Three Days in Galway City

Galway is where I feel like I am a young fella. The city is about as vibrant as any place in the world. It somehow captures that sense of freedom and the vibrancy of youth then somehow bottles it by surrounding you with color, magic, music and..well....pints! This is a city best explored slowly, wandering through streets, popping into pubs for electric jigs and reels, soaking in art around every corner, shopping in quaint tourist shops, taking in the stories on walking tours with a pinch of salt and above all, letting the rhythm of the place lead you.

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Day 1 — Start in Eyre Square and Shop Street

Begin in Eyre Square, Galway’s central gathering place and gateway to the historic core where President Kennedy spoke to Ireland back in 1963. From here, stroll down Shop Street, the heart of the Latin Quarter. Street musicians and buskers often perform here, adding to the city’s artistic energy. You might have to keep reminding yourself, that you need to  take your time exploring the colorful medieval streets, boutiques, and cafés. 

Visit Galway Cathedral and the River Corrib

Walk toward the River Corrib to visit Galway Cathedral, one of the city’s most striking landmarks made from Connemara marble. From here, stroll along the riverbank where swans glide through fast-flowing water with the salmon heading toward Galway Bay.

Explore the Spanish Arch & Galway City Museum

Continue toward the waterfront and the Spanish Arch, one of the last remaining pieces of the medieval city walls and stroll the water's edge in the famous Claddagh district. View the  Galway Hookers, boats unique to Galway.

Walk the Salthill Promenade

In the afternoon, head toward Salthill Promenade, a scenic seaside walk loved by locals. It’s traditional to “kick the wall” at the end of the promenade for good luck. Salthill is home to what I believe to be, the best music show in Ireland, Trad on the Prom. Unmatched in skill level and artistry, the show covers, traditional music, song and dance with some of the best Irish dancers in the world displaying savage artistry to the best Irish music. 

Evening: Trad Music & Pub Culture

Tig Coili, Taaffes Bar, and Tigh Neachtain in the Latin Quarter are touristy but the musicians are the real deal. The Crane or Monroes are my favorites. A little off track and rough around the edges but you will find the best of the best music there.

Day 2 — Day Trip: The Aran Islands & Cliffs of Moher

If you only take one day trip from Galway, make it this one. The Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher are two of the highlights of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and can be visited together on a full-day tour. 

Morning: Ferry to the Aran Islands

The Aran Islands feel like stepping back in time and stepping off the earth. A world away from the hustle and bustle of Irish life, any life really. Visiting Aran Mor offers the chance to experience Irish island life and to breathe the fresh Atlantic air. Visit the ancient ring fort of Dún Aengus. How they built this fortress on the edge of the world, I will never know.  

Know that the ferries across the drama but it can be choppy and I mean VERY CHOPPY so bring the dramamine. The sights of tuny white cottages against the coral beaches and craching waves on the rocks is about as loud as nature gets. It is exhilarating, bracing and about the best day as you can have.

Fishing, farming, and Gaelic culture remain central to island life, giving the islands their timeless charm. 

Afternoon: Cruise Beneath the Cliffs of Moher

After the islands, boats often cruise beneath the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most famous landscapes.

The cliffs tower dramatically above the Atlantic and offer sweeping views across the ocean and the Aran Islands. 

Walking the cliff paths is unforgettable — sea spray, seabirds, and endless ocean views combine into one of Europe’s most dramatic coastal experiences.

Experience our most iconic site in Ireland from the ocean gives you more perspective on the power of the atlantic against the barren rocks on the edge of the world. Plan your day.

Scenic Drive Along the Burren

On the return to Galway, many tours pass through the Burren, a fascinating limestone landscape dotted with rare plants and ancient ruins.

This combination — islands, cliffs, and lunar landscapes — makes this one of the most memorable day trips in Ireland. Perhaps to stopping in villages like Doolin or Ballyvaughan

Return to Galway for dinner at Lignum or Aniar if you are a foodie or just get fish and chips in McDonoghs or Hooked (I love both!)

Day 3 — Day Trip: Connemara & Kylemore Abbey

Your final day explores the wild beauty of Connemara, one of Ireland’s most scenic regions.

Drive Into Connemara National Park

Connemara is famous for mountains, lakes, peat bogs, and sweeping Atlantic views. The landscapes here feel raw and untouched.

Killary Fjord (Ireland’s only fjord) - Killary Fijord Boat tours bring you on a peaceful trip to the edge of the fjord and take in the mountains around you, every changing with the light and the half light. Maybe stop for seafood in Linnane

Roundstone is a spectacular little village for a waterside stroll. I also love Glassiaun Beach near Renvyle

Visit Kylemore Abbey

The highlight of most Connemara trips is Kylemore Abbey, a fairytale castle set beside a lake and surrounded by mountains.

Built in the 19th century, the abbey is famous for the love story behind it. 

Tours often combine Kylemore Abbey with stops in picturesque villages and scenic viewpoints.

Drive the Sky Road (Clifden)

If you have a car, continue to Clifden and drive the Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal drives. Coaches cannot take the Sky Road so maybe try a curated trip by car. The views are spectacular.  

Where to Stay in Galway City

Galway is tricky as I don't think it is served well. IN town they ran out of space so to find the great hotels, I think you need to get outside the town.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel - Just outside the city this stately house on the edge of a great golf club is worth the price. Remarkable Michelin starred food in the Pullman restaurant, former train carriages from the Orient Express. The rooms are lush, comfortable and bright. Love the place.

The Salthill Hotel - I like that is out of the hubbub but close to Salthill attractions like Trad on the Prom with views of Galway Bay and lovely for evening coastal strolls.

The Dean is a hipper option with great design and close to everything in town. There is even an outdoor pool for those brave enough and a solid gym to work off all those late night pints.