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Galway History Walking tour with a Local Guide

28 Reviews 4.57 out of 5 stars Based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 93% of reviewers
93% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Galway, Ireland
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from $142.66 per group (up to 15)

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Galway History Walking tour with a Local Guide Image 1
Fẚilte Ireland approved Tour Guide, Ger Considine with happy visitors to Galway at the popular tourist attraction, the Lynch Memorial window.
Group view of the Traditional Claddagh boats docked in Galway
The 2 Gers and friend! - Regional Tour Guides Ger Considine and Ger Mangan in Clifden.
New pedestrian Bridge at Galway Cathedral.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 55 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

As one of Ireland's oldest cities, Galway is rich in history and stories. The theme of this shared walking tour is the History, Heritage and Culture of the city, from its Anglo-Norman past to the present-day progressive city.

This small group tour is presented by an Irish Tourism professional. Its an in-person tour and an ideal way to see and learn about the 'City of the Tribes' , first-hand.

The full itinerary will allow you explore landmarks, such as the Galway Cathedral, Courthouse Square, Lynch's Castle, St. Nicholas' Church, the Latin Quarter, the Spanish Parade and the Hall of the Red Earl archaeology site.
Tours are particularly suited to travelers who like an enjoyable mix of History and legend !
Very popular Tour - hundreds of satisfied guests and many 5-star reviews!

What's Included

  • Small guest groups.
  • Easily adapted Walking tour to suit guest wishes.
  • A Voucher towards Admission to St Nicholas Church (for 10am Tours only!)
  • Tea and coffee Meals or gratuities
  • Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point .
See 3 moreSee 5 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Eyre Square
Galway, H91 NFD2, Ireland

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

The Hardiman

Our accredited Guide will meet you at the FRONT entrance to the Hardiman Hotel in Eyre Square. Guide will accompany you to the main Square and give a brief overview of Galway's rich history.
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7 minutes Admission Ticket Free

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial

Our accredited guide will accompany you to various Points of Interest and Iconic Buildings around the Square. . The first stop on the route is the John F Kennedy Memorial We visit historical sites including the old Browne Doorway and the Quin-centenary Fountain and talk about the 14-Tribes banners
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7 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Williamsgate Street

We now emerge onto Williams-gate St. and encounter some landmark buildings including the elegant Browne Thomas building. We also pass by Jewellers shops who specialise in Galway's Claddagh ring. if time allows we stop at the Oscar Wilde statue, an Estonia gift to Ireland in 2004 !
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6 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Franciscan Church (pass by)

We now divert down Eglinton Street and pass by the Franciscan Friary church on the left. This old church has a little grave-yard at the rear which was a prominent place of burial in mid-17th and early 18th centuries.
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Galway Courthouse

We continue towards Courthouse Square, which used to have two iconic Courthouses - one for the county and one for the city. One remains today and the Town Hall Theatre is opposite.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Galway Cathedral

Up ahead, from the newly-constructed pedestrian bridge over the River Corrib, our group will pause to view Europe's newest stone cathedral, the Galway Cathedral and the Franciscan Chapel.
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8 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bowling Green (pass by)

Our tour route passes close to Bowling Green. Here was the family home of Ms Nora Barnacle who was a prominent Galwegian in years gone by. She famously dated Irish Writer, James Joyce on 16th June 1904, thereafter known as Bloomsday!
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Lynch's Castle

The tour returns via Galway's popular River Walk to the main city artery. We arrive at a two-street intersection and the iconic Lynch's Castle building. This building is the finest surviving Town-Castle in Ireland. The powerful Lynch clan once owned it. Your Guide explains the history of the building, its crests and roundels.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Market Street

The tour continues by turning right into Church Lane, once called 'Dead Man's Lane' where funerals passed on way into old graveyard. We talk about St. Nicholas church-yard and continue on through Market St.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church

We arrive at the of St Nicholas' Collegiate Church accompanied by your Guide. He explains the history of this largest Medieval church in continuous use in Ireland. It was originally built as a Catholic Church but, today, functions as a Protestant Church. In 1477, Christopher Columbus is said to have worshipped here prior to his epic voyage of discovery! There's also much to see within this ancient building and we offer discounts tickets to join their guided tours which operate Mon-Fri. 11am and 2pm and Wednesdays 12pm and 3pm.
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8 minutes Admission Ticket Included

The Lynch Memorial

The Lynch Memorial window , erected in 1854 is full of legend. The mayor of Galway, Mayor Lynch is said to have hanged his own son at this location!
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8 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Galway's Latin Quarter

We arrive in High Street, a section of Galway's Latin Quarter and encounter the iconic King's Head Pub. Legend has it that this pub site was gifted by Oliver Cromwell as payment to executioner of King Charles I. Also on this street we pass by the famous Naughton House, once owned by 'Humanity' Dick Martyn, an Irish MP in British Parliament.
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12 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Druid Theatre

University graduates founded the now-famous Druid Theatre Company in 1975 in this city of culture. Druid has always maintained a vital relationship with writers, Tom Murphy and Martin McDonough. Many well-known Irish actors and directors have worked with the company down through the years.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Spanish Arch

The famous Spanish Arch is adjacent to open-space area, known as the Spanish Parade . This area once included the old Galway port until 1840. Old Galley ships arrived here from Spain with wines and spices for local merchant families. We also explain the significance of the Spanish Arch.
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7 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hall of the Red Earl

The tour now loops back towards the old Medieval site - The Hall of the Red Earl. This was once the castle residence of powerful Norman, Richard de Burgo. It was an important building up until the late 16th century. Its ruins had been lost for centuries till archaeologists discovered it in the late '90's.
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7 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St Augustine's Catholic Parish (pass by)

The guide will explain that the Augustinian Order arrived in Galway in 1500 and setup an Abbey in the Forthil. Oliver Cromwell's English army banished them for a period but they returned in 1760 and established this building.
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An Taibhdhearc

The final stages of our City tour take us up Middle Street, where we pass by An Taibhdhearc. This is Ireland's only Irish-language theatre. It was established as a large-scale cultural project in the early 1920, when Ireland became a Free State. Micheal MacLiamor, the first director / manager worked there from 1928.
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3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Gothic and Tudor Revival-style former cathedral - Abbeygate Street Lower

Our final stop will be the former Cathedral Building at Middle St. / Abbeygate St. Galway. This old building was in use for many centuries but was deemed inadequate by Galway bishop, Dr Michael Browne in 1957.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 17 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • NOTE: A shortened version of this City tour can be offered to guests with mobility issues. Our small team have plans in place to deal with emergencies.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Galway History Walking tour with a Local Guide?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-400766P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.57
28 reviews

Average 4.57 out of 5 stars based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
20
4 stars
6
3 stars
0
2 stars
2
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Galway History Walking tour with a Local Guide?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Small guest groups.
  • Easily adapted Walking tour to suit guest wishes.
  • A Voucher towards Admission to St Nicholas Church (for 10am Tours only!).
  • Guided by professional Irish Tour Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Tea and coffee. Meals or gratuities.
  • Alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point .
  • Accomodation.
  • Personal Expenses.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Galway History Walking tour with a Local Guide is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • NOTE: A shortened version of this City tour can be offered to guests with mobility issues. Our small team have plans in place to deal with emergencies.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Galway History Walking tour with a Local Guide will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Small guest groups.
  • Easily adapted Walking tour to suit guest wishes.
  • A Voucher towards Admission to St Nicholas Church (for 10am Tours only!)
  • Guided by professional Irish Tour Guide
  • Tea and coffeeMeals or gratuities
  • Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic Beverages
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point .
  • Accomodation
  • Personal Expenses

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • NOTE: A shortened version of this City tour can be offered to guests with mobility issues. Our small team have plans in place to deal with emergencies.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled by the Supplier due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • Mobility aids can be accommodated (e.g., foldable Wheelchairs and Walkers)
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Activity name