If you’re visiting Galway and have an hour to pass, why not take a Galway Walkabout? Tá siúilóidí ar fáil trí Ghaeilge freisin. Galway, a bi-lingual city for Irish and English.
Although Galway Borough is fairly large, the old town of Galway is very suitable for a one to one and a half hour walk.
This nice walkabout with your guide Jim is about uncovering nuggets of information about Galway and wider afield. On every street and round every turn you’ll find entertainment – either live busking and traditional sean nós dancing – or discover some interesting history.
The walk starts in Eyre Square’s John F Kennedy Park, where among many facts you will learn more about US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s historic visit to Galway and also discover why Galway is the ‘City of Tribes’.
Jim takes you through pedestrianised streets of the old town, to where Ed Sheeran began his musical career, busking at age 14. You’ll also get the story of the world-famous iconic Claddagh Ring.
Historic city landmarks such as Lynch’s castle, St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Lynch window, The King’s Head and Old Malt House, and Spanish Arch are taken in with their legends and stories.
Credit: Galway Tourism
Find out the significance of Christopher Columbus, Daniel O’Connell The Liberator, ‘Humanity Dick’ Martyn, James Joyce & Nora Barnacle, and Bishop Michael Browne, to Galway and wider afar.
A brisk walk along the banks of the River Corrib, Europe’s fastest flowing river, takes you to Galway’s impressive RC Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven & St Nicholas, where the walkabout ends.