Exploring Galway City

Having just arrived in Galway, we couldn’t resist heading straight to Salthill — the city’s beloved seaside escape. Nestled along the edge of Galway Bay, Salthill has been drawing visitors since the early 19th century, when sea bathing first became fashionable. Back then, horse-drawn trams carried daytrippers from the city to the shore, eager to breathe in the Atlantic air.

It’s hard not to imagine those old trams rattling along, bringing crowds to the beach. Today, while the trams are long gone, the tradition of seaside leisure lives on. The promenade — stretching nearly 2 km — has become the heartbeat of Salthill. Locals and visitors alike stroll, jog, and cycle along its length, often finishing with the quirky Galway ritual of “kicking the wall” at Blackrock Diving Tower.

The promenade offers sweeping views across Galway Bay. On clear days, the limestone hills of the Burren shimmer in the distance, and the Aran Islands seem to float on the horizon. 

From Salthill, it’s only a quick five‑minute drive into the heart of Galway. We left the car at the Cathedral, one of the city’s most striking landmarks, and set off on foot. Crossing the Corrib River, the water rushed beneath us, carrying its energy out toward the bay.
The Cathedral dominates the skyline with its massive dome and stone façade. Construction began in 1958 on the site of the old city prison, and by 1965 it was complete — earning the distinction of being the last great stone cathedral built in Europe. Its architecture blends Renaissance and Romanesque styles, with stained glass windows that flood the interior with colour.
Leaving the Cathedral, we crossed the Corrib River, one of the shortest yet fastest rivers in Europe. The views from the bridge are spectacular: swans gliding on the water, the city unfolding on either side, and the promise of Galway’s bustling Latin Quarter just ahead.

Just across the bridge from Galway Cathedral, we turned into Newtownsmith, a quieter corner of the city with its own hidden gem — the Friars Walkway. This charming path runs between two rivers: the mighty Corrib and the lesser‑known Friars River.
The Friars waterway is a piece of early canal engineering. In 1178, the Friars of Claregalway Abbey, tired of taking long detours to access the river, began constructing this canal — a remarkable feat for its time


​From the walkway, it’s only a short stroll into the city’s lively streets. Galway is always alive — thanks to its large student population, the constant flow of tourists, and the street buskers who fill the air with music. Whether it’s a fiddler playing traditional tunes or a singer belting out modern hits, the city hums with energy.

From the Galway races to the Galway arts festival, from the Volvo Ocean race to the Galway ironman, there is always something happening.

The Spanish Arch and Galway's Living History

Our walk along the Corrib brought us to one of Galway’s most iconic landmarks — the Spanish Arch. Built in 1584 as part of an extension to the old city walls, it once protected the bustling quays where merchants traded goods from Spain and beyond. Today, the Arch stands as a reminder of Galway’s centuries‑old role as a maritime gateway.

Galway City Museum:

Just beside the Arch lies the Galway City Museum, a treasure trove of history, science, and art. Its permanent exhibitions tell the story of Galway from medieval times to the present, while touring displays bring fresh perspectives from Ireland and abroad. It’s the perfect place to pause and connect the dots between the city’s past and its vibrant present.
You can explore more about the museum on its official website
 (  http://www.galwaycitymuseum.ie/  )

Galway Harbour:
A short stroll away, Galway Harbour hums with activity. Sailing yachts bob gently alongside fishing boats, a living testament to the city’s enduring relationship with the sea. The salty air, the sound of rigging against masts, and the sight of boats heading out into Galway Bay all add to the maritime charm that defines this city.

Travel Tip: Visit the Spanish Arch in the evening. Street performers often gather nearby, and the sunset over the harbour paints the sky in golden hues — a magical blend of history and everyday life.

The Fishery Watchtower & Galway's Latin Quarter:
Heading back toward Wolfetone Bridge, we stopped at the Fishery Watchtower Museum -- a fascinating slice of Galway’s maritime past. Built in 1852 by the Ashworth Brothers, the tower served for more than 120 years as a station to monitor fish stocks and prevent illegal fishing. It also operated as a draft netting service station, keeping a close watch on the Corrib’s rich salmon runs. Today, entrance is free, and guided tours bring the building’s history to life, making it a hidden gem for curious visitors.


The Latin Quarter:
From the Watchtower, we wandered towards Quay Street and the Latin Quarter, Galway’s busiest and most vibrant area. The cobbled streets buzzed with energy — tourists exploring, students chatting, and street performers filling the air with music. This part of the city is a feast for the senses, with an abundance of pubs, restaurants, and cafés spilling onto the lanes.

We popped into Fat Freddy's, a long‑standing favourite, for a quick lunch. The atmosphere was casual and welcoming, the perfect pause before diving back into the lively rhythm of the Quarter.

Charlie Byrne's Bookshop:
Galway’s vibrancy isn’t just in its music and streets — it’s in its shops too. Among the colourful storefronts, one stands out as a true treasure: Charlie Byrne's Bookshop.

This independent haven for book lovers is a labyrinth of literature, with hundreds of thousands of titles covering every imaginable subject. Step inside and you’ll find multiple rooms stacked from floor to ceiling, each corner inviting you to linger a little longer. 
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The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with the quiet rustle of pages and the occasional discovery of a rare gem. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, wandering through shelves that feel endless.
You can explore more about the shop on its official website:  ( http://charliebyrne.com/ )

With our day drawing to an end, one thing is clear — Galway is a must-visit city along the Wild Atlantic Way. 

It’s a place that balances contrasts beautifully: large enough to surprise you with hidden gems, yet small enough to explore in a single day. From seaside strolls in Salthill to the grandeur of the Cathedral, from the echoes of history at the Spanish Arch to the lively rhythm of the Latin Quarter, Galway offers a tapestry of experiences.

​You can sample delicious food, browse colourful shops, listen to street buskers filling the air with music, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere that makes the city pulse with life.Galway may be a city, but it carries the warmth and intimacy of a village — a character that makes visitors feel instantly at home.