The Best of Galway: History, Culture and City Highlights Walking Tour

Explore Galway with a walking tour that brings the city’s medieval past and modern character together in a clear, relaxed and engaging way. This route covers major landmarks, local stories and small details that many visitors miss, making it ideal for anyone who wants a solid introduction to the city.

You’ll start near John F. Kennedy Park and make your way through the medieval quarter, where Galway’s oldest buildings and most dramatic stories are found. Along the way you’ll see Saint Nicholas’ Church, learn why the word “lynched” is connected to the city and hear about the Tribes of Galway who shaped local life for centuries. The tour also brings you to the Spanish Arch and the remains of the old city walls, where you’ll get a clear picture of how Galway defended itself and how the town grew.

As you move toward the River Corrib, you’ll hear about Richard Martin, the Galway man who helped found the RSPCA, and the complicated reputation he carried. You’ll also get simple tips for spotting a real Claddagh ring and learn why the swans at the Claddagh have become part of local identity.

The aim of this tour is to make Galway easy to understand and enjoyable to explore, whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been here before. You’ll get accurate history, local insight and the kind of stories people usually only hear from someone who grew up here. If you want a walking tour that covers the essential sights and reveals the parts most visitors overlook, this is the one to choose.

It's a tour guided by Exploro app, you will have the stops pinpointed on the map and the directions explained at each stop in case you need them. 

Duration: 1h

Start time: You can start at any time you wish – this is a self-guided tour.

Start Location: John F. Kennedy Park

End Location: Spanish Arch

Stops: 17

Audio guide: English.

Written guide: English.

Find more information about the Galway Self-Guided Tour and discounts here.