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Offered languages
- English
Discover the hidden stories of Galway’s rivers, canals and historic fishing communities on a guided heritage walk with Western Tours. Your tour begins at the lively Spanish Parade, the old port area of the city. We pass the traditional Claddagh fishing village & view engineering remains of Parkavera Lock and the Eglinton Canal, explore how water shaped Galway’s trade, industry and everyday life.
Visit historic bridges, discover the legacy of the Galway Hooker boats and learn about the famous salmon run on the Corrib.
Discover the enchanting canals and waterways of Galway on this captivating tour. Starting from the historic Spanish Parade, explore the city’s charming waterfront promenades, historic bridges, and the serene beauty of the Canals that once served as vital transport routes for local businesses.
The Walking tour returns along the scenic River Walk. Get a fresh perspective on Galway’s rich maritime and industrial heritage and the role of the waterways in local trade.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The 10-minute walk from the central Eyre Square via Shop Street and Quay Street, pass the Leonardo Hotel and arrive at Spanish Parade. Your guide, wearing a blue or yellow gilet.
Itinerary
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1The Spanish Arch
Our accredited guide will meet you at the Spanish Parade (opposite the Spanish Arch) and introduce the tour. We begin beside one of Galway’s best-known historic landmarks. Built in 1584 as an extension of the medieval town walls, the arch protected the quays where merchants traded with Spain and other European ports. This is an ideal place to introduce Galway’s connection with the sea,
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Wolfe Tone Bridge
We pass over the fast-flowing River Corrib via the bridge that seamlessly links Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter with the historic fishing district of The Claddagh. This scenic spot gives visitors beautiful panoramic views of the Spanish Arch & the Long Walk.
3 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
This Fisheries Tower is a distinctive, three-story Victorian tower built in 1853 as Ireland's only draft netting station and lookout for monitoring salmon stocks and illegal fishing.
7 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Learn how the canal construction started in 1848 and opened in 1852. It was designed to improve navigation between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay, while also supporting local industry.
Admission ticket free -
4Eglinton Canal
One of the first Locks on the Eglinton canal is the Parkavera Lock. Together with your guide you will explore the remains of Parkavera Lock, part of the canal system developed in the mid-19th century. Locks were essential for raising or lowering boats between different water levels.
7 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Along the canal, we find Mills, Waterways and swing bridges of old industry. We explain how water powered mills and supported Galway’s industrial growth.
7 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Salmon Weir Bridge
This historic bridge beside Galway Cathedral and the Courthouse, known as the Salmon Weir is the river’s famous salmon run.
7 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Galway City
The peaceful walk continues on the River Walk that goes along beside the fast-flowing Corrib river. At the end of the River walk, tour finishes back at the Spanish Parade.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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