Guide: all countries » Ireland » Galway » Cultural sights

Culture of Galway. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Kinvara Galway Ireland Despite the fact that Galway has partially lost its once high economic status, its historical charm is fully preserved. Travelers are recommended to explore the city's attractions on foot, as they are all within walking distance of each other. One of the most significant historic landmarks is St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church. Built in the 15th century, it is one of the largest religious buildings in Ireland. The church is not only remarkable for its impressive age and scale, but also for the fact that it was visited by Christopher Columbus himself during his visit to Galway.
Top hotels in Galway for business trip or short vacation
In Galway, you can find many historic hotels, and the most prestigious one is Glenlo Abbey. It is housed in a magnificent old castle standing on the shore of Loch Corrib Lake. The hotel is … Open
Another notable medieval structure is Lynch's Castle dating back over five hundred years. It has repeatedly changed its status throughout its entire history. The castle had served as a prison for a long time, and today the prominent medieval building is occupied by one of the city's banks. Lynch's Castle is considered one of the Galway's most spectacular Gothic-style architectural monuments. Originally it belonged to a rich Irish dynasty, but today everyone can visit the castle's ground floor to appreciate its rich interior decoration.
A very symbolic local landmark is The Spanish Arch built in 1584. It is the only preserved part of medieval fortifications in Galway. Next to the arch, one of the oldest and most beautiful city streets begins - the picturesque Spanish Walk . Local traders once enjoyed evening walks in this place. Today the Spanish Walk is extremely popular among romantics and couples in love. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Guide to Galway sightseeing - things to see and to visit
Galway is an old port city and administrative center of the eponymous county located in the west of Ireland. The history of the city begins in 1124. Fort at the Mouth of the Gaillimh (Dún … Open
One of Ireland's most important religious sites can be found in the north-west of the city. The construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas (Galway Cathedral) began in 1958 - it was erected on the bank of the River Corrib, on the site of an old destroyed prison. The Cathedral is notable primarily for its non-standard appearance. It shows a unique combination of architectural elements of the Renaissance and Romanesque styles. The main treasure of its interior is an old organ, one of the largest in Ireland. Near the Cathedral is the old university building, the opening of which was held back in the year 1849. Currently, it ranks among the three most prestigious educational institutions in Ireland.
Galway As for numerous cultural facilities, special attention should be paid to Galway City Museum. Its exposition is conditionally divided into two parts, one of which displays priceless historical artifacts, and the other presents tourists a rich collection of artworks. Fans of fascinating tours cannot miss their chance to visit the Irish Crystal Heritage Centre introducing its guests to one of the most interesting national crafts. Since ancient times, local craftsmen have produced fabulously beautiful cut-glass ware, chandeliers and other interior decorations of crystal. Collections of the most beautiful products are presented in the cultural center's halls. It also operates a good store where you can buy some luxurious memorable gifts.
Your active city break in Galway. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
Galway is an ideal place for enjoying all kinds of recreation. It offers many historic landmarks, wonderful entertainment facilities, and a huge number of shops, as well as great places to … Open
The surroundings of Galway are rich in natural attractions, and they are sure to please eco-tourism fans. A lot of interesting walking routes pass through the region of Connemara, which, among other things, has many ancient Celtic castles. Fans of recreation in picturesque places and fishing enthusiasts would prefer to go on a tour of Lough Corrib Lake.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Galway and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Galway and surroundings

Galway - guide chapters 1 2 3 4

Iconic cultural sights of Ireland

The most beautiful Dublin botanical garden is located on 25 hectares. It is also called the Green Heart of Dublin because of its location in the very city center. There are more than 20 thousand various plants collected around the world. Bunratty Castle is a real treasure of Ireland and one of the main attractions of the country. Walls of the fortress have perfectly preserved. The environment of the 15th century survived there too. Dublin has several incredible museums, including the Guinness Storehouse, the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, the Museum of Dublin, and the National Leprechaun Museum. In the Museum of Dublin, guests of the country can plunge in the country's history. An acquaintance with the culture of brewing in Ireland is waiting in the Guinness Storehouse. … Open
Reference information
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Galway
♥   Cathedral of St. Mary, Tuam, 29.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuam, 29.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea, 33.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Former Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, Glendalough, 48.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Former Cathedral of St. Colman, Mayo, 50 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Knock Queen of Ireland, Knock, 58 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathedral of St. Flannan, Killaloe, 66.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo

Unique spots in Galway and near

Ashford Castle

From the series “Ireland's Greatest Castles”
Check on the map:   Distance from Galway center - 33 km.
The luxury hotel impresses with its refined interiors today. The most beautiful natural wood finish has been preserved in it. You can see chic carpets, antique chandeliers, and priceless works of art all over the place. 89 exquisite rooms are available to guests in the chic castle hotel. They are decorated in an individual style. The hotel has its Spa, as well as two restaurants. You can taste Irish delicacies there. A golf course is available on the extensive surrounding grounds. An equestrian center and a scenic lake are located nearby. You can take a boat ride on it. … Read further

Clonmacnoise Tower

From the series “Falling towers and buildings”
Check on the map:   Distance from Galway center - 65.1 km.
Only the tower managed to be perfectly preserved despite the huge tilt. Specific rehabilitation works and reconstruction was not carried out in it. The exact purpose of the Clonmacnoise tower is unknown. According to some assumptions, it served as a kind of bell tower. People were called to prayer from it. You can see similar towers in Ireland today. All of them are necessarily located near churches and monasteries. … Read further

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Galway

Killarney
The Church of St. Mary, which was founded in 1855, makes out a striking religious attraction. The church fascinates visitors not only with its architectural style, but also with an abundance of artifacts stored within its walls; anyone can see those priceless relics. ... Open »
Dublin
Among the cultural institutions of Dublin National Museum occupies an honorable place. The museum is located in former barracks. These buildings were built in the beginning of the 18th century. The museum exhibits interesting collections of household items, vintage ... Open »
Belfast
A landmark of an older period, Stormont Castle is one more must-visit destination. The building of this castle was finished in the second half of the 19th century. The castle is located not far from the Parliament building and is currently used as a government ... Open »
Isle Of Man
The wheel has been operating for more than a hundred years; it is the biggest structure of its kind on the planet. Besides this amazing engineering design, the town can boast a system of scale mines. Today, they are closed and act as tour facilities, so everyone can ... Open »
Swansea
The Swansea Museum tells travelers about the most significant events in the history of the city. Tourists who aren’t indifferent to visual arts would like a collection of Glynn Vivian Art Gallery. The National Museum opened in 2005 is an interesting cultural venue ... Open »
Kilmarnock
In the largest city park is a monument to the great poet Robert Burns. The opening of the monument took place in 1879, since then it is the largest Burns monument in Scotland. In 2004, the monument was badly damaged by fire but quickly restored to its original form. ... Open »
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