Galway Attractions

Eyre Square - John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is an inner-city public park in Galway, Ireland, formerly officially named Eyre Square and still widely known by that name. The park is in the heart of the city, adjoining the nearby shopping area of Williams Street and Shop Street.

 

The Claddagh - One of the oldest former fishing villages in Ireland it is in an area close to the centre of Galway city, where the Corrib River meets Galway Bay. It is just across the river from the Spanish Arch, which was the location of regular fish markets where the locals supplied the city with seafood as recently as the end of the 19th century.

 

Spanish Arch - Originally an extension of the city wall from Martin's Tower to the bank of the Corrib, the Spanish Arch was built to protect the city's quays. Interestingly, in 1755 the arches were partially destroyed by the tsunami generated by the 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Lynch's Castle –  Formerly the historic home ofGalway's most powerful family. A magnificent limestone building, it is an excellent example of the Irish Gothic style. Standing on the corner ofShop Street andAbbeygate Street, Lynch's Castle today houses the AIB bank.

St.Nicholas Church - The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship and was founded in 1320, dedicated (like many other European churches in seaports) to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers. The church now belongs to the Church of Ireland.

 

Nun's Island - An enclosed contemplative community of Poor Clare Sisters, whose order has been based in Galway for centuries.

Augustinian Friary- Built in 1855 and renovated in 2005, the Church of St. Augustine, is located on Middle Street, at the bottom of Buttermilk Lane. It is a popular devotional Church for the people of Galway.

Town Hall Theatre - Acclaimed for consistently delivering the best of national and international talent year-round to Galway audiences, the venue's programme proudly features the work of many performers, companies, musical societies and arts organisations (both professional and amateur) from across the city and county.

Corrib Princess Tour - Come and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a cruise with us on board the luxurious Corrib Princess. The Corrib Princess sails from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city, along the famous Steamers Line, which is a traditional trade route. Phone: +353 91 592447 for information.

 

Athenry Castle: Athenry Town, Co. Galway

Athenry is one of Ireland's most notable surviving medieval walled towns and owes its foundation to Meiler de Bermingham who built Athenry Castle in c. 1250. The great three-stroey tower which now houses an audio visual area and exhibition is surrounded by defensive walls and is accessed at first floor level through an unusual decorated doorway.

Open: Easter-September Daily 10.00-18.00, October Monday-Thursday 10.00-18.00

Admission Adult €3, Senior/Group €2, Child/Student €1, Family €8.

Athenry Heritage Centre: St. Mary's, The Square, Athenry, Co. Galway

Discover the best preserved medieval town in Ireland with a visit to the award winning Athenry Heritage Centre. Full guided tours including interactive exhibits of weaponry and storyboard presentations. Be part of history by dressing up in a medieval costume and test your skills with Have-a-go archery. For the younger visitor there's face-painting and castles to play with too.

Open: March-June Monday-Friday 11.00-16.00, June-September Sunday-Friday 10.30-17.00

Admission: 'Medieval Experience'-Family Ticket €24, Adults €6, Seniors/Students €5