Galway Sightseeing: Arch, Castle, Cathedral

November 5, 2026

The old town in eight stops

Galway’s medieval core packs into a few streets between Eyre Square and the quays. These are the sights people come for, with the facts that matter for a visit.

Planning the day

Galway Ceannt Station sits on Eyre Square, with direct Irish Rail trains from Dublin Heuston in about 2 hours 20 minutes, roughly 9 to 10 a day. Every sight on this page lies within about 20 minutes’ walk of the square, apart from Salthill, which is a longer stroll or a short bus ride. Most are free to see from outside, so a full sightseeing day costs little. Start early on Saturdays, when the church market and the Latin Quarter get crowded.

Eyre Square

The square next to Ceannt Station holds the Browne doorway and a memorial to President John F. Kennedy, who spoke here in June 1963.

Lynch’s Castle

At the corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, this 16th-century fortified townhouse has carved coats of arms on its limestone front. It is now an AIB bank branch, so you view it from the street.

St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church

Founded in 1320, it is Ireland’s largest medieval parish church still in use. Weekend markets set up in the churchyard.

The Lynch Memorial Window

Beside the church, a stone window marks a famous legend: Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen is said to have hanged his own son in 1493. Historians treat the story as later folklore, so enjoy it as a local tale.

The Spanish Arch and the Long Walk

The Spanish Arch dates from 1584 and extends the medieval town wall beside the quay. The Long Walk of coloured houses runs along the river mouth next to it.

Galway City Museum

Right beside the arch on Spanish Parade, the modern museum opened in 2006. Entry is free. It opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00. Check the council page for Sunday hours, which only apply from Easter to mid-September.

Galway Cathedral

Built between 1958 and 1965 on Nun’s Island on the site of the old city prison, Galway Cathedral is a working church, so visits pause during services. Entry is free and donations are welcome.

Salmon Weir Bridge

The 1818 bridge crosses the fast, cold Corrib beside the cathedral. In early summer you can spot salmon waiting below. Do not go near the water: the river is dangerous, and there is no swimming or boating in the city stretch.

Claddagh

The old fishing quarter west of the river is the home of the Claddagh ring story. Today it is a quiet residential area with the basin and its swans.

Salthill

A 3.2 km promenade leads west to the Blackrock Diving Tower, where locals kick the wall before turning back.