16 Amazing Things To Do in County Galway Ireland
There are A LOT of things to do in County Galway.
It’s one of my favorite Irish counties.
The energy of Galway City
The history of Dún Aonghasa.
Peaty bogland of Connemara National Park.
Sandy stretches of beach on the Renvyle Peninsula.
County Galway has it alll!
So let’s dive in — because this is a list like no other.
You know the routine.
We’ll start with the where.
Where is County Galway?
County Galway is on the west coast of Ireland and directly west from Dublin, Ireland’s capital.
It is the second largest county by area in the Republic of Ireland.
The eastern piece of the county (which I’ve not really spent much time in), is rolling farmland.
To the west lies the rugged, infertile land of Connemara with its bogland and mountains.
You’ll also notice a lot of coastline in County Galway — lots of nooks and crannies to explore.
One interesting fact about Galway is that it has the largest Gaeltacht (Irish speaking area) in Ireland.
Okay.
So now you know a bit about this Irish county.
Let’s dive into all the wonderful things there are to do.
The Best Things To Do in County Galway
You could spend your entire Irish holiday here.
Seriously.
County Galway has soooo much to experience.
Some of the list below will be in the best things to do in Connemara post and what you can find in my A Slice of Ireland: Guide to Clifden & Connemara e-book.
But this guide covers the entire county.
As usual, I typically cover those destinations and sites that I have personal experience with.
However, I will include a couple of destinations I have not visited, simply to offer up a few more options — plus they’re places on my list for that “next visit”.
So…
Let’s get started.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry in Galway City
Spending time in Galway City is one of the best things to do in County Galway.
Period.
You can’t miss this vibrant, energetic small city.
Just be sure to explore beyond it.
Galway City only has a population of about 80,000.
So it’s really a small city.
And this is a university city so Galway has a lot of energy.
There are loads of fun pubs with some fabulous music (traditional and not), good restaurants and take away spots (think fish and chips) as well as nice spots for coffee or tea.
Be sure to check out the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and St Nicholas Church.
Also, I highly recommend walking the Salthill area West of the center of town.
This is the piece of Galway City along the water where you can walk along the promenade and take in the views of Galway Bay.
Galway City is also known for its many festivals such as the Galway International Arts Festival (July) and the International Oyster Festival (September) which is a must for oyster lovers.
I think Galway City is a fun city and very worthy of at least 1 night.
Kinvarra & Dunguaire Castle
Just south of Galway City — and along the southern shores of Galway Bay — is the harbor town of Kinvarra.
Well, with just 1300 folks it’s really more of a village.
There’s not much to do here but Kinvarra is a lovely spot between County Clare to the South and places further North in County Galway.
It is the home to a very famous and often visited castle, Dunguaire Castle.
Dunguaire Castle was built in 1520 by the O’Hynes clan and was restored beginning in 1924.
You can tour it and even have a Medieval style banquet dinner here.
Personally, I’ve not toured it, but simply walked around it and visited the gift shop inside.
It does get mixed reviews as to whether the castle is worth the price.
To me, it seems a bit too touristy, but it is worth a stop.
Kinvarra, however, is a delightful spot to park the car and get out and wander around, taking in the views of the bay and The Burren of County Clare.
Explore Lough Corrib
For those who love to fish then a visit to Lough Corrib is one of the best things to do in County Galway.
This is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and is home to a variety of fresh water fish including brown trout, pike, perch, and roach.
Because it connects to the Atlantic Ocean via the River Corrib, it also attracts salmon and eels.
So for anglers, this is paradise.
There is also a lot of wildlife in and around Lough Corrib and there are trails and beaches around the lake to explore.
Plus there are islands in the lake that you can boat to and explore.
Some have ruins of churches and monastic settlements.
You can take a cruise on Lough Corrib with cruise companies operating out of different parts of the lake.
I have yet to visit this incredible lake but I will on my next visit for sure.
Wander Around Brigit’s Garden
I’ll admit this is one of my favorite places in County Galway outside of the Connemara area.
Located just a short 20km from Galway City, this Celtic garden is tucked a few kilometers off the main N59.
Brigit’s Garden is all about the myths of the Celtic people so it’s a magical destination with 11 acres of native woodland and meadows that are filled with wildflowers in summer.
There’s a lovely nature walk, a giant sundial, standing stones, a lily-pad covered pond, and much more.
For those of you into the pagan history of destinations, this is the best thing to do in County Galway for you.
Brigit’s Garden also has an awesome cafe with locally grown and produced food so you can have a light bite after wandering around.
I want to visit these gardens again because I visited in late September so I missed seeing the gardens in bloom.
This is one of my top picks for County Galway.
Visit Aughnanure Castle
Just a little further out the N59 from Galway City is one of the most interesting sites in County Galway — the home of the O’Flaherty family who ruled this piece of Ireland for 300 years from this castle tower.
This family joined with the O’Malleys of County Mayo when one of the O’Flaherty men married Grace O’Malley who has her own story (for another blog post).
Anyway, Aughnanure Castle is a cool castle to check out.
You’ll be able to tour around yourself and see things like the banquet hall, various rooms and areas where animals would be kept.
It’s not a large site but for €5 it’s a worthy one to see.
Drive Though Lough Inagh Valley — Or Maybe Cycle It
Lough Inagh sits along the R344 and is in the Connemara area of County Galway.
The drive through this valley is one of the best things to do in County Galway for sure.
It’s a stunning drive — so long as you have decent weather.
If it’s raining, then you won’t get the wow factor.
As lovely as this lake is, I think it’s more about the surrounding peaks.
There are 2 mountain ranges in Connemara — the Twelve Bens and the Maumturks.
This road cuts in between these mountains.
The Bens will be to the West and the Maumturks to the East.
You can pick up the R344 from the main N59 on the southern end near Recess or the northern end just to the East of Kylemore Abbey.
I think the best way to make this drive is from the south.
You’ll see Lough Inagh pretty soon from the N59.
There are spots to pull off and walk to the lake.
It’s gorgeous — the lake and the mountains all around you.
A bit further up the road is Lough Inagh Lodge — which, by the way, looks gorgeous.
There is a car park across the street where you’ll see paths that lead down to the water.
This is a terrific spot to get out and stretch your legs or even stop to eat a snack you’ve packed for the trip.
As you make your way further North the valley opens up a bit, but is no less beautiful.
In fact, I might like this part the most.
The Bens loom off in the distance, little streams meander through the sheep dotted fields.
Yup.
Lough Inagh is not to be missed in County Galway.
Stop by Roundstone
Spending a bit of time exploring Roundstone and its surroundings is one of the things to do in County Galway you don’t want to miss.
First of all the harbor village of Roundstone is charming.
While there isn’t a lot to do in Roundstone, there are places to stay, eat and drink.
And it’s very picturesque with its location on the water.
Roundstone is an excellent place to slow down and take in life in a Galway harbor village.
You’ll get incredibly fresh fish and seafood here!
Just outside of town are the twin bays and beaches of Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay.
Wowzers!
Simply beautiful.
And then there is Errisbeg Mountain which you can hike up.
It’s not a long trail, but the views of the 2 bays are fabulous.
This is an awesome area to delve into.
Drive, Walk, Run or Cycle the Old Bog Road
Sometimes this bog is also referred to as the Roundstone Bog.
And I could have included it in the above.
But this is an extra special destination so I wanted it to have its own section.
You can access this road from the West just a wee South from Clifden along the R341.
Or you can access it on the East side just a bit North of Roundstone, again off the R341.
This wee road takes you through the peaty bogland that is so prevalent in Connemara.
In fact, the Old Bog Road is surrounded by the Roundstone Bog conservation area.
This bog is known as a blanket bog.
Blanket bogs are natural areas that are filled with all kinds of living things — from plants to animals.
They’re often equated to rain forests in that there is so much life going on in them.
If you want you can park at one of the pull offs (there aren’t many) and walk along the road.
Apparently if you start at one end, run to the other, then turn around and go back you’ll have run a half marathon.
So if running is your thing, then go for it.
You can also cycle it.
It’s just a wee, rolling road without any real hills so cycling would be fairly easy.
The views are stunning across the bogland to the Twelve Bens.
My favorite thing about the Old Bog Road is that there are all kinds of myths and legends.
It was used by smugglers.
There are ghosts along the road.
I love these stories!
Don’t miss the Old Bog Road as it’s really one of the best things to do in County Galway.
Drink in the Views at Mannin Bay
I love Mannin Bay.
It sits just a bit south from Clifden along the R341.
There’s a main parking area that you can’t miss.
Stop by and walk along the beach that is a mix of sand and rocks.
The color of the water has always been gorgeous when I’ve stopped — a blue-green that is mesmerizing.
If you drive a bit further south and take the first turn off to the right, you can access another beach known as Mannin Bay Beach.
I’ve not been to this beach yet.
Next trip!
There is some accommodation around the bay if you want to stay a night or 2 (yes, please).
It’s really one of the prettiest spots in County Galway.
Enjoy Clifden
Clifden is one of my favorite Irish towns.
And spending time in Clifden is one of the best things to do in County Galway.
The so-called “capital of Connemara” is located along the N59 about 77km from Galway City.
It’s a wee town of just 2500 residents and sits on the water.
But there are a few markets for food, a diverse selection of accommodation, plenty of pubs and some good restaurants.
The music scene is lively and fun.
Clifden is an excellent place to base yourself in Connemara for sure.
Even if you don’t stay in this town, do be sure to stop by for an afternoon and wander the streets, grab a bite to eat and get to know the locals who are an eclectic mix of warm and friendly people.
Be sure to walk out Beach Road which runs along Clifden Bay.
It’s a lovely walk!
Drive, Walk, Run or Cycle Sky Road
Sky Road is about 12 miles (20km) around.
It starts and ends in the Clifden area.
So if you make it to Clifden, there is no excuse to miss Sky Road — unless the weather is crap because you do NOT want to drive this if it’s lashing rain.
The views to the sea and the Twelve Bens are magnificent.
Around the heart of Clifden you’ll see the signs for Sky Road.
Simply follow the signs.
When you hit the ruins of Clifden Castle the road splits — Lower Sky Road and Upper Sky Road.
I think I’ve done both although the last time I drove it in 2017 I took the lower road.
The lower road has some fabulous views.
But the upper road has slightly better views simply due to the fact that you are higher up.
Many folks walk, run or cycle this road.
So if you are driving, be aware of this.
And if you decide to walk, run or cycle it (I’ve run a bit of it and walked a bit of it), just keep your eyes and ears open for cars.
If you go in the morning, the sun will be behind you as you drive west.
Evening means the sun will be out in front of you as it sets over the sea.
Regardless of which route you take or when you do it, you won’t be disappointed.
Experiencing Sky Road is definitely one of the best things to do in County Galway.
Tour Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
One of the things to do in County Galway that I have yet to do is tour Kylemore Abbey.
This is one of the top sites in all of Ireland so many folks do visit.
I suppose for me, I’ve simply been put off by the many motor coaches.
And I’ve heard it’s “okay” and even heard “not fully worth the price of admission”.
However, if grand Victorian homes and abbeys are your thing, then do put Kylemore on your list.
This abbey was a house, or more aptly a castle, first.
Built by Margaret Vaughan Henry and Mitchell Henry in 1867, the house belonged to the Henry family first then the Duke of Manchester and his wife — who happens to have come from my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio — bought it in 1903.
Eventually it became the home of the Benedictine nuns in 1920.
The walled gardens are supposed to be gorgeous.
And there is a beautiful church on the grounds.
I really think I’ll have to visit Kylemore Abbey and Gardens on my next visit.
Walk on the Trails in Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is one of 6 national parks in Ireland.
All the parks are worthy of time.
So no trip to County Galway is complete without spending some time in this awesome park — especially walking the trails.
Now to me, one of the most amazing things to do in County Galway is to make the trek up Diamond Hill which is a steep hike up a rocky trail.
It’s not particularly long, just rocky and exposed in some places.
The views from the summit are amazeballs!
But if that’s too much for you then walk the easy Bog Trail so you can see the peaty bogland up close.
Also be sure to check out the fantastic visitor center where you can learn about this intriguing ecosystem.
End it all with a little something to eat at the cafe.
Best of all, visiting the park is FREE.
Explore the Renvyle Peninsula
The Renvyle Peninsula is an under the radar destination in the Connemara area of County Galway.
You don’t read much about it in the usual travel guides.
I personally think it’s a not-to-be-missed experience in County Galway.
You can make a loop drive out of this or just zig zag along the roads — because it’s really impossible to get lost.
It’s not that big.
Visit Renvyle Beach, also known as White Strand.
Take a walk on this beach with its fun tide pools and stunning views to the sea and Mweelrea Peak in southern County Mayo.
Drive to the end of the peninsula where you’ll see the remains of Renvyle Castle and have views out to the Atlantic Ocean and the islands
Take a journey through the interior where you’ll see Tully Mountain and Tully Lough.
Stop by Lettergesh Beach at low tide and take another walk on a sandy beach.
Don’t miss Glassilaun Beach, the third beach — and the most stunning — of Renvyle.
Yes.
Three beaches on one small peninsula.
As you set your eyes upon Glassilaun you’ll wonder if you’re still in Ireland.
It truly looks as though it could be something from a Caribbean Island.
End your drive by stopping by Lough Fee.
Drink in the Connemara landscape — peaty bogland, mountains and sheep!
Renvyle Peninsula is that one place you have to visit in County Galway.
Get Out on Killary Fjord
Or at least drive around this gorgeous body of water.
This is the northern edge of County Galway with the other side of the fjord being County Mayo.
And it’s a spectacular end to County Galway.
There’s debate over whether Killary is truly a fjord from a geological point of view.
Regardless, it’s beautiful with the mountains all around it.
You can take a cruise on the water or, for those more adventurous folks, you can take a kayak tour.
If you’d rather not get out in a boat, then simply take a drive around the harbor and stop at the pull offs to take in the views.
Leenane (Leenaun) is one of the towns along the water that makes a nice place to stop for a bite to eat.
At the end of the fjord there is a good parking area to take some pics from.
Killary Fjord is definitely on the best things to do in County Galway list.
But it’s not the last…
Ferry To and Explore the Aran Islands
These 3 islands lie off the coast of County Galway in Galway Bay.
Ferrying over to one of the islands makes a great day trip from Galway City.
But stay longer.
Being there overnight — and perhaps even for a couple of days — will give you a deeper experience.
The Aran Islands — Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr — are Gaeltacht areas.
They’re windswept, bleak, but somehow very beautiful despite this.
You’ll see rock fences and windswept fields.
It’s an inhospitable land that somehow folks seem to manage to make work for them.
Each of the islands has its own character.
Inis Mór (Inishmore) is the main island, the largest, and home to the spectacular Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus).
It’s a 2000 year old fort that sits atop a cliff (right at the edge!).
No one really knows exactly what it was used for but it’s impressive as hell.
Inis Meáin (Inishmaan) is the second largest island and is the least populated.
Located in the middle of this chain of islands, Inis Meáin is far less touristy than Inis Mór.
There are 2 stone forts that are worth checking out — Dún Chonchúir (Conor’s Fort) and Dún Fearbhaí as well as a beehive hut.
Inis Oírr (Inisheer) is the smallest of the islands at 3km by 3km.
But it has a few more year-round residents than Inis Meaín.
Many say It’s the most charming of the islands, retaining a bit of a fishing village feel.
Cnoc Raithní is the main site on Inis Oírr.
It’s a prehistoric monastic site that’s really a stone mound, so it’s not much to look at.
But the artifacts and cremated remains that were discovered here date back to 1500BC.
All 3 islands do have places to stay with Inis Mór having the most.
I actually stayed for one night on Inis Mór on my first visit to Ireland in 2007.
I’d love to do it again — or stay on one of the other islands for a couple of nights.
Who’s Ready to Visit County Galway?
Whew!
That’s quite a list.
And there is more.
Although I do think I’ve hit the highlights!
County Galway is an outstanding destination in Ireland.
Don’t stop at Galway City.
Explore beyond the city and dig in deeper.
You will not be disappointed.
County Galway is awesome!
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Whew, indeed! What a list. But then, I’m not surprised you’ve exposed so many wonderful places to visit in this part of Ireland. One of the best meals I had in Ireland was at Murty Rabbit’s Pub in Galway. One of us had a roasted lamb shank and the other had a rack of lamb. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined pub food tasted so good!! Tahnk you for such a detailed post.
I love County Galway! And yes, pub food can be surprisingly good in Ireland.
I need to start planning a big roadtrip around Ireland. I loved how adorable Brigit’s Garden looked.
Brigit’s Garden was a fun find. It’s a spot I want to return to for sure. Roadtrip around Ireland? Great idea!!
Wow! The pictures really make it feel like I am there. It is on my list for sure. I didn’t know the details of population size, day trips etc of County Galway so I appreciate the detail this post provides!
Hope you make it to Ireland some day, Molly!
Beautiful post! I’ve always wanted to visit Ireland and I had hoped to go this year but maybe next. I’d love to do a road trip and see the many castles, beaches, go for long walks and wander the quaint villages! Saving this guide for when I make it there. 😁
Ireland will be waiting, Vanessa!
Such a great and informative post. The pictures were absolutely stunning. Galway is beautiful and looks like such a charming town. Would love to visit someday and added to my list!
Do visit County Galway and do spend more time in the countryside as this is where the best pieces of Galway are.
Galway looks like such a fun city! And the surrounding countryside is beautiful! I can’t believe how much there is to see and do in County Galway! I’m definitely going to add it to my bucket list! Thanks for the great guide!
There is a lot. And I only touched on some of it. I highly recommend more time out of Galway City than in it.
I love all your pictures, they’re so dreamy. I think my favourite part of the trip would be to get the ferry to and explore the Aran Islands.
These 3 islands look amazing and it’s now on my bucket list to stay overnight!!
As I was writing this I realized that it had been too long since I had been to the Aran Islands. So I’m thinking a return trip is on the next time itinerary.
Yes, I’m ready to dig in deep and explore Galway! Thank you for this detailed post. I had planned to visit Galway in 2020, so it’s top of my list when travel opens up again. Sounds like I will want to plan several days exploring the city and the surrounding countryside. Those stone walls are amazing!
Spend more time outside Galway City than in it. While Galway City is fun, a night is enough. The rest has more to offer!
Wow so much to see! I was supposed to go to Ireland in 2020 so it’s at the top of my list for when it’s ok to travel internationally again
Ireland is beautiful! I was going back in 2020 as well. Fingers crossed for later this year.