Sites and Culture/ Things to do
Whether it’s business or leisure youâre joining us for, revel in all of the excitement that Galway has to offer in Europeâs Capital of Culture. Bursting with culture and craic, here are some of our top recommendations for your stay in the city!
Galway Races Summer Festival 2022
From Monday, July 25th to Sunday, July 31st, 2022, Galway will again be buzzing to the vibe of the Galway races, celebrating 153 years of RĂĄsaĂ na Gaillimhe, if you speak cĂșpla focail.Â
On Monday, July 25th the Races kick off with a musical performance in the parade ring and then the first race is then at 5:10 pm. And thatâs just the first of 49 races that will take place during this fun-filled week.Â
The Tote Galway Plate Day is on Wednesday, July 27th, and offers a day of excellent national hunt racing combined with a race that can date its history back to 1869.
Thursday 28th is âLadies Dayâ combining the very best of fashion with the excitement of national hunt races – the first of which is at 2:10 pm that day.Â
The âMad Hattersâ competition for the younger racing fans takes place on Sunday, July 31st, the last day of the Galway Races, and features more than 20 activities for kids and parents to enjoy including face painting, a family photo booth, miniature train and much more.
Galway International Arts Festival
The Galway International Arts Festival celebrates its 45th birthday in 2022. This yearâs festival takes place between July 11th and July 24th and offers a wide variety of events to attend including visual arts, opera, live theatre, talks, street performances, dance, literature, comedy, and music acts.
So thereâs something for everyone to enjoy, and lots of new events to try on for size if youâre a relative newcomer to the art festival scene.
Some of the biggest names in music will grace this yearâs festival including The Kaiser Chiefs, Sinead OâConnor, the Pixies, The Stunning, and The Frames, for example.
Galway Film Fleadh
Visiting Galway (as our guests, of course) during the summer months means youâre absolutely spoiled for choice of things to do.
The Galway Film Fleadh is a perfect example of this – a 6-day internationally recognized film festival that is now in its 34th year and an integral part of the Galway Arts Festival. So from July 5th – July 10th, 2022 you, your loved ones, or friends can enjoy a wide selection of celluloid entertainment from all over the world, including independent films that showcase the very best of Irish and overseas creative talent.Â
The combined 80 movies and shorts featured in the festival will be screened at the Palas Cinema and The Town Hall Theatre.Â
Oh, and you might just spot a celebrity or two – past guests have included Martin Sheen, Jeremy Irons, Pierce Brosnan, Kathy Bates, Woody Harrelson, and a whole host of other big Hollywood names.
Galway Atlantaquaria
Galway Atlantaquaria (nationalaquarium.ie) to book in advance, video here https://www.nationalaquarium.ie/uploads/b/58117585-393964798236923602/low_res_final_banner_video_07_08_2021_582.mp4
Trad on the Prom
Trad on the Prom is seasonal but offers the best trad musicians and irish dancers probably in the world, out of Leisureland in Salthill in the summer months Trad on the Prom – Award Winning Traditional Irish Music and Dancing Experience – Trad on the Prom some videos here if you would like to pick one Trad on the Prom – Galway, Ireland – YouTubeÂ
Galway City Museum
virtual tour Virtual Tour âą Galway City Museum the museum is free to the public but the link to home page here to book in advance Galway City Museum – A Centre of Learning And Inspiration and their new Myths and Legends walking tour once you leave the museum is kind of cool 10819-Galway-City-Museum-Folklore-Exhibition-Brochure-FA-2.pdf (netdna-ssl.com)Â Â
St Nicholas Church
reopens to the public next year following Covid and plan to offer guided tours Visit St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church of Ireland with Discover IrelandÂ
NUIG
A gorgeous campus for a walk no matter the season and two hidden gems of museums on campus open to visitors Zoology and Marine Biology Museum – NUI Galway and The James Mitchell Geology Museum – NUI GalwayÂ
Katies Claddagh Cottage
–Claddagh Arts Centre & Katie’s Claddagh cottage – Home | FacebookÂ
Outside the City limits we work with Wildlands and Brigits Garden as really good visitor experiences both within roughly a half hour of the city Â
Galway City Activities
And then in terms of visitor experiences on offer in the City at the moment⊠this is a link to the relevant page on our website which is kept up to date on festivals, events, gigs etc Check Out Whatâs On in Galway City with Discover Ireland In general, any links out to our website is appreciated and welcome, in particular the Galway City page which is currently being refreshed www.discoverireland.ie/galway-city and the Connemara page for things to do etc with Galway City as the base for things to do there⯠Come and Explore Connemara with Discover IrelandÂ
St. Nicolasâs Collegiate Church
Sitting smack bang in Galway City, St. Nicholasâs Church is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland. The church is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of children (Santa Claus). St. Nicholasâs is filled with many interesting and entertaining monuments and memorials in and outside of the church. Â
Galway City Museum
The modern building situated overlooking Spanish Arch is home to some of Galwayâs historic monuments. Â
Druid Theatre
Located on Flood Street in Galway, Druid Theatre was the first professional theatre company in Ireland that is based outside of Dublin. Druid is a touring company but also hosts many famous performances. Â
The Saturday Market
Every weekend in the city, local craftsmen and small businesses come together to sell their goods. The market is open on Saturdays from 8 am-6 pm and Sundays from noon to 6 pmÂ
Town Hall TheatreÂ
This theatre was built in the 1820âs and was initially a courthouse. In the 1950âs, the building was converted into a cinema. Today, the theatre is a state of the art 400 seater Studio Space and Courthouse Square.Â
The Cathedral
The Galway Cathedral was the last major stone cathedral to be build in Europe. Built in 1965, the cathedral boasts an array of interior art such as stained glass, interior art, mosaics and many statues. It contains some Renaissance details mixed with Gothic and Romanesque traditions. Â
National University of Ireland, Galway
The university was built in 1845 and was first granted a royal chamber as one of the countryâs three Queens collages. In 1849, the Quadrangle w open and welcomed 68 students. Today the college welcomes 19,000 students each yearÂ