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We didn’t expect Galway to charm us quite so much, but between the lively trad music echoing from pub doors, the salty breeze off the bay, and the warmth of the locals, this city leaves a mark. There’s an easygoing rhythm to life here, even when the streets are buzzing, and a strong pride woven into every story you’ll hear.
In this guide, we’re sharing six incredible tours that truly brought Galway to life for us, from seaside bike rides and cozy baking classes to day trips that showcase Ireland’s raw beauty. Get ready to experience the magic of Galway, one memorable moment at a time. Let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this full-day trip to the Cliffs of Moher! This organized tour made visiting such an iconic sight a breeze, and we also got to see Aillwee Cave and Dunguaire Castle – plus learn tons of history along the way.
Check out the 2,400+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Galway, Ireland
- 1. Discover Galway on a walking and tasting tour of the city
- 2. Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave, and Dunguaire Castle
- 3. Learn how to make traditional Irish scones and bread
- 4. Spend a day in Connemara and see Kylemore Abbey, Leenane Village, & more!
- 5. Explore Galway on an electric bike
- 6. Learn about Galway’s history and sights from a private guide
- Where to Stay in Galway, Ireland
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Europe
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Galway, Ireland
1. Discover Galway on a walking and tasting tour of the city
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Time: 3 pm and 6 pm
- Highlights: Galway city sightseeing and food tasting tour, stop at the Claddagh Ring Factory, Lynch’s Castle, the Spanish Arch, and more
- Inclusions: Food and drinks, expert local guide, small-group tour
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 180+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Galway’s food scene is buzzing, but trying to navigate it solo? That’s how we ended up wasting an afternoon on overpriced pints and flavorless pub grub. We took this walking and tasting tour of Galway city the second time around, and it helped us avoid another letdown by pointing us straight to the good stuff, with none of the guesswork.
Led by our hilarious and endlessly charismatic guide, Conor, our small group kicked off at An Púcán for a round of food and drinks before weaving through Galway’s most iconic spots.
Conor’s storytelling was the glue that brought each stop to life, whether it was the wild history behind Lynch’s Castle, the secrets buried in Eyre Square, or the quirky tale of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde’s statue.
We loved how every location had a little surprise. At the Claddagh Ring stop, we even learned the local lore about how wearing the ring facing in or out can tell the world your relationship status, which led to some hilarious group banter.
The tastings were top-notch, especially at The Skeff and FitzGerald’s Bar—think hearty local dishes with real flavor, not tourist fare. The 6 pm evening tour even wrapped with a scoop of Murphy’s Ice Cream, which felt like the cherry on top of an already fantastic experience.
It was the perfect mix of food, stories, and city sights, and easily one of the most fun evenings we had in Galway!
Book this tour here and get a real taste of Galway!
2. Take a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher, Aillwee Cave, and Dunguaire Castle
- Duration: 8 hours
- Time: 9 am and 9:30 am
- Highlights: Explore Ireland’s Burren region and top natural landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher, Dunguaire Castle, and Aillwee Cave
- Inclusions: Local guide, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pick-up (upon request), private tour (if option selected)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,500+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We were craving one of those big, jaw-dropping Irish landscapes, but didn’t want to rent a car, figure out the route, or gamble on timing things right. This full-day tour from Galway to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren solved all that, with zero stress and maximum scenery.
The first stop at Dunguaire Castle felt like stepping into a postcard, and the views along the Wild Atlantic Way delivered the kind of dramatic, rugged beauty you picture when dreaming about Ireland. The day unfolded seamlessly, thanks to our guide John, who was equal parts knowledgeable and entertaining and wove together history, geology, and Irish folklore without a single dull moment.
The Aillwee Cave was a cool surprise, and the walk along the Cliffs of Moher was the absolute highlight. The cliffs stretch for miles, and we had plenty of time to explore the walking trails, watch for puffins, and take in that wild Atlantic wind. Lunch in Doolin was delicious too, thanks to John’s solid pub recommendation.
If you’re visiting Galway, this is the kind of day trip you’ll talk about long after you’re home. There’s also a private tour option, which would be ideal for families or anyone wanting more space and flexibility.
This was hands-down our favorite tour in Galway, and clearly we’re not the only ones who loved it—just check out the THOUSANDS of five-star reviews here to see why this is a top-rated tour!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Learn how to make traditional Irish scones and bread
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 11:30 am and 4 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy baking and eating Irish scones and bread in a local’s kitchen in Oranmore
- Inclusions: All ingredients and utensils, printed recipes to take home, private tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 150+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Galway’s restaurant scene is exciting, but after a few days out and about, we were craving something slower, more personal, and ideally, something warm and fresh from the oven. This traditional Irish baking class in Oranmore was exactly that: a cozy, hands-on experience that felt more like visiting a friend’s kitchen than joining a tour.
Our host, Kate, welcomed us into her home with the kind of warmth that makes you instantly feel at ease. She didn’t just give instructions, she shared stories, history, and little baking tricks she’s picked up over the years.
We kneaded dough, rolled out lavender-scented scones, and baked hearty brown bread while swapping baking tips over mugs of tea. It felt less like a class and more like an afternoon spent with an old friend who just happens to make the flakiest scones in Ireland.
By the time everything came out of the oven, the whole kitchen smelled like heaven. Sitting down to enjoy our just-baked creations with jam, butter, and plenty of chat was the highlight of the afternoon. And yes, those scones were hands down the best we had in Ireland!
This is a private experience, perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking for a quiet, meaningful moment in between the sightseeing. It was such a refreshing change of pace—no crowds, no rush—just good conversation, delicious food, and that rare feeling of being welcomed like a local.
Check availability and book this top-rated cooking class here!
4. Spend a day in Connemara and see Kylemore Abbey, Leenane Village, & more!
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 9:45 am
- Highlights: Travel to Connemara by bus/coach, discover top attractions including Leenane Village, Killary Fjord, and Kylemore Abbey, stop in Spiddal
- Inclusions: Driver/guide, hotel pick-up (upon request), air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fee to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 860+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We knew Connemara was stunning, but trying to plan a full day out there—navigating the roads, timing each stop, and figuring out where to go—felt like more stress than it was worth. Thankfully, this full-day guided tour from Galway made it easy to explore the region’s best spots without missing a thing.
From the rolling green hills to the rugged mountains of the Twelve Bens, every turn of the road felt like a screensaver come to life. Our guide, Shamus, brought it all to life with stories, history, and plenty of laughs that kept the day moving and memorable.
Leenane Village was charming and low-key, with time to stretch our legs and soak up the views of Killary Fjord. It felt like stepping into a slower, simpler rhythm. We grabbed a quick coffee from a local café, wandered past sheep-dotted hillsides, and just took a moment to breathe in the stillness.
But the real star of the day was Kylemore Abbey. With its lakeside setting and dramatic Gothic architecture, it’s a showstopper, and the Victorian Walled Garden was even more peaceful than we expected. The final stop in Spiddal, a cozy Irish-speaking village, added a sweet cultural note to wrap up the day.
This is one of Galway’s most popular day trips for a reason, and it often sells out. So grab your seat early and let someone else drive while you soak in the best of Connemara!
Check out the HUNDREDS of 5-star reviews and secure this tour here!
Related Read: If you don’t have long here, check out our 2-day Galway itinerary that covers all the highlights and the best way to see them!
5. Explore Galway on an electric bike
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 2 pm, and 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Visit the five key neighbourhoods of Galway city on an electric bike, see landmarks like Galway Cathedral and the Spanish Arch, jump off the Blackrock Diving Board
- Inclusions: Local guide, electric bikes, walkie-talkie helmets
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 120+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We wanted to see as much of Galway as possible without feeling like we were racing through a checklist or exhausting ourselves walking for hours, and this small-group electric bike tour was the sweet spot. It was fast enough to cover a ton of ground, but relaxed enough to enjoy the experience fully.
We geared up with walkie-talkie helmets and top-of-the-line e-bikes (all less than a year old), then set off through Galway’s most iconic neighborhoods like Eyre Square, Salthill Promenade, and even the colorful houses along The Long Walk. Our guide, Ivan, struck the perfect balance of fun, safety, and storytelling, making the ride feel effortless and engaging from start to finish.
We pedaled past major landmarks like Galway Cathedral and the Spanish Arch, with plenty of time to stop, snap photos, and hear a bit of history.
One of the coolest stops was Blackrock Diving Board. With Ivan cheering us on, we took the plunge into the Atlantic, and honestly, it was freezing and fantastic. That salty, heart-racing jolt made for one of the most unexpected highlights of the day, and it’s the kind of moment you’d never get on a typical city tour.
This tour is limited to just eight people, so it stays personal, relaxed, and easy to navigate. It’s an effortless way to see Galway from a new perspective—without the crowds or the sore feet.
Check out the five-star reviews here to see why so many travelers say this was the highlight of their Galway trip!
Book this e-bike tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Learn about Galway’s history and sights from a private guide
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8 am–6 pm
- Highlights: Visit Galway’s top highlights like Lynch’s Castle and St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, stop at Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold, the National University of Ireland, and the John F. Kennedy Memorial
- Inclusions: Licensed guide, private tour, local recommendations, breaks, photo
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Our first day in Galway felt like a blur—colorful streets, tons of history, and no clear plan. This private walking tour was the perfect reset, giving us a local’s perspective and a much deeper understanding of the city without the rush of a big group.
Our guide, Arthur, was an absolute delight. Warm, witty, and incredibly knowledgeable, he made the city’s long and layered history easy to follow and genuinely fun. You could tell he genuinely loved his hometown, and his energy was contagious.
We started in Eyre Square, where Arthur brought the JFK Memorial to life with a moving story about the president’s visit. From there, we wandered past Lynch’s Castle, explored medieval lanes like Kirwan’s Lane, and ducked into St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, all at our own pace.
The stops were thoughtful and varied—Galway Cathedral, The Spanish Arch, and even a visit to Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold, where we learned the deeper meaning behind the iconic ring. By the end, we felt more connected to Galway than we ever could’ve from a guidebook.
This is a private experience that moves at your pace, with plenty of chances to ask questions, take photos, and soak it all in. It wasn’t just a history lesson – it was an experience that gave meaning to the streets, landmarks, and stories we would’ve otherwise walked right past.
Reserve this private tour here and visit Galway with a local by your side!
Where to Stay in Galway, Ireland
Galway is one of Ireland’s most charming cities, and luckily, it has great places to stay for every budget and travel style.
To make things easier, we’ve rounded up three top picks we personally recommend. Whether you’re after spa indulgence, mid-range convenience, or affordable ease, these stays will set you up to enjoy all the food, music, and scenery Galway has to offer. If they’re still available for your dates, these would be our first choices—no question.
Luxury – $$$
Designed by milliner Philip Treacy, The g Hotel & Spa is Galway’s most iconic five-star stay—bold, stylish, and unapologetically glamorous. Expect plush, design-forward rooms, a luxe spa with a thermal suite, and standout dining at GEO and the signature bar. Overlooking Lough Atalia and just a short drive from the city center, it’s a peaceful yet fashionable retreat with service to match.
Prices typically range from €250 to €800+ per night, depending on the season and room type. Check availability and see room options on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Flannery’s Hotel is a great mid-range option just outside Galway’s city center, offering comfort, convenience, and a warm Irish welcome. Rooms are spacious and well-equipped, and the on-site restaurant serves up locally sourced favorites like Galway Bay seafood and Connemara lamb. Frankie’s Bar & Bistro is perfect for a casual meal or live music on weekends. Bonus: there’s free parking and a city bus stop right outside the door.
Prices typically range from €125 to €225 per night. Check availability for your dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a budget-friendly stay, the Boutique Guest House checks all the boxes. Located just outside the city center, it makes for a quiet and comfortable stay. This guesthouse has that classic Irish charm you’d hope for, and gives you access to the shared kitchen and parking. It’s clean, comfortable, and a great value for money, and the location is great for accessing other parts of Galway or easily bopping to the city center.
Prices start at €110 per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Browse all Galway hotels listed here for even more great stays!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
Even though Galway is one of Ireland’s major cities, it still felt like a charming small town. Maybe it was the brightly colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic atmosphere, but I couldn’t get enough of Galway! These six things to do just scratch the surface, but will show you the absolute best of the city.
If you need help planning your travels, check out our other Ireland blogs. Or if your travels take you further, see all of our Europe blogs here. We love sharing our favorite places and travel experiences with fellow adventurers and have lots of resources to help! Check out these related posts to get started:
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