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Galway

Culture of Galway. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Despite the fact that Galway has partially lost its once high economic status, its historical charm is fully preserved. Travelers are recommended to explore the city's attractions on foot, as they are all within walking distance of each other. One of the most significant historic landmarks is St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church. Built in the 15th century, it is one of the largest religious buildings in Ireland. The church is not only remarkable for its impressive age and scale, but also for the fact that it was visited by Christopher Columbus himself during his visit to Galway.

Top hotels in Galway for business trip or short vacation

In Galway, you can find many historic hotels, and the most prestigious one is Glenlo Abbey. It is housed in a magnificent old castle standing on the shore of Loch Corrib Lake. The hotel is …

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Another notable medieval structure is Lynch's Castle dating back over five hundred years. It has repeatedly changed its status throughout its entire history. The castle had served as a prison for a long time, and today the prominent medieval building is occupied by one of the city's banks. Lynch's Castle is considered one of the Galway's most spectacular Gothic-style architectural monuments. Originally it belonged to a rich Irish dynasty, but today everyone can visit the castle's ground floor to appreciate its rich interior decoration.

A very symbolic local landmark is The Spanish Arch

built in 1584. It is the only preserved part of medieval fortifications in Galway. Next to the arch, one of the oldest and most beautiful city streets begins - the picturesque Spanish Walk

. Local traders once enjoyed evening walks in this place. Today the Spanish Walk is extremely popular among romantics and couples in love. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Guide to Galway sightseeing - things to see and to visit

Galway is an old port city and administrative center of the eponymous county located in the west of Ireland. The history of the city begins in 1124. Fort at the Mouth of the Gaillimh (Dún …

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One of Ireland's most important religious sites can be found in the north-west of the city. The construction of the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas (Galway Cathedral) began in 1958 - it was erected on the bank of the River Corrib, on the site of an old destroyed prison. The Cathedral is notable primarily for its non-standard appearance. It shows a unique combination of architectural elements of the Renaissance and Romanesque styles. The main treasure of its interior is an old organ, one of the largest in Ireland. Near the Cathedral is the old university building, the opening of which was held back in the year 1849. Currently, it ranks among the three most prestigious educational institutions in Ireland.

As for numerous cultural facilities, special attention should be paid to Galway City Museum. Its exposition is conditionally divided into two parts, one of which displays priceless historical artifacts, and the other presents tourists a rich collection of artworks. Fans of fascinating tours cannot miss their chance to visit the Irish Crystal Heritage Centre introducing its guests to one of the most interesting national crafts. Since ancient times, local craftsmen have produced fabulously beautiful cut-glass ware, chandeliers and other interior decorations of crystal. Collections of the most beautiful products are presented in the cultural center's halls. It also operates a good store where you can buy some luxurious memorable gifts.

Your active city break in Galway. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here

Galway is an ideal place for enjoying all kinds of recreation. It offers many historic landmarks, wonderful entertainment facilities, and a huge number of shops, as well as great places to …

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The surroundings of Galway are rich in natural attractions, and they are sure to please eco-tourism fans. A lot of interesting walking routes pass through the region of Connemara, which, among other things, has many ancient Celtic castles. Fans of recreation in picturesque places and fishing enthusiasts would prefer to go on a tour of Lough Corrib Lake.

In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Galway and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Galway and surroundings

This guide to cultural sights Galway is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Galway - guide chapters 1 2 3 4

Reference information

Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Galway
♥ Cathedral of St. Mary, Tuam, 29.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuam, 29.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea, 33.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Former Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, Glendalough, 48.3 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Former Cathedral of St. Colman, Mayo, 50 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of Knock Queen of Ireland, Knock, 58 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Cathedral of St. Flannan, Killaloe, 66.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Unique spots in Galway and near

Ashford Castle

From the series “Ireland's Greatest Castles”

Check on the map: Ashford Castle on map

Distance from Galway center - 33 km.

The luxury hotel impresses with its refined interiors today. The most beautiful natural wood finish has been preserved in it. You can see chic carpets, antique chandeliers, and priceless works of art all over the place. 89 exquisite rooms are available to guests in the chic castle hotel. They are decorated in an individual style. The hotel has its Spa, as well as two restaurants. You can taste Irish delicacies there. A golf course is available on the extensive surrounding grounds. An equestrian center and a scenic lake are located nearby. You can take a boat ride on it. … Read further

Clonmacnoise Tower

From the series “Falling towers and buildings”

Check on the map: Clonmacnoise Tower on map

Distance from Galway center - 65.1 km.

Only the tower managed to be perfectly preserved despite the huge tilt. Specific rehabilitation works and reconstruction was not carried out in it. The exact purpose of the Clonmacnoise tower is unknown. According to some assumptions, it served as a kind of bell tower. People were called to prayer from it. You can see similar towers in Ireland today. All of them are necessarily located near churches and monasteries. … Read further

Iconic cultural sights of Ireland

The most beautiful Dublin botanical garden is located on 25 hectares. It is also called the Green Heart of Dublin because of its location in the very city center. There are more than 20 thousand various plants collected around the world. Bunratty Castle is a real treasure of Ireland and one of the main attractions of the country. Walls of the fortress have perfectly preserved. The environment of the 15th century survived there too. Dublin has several incredible museums, including the Guinness Storehouse, the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, the Museum of Dublin, and the National Leprechaun Museum. In the Museum of Dublin, guests of the country can plunge in the country's history. An acquaintance with the culture of brewing in Ireland is waiting in the Guinness Storehouse. … Open

Culture of Galway. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

City tours, excursions and tickets in Galway and surroundings

Unique spots in Galway and near

Ashford Castle

Clonmacnoise Tower

Iconic cultural sights of Ireland

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Galway

Landmarks of culture on Galway map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Galway