Galway 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Galway Itinerary:

This itinerary is designed for a first-time visitor to Galway who wants to experience the best of this vibrant city’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Galway Charm

  • Morning: Arrive in Galway City. Check into your accommodation (see suggestions below). Start your day with a stroll through the charming streets and alleys of the historic city center.

    • Things to do:
      • Explore the narrow streets and vibrant shops of Shop Street, the heart of Galway’s medieval city.
      • Wander along the River Corrib and admire the traditional Galway Hooker boats.
      • Visit the colorful Claddagh Village, a historic fishing village with charming cottages and cobblestone streets.

  • Afternoon: Stroll through the Latin Quarter with its quirky shops, pubs, and cafes. Explore the Galway City Museum to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a traditional Irish meal at Ard Bia at Nimmos, known for their delicious locally sourced ingredients.
    • Experience the lively atmosphere of Galway’s pubs with a night of music and craic (fun) at The Crane Bar or Tig Cóilí.

Day 2: Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way

  • Morning: Take a scenic walk along the Wild Atlantic Way, the breathtaking coastal road that offers stunning views of the sea.

    • Suggestion: Walk the Salthill Promenade for a beautiful walk along the coast and enjoy the fresh air.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Galway Cathedral, a magnificent landmark with intricate stained glass windows and religious art.

  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at McDonagh’s Seafood House or Ard Bia at Nimmos.

    • Other activities:
      • Explore the Spanish Arch, a historical landmark on the waterfront.
      • Visit Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful castle nestled in the Connemara mountains.

Day 3: Galway’s History and Beauty

  • Morning: Start with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation (see suggestions below). Spend the morning visiting Lynch’s Castle, a historical building that houses the Galway City Museum.

    • Suggestion: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds of Salthill Promenade while taking in the beautiful views.

  • Afternoon: Explore the charming village of Salthill and its shops, cafes, and traditional pubs.

Other things to do:

  • Visit the Aran Islands: Take a ferry from Galway City and discover the rugged beauty and ancient history of this popular destination.
  • Wander through Connemara National Park: Enjoy breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, and even guided tours of the mountains.
  • Explore the Galway City Museum: Learn about the history of Galway City and its surrounding areas.
  • Catch a show at the Town Hall Theatre: Experience live theatre, music, and dance in a beautiful historical building.

Things to see:

  • The Latin Quarter: Discover charming cobblestone streets, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife.
  • Galway City Museum: Explore the exhibits on Galway’s history and heritage.
  • Lynch’s Castle: Visit this historic landmark that showcases the city’s medieval past.
  • The Spanish Arch: A historical structure in Galway’s heart, a reminder of its ancient walls.

Food & Drink (suggestions for each meal):

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast at Ard Bia at Nimmos, “The King’s Head Pub” for a delicious and hearty full Irish breakfast, or grab a quick coffee and pastry at The Coffee House.
  • Lunch: For a casual lunch, try the fish & chips at McDonagh’s Seafood Bar on the pier.

Dinner:

  • The Latin Quarter: Indulge in a traditional Irish meal with live music and a lively atmosphere.

  • Galway City: Experience the diverse culinary scene of Galway city.

  • Other things:

    • Connemara: Explore the stunning landscapes of Connemara, including Connemara National Park.
    • Aran Islands: Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the coastline.
    • Galway Bay: Discover the beauty and history of the bay by taking a boat tour or walking along its shores.
    • The Galway City Museum: Learn about the history of Galway through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

Places to eat:

  • Galway:

    • Breakfast/Brunch:
      • The Ard Bia at Nimmos: Delicious Irish breakfast with local ingredients.
      • The Coffee House: Casual cafe with great sandwiches, salads, and soups.

  • Other places:

    • Ard Bia at the Galway City Museum: Enjoy a light lunch while overlooking the city.
    • The Cottage Bar (Aran Islands): Relaxed atmosphere for dinner and drinks.

  • For a taste of something different:
    (Suggestions are tailored to your interests. Do you want something casual or fine dining? Seafood or vegetarian options? Traditional Irish food or international cuisine?)

Where to stay:

  • The Salthill Hotel: Offers comfortable rooms with ocean views.
  • Galway Bay Hotel: A more affordable option with a convenient location near the beach.
  • Galway City:
    • Airbnb: Find a variety of apartments, houses and rooms for rent in different areas of Galway city.
    • The House Hotel: Known for its modern design and central location.
    • Hostelworld: This website offers affordable dorm beds and private rooms in hostels around Galway

Things to consider:

  • Budget: Consider the length of your stay, budget limitations, and desired level of comfort.
  • Location: The city center is vibrant but can be noisy. The Latin Quarter offers a quieter setting with easy access to the city’s attractions.

Other things to do (expand on these based on your preferred “lunch/dinner” location):

  • Visit Galway Market: Enjoy fresh local produce, crafts and delicious food stalls.
  • Explore the Salthill Promenade: Walk along the beach, enjoy the views of the Aran Islands, and watch the sunsets over Galway Bay.
  • The Claddagh: Explore the historic streets, visit the Galway City Museum to learn about the area’s history and heritage.

Things to do in Galway City:

  • Explore Galway Cathedral: Admire the stained glass windows and architectural details of this impressive building.
  • Enjoy traditional Irish music at a pub: Galway is renowned for its vibrant music scene, with numerous pubs offering live music sessions nightly.
  • Visit the Galway City Museum: Explore the exhibits on Galway’s history, including artifacts from the Spanish occupation.

Things to do (for a quicker, “lunch” experience):

  • The Galway City Museum: Enjoy the variety of museums and galleries in Galway city.

  • Lunch at a local pub:

    • The King’s Head Pub: Grab a bite and enjoy the traditional atmosphere.
    • Other pubs: Experience the vibrant nightlife on High Street and Eyre Square.

  • Enjoy a seafood dinner:

    • Ard Bia at Nimmos: A popular restaurant for locals and tourists alike.
    • Other restaurants: Explore the diverse culinary offerings on Kirwan’s Lane or Dominick Street Upper

  • Things to see and do:

    • Galway City Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from Galway’s history, including paintings, sculptures, and archaeological objects.

      • Visit the other museums in Galway:

        • The Galway City Museum

    • Explore the Galway Bay Maritime Museum: Learn about the history of shipbuilding and seafaring on the west coast of Ireland.

  • Enjoy a walk along the bay: (For example, if you’re interested in Galway’s history)

Things to consider for a “dinner” experience:

  • Galway City:

    • Location: Think about the type of scenery you enjoy and choose a location accordingly.

  • Food:

    • Traditional Irish Dishes: Enjoy dishes like Irish stew, fish and chips, or a hearty bowl of chowder while experiencing the local history and culture.
    • Fine Dining Options: Explore the vibrant culinary scene in Galway City, with many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.

Enjoy your trip to Galway!