Small Group Galway City Walking Tour Hidden Gems and Claddagh

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Eyre Square

  Meet your expert local guide beside the historic Browne Doorway in Eyre Square. Discover how Galway developed and hear the story of the powerful merchant families known as the Fourteen Tribes of Galway. Learn about the Browne family and begin connecting modern Galway with the extraordinary merchant city that existed here centuries ago.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2
  Eyre Square

  Step back into medieval Galway and discover how the fortified city developed. Hear about its walls, gates, merchants and trading connections and the complicated relationship between Galway's merchant families and Gaelic Ireland beyond the city.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Lynch's Castle

  See one of Galway's most recognisable medieval buildings and discover the powerful Lynch family. Hear the dramatic story associated with Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen and discover how history and legend became intertwined in one of Galway's most famous tales

  20 minutes • Admission ticket free
• Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church (Pass by)

  Explore the historic streets surrounding one of Galway's most important medieval landmarks. Hear about merchants, sailors and religious life in medieval Galway and discover why St Nicholas became such an important figure in this Atlantic trading city. The tour does not require church admission.

  Admission ticket free
• 4
  Kirwan's Lane

  Leave the busiest streets behind and enter one of Galway's most atmospheric historic lanes. Discover the Kirwan family, one of Galway's famous Tribes, and hear stories of everyday life within the old city.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Hall of the Red Earl

  Discover the Norman foundations of Galway and hear about the powerful de Burgh family. View the archaeological site when accessible and learn about the city that existed before Galway became dominated by its famous merchant Tribes. Interior access is not essential to the tour and may vary.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Galway's Latin Quarter

  Walk through the colourful heart of modern Galway. Discover how centuries of history evolved into today's vibrant Latin Quarter and hear about Galway's music, culture, festivals and distinctive character.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free
• The Claddagh Ring Museum (Pass by)

  Discover the story behind one of Ireland's most recognised symbols. Hear about the historic Claddagh community and Galway goldsmith Richard Joyce, and learn the meaning behind the ring's three famous symbols: Heart - Love; Hands - Friendship; Crown - Loyalty. Your guide will also explain the traditional ways the ring is worn and distinguish documented history from later legends.

  Admission ticket free
• 7
  The Spanish Arch

  Finish beside the Spanish Arch and Galway's historic waterfront. Hear about Galway's maritime trading connections, the old quays, the Claddagh fishing community and the traditional Galway Hooker boats of Galway Bay. Finish with time for photographs, questions and recommendations from your guide.

  15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs.
• Participants should be in good health - consult first with your doctor if you have any medical condition or are not used to regular exercise.
• Wheelchairs, motorised scooters or any other device to assist mobility are not recommended, as we cannot guarantee: that all footpaths/sidewalks/curbs will have suitable ramps.

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