Colour, Character and Culture Around Every Corner
Not that you need an excuse, but Trad on the Prom is THE perfect opportunity to visit amazing Galway city and explore some of the staggering beauty, warmth and real Irish culture that defines our very special county.
Galway city is in the province of Connacht and is the county town of county Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and the beautiful Galway Bay that has inspired so many stories and songs. The city is known as the ‘City of Tribes’, a nod to the 14 families that controlled trade and politics in the area from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Bustling and bohemian, cultural and charismatic, Galway is the heart of traditional Irish music which fills the streets and bars, pubs and cosy corners. The cobblestone streets of the medieval Latin Quarter are alive with buskers, musicians and dancers, and while you may feel lost in time in this fascinating medieval city, this is also a very modern destination with every attraction, facility and amenity you could want.
Our favourites in Galway City
Pier 56 @ Galway Bay Hotel
Located on Salthill’s famous promenade, Pier 56 is Galway’s newest, casual dining experience. The restaurant is modern and contemporary with a friendly atmosphere. Pier 56 Café and Restaurant is open daily from 9am – 9pm.
Galway Food Tours
A wonderful culinary walking tour of Galway run by local guides bringing you to try produce from Oysters to Cheese; Sushi to Crab and Doughnuts to Strawberry Tarts, Local Beers and more. Galway Food Tours is a 2.5 hour culinary walking tour of the city.
Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Company
Based on Quay Street in the heart of the Latin Quarter of Galway City, the shop is owned by Niall and Aideen Mc Nelis. Theirr unique Irish Jewellery designs and jewellery collections are hand crafted in our workshop.
The Irish Dance Experience
Founded by former Riverdance lead performer Siobhán Manson, this energetic and fun-filled experience will have you jiggin’ about in no time!
See and Do
See more of Galway
Galway Walks – Walking Tours
Here charming streets are filled with entertainers, with a string of Irish pubs and restaurants nestled amongst fabulous shops. Sight-see, barhop, window-shop – or just soak up the vibe! Quay Street slopes down to the river, with its wonderful selection of characterful storefronts, restaurants and bar terraces.
Eyre Square
This is Galway’s main public space, home to the incredible Quincentennial Fountain with its abstract depiction of one of the famous ‘Galway Hooker’ sail boats, and a bust of John F. Kennedy who was bestowed Freedom of Galway. Galway’s prime shopping centre borders on to the Square as do some of the city’s finest hotels.
Salthill Promenade
As well as being home to Trad on the Prom, Salthill offers up 6 km of beautiful promenade, with views of The Burren in county Clare and the peaks of Connemara. Sit and watch the yachts sailing, visit the fascinating Galway Atlantaquaria or head for the iconic Blackrock Diving Tour and watch the sun go down on Galway bay. And there are plenty of bars, cafes and seafood restaurants to choose from.
Galway City Museum
Time is very well spent at this special attraction that covers Galway’s archaeology, folk history, art and natural history. See a traditional Galway sailboat or ‘hooker’, view the Medieval Stone Collection and visit the photography gallery for a visual journey of the city from the 1950s.
Corrib River Cruise
From May to September, take a leisurely sail up the river from Woodquay in the city. Enjoy a 90-minute journey through stunning green countryside, where picturesque farms meet lake and bog. You can also see the ruins of the 16th century Menlo Castle.
Beyond Galway
If you’re staying in Galway, you’re perfectly placed to visit so many incredible attractions in the surrounding area…
Travel the Wild Atlantic Way
Galway sits roughly at the halfway mark of the Wild Atlantic Way – a world famous coastal drive that spans Ireland’s west coast for 2,500 kilometres from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. From Galway you could head down to the wild, untamed beauty of the Burren in county Clare, with its fascinating kaarst landscape – or travel up the coast to take in the magnificent 50 peaks and 4 mountain ranges of the Connemara National Park.
Take a Ferry to the Aran Islands
Travel back in time to the romance and beauty of the Aran Islands – Inishmore, Inishmaan and Inisheer, off the coast of Galway. Explore the incredible cliffs, medieval forts and Celtic churches, take a pony and trap ride or enjoy a choice of outdoor activities including hiking and cycling.
Experience the Cliffs of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is one of Ireland’s favourite visitor experiences and a Signature Discovery Point on The Wild Atlantic Way. Formed over 320 million years ago, they stretch for 5 miles along the coast and reach a height of 700 feet – offering some of the most breath-taking views you’ll ever experience. The cliffs are also home to a vast catalogue or flora, fauna and marine life.