Top Galway Historical Tours

Hear the legend of the Lynch family as you make your way through Galway, and decide what you think is really behind the murder the family is linked to. Wander around the city’s backstreets, hearing stories from your guide. Learn about the city, too, and let your guide recommend restaurants and pubs for you to try after your tour finishes. You might make new friends on this small-group tour, too.

Galway might have a charming history that delights tourists, but as with any storied city, there are certainly darker tales below the surface. Discover chilling stories of murder, ghosts, and witchcraft as you navigate the city streets on this evening walking tour that takes you to some of Galway’s most haunted spots.

A premium small-group experience for curious travellers who feel drawn to Ireland’s ancient Celtic roots. Step beyond ordinary sightseeing and into the magical world of ancient Ireland. This tour brings Ireland’s legendary past to life through captivating storytelling, hidden city corners, medieval streets and unforgettable local atmosphere. Explore Galway at an easy pace, with space to ask questions, soak in the atmosphere, and receive personalised recommendations tailored to your interests. Step into a world where faeries, druids and the Otherworld still feel close. Hear tales of warrior heroes, powerful goddesses, fairy folklore and the mysteries that shaped Irish culture for centuries. If you're searching for one of the most unique things to do in Galway, this is it.

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way without the hassle of organizing logistics or renting a car, thanks to this full-day tour. Venture out from Galway onboard a coach, and admire the scenery as you travel through the limestone landscape of the Burren to the village of Doolin. There, take the express ferry to Inisheer, the smallest and most traditional of the Aran Islands. Discover a 10th-century castle ruin, a sunken church, a shipwreck, and a peaceful beach, with the option to explore on foot, by bike, or pony and trap (own expense). Afterward, the ferry continues beneath the towering Cliffs of Moher for a unique vantage point from on the water, before returning to Doolin. Choose whether to tuck into a traditional Irish pub meal (own expense), before heading the top of the cliffs to catch sweeping Atlantic views.

Take a walking tour of Medieval Galway with an experienced regional guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland. See the remnants of the medieval period in Galway and learn about the city's past. Meet your guide at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, where they will take you on an exciting tour to discover the city walls, Lynch's Memorial Window, the story of the Claddagh ring, Hall of the Red Earl, and much more. Hear how the 14 Tribes took control of Galway from the de Burgos and made it one of the most important trading hubs along the western seaboard during the medieval period.

Experience the real Galway City with Kathleen, a certified Fáilte Ireland Tourist Guide and genuine local "Galway Girl." Skip the large crowds on this intimate 90-minute small-group walking tour. As you stroll through the bustling main streets, medieval lanes, and the famous Latin Quarter, you'll uncover the vibrant history, culture, and local stories that make Galway unique. Highlights: • Explore Eyre Square, Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch, The Claddagh Ring Museum and more. • Guaranteed small group size ensures a relaxed, unhurried tour with plenty of time for questions. • Hear authentic stories about daily life in Galway from a born-and-raised local guide. • Get Kathleen’s personal recommendations on where to enjoy the best traditional food and a perfect pint of Guinness.

Delve into the haunting history of Galway on this captivating evening walking tour. Stroll through medieval streets as you uncover chilling tales of executions, ghostly apparitions, and local folklore. Begin at Lynch's Castle, where the powerful Tribes of Galway once ruled, and hear the dark tale of Mayor James Lynch Fitz Stephen. Explore Spanish Arch and the River Corrib, where legends of famine victims and lost sailors come alive. Visit Galway Cathedral and St Nicholas' Collegiate Church to learn about the city’s grim past before concluding at The King's Head Pub, with an option to enjoy a unique Blood Red Ale. - Evening walking tour through Galway’s medieval streets and haunted spots - Discover chilling stories of executions and ghost sightings - Visit historic sites including Lynch's Castle and Galway Cathedral - Optional upgrade to enjoy a unique Blood Red Ale at The King's Head Pub

Make the most of your time in Galway by hopping on an electric bike and following your guide to the city’s top spots, and some hidden ones, too. This small, intimate group tour takes you by the city’s landmarks like Galway Cathedral, the Spanish Arch, and many more. Learn about the city’s history and culture from your local guide. If you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the sea at Blackrock Diving Board.

Make the most of your time in Galway by booking this private tour, where you get a great overview of the city, visit some of the most famous spots, and make a plan for the rest of your time in the city. Walk at your own pace to places like Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, and more. Make sure your cameras are ready for photos of the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral, and the Quadrangle at UCG.

Providing the only dedicated walking tour of the Latin Quarter, this tour will highlight the city of Galway which grew up around St. Nicholas's collegiate church, the city port that contributed to the city becoming a powerhouse of trade and politics during the medieval period. Brendan your guide is a qualified and licensed guide who has intimate knowledge of the city. The tour will be narrated through historical facts, and stories that will bring the city to life!

Explore Ireland’s beautiful Burren region and discover top natural landmarks, including the Cliffs of Moher, with ease on this day tour from Galway. Travel through the Burren’s rugged landscapes without having to tackle the winding roads yourself and discover the 16th-century Dunguaire Castle and Aillwee Cave. Explore walking trails on top of the mighty Cliffs of Moher at your leisure and enjoy panoramic views over the coastal scenery.

Discover Connemara on this private half-day tour from Galway for groups of up to seven people. Drive through the scenic countryside, past the villages of Connemara, Inverin Spiddal, and Barna, with stops to take in the views of Clifden Bay, the Twelve Bens, and the Maam Turk Mountains, and explore the historic Kylemore Abbey, with time for lunch or snacks (own expense).

Marvel at the natural majesty of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Cliffs of Moher on a full-day trip from Galway. Travel south by luxury coach and pass through quaint fishing villages such as Doolin and Kinvara. Admire the ancient fortress of Dunguaire Castle; get acquainted with the Burren, a limestone landscape reminiscent of the moon; and spend two hours of free time walking the trails surrounding the colossal Cliffs of Moher.

Discover top Connemara attractions without having to drive through the distracting landscape on a handy day trip from Galway. Your guide sheds light on the region’s rich heritage and spectacular natural scenery along the way. Admire views over the Twelve Pins mountains and enjoy free time in Leenane Village. Check out Killary Fjord and Kylemore Abbey, and stop in the Irish-speaking village of Spiddal, before returning to Galway.

Experience the mighty Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from both land and sea on this full-day tour from Galway. Marvel at the scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way; cruise out to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands; then hike along the cliff-tops and enjoy spectacular views across the Atlantic.

Delve into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, an Irish county thronged with historic monuments and natural splendor, on a full-day tour from Galway City. Gaze at the tranquil surfaces of Lough Carrib and Loch NaFooey and discover the elaborate walled gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a pleasant balance of guided tours and independent exploration during this enriching excursion.

Discover the beauty and culture of County Clare with a half-day guided walk led by a local farmer. Go for a stroll along the region’s famous sea cliffs and learn about the history and folklore of this corner of Ireland. Admire views of local landmarks including the Aran Islands, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Twelve Bens of Connemara during this walk in the countryside.

Enhance your experience of Ireland’s spectacular Cliffs of Moher on a full-day excursion from Galway. With a professional guide, travel to the quaint village of Doolin to enjoy chowder, chocolate and the colorful architecture of the enclave. Continue to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, 200-meter (700-foot) mounds that tower over the crashing Atlantic Sea, and spend some relaxed free time absorbing panoramic vistas. Return to Galway via the Wild Atlantic Way and gaze at scenes of outstanding natural beauty as you travel.

Discover a thriving Irish tradition in a historic place with admission to Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations. Pre-booking tickets to the sheepdog demonstrations is a convenient way to take care of planning in advance. That means you can use your travel time for exploring the historic ring fort and watching the highly trained sheepdogs perform.

Relax in this lap of luxury as you explore Connemara and the Wild Atlantic Way in your own time, in your own way. The tour is for those who want a full cultural experience of the area while taking in the stunning views of The Twelve Bens Mountains, Lough Inagh, the villages of Oughterard and Letterfrack The Maumturk Mountains, Killary Fjord and working Connemara farmstead. Expect beautiful coastline and mountain views

Growing up in Galway has given me an intimate knowledge of the rich and vibrant history of the jewel of the west, Galway. Much like the strong currents of the River Corrib that run through it, the stories and tales of its inhabitants have flowed through my life. A family heritage of storytelling imbued me with a love for imparting a good yarn. These tours will have the history, the lore and the origins of Galway’s unique culture, from a true native Galwegian! My walking tours draw from 20 years involvement in theatre, storytelling and music. My guided jaunts around Galway are the perfect marriage of all these aspects of my life. It will become abundantly clear the joy it provides me and I aim to share this joy with my customers. If it’s the culinary delights of Galway, its medieval history, its lesser known stories or the rich musical and artistic heritage of the city you seek to learn about, I would be privileged to guide you along the way. Gaillimh Abu!

Discover the best of the Wild Atlantic Way with this full-day tour from Galway. Set out on a combination coach and boat tour to see top landmarks in the west of Ireland including the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands. See the Cliffs of Moher from below during a boat journey, visit the island of Inis Oirr, and back to the mainland.

John Ford’s 1952 movie “The Quiet Man” starring John Wayne, was filmed in the Irish village of Cong, and this tour reveals all the secrets from the popular film. Accompanied by your guide, take a walk around the small town of Cong and see the real-life locations used in the movie. Finally, visit The Quiet Man museum, where you can explore a replica of the cottage used in the movie.