GALWAY & CONNEMARA
Galway City & Connemara is the quintessential West of Ireland, where the wild Atlantic meets a vibrant cultural heart. It’s a land of breathtaking natural beauty, from the rugged mountains and bogs of Connemara to the colorful, artistic buzz of Galway City.
This region is the Gaelic capital of Ireland, a place rich in traditional music, the Irish language, and a deep sense of history. It offers a perfect blend of lively urban life and serene, spectacular coastal and mountain wilderness.
Most Popular Attractions
Galway City Core:
Spanish Arch: A medieval archway on the River Corrib, close to where Spanish merchants once traded.
Galway Cathedral: A grand, relatively modern cathedral, one of the last great stone cathedrals to be built in Europe.
Quay Street & Latin Quarter: The heart of the city’s nightlife and dining, famous for its colorful pubs, shops, and street performers.
St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church: The largest medieval parish church in continuous use in Ireland, dating back to 1320.
Galway City Museum: Located near the Spanish Arch, dedicated to the history and heritage of Galway City and its people.
Eyre Square (J.F.K. Memorial Park): The city’s main public plaza, a hub of activity and a gateway to the city center.
Salthill Promenade: A famous 5 km seaside walk known for its views of Galway Bay and the tradition of “kicking the wall” at Blackrock.
Galway Market: A lively Saturday and Sunday market adjacent to St. Nicholas’ Church, featuring local crafts and food.
Connemara National Park & Mountains:
Connemara National Park: A vast expanse of blanket bog, heaths, mountains, and woodlands, perfect for hiking.
Diamond Hill: The most popular trail in the National Park, offering spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and mountains.
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: A stunning Neo-Gothic abbey and former Benedictine monastery set against a backdrop of mountains and a lake.
Clifden: Known as the “Capital of Connemara,” a charming market town famous for its colorful streets and scenic location.
Sky Road (Clifden): A spectacular, circular scenic drive offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic, islands, and coastline.
Twelve Bens (Na Beanna Beola): A magnificent mountain range dominating the Connemara landscape, popular with serious hikers.
Coastal & Cultural Heritage Sites:
Aran Islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan, Inisheer): Accessible by ferry from Rossaveal or air from Connemara Airport, a stronghold of Irish culture and language.
Aughnanure Castle: A well-preserved 16th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Corrib, once home to the O’Flaherty family.
Inishbofin Island: A beautiful island accessible by ferry from Cleggan, known for its pristine beaches, walking trails, and traditional music.
Alcock and Brown Landing Site: Located near Clifden, commemorating the spot where the first non-stop transatlantic flight landed in 1919.
Cong Village & Abbey: A picturesque village famous as the setting for the film The Quiet Man and home to impressive monastic ruins.
Dún Aonghasa (Inishmore): A spectacular prehistoric stone fort set on a 100-meter cliff edge on the largest of the Aran Islands.
Roundstone: A charming coastal village known for its traditional musical instruments (bodhráns) and beautiful surrounding beaches like Gurteen and Dog’s Bay.
Omey Island: A tidal island that can be reached by car or foot across a vast strand at low tide.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Salthill Promenade (The Prom): Take a bracing walk along the 2km-long Salthill Prom, a favorite local pastime. Legend has it you must “kick the wall” at the end for good luck.
Explore the Latin Quarter: Wander through Galway City’s oldest and most vibrant quarter, famous for its stone-paved streets, traditional pubs, lively buskers, and colorful shopfronts.
Hike Diamond Hill in Connemara National Park: Summit this iconic peak for arguably the best panoramic views of the Connemara landscape, including the Atlantic coast, bogs, and Kylemore Abbey.
Visit Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden: Explore the stunning neo-Gothic castle, former Benedictine Abbey, and meticulously restored six-acre Victorian Walled Garden set dramatically on a Connemara lake.
Take a Boat Trip to the Aran Islands: Catch a ferry from Rossaveal or Galway City and explore the islands (Inishmore, Inishmaan, or Inisheer) to experience traditional Irish language, culture, and ancient stone forts like Dún Aonghasa.
Learn a Traditional Craft: Take a class in the Connemara region to learn skills like weaving (at the Connemara Handcrafts workshop), or try your hand at traditional Irish music instruments.
Cycle the Sky Road Loop: Rent a bicycle in Clifden and tackle this scenic 16km coastal route, offering spectacular vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, islands, and the Connemara coastline.
Attend a Traditional Music Session: Experience an authentic “trad session” at a classic pub in Galway City (The Crane Bar or Tigh Coilí are excellent choices), where musicians gather informally to play.
Go Sea Kayaking in Roundstone Bay: Join a guided sea kayaking trip in the calm, clear waters around Roundstone, exploring the rocky coves and viewing the unique coastal wildlife.
Stroll along the Spanish Arch: Visit this historic stone archway on the banks of the River Corrib, a relic of the city’s medieval past and a great spot for people-watching.
Attend the Galway International Arts Festival (July 2026): If your visit aligns with mid-July, immerse yourself in one of Europe’s premier arts festivals featuring theater, music, comedy, and visual arts.
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way: Use Galway as your base to explore the world-famous driving route, specifically the scenic stretches through the Connemara region with its dramatic coastline and mountains.
Local Tips & Transport
Galway City:
Walking is Best: Galway’s main attractions, including the Latin Quarter, Salthill Prom, and major pubs, are concentrated in a compact, pedestrian-friendly city center. Walking is the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore.
Buses (Bus Éireann): The city has an efficient public bus service for reaching areas further afield, such as the university and the surrounding suburbs. Use the TFI Live App for real-time information.
Bike Share (Galway Bikes): The city has a public bike-sharing scheme with stations dotted around the center and Salthill, providing a quick way to cover ground.
Connemara:
Car is Essential: To truly explore the rugged beauty of Connemara, a rental car is highly recommended. Public transport outside of the main towns is sparse. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads (often single-lane with passing spots).
Regional Bus Links: Bus Éireann provides services connecting Galway City to larger towns in Connemara like Clifden, Letterfrack, and Roundstone. These are good for getting to a base but less flexible for sightseeing.
Getting to the Aran Islands: Ferries depart year-round from Rossaveal Harbour (a 45-minute drive from Galway City, with a shuttle bus service available). Seasonal ferries also operate directly from Galway City Docks.
Embrace the Weather: Irish weather is famously changeable. Always pack layers and a waterproof jacket, even in summer. A sunny morning can quickly turn into a brisk, damp afternoon, especially in the mountains of Connemara.
Pub Culture is Social: Pubs are the heart of social life. Don’t be shy—feel free to stand at the bar, chat with locals, and ask about local beer or whiskey. You can buy a round for your companions, but the “tradition” is often that everyone buys a round in turn.
Food Focus: Seafood & Oysters: Galway is synonymous with seafood, particularly its famous Galway Oysters. Try a bowl of rich Seafood Chowder or fresh fish and chips. If visiting in September, try to catch the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival.
Gaelic (Irish Language): Connemara is part of the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region). While English is universally spoken, you’ll see road signs in Irish first, and hearing the local language spoken in pubs or shops is common—it’s a key part of the local culture.
Mind the Midge: In the Connemara countryside, particularly near bog or water on still summer evenings, you might encounter midges (tiny, biting flies). Packing a strong insect repellent is a good idea for hikes.
Hidden Gems
The Galway Hookers: Look out for these unique, traditional Irish sailing boats, known for their distinctive dark sails and heavy build, in Galway Bay and Clifden. They are a beloved symbol of the region’s maritime heritage.
Claddagh Ring Ceremony: Visit the original Claddagh area in Galway City, where the famous Claddagh ring (hands for friendship, heart for love, crown for loyalty) was created. You can visit a workshop to see it made.
Aughnanure Castle: Located near Oughterard, this well-preserved 16th-century tower house is an atmospheric O’Flaherty stronghold, less crowded than the main tourist sites and a great peek into clan history.
Innishbofin Island: A beautiful, lesser-visited island accessible by ferry from Cleggan (near Clifden). It offers rugged coastal walks, a small, welcoming community, and a peaceful escape from the mainland.
Top Restaurants
O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar & Restaurant [$25-$45] – A classic, family-run pub and restaurant in Roundstone, famous for its seafood chowder and fresh Atlantic catch, with views over the harbour.
McDonagh’s [$15-$30] – A Galway City institution since 1902, known for its traditional fish and chips on one side, and a more formal seafood restaurant on the other.
John Keogh’s Gastropub [$20-$35] – A popular, atmospheric gastropub in Galway’s West End, offering a modern take on pub classics and a great selection of local beers.
Lowry’s Music & Whiskey Bar [$20-$35] – A three-time winner of Best Traditional Bar in Ireland, located in Clifden, serving excellent pub grub like Connemara smoked salmon and hearty dishes.
Moran’s Oyster Cottage [$30-$50] – A 250-year-old thatched cottage in Kilcolgan, just outside Galway City, world-famous for its incredible oysters, fresh seafood, and traditional charm.
Guy’s Bar & Restaurant [$20-$35] – One of the oldest bars in Clifden, an inviting and rustic spot on Main Street known for its reliable bar food, local atmosphere, and wood-fired pizzas.
Paddy Coynes Pub [$20-$35] – A beautiful, traditional pub in Tullycross (Connemara) that offers a cozy, historic atmosphere, great Guinness, and a reputation for excellent seafood and seasonal specials.
Keogh’s Ballyconneely Pub & Restaurant [$20-$35] – Located near the coast in Connemara, a traditional pub specializing in fresh, local seafood in a warm, friendly atmosphere.
The Quay Street Kitchen [$15-$25] – A small, friendly, and busy spot in Galway City Centre, popular for its creative breakfast, lunch, and hearty dishes made with local ingredients.
The Dail Bar [$15-$30] – A popular, lively bar in Galway City with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of traditional, crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Veldon’s Seafarer Bar & Restaurant [$25-$40] – Located in Letterfrack (Connemara), this award-winning spot is well-known for its excellent seafood chowder, Killary mussels, and crab claws.
Traditional Fish Shop [$15-$25] – Located in the heart of Galway City, a local favourite for fresh, expertly cooked fish and chips in a casual setting.
The Crane Bar [$15-$25] – While not a dedicated restaurant, this legendary, small pub in Galway’s West End is famous for its nightly traditional Irish music and occasionally offers simple, hearty food.
The Pie Maker [$10-$20] – A tiny, quirky shop in Galway City Centre that specializes in delicious, savory, and sweet pies with gourmet fillings like Irish black pudding and goat’s cheese.
Keane’s Bar [$15-$25] – A cosy, welcoming pub at Maam Bridge in Connemara, perfect for a warming toasted sandwich or simple pub lunch after a drive through the mountains.
Joyce’s Bar [$15-$25] – A traditional, cosy bar in Recess (Connemara), offering good food daily in a classic Connemara pub setting.
The Galleon Restaurant [$25-$40] – A well-established, classic restaurant in Salthill, serving traditional Irish and European cuisine with a strong focus on fresh seafood.
Hooked [$20-$35] – A casual, bustling, family-run spot in Galway’s West End, offering high-quality, fresh seafood with a no-fuss approach.
Oscars Seafood Bistro [$40-$65] – An multi-award-winning restaurant in Galway’s West End, run by a chef dedicated to sourcing the best local and seasonal seafood, prepared with flair.
Mitchell’s Restaurant [$35-$55] – A highly-regarded seafood powerhouse in Clifden, known for its consistent quality and commitment to serving fish, shellfish, and crustaceans delivered directly from local fishermen.
Little Fish [$25-$40] – Located near Cleggan Pier (Connemara), this restaurant is celebrated for its simple, fresh, and flavourful seafood dishes.
Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant [$40-$65] – A seafood restaurant in Clifden with spectacular views, offering high-end cuisine that showcases the best of what Connemara’s land and sea have to offer.
Rúibín [$40-$65] – Overlooking Galway’s docklands, this stylish restaurant is known for its modern Irish dishes with global influences, often featuring excellent local seafood.
The Twelve Hotel – West Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located in Barna, just outside Galway City, this restaurant is known for its fine dining experience and focus on locally sourced seafood and Irish ingredients.
Kai Restaurant [$40-$70] – A Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant in Galway’s West End known for its unique, hyper-local, seasonal, and organic European cuisine in a vibrant setting.
Ard Bia at Nimmo’s [$35-$55] – Tucked away by the Spanish Arch and River Corrib, a festive and quirky restaurant known for its creative dishes blending local Irish ingredients with international and Middle Eastern flavours.
Dela Restaurant [$30-$50] – Located in Galway’s West End, known for its commitment to self-sustainability, using produce from their own farm to create modern European and Irish dishes. Popular for brunch and creative dinner menus.
The Dough Bros [$15-$25] – A popular, casual spot in Galway City renowned for its authentic Neapolitan-style, wood-fired pizzas, considered some of the best in Ireland.
Cava Bodega [$35-$55] – A Spanish tapas restaurant in Galway City, focusing on Iberian food and wine, with a high reputation for authentic and high-quality Spanish cuisine in a charming setting.
Brasserie On The Corner [$35-$55] – A chic and sophisticated restaurant in Galway City, specializing in locally-sourced steak and seafood dishes, with a commitment to seasonal menus.
The Lamplight Wine Bar [$30-$50] – A cozy spot in Clifden known for its international selection of biodynamic and sustainable wines, paired with fantastic small plates and main courses focused on top-quality, sustainable ingredients.
Darcy 12 [$30-$50] – Located in Clifden, this restaurant uses fresh, local Connemara produce to create plates of flavour, specializing in fresh seafood, local meat, and homemade burgers.
The Misunderstood Heron [$15-$30] – A unique food truck on the water’s edge in Leenane (Connemara), serving up highly-regarded, innovative street food with stunning harbour views.
Blackrock Cottage [$30-$50] – A charming and bright spot on the Salthill seafront, offering a variety of dining options with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and excellent coastal views.
Daróg Wine Bar [$20-$40] – An intimate wine bar in Galway’s West End offering a wide range of artisan, natural wines and a small menu of thoughtfully prepared small plates and charcuterie.
Éan [$35-$60] – A bakery, café, and wine bar located off Druid Lane in Galway City, known for its delicious baked goods and creative, seasonal food offerings.
Aniar Restaurant [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Galway’s West End, founded on a “terroir” philosophy, offering an immersive tasting menu experience that is a true celebration of the West of Ireland’s wild and seasonal produce.
Owenmore Restaurant at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel [$80-$130] – Set in a stunning castle in Connemara, this fine dining restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients, overlooking the river.
Pullman Restaurant [$70-$110] – A truly unique fine dining experience set in two original, fully-restored carriages from the Orient Express, located at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Alma Restaurant [$50-$80] – Located near Eyre Square in Galway City, showcasing the flavours of Portuguese-inspired gastronomy across the world with a sophisticated touch.
Marconi Restaurant at Foyles Hotel [$40-$70] – A well-regarded family-run restaurant in Clifden, famed for its creative meals, focusing on fresh Irish seafood and traditional dishes with fine dining elegance.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
HYDE Bar Galway: Situated in the heart of Galway City on Forster Street, this elegant and stylish bar is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and boasts Ireland’s largest gin collection, offering a chic yet casual atmosphere.
The Pins Bar & Bistro (The Twelve Hotel): Found slightly outside the city center in Barna, en route to Connemara, this award-winning bar is celebrated for its inventive cocktails, including the locally inspired ‘Gateway to Connemara Martini’.
Oyster Bar at The Hardiman: Located right on Eyre Square in the heart of Galway City, this historic hotel bar is known for its classic cocktails, impressive wine list, and, naturally, fresh oysters, offering a refined experience.
Electric Garden & Theatre: A multi-purpose venue in the city centre on Upper Abbeygate Street, its Garden area is popular for its inventive cocktails and is known for its stylish setting, which often hosts DJs and club nights later on.
Tigh Nora Gin Bar: An intimate and charming bar in the bustling Latin Quarter of Galway City (off the main street), specializing in a vast selection of gins and gin-based cocktails in a cosy atmosphere.
The Front Door Pub/Sonny Molloy’s: Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter (accessible from High Street and Cross Street in Galway City), this large, popular venue features a stylish cocktail lounge on one of its two floors, alongside a dedicated whiskey bar.
The Blue Note: Found in Galway City’s West End on William Street West, this pub is famed for its boogie-friendly dance floor, late-night atmosphere, and serving up classic cocktails and drinks in a lively, unpretentious setting.
Massimo: Another popular spot in the West End of Galway City, offering a spacious and stylish interior, a small dance floor, and a diverse range of cocktails alongside a varied music policy.
Blake’s Bar: Located on Eglinton Street, centrally in Galway City, this bar offers a cosy and sophisticated atmosphere for enjoying premium spirits and meticulously made cocktails before a night out.
An Púcán: A very popular traditional pub and late-night venue on Forster Street, near Eyre Square in Galway City, it offers a lively atmosphere and a strong selection of classic cocktails alongside traditional Irish music.
The Sands Bar (Connemara Sands Hotel): Situated in Ballyconneely, Connemara, this bar offers a beautiful New England-style ambiance and a full selection of skillfully prepared cocktails, best enjoyed with views of Mannin Bay.
Kelehans Bar & Restaurant: A local pub in Bushypark on the outskirts of Galway City, en route to Connemara, which features a cosy traditional bar serving crafted cocktails alongside traditional tunes.
Signal Bar (Clifden Station House): Located in the picturesque town of Clifden, the “Capital of Connemara,” this bar is set in the original Clifden Railway Station and offers a relaxed setting for a good drink after a day of exploring.
The Lamplight Wine Bar & Restaurant: Found in Clifden, Connemara, this venue is known for its cozy atmosphere and quality food, but also provides a nice selection of drinks and wines, offering a sophisticated alternative in the region.
Lowry’s Bar: A gem in Clifden, Connemara, this is an award-winning traditional Irish pub, famous for its live traditional music, that also offers a great range of drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
DNA Nightclub: Widely regarded as a premier late-night destination, located centrally on Ball Alley Lane, near Eyre Square in Galway City. It offers a luxurious clubbing experience with a focus on chart-topping hits and house music.
Electric Garden & Theatre: A significant multi-purpose venue on Upper Abbeygate Street in Galway City Centre, it is a key hub for club nights, live shows, and a diverse range of electronic music genres across its multiple spaces (Factory, Main Floor, and Garden).
Coyotes Late Bar and Club: Located on Shop Street in the heart of Galway City, this American-themed venue is spread across multiple floors, offering different themed areas and dance floors, making it an ultimate party venue.
Róisín Dubh: A famous live music venue and club on Dominick Street Upper in Galway City’s West End, offering a unique and eclectic nightlife experience with indie rock, traditional Irish, comedy, and popular club nights like Silent Disco.
The Front Door Pub: While primarily a pub, its late-bar status and multiple floors, including a dance-friendly area, make it one of Galway City’s busiest and most enduring party venues, open until the early hours in the Latin Quarter.
Cuba Nightclub: Reopened and boosting Galway’s nightlife scene, this club is located above McGettigans pub at the top of Eyre Square in the city center, providing a dedicated space for dancing and late-night revelry.
Halo: A popular spot in the heart of Galway City on Abbeygate Street Upper, known as the place to “let loose,” serving up cocktails and “craic” every Friday and Saturday night with a focus on a lively club atmosphere.
The Quays Bar: Found in the Latin Quarter on Quay Street, this historic pub has a dedicated spectacular live music hall upstairs, which transforms into a lively late-night spot with covers bands and DJs, often charging a cover charge.
Monroe’s Live: A venue on Dominick Street Upper in Galway’s West End, while starting as a tavern with traditional music, its “Live” space frequently hosts bands, gigs, and club-style events, offering an alternative to purely commercial clubs.
The Skeff Bar & Kitchen: Located prominently on Eyre Square in Galway City, this large venue operates as a late bar on weekends, with multiple floors and areas accommodating a large crowd for a lively pre-club or late-night session.
De Burgos Bar and Club: Situated near the city center, this venue offers a high-energy atmosphere with chart hits and dance anthems, appealing to those looking for a non-stop party experience.
The Blue Note: As mentioned for cocktails, this West End spot on William Street West is also a legendary late-night venue with a focus on funk, soul, disco, and house music spun by local and international DJs, famous for its disco ball.