County Galway Travel Guide

Wild Landscapes, Island Adventures & Galway City
From the lively streets of Galway City to the windswept hills of Connemara, County Galway blends culture, history, and dramatic landscapes into one unforgettable stop.

Galway Top 5 Accommodations Galway Tours More Galway Tips

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Top 5 Things to Do in County Galway

Latin Quarter in Galway City

Explore Galway City

The City of Tribes
A compact, colorful city full of music, food, and character. Stroll the Latin Quarter, listen to trad on the street, or catch live music in a local pub (quite a few have early sessions). It’s a great place to ease into the rhythm of the west.
TIP: Galway city is a terrific base for day trips – especially if you aren't driving.

Kylemore Abbey. Connemara, County Galway, Ireland

Kylemore Abbey

A Magical Irish Castle
The story of Kylemore Abbey ticks all the boxes of a gothic tale – romance, tragedy, and rising from the ashes.
Plan at least 3 hours here – if not more – to fully enjoy the grounds, presentations, and a delicious meal.
Tip: Add Clifden, the Sky Road, and Connemara National Park to create a full day trip from Galway city.

Aran Off Road Experience, Inis Mor, Ireland

Visit the Aran Islands

A Day Trip from Galway
Hop a ferry from Rossaveal explore Inis Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, or Inis Óirr. Expect stone walls, windswept scenery & slower pace that feels like stepping back in time. In summer you can sail from Galway city to Inis Mor. If possible, book a return trip past the Cliffs of Moher.
Tip: Flights are also available with Aer Arann.

Woolly Sheep Grazing in Connemara National Park. Ireland travel tips | Ireland vacation | IrelandFamilyVacations.com

Explore Connemara

Ireland's ‘Wild West'
One of Ireland’s most dramatic regions, Connemara offers rugged coastline, shimmering lakes, and mountain views. Highlights include Kylemore Abbey, the Sky Road, and Connemara National Park.
Tip: Base in Clifden for a couple of nights to fully enjoy and explore the Connemara region.

Irish Gaelic Roadsigns in the Gaeltacht. Irish signs. Ireland travel tips | Ireland vacations | IrelandFamilyVacations.com

The Gaeltacht

Irish Speaking Region
Here traditional culture isn’t just preserved, it’s part of daily life. Villages like Spiddal and Carraroe offer a chance to hear Gaeilge spoken naturally, browse locally made crafts, and enjoy uncrowded beaches with crystal-clear water. It’s an easy trip from the city that feels worlds away.
Tip: Brush up on a few simple words of Irish – you’ll earn smiles just for trying.

brush_dancing_the_Irish_Dance_Experience_Galway

Best Galway Tours

Explore County Galway with a guide or fun activity – these tours are top-rated and easy to fit into your itinerary.

The Irish Dance Experience​ – no experience necessary! Learn a few steps with a Riverdance lead dancer!

​Day Trip to Inis Óirr from Galway City with Ollie's Tours. Includes a private tea & scones experience.

Day trip to Inis Mór from Galway City with local guide (small group). Includes Cliffs of Moher cruise.

Aran Off-Road Experience on Inis Mór, led by local, native Irish speakers.

​Castles of Connemara Tour – ​the stories of Connemara shared by an expert guide (small group).

Flytographer – capture your Ireland travel memories with a local photographer

​St. Nicholas Collegiate Church​ – climb the winding stairs of the iconic bell tower & ring the bells, or try one of their tours

​Aran Sea Tours offers a sunset cruise & fishing excursions

​Seaweed Bath at The Seaweed Centre in Leitir Mealláin (Lettermullan)

Galway Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

Galway Food Tours – food, whiskey & craft beer tours

River Corrib sightseeing cruise

Pub Crawl with Tribes Tours

✨ Need help planning your time in Galway – or beyond?✨
Check out my free Ireland itineraries for inspiration, tips, and easy-to-follow routes.

Accommodations

The Residence

Located in the Latin Quarter.
A stylish townhouse hotel on Quay Street with a traditional Irish pub on site.
Best for solo & couple stays.

Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara, County Galway. Ireland castle hotel

Ballynahinch Castle

Stay in a castle in Connemara.
Near Clifden, the Sky Road, and Connemara National Park.
A lovely retreat for couples and families.

Connacht Hotel

5 minutes from the Latin Quarter with parking and easy bus access.
Lovely garden terrace, leisure centre & 4 indoor pools.
Wonderful family rooms.

Glenloe Abbey

Luxury hotel on the shore of Lough Corrib, minutes from Galway city.
A tranquil location with on-site activities perfect for couples or families.

Top Galway Tips

Arrival Tips

Transportation In Galway

  • No Car? Galway has a Hop-on Hop-off bus for city touring
  • If you don't have a car (and don't wish to take group tours) you will need to hire a taxi, private driver, or use the local bus