8 Amazing Things to do in Galway

Galway, as we know it is, are very own culture-rich centre in the west of Ireland, streaked with canals on the Corrib River and renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, as well as for hosting numerous festivals, celebrations and events, Galway is known as the “City of the Tribes” in Ireland. The city is currently the European Capital of Culture in 2020, alongside Rijeka in Croatia. 

There are definitely more than just a few options to choose from if you are looking for things to do in Galway while taking a trip with a campervan rental. 

Here are some of the best recommendations on things to do in Galway:

Get a load of nature at Connemara National Park 

One of Ireland’s six national parks is located right next to Letterfrack Village in Galway, is open round the year, including the visitor centre. The park is free to enter with access to trails and to view the exhibition. The park is rich in flora and fauna, the most unique and abundant plant in the park is purple moor grass, which largely contributes to the tone reflected in the landscape. The largest animal you can spot in the park is the Connemara pony, amongst others that you might miss direct sight off like rabbits, foxes, stoats, shrews, and bats.

The fun local street, Quay Street in the city centre of Galway

Quay Street is in the city centre and definitely top amongst the things to do in Galway. The vibrant street is full of great restaurants, with a nice range of fast food, budget options, and formal dining options. 1520, a local bar, is a popular hangout spot for great food and drinks. They have an excellent menu with plenty of choices.

Get the best view of Galway at Salthill Promenade

On the northern shore of Galway Bay is Salthill resort’s promenade, a 3 kilometres stretch of pure chill along the edge of the city. The promenade offers views of the nearby harbour city of Galway, the Aran Islands, and the hills of County Clare are visible across the bay on a clear day and you can find a couple of benches here to enjoy the peaceful views of beautiful Galway. If you are looking for a laidback activity to do in Galway, this spot is great for jogging, rollerblading or strolling.

Fall in love with Galway’s most fun cobbled streets at the Latin Quarter

A colourful centre rich in history and culture, with some great places to shop and eat. There is a lot of evidence of Galway’s medieval history within the Latin Quater which stretches from the city centre to the Spanish Arch, containing some of the city’s most historical landmarks, which start from St. Nicholas’ Church through the Saturday market and onto O’Brien Bridge. If you are specifically looking for things to do in Galway centred around live entertainment, these quarters will not disappoint.

Have a peaceful escape in Galway Cathedral

The Galway Cathedral is also known as The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas is one of the largest and most majestic architectures in the city. The Cathedral is located on the west bank of the River Corrib, a little north and west of the city centre. The interiors of the church are vaulted with stone, and the structure stands on the former site of the Galway jail. A place of distress was transformed into a place of beauty and peace. Entrance to the cathedral is absolutely free and visitors are welcomed to join the mass, but not interrupt for leisure.

Ride along the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway

A two hours route from Galway is the Wild Atlantic Way route. One of the longest and most amazing coastal roads in the world. It extends from the north coast of Ireland, on the Inishowen peninsula, to the picturesque town of Kinsale, in the county of Cork, in the south of the country.

From start to finish, this is a panoramic route that explores in detail the wonders of nature, the untamed power of the ocean and the stunning landscape of the country, in all its diversity. It crosses colourful and picturesque villages along the coast, monuments of antiquity and, behind every curve of this magical route, there is a new delight waiting for us: gastronomic, historical or landscape.

Visit breathtaking Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden are the most visited attractions in western Ireland. Thousands of people come to visit them every year to see the fairytale castle. You can visit the Gothic church, Woodland and Lakeshore trails, nature trails, children’s trails and the 6-acre walled garden. In addition, the restaurant and tea house offers traditional homemade food, and it was there that we chose to have delicious food.

Daytrip in Inishbofin Island

Inishbofin Island is 11 km off the northwest coast of Galway. The island is 4.8 km long and the main activities on the island today are tourism, agriculture and fishing. There are five villages: West Quarter, Fawnmore, Middle Quarter, Cloonamore and Knock.

Inishbofin has many interesting things to see and do: a selection of official circuit hikes, two beaches awarded by the Costa Verde, a diving centre, an equestrian centre, bicycle rentals, historic sites, white sand beaches, swimming, hiking on the hills and fishing on the coast. The island is a great place for bird watching and the rare corncrake can be heard here every year. The island is also a centre of traditional Irish music and songs with its own Ceilí band.