Use the Galway Attractions Map for a Flexible and Personal Tour of Galway City
Galway Tourist Map and Galway Attractions Including:
- Complete the Galway Self Guided Walking Tour below using the Galway map of tourist attractions
- Visiting the Latin Quarter
- Attending the Galway Christmas Market
- Spending time at the Spanish Arch & Medieval city walls
- Relaxing and people watching on the Popular Galway Quay Street
- Soaking in the culture at the Medieval Kirwan Lane
- Visiting the popular and fun Galway Eyre Square
- Take a walk to the Lynch Castle & Memorial Window
- Shop at Shop Street
- Pop into the famous Charlie Brynes Book Store
- Go to the Galway City Museum
- Walk along the Salthill promenade
- Visit the Galway Cathedrals
- Learn about Claddagh
- Walk to the Salmon Weir Bridge
- If Galway is just one of your stops in Ireland, the Getting around Ireland guide is helpful to visit Over 100 Attractions in Ireland (including Games of Thrones sites) and The 9 Glens of Antrim
Galway fun things to do
- Jump into the Atlantic Ocean at Salthill Pier
- Get your hair cut at the oldest Barbershop (Reggie Healy’s)
- Take the ferry to Aran Islands (rent a bike to explore)
- Take the self guided walking tour of Galway tourist attractions using the map outlined below
- Galway day trips to Cliffden, Connmara and Cliffs of Moher, Village of Doolin, Village of Cong, Burren National Park, Climb Croag Patrick Mountain – a pilgrimage in honor of St Patrick, Westport Athenry castle, Adare Village and manor
- Partake in Galways favorite luxury food shop, McCambridges
- Dance in the dark at Roisin Dubh
- Rent a boat and go fishing
- Festivals of Galway and Galway Calendar of Events
Galway Tourist Map – Self Guided Tour of Galway Attractions
Items 1 – 40 on the map below
Download the Interactive Galway Tourist Attractions Map
Easy to use map of Galway Tourist Attractions. Use the map with the corresponding attractions guide below for your personal self guided walking tour of Galway
Download the PDF Galway Ireland Tourist Attractions Map HERE
Using the Galway Tourist Map
Use the Galway Tourist Map (above) for Top things to do and attractions to visit. Click on the map pins for additional information, images and videos of the specific Galway attractions. Use the Galway tourist map to skip sites and create your own flexible custom self guided walking tour of Galway. The shaded area in orange is the outline of the Latin Quarter and the shaded area in pink is the outline of the Saturday Galway Market
Video of Galway City
Video of some of the most popular attractions on the Galway tourist map
A little about Galway’s Rich History
Galway is steeped in history with its cobblestone streets, street entertainment, medieval walls, outdoor markets, friendly pubs and vibrant city life along the canal, it’s no wonder that it is a favorite seaside destination. Galway is a must if you are visiting the west coast of Ireland.
Galway City: The Beginning
The earliest known history of Galway was in 1124AD when the native Irish clan, the O’Connell’s built a fort near the mouth of the Galway River ie: “Fort At The Mouth of the Gaillimh” and present day River Corrib. This was followed by wars with several clans and was captured by the O’Flaherty clan until 1232, when Richard Mor de Burg (Burkes) invaded and occupied the fort.
Under Richard de Burg, the town was liberated and a fortified wall system was built to protect it from future invasions. It was Richards Son, Walter, who wanted to build the wall to prevent attacks from the recently disposed O’Flaherty and O’Hallaran clans. The project was funded by a new trading tax on all goods arriving in the city (now doesn’t that sound familiar, a tax funded project in medieval Ireland). Remnants of the wall and gate are seen throughout Central Galway including the Spanish Arch
Medieval Galway
Galway received its own charter and independence from the Burkes in 1484. The first mayor was elected, Peirce Lynch (from Lynch Castle), from one of the 14 ruling families. Politics and trade was controlled by 14 mercantile families; 12 Anglo-Norman and 2 Irish, commonly referred to as the “Tribes of Galway”. Galway prospered over the next 100 years trading in fish, wool, leather, fruit and wine with other European countries such as France and Spain
Galway City Decline and Resurrection
In the 17th and 18th century wars in Ireland led to the siege in Galway and surrendering to the Cromwellian forces in 1652. The tribes lost their power to Protestants. Further unrest occurred including surrendering after the deposition of King James I, fear of a French invasion, laws that expelled the dominant catholic population and Galway Corporation. The harbour fell into disrepair and the economy declined. It took 100 years before the economy recovered somewhat after the relaxation of the Penal Laws. The penal laws stripped Catholics of their rights. The recovery was short lived as the Great Irish Famine devastated the fragile economy. Galway restarted to regain some of its former glory in the 20th century
Start of Galway Self Guided Tour and Tourist Map (attractions 1 – 40 below)
Visit Galway’s top 40 attractions using the easy to follow Galway Tourist map above. Click on the map pins of the interactive of PDF map for additional information, images and videos of the attractions. The attractions guide below is numbered to correspond with the numbers on the Galway map
The Latin Quarter
Located in central Galway, it includes medieval narrow cobblestone streets, lively and energetic street entertainment, popular attractions, shopping, markets and over 16 pubs with live entertainment and excellent restaurants. The Latin Quarter is a must visit with a variety of things to do in Galway City. The Latin Quarter boundary is outlined in orange in the Galway tourist map above
1. Spanish Arch and Medieval Walls is the first attractions in the Galway tourist map
Galway started as a small settlement and was eventually fortified by walls and several gates. The most prominent is the Spanish Arch that protected the ships and goods moored at Galway Bay. Soldiers in the Watch tower kept a lookout for unfamiliar ships in Galway Bay. The Arch suffered damage caused by a tsunami that followed the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. Remnants of the medieval wall can be found throughout central Galway and incorporated into modern buildings. You will find remnants of the medieval wall in the shopping center at Eyre Square where it is holding up the glass rooftop, at Kirwan’s Lane and of course at St Nicholas’s church
Starting at the Spanish Arch, you can take the “Old Long Walk” in the 18th century. The “Old Long Walk” is a breakwater built by the Eyre family in the 18th century as an extension of the quays. Today it is a popular walking path along Galway Bay. Along the way you will find private residences and a couple of restaurants overlooking the bay, including the Galway Museum. You may also see the famous “Galway Hooker” boats for which Galway is well known
Galway Hooker
The Galway Hooker is a traditional Galway boat design to address the high winds on the west coast of Ireland. Unique to the west coast of Ireland you are likely to see this in Galway Bay. Easily identified with its single main sail, two forward sails and a single mast
2. Galway City Museum
Visiting museum is a great way to learn about the city. Visit the exhibitions, talks and attend a workshop to learn about Galway’s history and heritage. Take a walk through prehistoric and medieval Galway. The display provides insight into the growth of Galway from a very tiny village to a thriving city. Located right next to the Spanish Arch, it has both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Learn about Galway’s UNESCO City of Film Status. Admission is free
3. Pálás Cinema
If you are looking for an unusual thing to do in Galway Ireland, visit the independent three screen film house and restaurant occupying the garden of an 1820 merchant house in the Latin Quarter. Watch classic and new films as well as independent international and Irish films. The program is available HERE
4. Galway Quay Street
Click on the map pin attractions of the Galway tourist map for images of Quay Street
Walking down Quay street in Galway is a trip back in time. Walk the cobblestone streets with old buildings shops, restaurants, services, and pubs. There are many things to do on this street. It is well known for its nightlife and is part of the Latin Quarter. It has some of the best fish and chips and seafood restaurants In Ireland and is more touristy than some of the other streets. Its a great attractions on the Galway tourist map to stop for some snacks
5. Kirwan’s Lane
A well preserved medieval street with relics from the 16th and 17 century showcasing Galway’s heritage. The street is named after one of the 14 “Tribes of Galway” families who controlled the town from the 13th to the 19th century. Recently restored, you will find parts of the medieval wall alongside cafes, restaurants and unique shops displaying Irish craftsmanship. Kirwan street is home to “Slate Nunnery” that was given to the Dominican nuns by John Kirwan in 1686. Busker Browne’s Pub contains remnants of the nunnery walls. On this street you will find the 18th century acclaimed 100 seat theater, built by Richard Martin for his wife
6. Hall of Red Earl, Courthouse and Town Hall
This is the next stop on the Galway Tourist Map of attractions. It was uncovered by accident during an expansion of an adjacent building in 1990, this archaeological site has been dated to the 13th century medieval period. It is the oldest building excavated and was built by the Richard de Burg, the Red Earl. It was Galway’s original tax office, court house and town hall. Interesting artifacts found include pipes and gold cufflinks. The exhibition showcases the history and guides are available to answer questions. Admission is free
7. Charlie Brynes Book Store
This may be a nice stop and break as you follow the attractions on the Galway tourist map
A pleasant stop as you follow the Galway self guided tourist map. For book lovers, a wonderful spot in central Galway is to visit the Charlie Byrnes book store. An extraordinary independent bookstore with 100,000 new and used books located on Middle Street
8. High Street is the next attractions on the Galway Tourist Map
Another fabulous and fast paced pedestrian street with a variety of things to do. High Street is full of pubs, restaurants, street entertainment and music as well as shopping
9. Healy Barber Shop
One of the oldest and longest serving barber shops in Galway; so take a break from the attractions of the Galway tourist map and treat yourself and get a haircut!
10. Kings Head Pub
Located on High Street, it dates back 800 years and was home to Thomas Lynch the last Mayor of Galway in 1654. Above the 1612 fireplace, you will find marriage stones, complete with the family coat of arms, from the prominent “Tribes of Galway’s” families. Excavations revealed an adjoining building identified as the 5 story Stubber’s (Banks) Castle
10A. Stubbers Castle
This is the interesting stop on the Galway tourist map. After the execution of Charles I, the home of the Mayor of Ireland was seized by the Cromwell Army and trusted follower Colonel Peter Stubber. Stubber became the town’s Military Governor and it has been suggested that he was the masked man who wielded the axe executing the King of England. Once the monarch was restored in 1660, Stubbers disappeared. It is believed that he lived a quiet life in County Louth until his death in 1685
11. National Irish Language Theater
It was founded in 1928 on Middle Street and is dedicated to Irish language original works and production. The Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe commonly known as Taidhbhearc (pronounced ‘on tive-yark’) is a cultural institute in Galway and the oldest operating theatre in Galway City
12. Shop Street
A fun next stop on the Galway tourist map. The main road in Galway, Shop Street fills your senses with its vibrancy and energy. You may need to amble up and down this street several times to fully absorb the atmosphere
13. Abbeygate Street
Lower Abbeygate Street is a welcome respite from the crowds where it’s a little quieter and you will find cute cafes and shops
14. A historic attractions in the Galway Tourist Map – Lynch Castle
Home to one of the most prominent of the “Tribes of Galway” clans, this was the most lavish of the tribal clans fortified homes built in the 15th century. In its 169 year rule of Galway, the Lynch family provided 84 Mayors to the city. The Castle’s architecture has Spanish influences, as Spain was Galway’s main trading partner. On the corner of Shop and Abbeygate Street, it was built in gothic style. This includes window carvings, gargoyles, finely detailed moldings and the Lynch family crest displayed on the outer façade. The only preserved medieval building still in use today, it was bought by AIB Bank and serves as a branch of the bank with a small museum onsite
Tragic History
Visit the birth of the term “lynch mob” at this stop of the Galway tourist map. In 1493, the son of the Mayor of Galway, Walter Lynch was found guilty for murdering a Spanish sailor in the care of the Lynch family. The altercation was allegedly over his girlfriend. The sentence for Walter Lynch was death by hanging. Walter was very popular and believed to be not guilty. In protest the towns people surrounded him as he walked to his execution in order to protect him. This is where the term lynch mob originated. Don’t forget to visit the Lynch Memorial Window showing the actual site of the execution
15. William Street
The street is an offshoot of Eyre Square. It is a bustling, colorful street with lots of activity where the buildings are no higher than 4 stories. Once again you will find shops, buskers, and pubs. A great stop as you take a break from the attractions on the Galway tourist map
16. Oscar Wilde and Eduard Wild Statue
On William Street you will come across the statue of Oscar Wilde and Estonian writer Eduard Wilde, sitting on a bench in conversation. While they share the same last name, they never met. The statue was presented to the city in 2004 to recognize Estonia joining the EU
17. Popular attractions on the Galway Tourist Map – Galway Ireland’s Eyre Square
This is Galway’s central square, park and major shopping center and is pronounced as “air” square and it is surrounded by popular streets such as Williamsgate and Shop Street. Adjacent to the park you will also find the Galway’s Irish Railway Station. Eyre square is the largest shopping mall with over 70 shops, restaurants, cafes with local and brand retailers. The side streets of Shop Street and Williamsgate Street are filled with local Irish retailers where you will find coveted crystalware, knitwear and unique shops
Townsfolks have been gathering here since medieval times when it was a bustling market in front of the town gate, known as Green gate. Young men gathered for archery, jousting or other swordsmanship events. The area has remained the central gathering place for locals and now tourists over the millennium. The land was privately owned and donated to the city by the Mayor Edward Eyre in 1710 and hence the area was named after him
The square was the location of John F. Kennedy’s speech to 100,000 attendees in 1963. The last speech he made before his assassination and is officially known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, though it is still referred to as Eyre Square
The area has undergone a number of renovations and transformations over the decades. In 2007 it was the recipient of the Irish Landscape Institute Design award. Attractions in Galway’s Eyre Square include:
Attractions on the Galway Tourist Map includes famous monuments in Galway Eyre Square
Click on the map pins on the Galway tourist map for additional information and images of the attractions
- 17A. Two Cast Iron Cannons – in recognition of Galway’s contribution to the Irish Regiment in the British Army
- 18. Padraic O’Conaire Statue – An Irish writer and journalist born in Galway and orphaned at the age of 11
- 19. John F. Kennedy Bust – In honor of his visit and his Irish roots
- 20. Browne Family Doorway – One of the 14 “Tribes of Galway” clans, The original 1627 entrance of the Browne family home that was located on Lower Abbeygate Street
- 21. Fountain Statue of Galway Hooker – Central to the 1984 Quincentennial fountain is a sculpture of a traditional and unique fishing boat called the Galway Hooker that was developed to counter the strong seas of the west coast
- 22. Statue of Liam Mellows – An Irish Republican who participated in the Easter Uprising and the War of Independence. He was executed for his belief in 1922. A prolific writer, his works include 26 books, 473 stories, 6 plays and 237 essays
23. Galway Christmas Market
An event managed by Galway Tourism, a four week market in Eyre square starting in November. It has been running for over 10 years with over 50 vendors and 650,000 visitors every year
24. Galway Market – St Nicholas Market on Church Lane
Outside of St Nicholas Church is a unique souvenir and gift market with food trucks and vendors. It has been trading for centuries and has interesting items such as fairy doors, paintings, jewellery, scarves, and wooden carvings and of course fresh produce
25. Lynch Memorial Window
Just outside St Nicholas Collegiate Church, a memorial panel below a window acknowledges the location of the hanging of Walter Lynch. Walter was believed to be not guilty and the Mayor, his father James Lynch could not find anybody to carry out the sentence handed down by the courts. Determined to follow the law, James was forced to hang his own son. Unable to save his son from a murder charge, James hung Walter from the window of what is now the remnants of the wall of another home of the Lynch family. The act of hanging is now referred to as “to Lynch”. The place where he was hanged is marked by a memorial and is known as Lynch Memorial Window
26. St Nicholas Collegiate Church
The next stop in the Galway self guided tourist map of attractions is located in the medieval center of Galway, the church was built in 1320 from local materials such as limestone and Connemara Marble. It was much bigger than what was required for the small town of Galway. The original church was expanded by the Frenches and the Lynchs of the Tribes of Galway in the 16th century and is considered to be Ireland’s largest and oldest medieval working parish. Historically the church was also used as an election venue for the Mayor of Galway holding debates and the voting venue. The church is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra who is the patron saint of seafarers and of children (Santa Claus)
Additional Information:
- Statue of Jane Eyre – The character inspired by Charlotte Brontë was an actual person. A virtuous parishioner who donated £300 in 1760 to feed 36 poor for ever. Nobody knows what happened to the donation
- James Kearney Statue – the young boy who was run over by a horse and cart while playng outside the church
- Baptismal font from the 16th century – It is over 400 years old with dogs carved into its sides
- Adam Bures Grave Marker – A Crusader from the 13th century
Many carvings and sculptures outside of the church windows include foliage, mermaids, a dragon, a lion and even an ape. You will also find a Gargoyle water spout high on the roof edge
It is said that Christopher Columbus worshipped here in 1477 on his journey to find the New World. The churches most unwelcome visitors were Oliver Cromwell’s army in 1653 who used the interior of the church as a horse stable and destroyed many of the statues and carved figures
27. Galway Market and St Nicholas Market on Churchyard Street
The St Nicholas market joins the Galway Market on Saturdays where you will find both locals and tourists between Shop Street and Market Street. A lively atmosphere with everything imaginable that will awaken your senses. Fresh produce, fresh herbs, spices, gourmet stands with olives, fresh pasta, cheese, homemade sauces, homemade baked items including cake. For the hungry, there are fresh sausages being cooked as well as mussels in garlic sauce at the various food stalls. You can also find novelty souvenirs include hats, leather goods and candles. A favourite Galway Ireland thing to do is visit the Saturday market. A map outlining the border of this market is in pink on the Galway Tourist interactive or PDF map above
28. Nora Barnacle House
Nora was the wife of the famous Irish writer James Joyce. The house located at 8 Bowling Green, was built in the 1800’s and has been restored and gives us a view of life in the 20th century. A tiny house with two rooms and a small backyard. The main floor room was multi-purpose functioning as a kitchen, dining room and bedroom. The kitchen consisted of an open fire and until 1940 it had no plumbing so water was pumped from across the street. In the summer the kitchen was moved outdoors to the backyard. The upper room was a communal bedroom, a very common practice in those days. The tiny house accommodated Nora, her mother and her 6 children until she left for Dublin in 1904. Nora’s mother Annie continued to live in the house until her death in the 1940’s
29. Salmon Weir Bridge
It was built in 1818 and is the oldest surviving bridge to connect the courthouse with the county gaol (prison) on Nun’s Island. The Galway Cathedral was built on the site of the prison. This is an amazing site where the sea flows at 4 million gallons/sec at full flood tide, and 100,000 gallons/sec at low flood tide. On of the favourite Galway Ireland things to do is watch the salmon swim upstream. Between April and July each year, you will find salmon swimming upstream in the fast waters below the bridge. They are swimming towards their spawning grounds in Lough Corrib. Downstream from the bridge is the Salmon Weir, the original stone and wood gates of the Weir have been replaced with steel gates allowing the salmon safe passage on their 6.5 km journey from the Atlantic ocean to Lough Corrib
30. Galway Cathedral (The Catholic Cathedral of The Assumption Our Lady into Heaven and St. Nicholas)
The last stone cathedral built in Europe, it was built on the site of a notorious goal or prison known for its unusual cruelty. The prison was closed in 1939. The church was opened in 1965 and showcases Irish craftsmanship with its copper dome roof stone and wood carvings. It is one of the most impressive buildings in Galway
31. Galway Arts Center
Galway thriving art community can be seen at the Galway Arts Center. Display of Local and international arts and entertainment. The 3,000 sq ft space allows for displays spread over 3 galleries as well as classes and workshops that you can attend. The revolving exhibition means that there is always something new and interesting. Admission is free. For the art lovers there are several other galleries you may want to visit in central Galway including: Vanda Luddy Art Gallery on Abbeygate Street, 126 Artist Run Gallery on St Bridgest Place and the Galway City Museum next to the Spanish Arch
32. The Fishery Watch Tower Museum
It was built in 1852 as a lookout tower monitoring fishing boats on the river ensuring that no illegal fishing was taking place. The watchtower stopped functioning as a lookout tower in the 1970’s when the fishing industry collapsed. One of Galway’s smallest museum housing exhibits with vintage photographs, fisheries exhibits with extraordinary views of the River Corrib and Galway Bay. The museum is free to enter and as an added bonus, free guided tours are also available
33. Claddagh
A small fishing village just outside of the Galway City Walls where the Corrib River and Galway Bay meet. It is one of the oldest known fishing villages in Ireland where locals have been suppling fish for millennia until the end of the 19th century. The women tended the house while the men fished. They were given sole rights by the King to fish in Galway Bay. Anyone caught fishing in the Galway Bay risked having their nets and boats destroyed and as such Claddagh prospered under the monopoly.
Claddagh Decline
Disease and young people leaving for the city resulted in a decline of the population. In 1927, there was an outbreak of Tuberculosis and many of the cottages were considered to be a health hazard. The inhabitants were ordered to evacuate and were resettled elsewhere. Their cottages were demolished. The last cottage was destroyed in 1934 The thatched cottages of the original village were demolished in the 1930’s and replaced with council housing. At that time there were about 468 cottages and 820 fisherman with 80 boats supplying fish to the local markets.
Claddagh Ring
Claddagh was known for its special “Hooker” boats The Claddagh ring is world famous symbol of this location. Legend has it that Richard Joyce was captured by Algerians enroute to the West Indies. He was sold as a slave and taken to Morocco where he learned to be a goldsmith from his master. Eventually he was released at the age of 14 on the decree of the King of England that all his citizens be released. Richard returned home to Galway and set up a goldsmith shop and created a symbol of love and friendship: the Claddagh ring. The ring depicts two hands clasping a heart which is topped with a crown
Galway Tourist Map includes Attractions Outside of Central Galway
34. Salthill Promenade
Located on the Atlantic Ocean coastline, the promenade was featured in the song “Galway Girl”. Known locally as ‘the prom’ it is approximately 3km from the Spanish arch or you can take Bus Éireann number 401 towards Parkmore Industrial Estate. The Salthill Promenade walk itself is a 2 km seaside walk with views of Galway Bay. Amble, run, and cycle on the promenade. Attractions along the path include the Blackrock Beach and the Salthill Diving Pier. When tidal conditions are suitable, you will see locals jumping off the Pier into the Atlantic. Tradition dictates that you kick the wall at the end of the promenade or you can simply get some fish and chips and sit on the beach
35. Salthill Beaches
The beaches in Salthill are extremely popular with the locals and one of the top things to do in the seaside town of Galway. The two top beaches are Blackrock Beach and Ladies Beach
36. Circle of Life Commemorative Garden
This is a unique garden dedicated to organ donors and overlooking Galway Bay. Easily accessed and close to the Salthill Promenade, the name is derived from the five 2m stones forming a circle. It represents the connectivity and interdependence of humans. The admission is free to this tranquil oasis in Quincentennial Park, Salthill
37. Menlo Castle
Home of the Blake Family, a member of the Tribe of 14, the castle was built on the banks of the River Corrib in 1569. On July 26, 1910 while Sir Valentine and his wife were in Dublin for an eye operation, the castle caught fire. Their disabled daughter Eleanor along with two maids perished in the fire. The castle was left in ruins with all contents destroyed. Today the outer walls are overgrown with vegetation and slowly being reclaimed by the surrounding landscape.
The Castle can be reached by bus from central Galway. Though deserted, once you enter the gate, the dirt road will take you to the castle. You will find joggers and dog walkers including students on a stroll from the nearby National University of Ireland. To get to Menlo Castle, you can walk from central Galway or take bus number 404 towards Oranmore (Opp Oran Town Centre) using Bus Éireann
Additional attractions and map around Galway
- Galway to Cliffs of Moher, (public transport Bus Eireann number 350 to Cliffs of Moher Coach Park)
- From Galway Eyre Square to Doolin , use Bus Eireann number 350 to Doolin Hotel. Explore Doolin village or stay at the hotel. From Doolin village walk to the to Cliffs of Moher Cliff Walk. The walk from the village is an uphill coastal walk to the cliff tops
- Galway to Aran Islands (public transport Bus Eireann route 424 to Rossaveal Ferry port, then take the ferry to Aran Islands)
- Galway to The Burren National Park, take Expressway Bus #51 from Galway Eyre Square to Ennis Station. It is 9 stops and will take about 1.5 hours to Ennis. At Ennis Station take Bus Éireann route 333 to Corofin Village. The village is 5 stops from Ennis and will take approximately 30 minutes travel time. In the village of Corofin, disembark and walk 2 minutes to the Burren National Park Information Center. From the information center, take the free shuttle bus to the park
Galway Ireland Train Station
- The train station is located in the center of the city in Eyre Square (refer to Galway tourist map)
- Select Ceannt railway station as the rail stop in Eyre Station
- Train services for Dublin, Limerick and Atherny
- There are two platforms 1 & 2. Platform 2 can only be reached from Platform 1
- Platform 1 is for trains to and from Dublin Heuston
- Platform 2 is a shorter and it is for departures to Limerick
Galway to Dublin
- By car from Galway to Dublin it’s a 2 hour drive west along the M6
- By train from Galway to Dublin using Irish Rail from Heuston station in Dublin to central Galway, it takes about 2.5 hours and has 8 stops along the way dropping you off at Cleannt Station in Eyre Square, Galway
- By bus from Galway to Central Dublin or Dublin Airport using either:
- City Links – City Links website has a travel planner and you can purchase your ticket online
- Bus Éireann – Expressway bus number 20X on Bus Éireann, book and purchase online
- This is my favorite journey planner for all of Irelands public transportation, click HERE. The planner will give you rail and bus options or a combination for travel in Ireland
- Explore Dublin with these three self guided walking tours:
- Dublin Walk 1 – Top 18 Attractions, guide to Dublin City Center, North of the River Liffey Dublin
- Dublin Walk 2 – Top 16 attractions, guide to attractions South of the River Liffey, including the Temple Bar Region
- The Book of Kells and Trinity College in Dublin. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland with the historic Long Room,and the old library with over 200,000 of the very old books. It is the most impressive library in the world
- In Dublin visit the Little Museum of Dublin, Grafton Street, St Stephens Green and Kilmainham Goal (the prison where many rebels from the Easter Rising were held before their execution)
- Dublin Walk 3 – Top 16 attractions, guide to Historic Old Dublin
Other Attractions in Ireland
Use the Getting around Ireland guide to visit Over 100 Attractions in Ireland (including Games of Thrones sites) or The Glens of Antrim
Additional Ireland Attraction Guides:
- Getting around Ireland – Using Public Transportation in Ireland
- Cliffs of Moher – A very popular tour, a complete guide to the 16 attractions along the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk
- Doolin – A quaint popular village in County Clare. Stop overnight and walk to the Cliffs of Moher from Doolin or enjoy the many other attractions in and around Doolin
- The Ring of Kerry – A spectacular 111 mile scenic route on the Iveragh Peninsula. Start at either Kenmare or Killarney for a circular route of three hours without stops. Jaw dropping views of the Atlantic ocean, charming villages and wild sweeping mountains makes this a popular must see attraction in Ireland. Use the map and attractions for the complete self guided tour of the Ring of Kerry
- The Dingle Peninsula – It is a 30 mile long clockwise loop that takes about 4 hours to complete. The area is the bedrock of Irish culture with signs in many villages and towns indicating that Irish is the predominant language in the area. The picturesque landscape includes rolling hills, craggy shorelines and sandy beaches. The PDF map and attractions guide explores the attractions of the Dingle Peninsula
- The Ring of Beara – An 85 mile circular route, similar to Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, however it is far less travelled. In that sense, it is a better drive as there are far less cars on the road. I found the Ring of Beara far more dramatic than either the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula. It is not as popular because the tourist buses are not able to navigate the narrow roads with hairpin bends or the Healey Pass.
- Dublin: Explore central Dublin on foot with these three self guided walking tours and map:
- Dublin Walk 1 – Top 18 Attractions, guide to Dublin City Center, North of the River Liffey Dublin
- Dublin Walk 2 – Top 16 attractions, guide to attractions South of the River Liffey, including the Temple Bar Region
- The Book of Kells and Trinity College in Dublin. Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland with the historic Long Room,and the old library with over 200,000 of the very old books. It is the most impressive library in the world
- In Dublin visit the Little Museum of Dublin, Grafton Street, St Stephens Green and Kilmainham Goal (the prison where many rebels from the Easter Rising were held before their execution)
- Dublin Walk 3 – Top 16 attractions, guide to Historic Old Dublin
- Galway – Use the Galway Ireland guide for a flexible and personal tour of over 40 attractions Galway City
- Aran Islands – For a truly authentic Irish experience visit the Aran Islands. They are located at the mouth of Galway Bay. You can catch a ferry from either Doolin or Rosseeval port (Shuttle from Galway to Rosseeval ferry port)
- The Glens of Antrim – Driving route for the nine Glens of Antrim in Northern Ireland. The guide includes options for public transportation, walking trails in The Glens and Game of Thrones Attractions
- Over 100 Northern Ireland Attractions – Visit over 100 attractions along the east and north coast of Ireland along the Antrim and Causeway Coastal Route. Travel by car or public transport from the Mourne Mountains to Londonderry. Includes game of thrones sites, castles and walks along the route
- The Burren – Explore the karst moonscape bedrock of The Burren located in the southwest region and close to the Cliffs of Moher. Attractions in the Burren include ancient tombs, underground caves, walks on an unusual landscape and The Burren National Park