Itineraries for Your Trip to Galway
2 Days in Galway for First Timers
I first stayed in Galway as a home base for my day trips to the Cliffs of Moherand the Aran Islands, but I soon learned there was so much more to this coastal city that I wanted to explore. Rainy mornings walking along the Salthill Promenade were my favorites, with lively nights dancing the jig in a local pub a close second. With two days in Galway, you can get to know some of the welcoming locals and learn a bit of Irish history. This 2-day Galway itinerary for first timers has many of my favorite activities—a good way to get your planning started.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a walk along the Salthill Promenade.
Galway is cool and rainy much of the year.
The easiest way to start your Galway visit is on a walking tour that will take you to all the top points of interest, from the Spanish Arch to Lynch's Castle. Stop by the Claddagh Ring Museum to learn about the ring's tie to Galway and how it became a worldwide symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship.
Galway's ever-evolving food scene is something you'll want to explore while you're there. You'll find pubs serving up traditional fare, such as lamb stew and mussels, plus modern interpretations of local ingredients. To get the lay of the land from a local, enjoy lunch with a food tour that will give you a taste of many different offerings.
The night hours are when you can wander Galway in search of live music that's likely pumping out from various pubs around town. If you're traveling with kids, look for an Irish dance and music performance at one of the theaters in town. Once the fiddler starts playing, you'll have a hard time holding yourself back from dancing the jig yourself.
Check off some of your must-visit spots with a ticket to ride the hop-on hop-off bus throughout town. Hop off at Salthill for a break from the city streets and a walk along the promenade, then hop back on to get to the Galway Cathedral and other popular spots. You'll save your energy for exploring and enjoy some sights along the way!
Take a break from exploring the city and book an afternoon cooking class where you'll learn to make Irish specialties, such as scones and soda bread. This is a lovely way to get to know a Galway local, and you'll take home the recipes and memories when your trip is over.
Round out your 2-day visit to Galway with a tour of a different kind that explores the area's darker past. Full of folklore and vivid storytelling, a Galway ghost tour will take you back to times of yore to learn about some of the city's spooky characters and places. It's the perfect way to end your visit in Galway.
