Things to See and Do in Galway
Find out what there is to see and do in Galway. There are lots of tourist attractions on the doorstep of the City of Tribes, an ancient and historic city.
Lynch’s Castle, the fine 16th/17th tower house that belonged to one of the most important Galway ‘tribe’ families. Once the home of the 64 Lynch Mayors, it is the last of the ’14 remarkable edifices’ to remain intact: its impressive stone façade is filled with carvings and coats of arms including those of King Henry VII and the Earl of Kildare.
Nora Barnacle Museum devoted to the novelist James Joyce- and especially his wife Nora Barnacle who once resided here. Joyce visited this house in 1909 and 1912 and wrote poems and articles about the city and people of Galway.
The Claddagh, This was a famous fishing village, which had a population of about 3,000, a fleet of 300 fishing boats, its own laws and its own King. The Cladagh Ring which is comprised of a heart and two hands clasped in friendship is used as a traditional wedding ring and is still made by Galway goldsmiths.
Cathedral of our Lady Assumed into Heaven which was officially opened and blessed in August 1965 by the late Cardinal Cushing of the USA. Erected on the site of the old Galway jail, this massive church is constructed in Galway’s limestone taken from quarries near the city and the floors are paved with green Connemara Marble. This is one of Europe’s last great cathedrals to be constructed in stone.
The National University of Ireland - It is Tudor style and was designed by Joseph B Keane. It is now one of the major universities in Ireland. Its library contains many rare books including minutes of corporation meetings dating back 500 years. It also houses a large collection of modern paintings.
Town Hall Theatre is a municipal theatre, situated in the centre of Galway at Courthouse square, the theatre hosts a full range of theatre, concerts, film screenings and events and is generally regarded as the finest theatre facility in the West of Ireland.
Galway Irish Crystal has long been one of the world’s best known and loved brands of traditionally crafted Irish lead crystal. The Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre illustrates and illuminates the intricacies of the crystal making process, while also depicting the influences which led to these beautiful creations.
St Nicholas Church – the church dedicated to the patron saint of all travellers, was originally built in 1320. It was regularly endowed by the rich Tribes of Galway, and today contains a treasure trove of the city’s history. Elaborate Tombs, quaint chapels, and some of the finest examples of Galway’s medieval stone carvings.
Lynch Memorial Window housed in a stone façade backing onto the grounds of St Nicholas church. This is a 19th Century memorial to the ‘stern and unbending’ justice of James Lynch who, as mayor, condemned and hanged his son from this window in 1493 for the murder of a Spanish youth.
On Prospect Hill is the Liam Mellows Statue - in honour of the patriot who led one of the few military engagements outside Dublin during the Easter Rising 1916.
Aran Islands – These three Islands are situated at the mouth of Galway Bay. Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis OÃrr can be reached by boat or plane. Because of their comparative isolation, the islands have preserved a considerable amount of traditional Irish culture, which has been lost elsewhere. It is one of Ireland’s last and strongest Irish speaking areas. The stunning beautiful islands are an extension of the Burren in Co. Clare. High cliffs, incredible rugged landscapes, ancient forts and other relics of pre-history abound. You can get to the island by air or by ferry.
Connemara – Famed for its rugged beauty, an hours drive from Galway will take you to some of Ireland’s most remote and beautiful spots – visit Clifden, Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey.
The Burren – The Burren is a unique 160 square kilometres of limestone with rare flora and fauna growing among the rock formations. Sightseeing tours depart from Galway on a daily basis, or it is just over an hour from the hotel by car. The Ailwee Caves and Cliffs of Moher are also close by and worth a visit.
Golfing – The West of Ireland is renowned as a golfing haven and Galway is not short of quality courses. From the famous links at Connemara Golf Club to the long established parkland courses of Athenry, Oughterard and Tuam. The popularity of the game of golf in County Galway has in recent times coincided with the development of new courses like The Galway Bay Golf and Country Club designed by Christy O’Connor junior. The captivating scenery around Bearna Golf and Country Club has to be seen to be believed.
Gort Golf Club - 18 Hole Championship Golf Course designed by Christy O'Connor Junior
Wellplayed - Irish Golf Tour Specialists
Five Star Hotels Ireland - The g hotel in Galway
Four Star Hotels Ireland - The d hotel in Drogheda
Go West - Conference, Event & Destination Management in Galway
Travel Links
Car Hire Dublin
CarHire.ie - Low Cost Dublin Car Rental
Limo Galway - for renting a wedding limousine or car. Limo Galway has the largest selection of limos available in Galway. We provide services which include: wedding limo / wedding car / corporate limousine / chauffeur driven car or limo / funeral limo / debs limo / concert limo etc. We will provide you with the best price on a lino in Galway!
Car Hire Ireland From Nova Car Hire
Things to do in Galway
City Limits - City Limits, located in Oranmore, is the ultimate in family entertainment, a emporium of indoor adventure for all ages.
Killary Fjord, lying on the the borders of counties Galway and Mayo is Ireland's only fjord. The natural inlet, which extends 11 miles in from the open sea to the village of Leenane, was formed by glaciers many thousands of years ago, and the steep mountains leading down to the sea on each side make for spectacular scenery. The fjord is 40 miles (a little over an hours drive) from Galway City and is well worth a visit for those who venture out into Connemara.
Tourism Links
North & West Coast Links Golf - Golfing Holidays West of Ireland
Wedding Links
JMB Videos - Free Extras For Galway Weddings
Wedding Videos Cork - Moments Videos
Wedding Flowers Galway - Kinvara Florist
Weddings Ireland Weddingzone.ie Wedding Suppliers, Advice, Forums and Planning Guides
Directory of Wedding Video and DVD for Irish Wedding Videographers in Ireland
Wedding Video Ireland - Keith Malone Wedding Films
Showcase of wedding videos for Irish wedding reception venues, hotels and castles in Ireland
Leon Costello Wedding Video Ireland
Shades of Bloom Wedding Flowers
Outdoor Activities
Exploring Ireland - Tour Ireland
Other Links
Beautiful Photos of County Clare
If you are interested in exchanging links with the Meyrick Hotel in Galway, please email here and we shall review your request.
