TGalway is a harbor city on the West coast of the Republic of Ireland. This is the meeting spot of shops and pubs offering traditional Irish folk music. Galway City Museum, the Salthill Promenade, Eyre Square, Latin Quarter, stone-clad cafes, art galleries, boutiques, etc. are some of the most popular tourist attractions of Galway City. Today’s article will introduce to you top eight special things to do in this place to make your trip meaningful.
Visit Galway Cathedral
Galway Cathedral which is also called the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, and St Nicholas was built in 1958 and completed in 1965. Its architecture was affected by the Romanesque style with plain walls and narrow semi-circular window arches.
Until now, this construction is considered as one of the most significant stone cathedrals in Europe, and of course, a worth-visiting destination in Ireland. With the height of 44.2 meters, Galway Cathedral is a prominent landmark of the Galway City.
Set Feet On Galway City Museum
Galway City Museum is a free but multifaceted destination, which covers this city’s folk history, art, archaeology, and natural history. Here, visitors will have a chance to look at the traditional Galway sailboat – a magnificent symbol of silverware produced at the beginning of the 18th century.
The “Medieval Stone Collection” of this museum presents many fragments since the 16th and 17th centuries such as plaques, corbels, chimney fragments, coats of arms, and even fireplaces. Galway City Museum also stores a photography gallery of this city from 1950, including bottles, pipes, and tins of Galway’s pubs in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Therefore, if you are a real cultural explorer, forget this place when visiting Galway City will be a big mistake.
Experience Corrib Princess River Cruise
If you arrive here between May and September and if you are lucky enough, you can catch the Corrib Princess River Cruise to go from Woodquay (in the middle of the city) to Lough Corrib. This trip will take you 90 minutes to go through the green and pastoral countryside and the ruins of Menlo Castle before reaching the main destination.
On the way, you will also see many farms on the east and south of the lake. Experiencing Corrib Princess River Cruise to this Ireland’s second largest lough will bring you unforgettable moments.
Walk the Salthill Promenade
Located right on the Atlantic Ocean, this city has a close relationship to the sea, which is presented most apparently at the seaside suburb of Salthill. Local people in Salthill create a 2-kilometer long promenade for strolls. A swim here is allowed if tourists are brave enough.
Walking till the end of the promenade, grabbing fish and chips, sitting on the beach, and watching the light change in the Atlantic Ocean are must-do things for visitors to the Salthill Promenade.
Enjoy Local Foods
Like we have recommended above, Galway City is famous for its incredible cafés, fine-dining restaurants, and bistros, which contribute to making Galway’s food more and more well-known.
Besides, many people love the food here thanks to the local fresh ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. Irish-style pizza, rustic chic with hearty dishes, traditional fish and chips, veggie melt sandwiches, omelets, halloumi, etc. are must-eat foods in Galway City.
Participate In A Festival
To know why Galway City is said to be a party town, the best way is to participate in its festivals. Festivals with the best international and local talent are held every summer in Galway City, Ireland such as the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway Film Fleadh in July, and the Galway International Oyster Festival in September. Come here and enjoy these greatest events on earth; you will never be regretful.
Visit Dunguaire Castle
This picturesque castle is said to be the best place to take photos in Ireland. When being explored in 1520, Dunguaire Castle seemed to stay here for a millennium. In 1969, this 23-meter tower was used in the movie Guns in the Heather of Walt Disney.
Once again, this castle was the home of the main character of the film North Sea Hijack in 1979. Oliver St John Gogarty restored Dunguaire Castle in 1920s, since then, it became a famous tourist spot of Ireland. If you come here in summer, you will have a chance to join a “Dunguaire Castle Banquet” where you can enjoy medieval-style fare and live entertainment.
Visit Fishery Watchtower Museum
Being built in 1853 according to a neo-Romanesque architectural style, Fishery Watchtower Museum is considered as a Victorian “draft netting station.” Here, you cannot stop yourself from seeing the fish stocks. Nowadays, this museum has been equipped with many fishing tools, tanks with young salmon, and black and white photographs, which are fascinating to both kids and adults.
We have introduced to you eight must-do activities in Galway City, Ireland. You should also spend time visiting St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Quay Street, Eyre Square, Latin Quarter, Kirwan’s Lane, Spanish Arch, etc. if you have enough time. Each of them will give you the different experience that you will feel nowhere in the world. If you have been to this city, please share with us your experience by commenting under this article. Thanks for reading!
Author bio:
I am Emily Pham. I was born in Vietnam – a country with many unknown beaches, historic sites, and tourist attractions. Understanding that Vietnam nowadays is a famous destination, I establish the blog site vina.com with the purpose of introducing the elegant beauty of Vietnam to friends around the world. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam in the near future, our blog will provide you with essential information on where to go and what to do in our country.
