I’ve lived in Galway for almost 3 years and it has a special part in my heart. I’m designing this Galway itinerary for you to help you make the most of your Galway trip. Galway is rainy most of the times compared to Dublin, so you should be careful and make sure you carry a jacket or an umbrella. Even if it’s not raining, trust my word, always having warm clothes is necessary in Galway.
Now, I want to take you on a short journey. Imagine that you’re strolling along the medieval streets of Galway, then the sounds of traditional Irish music and laughter spill out from cozy cafes. Or you’re walking along the famous Spanish Arch while enjoying the beauty of the Corrib River and listening to live music.
This 3-day Galway itinerary is designed to immerse you in the best of Galway’s culture, cuisine and natural beauty. From exploring the colorful Spanish Arch to hiking Diamond Hill and Cliffs of Moher, you’ll create memories that will stay with you long after you leave Galway.
Day 1 of Galway Itinerary: Explore Galway City
Have your breakfast in Jungle Cafe
Jungle Cafe Galway is a nice cafe with an outdoor seating area surrounded by leafy greenery and beautiful plants that seem like a journey in nature. Besides its peaceful ambience, there are a variety of vegan and gluten-free options on the menu that you can enjoy.
Visit Eyre Square – City Centre
Eyre Square is a central public park in the heart of Galway. So, it’s the place of happenings where people get together, shops, restaurants, and cafes have something to offer, and live music soothes your heart. It’s nice to start your Galway itinerary from here and get the sense of this wonderful city.
Visit Galway Cathedral
After a delicious breakfast in Jungle Cafe, it’s time to discover the cultural aspect of Galway in the Galway Cathedral. In my opinion Galway Cathedral is a true masterpiece designed by colorful mosaics, painted glass windows, and stunning art pieces and paintings of famous artists.
The ambience of the Cathedral is so peaceful. Imagine how wonderful it would be to start your exploration in such a place. Check this website for more information.
Take a stroll through River Corrib towards next destination – Spanish Arch
Stroll through River Corrib was one of my favorite activities after work. After long hours of working I used to go home and as it was near Spanish Arch and River Corrib I couldn’t wait to spend another evening here. This walk is so scenic and peaceful. Sometimes you can also hear live music when you’re strolling along the river.
Explore Spanish Arch
Spanish Arch is without a doubt one of my favorite places in Galway. Spanish Arch is a historical place with a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Near the river people normally sit and gather to talk or play instruments. It can be a perfect place to socialize or just unwind and enjoy its liveliness.
Besides that, you can also walk alongside the Spanish Arch and enjoy watching colorful houses and the beauty of Corrib River.
Here you can explore our detailed guide to Spanish Arch for more information.
Lunch options at Spanish Arch
There are a few Indian restaurants near the Spanish Arch that you can try, such as Kashmir, Spice India, and Eastern Tandoori. Try Xi’an Street Food for Chinese food and Boojum for Mexican food. If you want to see the Galway Girl Statue, try The Quay Restaurant. Try Handsome Burger for popular burgers.
Visit Galway City Museum
Galway City Museum is in the proximity of the Spanish Arch. The Museum offers you an educational and meaningful journey into Galway’s past, history, and culture. They also provide exhibitions and events, or gatherings for you to enjoy and meet other people who value art and culture.
Wander around Shop Street
Shop Street is the main shopping place in Galway with a vibrant and lively atmosphere. This is the place where you can find brightly colored storefronts, nice cafes, stunning shops, and well-preserved brick buildings.
Shop Street is the place where people, dancers, tourists, performers, and musicians gather creating a lively ambience and unforgettable memories.
- Pratai for wonderful fries
- King Heads for historical location
- Murphy ice creams
- Aran Woolen Mills – for shopping woolen clothes and accessories.
- Claddagh Jewellery – popular for rings
- Thomas Dillon for silver jewellery
Dough bros – award winning Europe’s pizza
Dough Bros is a fantastic pizzeria that offers wood-fired pizzas. There are a variety of delicious pizzas that you can try out and also vegan options. Legalise Marinara and Vince Vega-N are two vegan options on their menu.
Night Life
I believe one of the most enjoyable parts of Galway is its vibrant street music. There are some streets in Galway that offer you a fantastic experience. Shop Street and Quay Street are two famous streets in Galway that offer you live Irish music.
Mainguard Street, West end, Monroes, Taylors, and Sea Road are also hubs for live traditional Irish music, with many pubs offering musical gatherings and talented musicians performing on the streets.
Roisin Dubh
Roisin Dub is a famous venue that you can enjoy comedy shows, and live shows.
Day 2 of Galway Itinerary: Discover Connemara
Visit Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey is another beautiful setting in Connemara, Galway. It is located near Connemara National Park and offers a range of activities to do. From visiting neo-Gothic church to its beautiful gardens you can enjoy its peace, beauty, and the history behind it.
Check out our detailed guide to Kylemore Abbey for more information.
Explore Diamond Hill
Diamond Hill is a beautiful setting with breathtaking views and a fantastic hiking experience. It is located in Connemara National Park. Diamond Hill is famous for hiking and offers you safe and nice hiking trails. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Dimond Hill is a perfect option.
Explore Dog’s Bay Beach
Dog’s Bay Beach is one my favorite places in Galway that I visited with my friends. It is so unique with its pure white sand, horseshoe-shaped bay, and crystal-clear waters. It leaves an impression and soothes my heart every time I visit. Trust me, your Galway itinerary will be incomplete without Dog’s Bay Beach. Here’s our detailed guide to this wonderful place for more information.
Day 3 of Galway Itinerary: Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher
Take a cruise to the Aran Islands
Taking a cruise to the Aran Islands gives you a different view of Galway. During your journey, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Aran Islands’ landscapes and views of Galway Bay. If you book a cruise tour, your guide will also provide you with interesting information about the islands and areas you pass.
Check this website to book a day tour to Aran Islands and the famous Cliffs of Moher.
Explore the famous Cliffs of Moher
Cliffs of Moher are one of the most amazing places in the Galway itinerary and also a popular attraction among all tourists and locals alike. Cliffs of Moher are famous for scenic landscapes and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean that provide you with.
When you reach there, there are lots of things you can do from enjoying the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk which is so scenic and captivating or just sitting and immersing yourself in its lively and peaceful atmosphere.
Please note, that Cliss of Moher are not exactly in Galway. However, they are one of the most popular tourist attractions that many people want to visit. So, I wanted to mention that cause this beautiful attraction is near Galway.
Visit the visitor center exhibits
The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre is a building that offers informative and entertaining exhibits in its gallery space and auditorium. There are also other facilities available at the visitor centre, including cafes, toilets, parking, and shopping.
If you want to go deeper into history and facts about the cliffs or enjoy their exhibitions and events, I highly recommend you visit this place.
Return to Galway and enjoy a dish in Dela Restaurant
Dela Restaurant is a fantastic restaurant that offers farm to plate dishes. Their food is so tasty and ingredients are organic. There are also vegan options available on their menu. Here you can book a reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many days should we spend in Galway?
Galway offers a mix of cultural attractions, stunning landscapes, and vibrant nightlife that can be explored ideally over a couple of days. Although a 24-hour itinerary packed with city sightseeing can be good, we recommend you to plan 2 to 3 days for a more leisurely exploration.
What is unique about Galway?
Galway is a unique and fascinating city with a rich history and culture. Galway also hosts several art and film festivals and events every year. Moreover, the River Corrib, near the Spanish Arch, which flows through Galway is the second fastest flowing river in Europe.
What is the best way to get around Galway?
There are several ways for exploring Galway. For instance, buses, trains, bikes and taxis provide convenient options for getting around Galway. However, streets in Galway are pedestrian-friendly and you can easily explore the city on foot.
Why should you visit Galway?
Galway is a mix of unique experiences that you can have in the countryside and all the facilities of a city. Therefore, you have a range of options and exciting activities to do, and there’s no wonder Galway is one of Ireland’s most popular destinations.
Conclusion
Galway offers a perfect blend of Irish charm, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With this detailed Galway itinerary you can explore its lively cafes, colorful streets, stunning landscapes, and must-visit attractions.
I hope this information about your Galway itinerary will be useful before you travel there. If you plan to visit Galway anytime soon, I would happily hear about your experience.
