Things to Do in Galway

Galway's iconic colourful streets were traditionally painted by shopkeepers to mark their businesses before street numbers existed.

The city sits on the edge of Connemara and the Aran Islands, making it the gateway to some of Ireland's most dramatic Atlantic coastlines.

Galway was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2020, recognising its vibrant arts, music and theatre scene.

The Claddagh ring, a traditional Irish symbol of love and loyalty, originated in Galway's fishing village of the same name.

Galway hosts the Galway International Arts Festival every July, one of Ireland's largest cultural events attracting tens of thousands of visitors.

The city's name comes from the Irish 'Gaillimh', believed to derive from a woman named Gaillimh, wife of an early Irish chieftain.