Top 5 things to do and eat in Galway, Ireland

Image via Flickr by Irish Jaunt

Known as one of the best places in Galway for live music, the Latin Quarter is the beating heart and soul of the city. With its ancient allure and spirited atmosphere, the area is filled with pubs, restaurants, and boutique shops, all set amidst a backdrop of medieval architecture. Stroll around and you'll stumble upon Lynch’s Castle, Galway's finest town structure or The Spanish Arch, remnants of the city’s 16th Century walls.

The weekend nights here are high on effervescence, with live music sessions filling the air: traditional Irish, folk, blues, or rock. Come take a walk on the cobblestone streets, grab a pint of Guinness at a local bar, or step into quirky craft shops that sell everything from handmade soaps to bespoke jewelry.

You are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting a spot to eat in the Latin Quarter. One of the best places is the historic two-floor Kirwan's restaurant that has been treating locals and tourists alike to excellent Irish cuisine since 1996. Housed in a restored medieval building, the venue boasts the interiors that reflect the rich heritage of Galway with the original stone walls and wooden beams adding to the old-world charm of the establishment.

Kirwan's restaurant is a symbol of authentic Irish culinary, garnished with modern cooking techniques and an infusion of international flavors. All breads and pastries are homemade, and the menu offers a diverse range of dishes. The array of seafood is particularly impressive with such options as seafood chowder, Galway Bay Rock oysters, grilled filet of hake, oven-baked sea trout, and whole black sole on the bone.

Image by Robert Linsdell under the CCA 2.0 license

One of the city's most iconic and impressive buildings, Galway Cathedral resounds with echoes of Renaissance, Gothic, and Romanesque architectural designs. Standing on the spot of the old prison, it is one of the youngest cathedrals in Europe.

The construction is made mostly from local Galway limestone, while its interior impresses with a beautifully decorated ceiling and a magnificent rose window above the main entrance. Rising to an impressive height of 44.2 meters, the dome stands out as a significant landmark on the city skyline. The Cathedral is not just an architectural marvel, but also offers a serene place for those seeking solace. You pay no admission fee, but feel free to donate.

Just a five-minute walk from Galway Cathedral, you’ll find the city's top steakhouse, serving up the juiciest and most delicious cuts of meat. Established for over 30 years in the vibrant Woodquay Market, McSwiggan's is a family-run restaurant preparing the beef to perfection in their special Josper charcoal oven, sealing in the flavor and juices.

You can choose among a variety of culinary delights like succulent sirloin steak, flavorful braised pork belly, tender Connemara lamb stew, and hearty Gilligan's beef burger. Beyond their amazing meats, McSwiggan's also offers a stunning seafood selection such as crispy hake fish and chips, creamy seafood chowder, fresh Killary Fjord mussels, and local Dooncastle oysters for an irresistible taste of the sea.

Image via Flickr by William Murphy

Nestled in the heart of the city, Eyre Square is one of the best things to do in Galway, and it's easy to see why. Filled with charm and character, this public park is a lively central hub that perfectly encapsulates the buoyant spirit of Ireland's west coast. Eyre Square houses not only beautiful lawns and plants but also most significant monuments in Galway, including a tribute to the infamously strong-willed former US President John F. Kennedy, who made a memorable speech here in 1963.

With its proximity to the main shopping district, you can easily indulge in some retail therapy. And after that, sit by the famous Browne Doorway — an 1627 architectural beauty, or admire the famous Quincentennial Fountain that celebrates Galway's rich maritime history.

Overlooking Eyre Square, stands Gaslight Brasserie, a vibrant and bustling restaurant with a peasant airy dining space featuring tall ceilings and large windows. Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the establishment uses the finest Irish produce and seasonal ingredients to craft a delicious range of dishes, like dressed tian of Irish crab, seared sea bass filet, or Guinness-braised Jacob's ladder short rib of beef. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll be fascinated by the dessert menu here, showcasing delightful choices like cherry pistachio gateaux, dark chocolate hazelnut mousse, or a brown butter apple tart. The restaurant also provides a competitive and innovative cocktail menu, as well as an expertly selected wine list designed to complement the seasonal dishes.

Image by Lode Van de Velde from Pixabay

If you’re staying in Galway for a few days, it is highly recommended to take a day trip to Kylemore Abbey, one of Ireland’s most loved attractions. This stunning country estate tells a rich tale of love, tragedy, spirituality, and a generous handful of Victorian aesthetics! The luxurious castle was built in 1868 as a romantic gift from Mitchell Henry to his wife Margaret, and the couple, along with their nine children, lived happily here for many years.

Tragedy struck in 1874, when Margaret fell ill with dysentery while they were on a family holiday in Egypt and died aged 45. With the loss of his beloved wife, Mitchell was devastated, and his frequent visits to the estate came to a halt. In memory of Margaret, he built a beautiful neo-Gothic Church on the grounds of Kylemore Castle. Today, the majestic abbey, with its tranquil Victorian Walled Gardens, and breathtaking surrounding landscape, stands as a testament to architectural and scenic grandeur.

Located just a five-minutes drive from Kylemore Abbey, Veldon's Seafarer is an award-winning bar and restaurant known for warm Irish hospitality and a relaxing ambiance with its marine decor and wood paneling. The establishment prides itself on the high-quality, homemade dishes, which include traditional local cuisine and a wide variety of seafood and meat options. If you're dining here, you must definitely go for their delectable fish and chips, Irish lamb stew, creamy garlic linguine, or braised lamb shoulder. Also, the filet of salmon, and the duo of prawns and West of Ireland smoked salmon are real culinary delights. Veldon's Seafarer is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with prices ranging from €20 to €25 for the main course.

Another breathtaking wonder located just a two-hour drive away from Galway, the Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland's most iconic natural landmarks. These majestic rocks ascend about 214 m at their highest point, casting an awe-inspiring sight across the wild Atlantic Ocean — a view that won't be forgotten anytime soon. If this stunning scenery looks slightly familiar, it's because you have already seen it in the Half-Blood Prince movie when Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore traveled to the Horcrux Cave. The location was also used to portray the Cliffs of Insanity in the classic 1987 film, the Princess Bride.

Home to over 30,000 birds from more than 20 species, the cliffs are a paradise for those who love observing these feathered creatures in their natural environment. You might even get a chance to spot the Atlantic Puffin here — the place serves as their breeding ground during spring and summer.

One of the best pit stops after a walk around the marvelous Cliffs of Moher on your way back to Galway is Oar Restaurant, a cozy rustic-styled spot that boasts a prestigious Bib Gourmand award. Run by renowned restaurateur Kieran O'Halloran, the establishment is dedicated to using only the finest ingredients, sourcing from the region’s butchers, fishmongers, fishermen, cheese makers, and farmers.

Its menu showcases creatively crafted dishes by Chef Cezary Sodel, including Hereford prime ribeye, caramelized duck breast, and roasted lamb rump. However, the highlight of Oar Restaurant is the locally caught fish, with black sole and charred mackerel being excellent choices. If you're too entranced by the experience to leave, consider spending the night in one of their simple, yet comfortable bedrooms.

If you're eager to explore more stunning travel spots and eat at the best places in Ireland, don't miss our other guides: Make for a culinary weekend getaway in Dungarvan, Exploring castles and nearby restaurants in Dublin, and Culinary adventures: top restaurant picks in Wicklow.