Local Attractions

There are so many visitor attractions in Galway City. The Hardiman provides the perfect base for you to explore Galway from.

Druid Theatre – www.druid.ie – Druid was founded in Galway in 1975 by graduates of the National University of Ireland, Galway, Garry Hynes, Mick Lally (1945 – 2010) and Marie Mullen – the first professional theatre company in Ireland to be based outside Dublin.

An Taibhdhearc Theatre –http://antaibhdhearc.com/-Is iomaí forbairt atá tarlaithe sa Taibhdhearc ó bunaíodh í sa bhliain 1928, agus tá sí fós ag tógáil ar a bunchloch daingean agus ar aidhm a bunaitheoirí, go mbeadh An Taibhdhearc mar theallach ag drámaíocht na Gaeilge agus go spreagfadh sí nuadhrámaíocht na Gaeilge.

Town Hall Theatre- http://tht.ie/– the venue is the epicentre of activity for virtually all of Galway’s key festivals and cultural events including Galway Arts Festival, Galway Film Fleadh, Cuirt and Baboro Children’s Festival to name but a few.

Galway Arts Centre –http://www.galwayartscentre.ie/ – Galway arts Centre is a bustling hub of Art, Literature and performance Art in the heart of Galway City.

Galway City Museum  – http://www.galwaycitymuseum.ie/ – the museum is a spacious, modern building, situated in the heart of Galway city on the banks of the River Corrib and overlooking the famous Spanish Arch. It houses a variety of permanent and touring exhibitions representing Galway’s rich archaelogy, heritage and history.

The Spanish Arch- The Spanish Arch is located on the banks of the River Corrib where the river meets the sea. It was built in 1584 and was part of the city walls, built to protect merchant ships from looting. In the past it was known as The Blind Arch and is located on the site known as Ceann na Bhalla (The Head of the Wall).

St Nicholas’s Collegiate Church –http://www.stnicholas.ie –The Church is a fine medieval building, you will find much to attract and fascinate you. There are free guide sheets in many languages available. The Church is a place of tranquility in the midst of a busy city.

Lynch’s Castle –was once the home to the most powerful family in Galway. This incredible Limestone building is a fine example of an dIrish gothic style. Situated between Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, this castle gives us a rare glimpse of old Galway.  A strong feature on all tours of Galway.

The Cathedral –http://www.galwaycathedral.ie/ – Situated on the banks of the River Corrib in Galway city, Galway Cathedral is the most recently built of Europe’s great stone cathedrals. It is the seat of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora.

Quadrangle NUI Galway – www.nuigalway.ie – The Quadrangle first opened its doors to 63 students on 30th October 1849 and the University, then known as Queen’s College was born. The University was one of three Queen’s Colleges, the others located in Cork and Belfast. The Quadrangle building, built in local limestone in a Tudor Gothic architectural style, is modelled on Christ Church at the University of Oxford. The ‘Quad’ still stands proudly at the heart of the University today as a testament to its past. It is now used primarily for administrative purposes and houses the offices of the President and the Vice-Presidents.

Home of Nora Barnacle Bowling Green – Nora Barnacle, the wife of James Joyce, was born here into the family of a baker.

Kennedy Park, Eyre Square – The Hardiman stands tall overlooking this beautiful city centre park. In 1965, the square was officially renamed “Kennedy Memorial Park” in honour of US President John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway city shortly before his assassination in 1963.

The Famine Ship memorial Celia Griffin Park, Grattan Salthill –On the 4 July 2012 the Galway Famine Ship Memorial was dedicated at the Celia Griffin Memorial Park at Grattan Beach, Galway.  “The unveiling of the monument will be Galway’s tribute to Celia Griffin and the many thousands of children like her who perished in the Famine, and also to the ships and crews which carried so many of our people to safety .Celia Griffin has come to symbolise all the children who lost their lives in the Great Famine.

The Saturday market –Galway’s famous bustling market with hundreds of stalls selling fresh produce and locally produced crafts. Open Saturdays and Bank Holidays from 8am to 6pm and Sundays 12 noon to 6pm.

Corrib Princess –Hop on the Corrib Princess, which departs from Woodquay in the city centre and tour the Corrib river and lake. www.corribprincess.ie.