", also known as the Iris bagpipes. What as amazing silky mesmering sound.

An amazing experience to watch! The stories behind the songs and dances reveal so much more to the history of Ireland. This is was definitely a highlight of our trip!

So glad that we did this as part of our stop in Galway. Music was superb, dancers amazing, and the show spectacular! Loved that the venue felt cozy.

For our last night in Galway we got tickets to the Trad on the Prom. The venue is a little outside the city and near Salt Hill, right on the water. My husband and I ate dinner near City Centre before taking the bus to the venue, and stopped at the Atlantic Bar next door. The show wasn't what either of us expected because the flyers made it look like there would be a lot more of the women Irish dancers; when in reality, it was mostly live instrumental music and 4 male dancers and 2 female dancers. We really enjoyed it and since the venue was pretty small. Every seat is a great seat at this venue. They had multiple musicians/instruments on the stage, including a keyboard, harp, accordion, guitar, fiddle/violin, flute, drums, and elbow bagpipes. The woman playing the drums was playing all of the percussion instruments which I found very impressive and entertaining. She went from the drums to a handheld unique drum, chimes, tamborine, just to name a few. We learned that she and the violinist are sisters and at one point, their other family member joined them on stage. There was a special guest singer that performed 2 songs, and the gentleman that played the elbow pipes (which was something I had never seen before and sounded lovely) is a famous composer and a skilled musician. The dancers were very entertaining and also very talented, and included the world champion in their sport. The show lasted a full 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. It was a great production and we would recommend to anyone visiting Galway. Unfortunately after the show, the bus skipped our stop and we ended up walking over a mile to get to the next one that would take us into town. Just make sure you work out the transportation ahead of time.

What a truly outstanding show, great performances by the talented musicians and dancers! We were extremely lucky to be able to attend the last show of their season at Leisureland. The arena seating was comfortable and afforded a great view of the stage. The sound/acoustics were great. Each musician was so very talented, played their instruments beautifully and put on a very genuine, authentic show. You could just see and hear that they loved what they did and that they loved and appreciated their audience. The dancers, both male and female were outstanding as well. Their energy was dynamic, their talent amazing. Truly a great show and at such reasonable ticket prices!!! We were exposed to an instrument that we had never heard before and the pipe sound was mesmerizing and haunting...simply beautiful. It was very lovely to discover that the group is somewhat of a family affair with two sisters, a brother, a husband and a son...very special. Can't say enough positive things about this show. If you get a chance to see them play anywhere... GO SEE THEM!!!! You won't be disappointed.

A great way to kill some time in Galway, with a trip on the famous Galway bay. Ciaran Oliver is an excellent guide and provides great insights into life in the old fishing village of Claddagh. The restoration work on traditional sailing boats (Hookers) is also well worth checking out.

We had an absolutely great day out with the Galway Bay Boat tours team. We are all from galway but had never been out for a sail trip on the Bay - Ciaran, Elizabeth and Selma the team were so knowledgeable , we learned a lot about the history of sailing, fishing and Galway hookers in Galway bay. We also visited the workshop after the tour and saw the gorgeous Claddagh boat. We were a group of 12 people, including young toddlers (2-4 yrs), was perfect for all ages . Would highly recommend to all :)

Great tour of Galway Bay. Very informative and beautiful trip. Got to see some dolphins and a lobster.

Really enjoyed our tour, Ciaran was a brilliant guide. Highly recommend, a fab way to see the city

We had a fantastic experience with this boat team! The crew was professional, friendly, and ensured our safety throughout the trip. Spotting dolphins in the open sea was a truly unforgettable moment, and the team made sure we had the best possible views. Everything was well-organized and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable sea adventure!

Awesome to see Galway from the water and the hooker restoration tour was the cream on top. Incredible tour guides you’ll love it

Great experience! Captain and crew did a wonderful job of making us feel welcome, imparting knowledge of the area, and boating history of the area. The tour of the Galway Hooker boat shop was truly interesting and informative.

This is a great tour if you are looking to spend a good while of your stay in Galway learning about it’s culinary history, the hot spots for a bite or a meal, and the origins of the best treats and drinks in Ireland. Also the tour guide was very friendly, as they say in Ireland, “great craic!”

Be sure to make Galway Food Tours your top priority when planning your visit to Galway! Sheena is an incredible source of information on both the city's culinary scene and its rich historical background. During our tour, we indulged in an array of delights, from delectable coffee and pastries to freshly shucked oysters, mussels, stews, breads, sandwiches, and an assortment of refreshing drinks. The enthusiasm shown by every restaurant and food vendor we visited when Sheena walked in was truly remarkable. Sheena's passion for Galway left a lasting impression on us, prompting our return just a few months after our initial visit. In addition to the delightful tour, she generously shared her personal list of favorite pubs, restaurants, and live music venues, which greatly enriched our independent explorations. As an owner of tour companies in both NYC and Florida, I was thoroughly impressed by Sheena's expertise and dedication. Don't overlook Galway Food Tours if you want to make the most of your Galway experience!

Absolutely fantastic food tour! Took it with my husband and friend we had the best time! A fun assortment of really tasty food and wonderful stories about Galway. Couldn’t recommend it more!

What a wonderful way to experience Galways food scene. There are just way too many options for fabulous dining in the city. Taking the tour helps you get delicious small plates from several places. It was so worth the time and money. Would do it again.

Michelle was a fantastic guide! My husband & I loved all of the stops on the tour, & it was so fun to sample some of the local restaurants, chocolatiers, coffee shops & bakeries. You can tell that each stop & tasting is carefully chosen- the owner wants you to explore & learn about the locals & their shops. Highly recommend!

It's a must for every foodie, visiting Galway or local! Fantastic experience with many different tastes and spots visited around town. Best tour you'll have!

The Galway Food Tour was the highlight of my family's Irish vacation! Each of the restaurants and shops we visited were uniquely delicious. Our tour guide was so friendly, eloquent, and just a gem. We ended up going back to a few of the stops after the tour to purchase some goodies. Everyone absolutely loved this tour. It is worth every penny and minute!

The guide was lovely and they were very careful about allergies, which we really appreciated, but honestly for the price and the description, I sort of expected a bit more food. Don't get me wrong, the food we had was lovely, but I ate everything offered to me and still had to get dinner afterwards. That's pretty disappointing! I suspect it's partly because the tour included spirits and a cocktail, but I would rather have left those off and actually had enough to eat.

Absolutely worth to visit the not too big castle! But be very careful with arrival! Cassa is closing at 5:15 PM, if you don't want to miss the entry, it's imprtant to keep in mind. The parking place is 5 minutes walk from the castle, all along a romantic, dark water creek.

A very beautiful tower house alongside the road from Galway to Clifden. They did a tremendous job in restoring this piece of Irish culture. I will for sure come back, when it is not soaking wet.

Superb castle with amazing staff full of historical knowledge and wonderful stories of the area. I visited on Halloween and it was free and they had set up a children's treasure hunt. A really good visit. I go here alot with my foreign visitors and always find if fabulous

We saw a sign for Aughnanure Castle by chance as we drove out from Galway on the way to Connemara. We put a pin on our Google map, so we could find it on our return to Galway at the end of the day. It turned out to be a great find. Right now, Aughnanure has not been commercialized. Walking from the parking lot down a wooded lane with horse pastures on one side and Drimneen river on the other, one could imagine what it was like to approach an imposing castle in the 1500's. To me, it was a truly unspoiled castle experience. Check it out before it loses its charm. You won't be disappointed.

The self guided option was lovely. We took our time and read all the info on the history of Connacht and its rulers. You can take as much time as you'd like and no one rushes you. Go early in the day for less crowds.

Fantastic place to visit and worth the price of admission. We were greeted with a happy and friendly staff member who told us a bit of history about the architecture and extra things. It is absolutely worth the visit. Highly recommend! There is a parking lot available.

Our guide was so informative and entertaining! We loved it.

This is a place where it’s easy to breathe. A place where you feel calm and confident!

Beautiful garden and surroundings, great and peaceful ambience. We Love the natural beauty.

Lovely place for a walk for even for a picnic in the shade when it's too warm outside.

Amazing garden soothing all senses. Lovely for walks and photos. Well dedigned and beautifully maintained.

A beautiful, quiet place in the city to contemplate.

Very nice place to take the kids, do some picnic and spend the day.

A Very peaceful and spiritual place garden s are beautiful and well set-up it was fantastic