During your trip to Ireland, Dublin is likely at the top of your list. But after seeing these attractions in Galway, you might just change your mind. This city and its surrounding region might be the most beautiful that Ireland has to offer. Get to know the most stunning attractions of Galway.
These are the best attractions in Galway City
Lynch’s Castle
Lynch’s Castle is not exactly what you might imagine when you think of a castle. It is more of a fortified house where the Lynch family has resided since the 14th century. Located right in the city center, it might not stand out immediately. However, Lynch’s Castle is a beautiful old building, four stories high, with unique exterior decorations. Nowadays, a bank occupies this building, which makes sense given the thick walls. Lynch’s Castle is one of the many Galway attractions that might not catch your eye at first but are certainly worth visiting.
Spanish Arch
This city wall might not immediately stand out either. By the waterfront, there is still a section of wall with two gates. It would be easy to walk past without giving it much attention. But once you hear the story behind it, the Spanish Arch becomes much more interesting. A local guide during a bike tour might tell you, for example, what an earthquake in Lisbon has to do with the Spanish Arch.
Cycling in Galway to see it all
To see all the attractions in Galway in a short time, we recommend opting for the Galway bike tour of the highlights. Our experienced guide will take you to all the beautiful spots and tell you about the history of this lovely city. Within a few hours, you will know all about the Spanish Arch and other attractions, leaving you time to enjoy traditional Irish music in one of Galway’s many pubs.
St Nicholas’ Church
This is one of the most striking attractions in Galway. The church, named after the patron saint of sailors, Nicholas of Myra, has proudly stood in the city since the year 1320. It is a so-called collegiate church, which is a church associated with a college of canons. Usually, only cathedrals have this privilege, so St Nicholas’ Church is quite special. It has also played an important role in the political life of Galway. Local elections often took place within the church’s walls. Religion is very important in daily life in Ireland, and this church is a good example of that.
Salmon Weir Bridge
The Salmon Weir Bridge has stood since 1818, making it the oldest bridge over the River Corrib. The bridge runs from the Galway Cathedral (not St Nicholas’ Church) to the Headfort District Court. The bridge gets its name from the species of fish that swim up this river. If you are in Galway between April and July, you won’t want to miss this bridge. You’ll have an excellent view of the large numbers of salmon making their way upstream.
This attraction in Galway County you don’t want to miss either
County Galway is one of breathtaking beauty. Everywhere you look, you’ll see stunning green landscapes with lakes and forests. There are a few attractions you definitely don’t want to miss.
Dunguaire Castle
Near the town of Kinvara stands Dunguaire Castle. Of all the Galway attractions, this is the most fairy-tale-like. This 16th-century castle has a defensive wall and tower. It is open to the public for interior viewing. Dunguaire Castle is a beautiful building, but you certainly don’t want to miss the surrounding area. The castle is situated on a small elevation by the water, truly enchanting.
Clifden
Clifden is a charming village located in the far west of Galway County. It is close to the sea and surrounded by some beautiful hills. The most striking feature of this village is its church towers. Another interesting attraction in Clifden is the harbor. This village is situated on the Atlantic coast, and fishing has been an important source of income for Clifden.
