Private walking tour of Galway
Enjoy a private walking tour of Galway, taking in the city's cultural highlights, perfect for groups, couples or individuals, with a fully qualified, knowledgeable local tour guide.
We'll stroll through the medieval core of Galway, learning the story of this beautiful coastal city, from the famed Tribes of Galway and the origins of the Claddagh Ring, to some of the great writers and pioneers inspired by the city and its people.
You can also contact me to arrange (in advance) any specific themes or places you would like covered during the tour.
Sample itinerary
Eyre Square
Meet at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square for an introduction to the history of Galway. We will then visit two sculptures celebrating two very different men connected to the city – US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Irish writer Pádraic Ó Conaire.
The Medieval City Wall
Next, we will visit one of the many remnants of the city’s medieval wall. This fine reconstruction, which includes large parts of the original wall, is located inside a modern shopping centre! Here, you can hear what life was like for the people living in medieval Galway.
William Street
Learn why two famous authors – Oscar Wilde, from Ireland, and Edvard Vilde from Estonia – sit together in a sculpture on the city’s main street. And you’ll also discover the story of how Galway once had its own time zone!
Lynch's Castle
This city centre landmark is also Ireland’s oldest commercial building. Here we’ll discover more about the powerful Lynch family and the even more powerful people they paid homage to in the carvings that grace this impressive Norman towerhouse.
The Lynch Memorial Window
Set in a dark corner behind an urban churchyard, this monument serves as a grim reminder of one of the most shocking episodes in Galway’s history. Or does it? Discover the story of James Lynch Fitz-Stephen, a medieval Mayor of Galway who is remembered for all the wrong reasons!
St Nicholas' Collegiate Church
Built in 1320 with funds provided by the famed Tribes of Galway, this medieval marvel has been in continuous use as a parish church for 700 years.
St Nicholas’ conducts its own guided tours of the church interior. We will visit the exterior of the church and learn a little more about the history of this beautiful building.
The King's Head
Discover the grisly tale of how this city centre pub, which served as a home to two former Mayors of Galway, got its name.
Quay Street
This bustling medieval street is home to Galway’s oldest Claddagh Ring jeweller. Learn the fascinating story of how this iconic ring, named after the ancient Claddagh village, became a timeless symbol of love, both in Galway and worldwide.
Kirwan's Lane
Learn about local legend Richard ‘Humanity Dick’ Martin. A champion duellist, Martin was responsible for the world’s first animal rights law and the world’s first animal welfare organisation. He also opened Galway’s first theatre in this lane, which led to some unexpected drama offstage!
Blake's Castle
This is a fine example of an urban Norman towerhouse. Here you can discover the Blake family’s links to a great historical myth, and how their home once served as the county jail.
The Spanish Arch
Part of the medieval wall which once surrounded the city, the Spanish Arch is the perfect spot to learn about Galway’s maritime heritage, including the city’s surprising link to the discovery of America.
We will meet at the Browne Doorway, a 17th century doorway at the top of the park in Eyre Square in Galway city centre.
The tour ends at the Spanish Arch, located at the mouth of the River Corrib in Galway's Latin Quarter.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and dress for the weather.
- Two-hour walking tour.
- Engaging commentary from a local guide.
- Entry to St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. The church conducts its own guided tours, and guests are welcome to visit the interior of the church at their own convenience.
If you need to cancel
Bookings can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the scheduled start of the tour for a full refund.
Guests will also have the option to reschedule.
If I need to cancel
Tours will be cancelled in the interests of safety if a weather warning is issued by Met Éireann, Ireland's meteorlogical service. If this happens, you will have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.
I will only cancel due to a weather warning or other unavoidable circumstances.
If I cancel, you will have the option to receive a refund or to reschedule the tour.
