Top Galway Cultural Tours

Delve into the rugged wilderness of Connemara, an Irish county thronged with historic monuments and natural splendor, on a full-day tour from Galway City. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, explore the perfectly preserved Franciscan friary of Ross Errilly Friary and enjoy some leisurely free time in Cong, a picturesque village. Gaze at the tranquil surfaces of Lough Carrib and Loch NaFooey and discover the elaborate walled gardens of Kylemore Abbey. Enjoy a pleasant balance of guided tours and independent exploration during this enriching excursion.

This Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher cruise will take you to beautiful areas of Ireland that can only be reached by boat. Your guide will tell you about the history of the villages you encounter and point out highlights such as one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches. This tour gives you the freedom to explore independently, hire a bike, or grab some lunch. A highlight is the views from the top of the Cliffs of Moher.

Leave the towns of Western Ireland behind for the day and head out to Inis Oirr on a ferry. This day trip will take you from Doolin to the smallest of the Aran Islands in Galway Bay, an island dotted with ancient ruins, secluded beaches and astonishing ocean views. Explore Inis Oirr without a tour group holding you back, and sail under the Cliffs of Moher, an ancient rockface that towers over the Atlantic Ocean, on the way back.

Experience the mighty Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from both land and sea on this full-day tour from Galway. Marvel at the scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way; cruise out to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands; then hike along the cliff-tops and enjoy spectacular views across the Atlantic.

The Aran Islands are renowned for their ancient ruins and rugged landscapes, but you don’t have to take a guided tour. Enjoy a self-guided visit to the island of Inis Oirr with round-trip boat transfers from Doolin, a choice of departure times, and plenty of free time to discover the island at your own pace.

Explore the Connemara Coast without the stress of planning on a full day tour with round-trip transport from Galway City. In addition to small towns and landmarks often missed by visitors, the day’s itinerary includes rare views of the countryside and coastline from the bus and ferry. Freshly-prepared lunch and drinks are included for your convenience.

Hear what happened when Hollywood invaded the sleepy village of Cong in 1951 to make the John Wayne Classic The Quiet Man. The Quiet Man Film Locations Walking Tour brings visitors to the original film locations including Innisfree, Castletown, the Pat Cohan's Bar, the Dying Man's House, the Reverend Playfair's House, the fight scenes, the courting scenes and the "patty fingers in the holy water" scenes. Hear what the film stars were like, how they interacted with the locals and how the locals became involved in the making of the movie. The tour includes entrance to The Quiet Man Museum.

This is an intimate tour with a local. The idea is to relay all information in a fun manner and to leave visitors with a very good experience, not just the bare facts. Galway is a vibrant, fun and energetic city and our tours will reflect that energy. Each tour is as new an experience for the guide as the visitor. No two tours are ever the same. That is what makes Athas Tours so unique.

Explore the stunning and rugged scenery of Connemara in a privately chauffeured vehicle and take in some of the most spectacular scenic views in Ireland. Heading west from Galway city, the villages of Connemara will stretch out before you like a colorful road map of communities and hidden gems just waiting to be explored, from the bogs and lakes of the Gaelic speaking South Connemara to the mountain vistas of North and West Connemara. However, as dramatic and breathtaking as the landscape may be, all travelers know that memories and encounters are what make a journey unique and Connemara Chauffeurs will help make your visit to Connemara one that you will never forget.

Our guide will immerse you in the songs, stories, trials and tribulations of the people of Galway over the centuries. You’ll see how Galway has become one of the most attractive and liveable cities in Ireland in recent times, with a young population and a well-deserved reputation as a centre for theatre and the arts. This tour will bring alive to you the bustle of medieval ‘Galvia’ where Irish was the native tongue, but where also the patter of Spanish was heard on streets teeming with visiting merchants and sailors from Andalucia. And in those same streets and pubs today you’ll still hear the lilt of Gaelic and the strains of Irish music played on the fiddle and on the uilleann pipes. Can you feel it? Welcome to Galway!

Exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way on horseback is a thrilling way to experience Connemara’s beaches and rugged coastline. Depending on your level of experience, you’ll safely trot or gallop across white sandy beaches while enjoying sweeping views of the sea. This half-day guided horseback tour is suitable for riders of all levels. Those with little or no riding experience will be given plenty of instruction to ensure you feel safe and comfortable on your ride.

Discover three fascinating sites of international historical significance walking the wild and rugged landscapes of breathtakingly scenic Connemara, with a local tour and walking guide. Min 1 max 20 pax. Available 5 March to 30 November

Explore the stunning and rugged scenery of Connemara in a privately chauffeured vehicle and take in some of the most spectacular scenic views in Ireland. Heading west from Galway city, the villages of Connemara will stretch out before you like a colorful road map of communities and hidden gems just waiting to be explored, from the bogs and lakes of the Gaelic speaking South Connemara to the mountain vistas of North and West Connemara. However, as dramatic and breathtaking as the landscape may be, all travelers know that memories and encounters are what make a journey unique and Connemara Chauffeurs will help make your visit to Connemara one that you will never forget.

Discover the medieval heart of Galway and learn about the origins of the city. With our small group tour you will enjoy a solid introduction to Galway city and its many must-see top sights while your expert local guide makes sure your tour experience is engaging and authentic. This tour is go-to for everything relating to Galway’s history & heritage.

Join a local farmer, historian and walking enthusiast on this spectacular guided walk along the Cliffs of Moher sea cliffs, as he shares his enthusiasm and passion for the area, local history, folklore and the preservation of a rural lifestyle. Walk to the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher standing 214m (702 feet) above sea level, where views of the Dingle Peninsula and Loop Head in the South, the Aran Islands to the West with the Twelve Pins and mountains of Connemara to the North can be seen on a clear day. From O’ Brien’s Tower witness the amazing vistas of lush green grass, rocky cliffs and varying shades of sea and sky and hear the waves of the mighty Atlantic ocean crashing below. The walk takes approximately 3 hours from the village of Doolin along a gravel path and finishes at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, where public transport is available to return to Doolin. The trail is an easy walk, it requires a basic level of fitness and a good head for heights and is 8km long.

Many tours are set to an itinerary. Not this tour. You have your driver for the day and he will take you wherever you wish to travel to. Your driver will, of course, be well able to offer you plenty of advice on possible destinations and points of interest. The possibilities are endless!

Step off the ferry/plane onto Inis Mór island and meet your native Irish speaking guide, who is a gifted storyteller and a national food champion. In his entertaining company, gain insights into the culture and history of this remote island on a tour that includes spectacular coastal scenery with stop offs at the World Heritage Site of Dún Aonghus, the monastic site of The Seven Churches, a seal colony viewing point and a visit to local craft village to meet the locals and see Celtic inspired crafts. Your guide will share his remarkable insights into the customs and traditions of an island that has been home to his ancestors for as long as time can remember.

Walk the rugged trails of the Wild Atlantic Way in the company of a dedicated guide on this private tour. While enjoying personalized attention from your guide, you'll cover three sites of historical significance within Connemara as well as two Signature points on the walking route. You can walk at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like.

An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Discover Galway’s Latin Quarter and West side with me and the medium of fine Irish cuisine, locally sourced produce and internationally celebrated beverages. Rolling pastures meet the wild Atlantic here, and you’ll find out why this location has helped to make the city such a food lovers' destination. And it has the craic too! On this self guided audio tour along the Latin Quarter’s medieval streets, I’ll tell you about the evolution of our cuisine from the Bronze Age to our recent culinary revolution. There’s a full course of information, including: • The answer to which came first, the bacon or the egg • A primer on spuds and Ireland's relationship with the humble potato • A guide to spotting the Salmon of all Knowledge • An introduction into Ireland's whiskey heritage just long enough to wet your lips

Together with the professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Which world famous actor born here? What symbolize Claddagh Ring is Galway’s? You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. Galway is home to the longest place name in Ireland, Muckanaghederdauhaulia, which means “piggery between two briny places”. You will be surprised how many stories are hidden in the streets, buildings and corners of Galway. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. Perfect for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

Listening to a traditional Irish storyteller around a fire has to be one of the best ways of immersing yourself in Irish culture. A wonderful opportunity to have a story teller come to you at your hotel or local pub.

Take a stroll through the historic streets of Galway while exploring and learning about Irish Whiskey and what make Whiskey & Galway so special. We visit three different Whiskey Pubs, meet the staff and locals, learn the history of each venue and its place in Galway’s Culture. In each venue we take you on a guided tasting of two amazing Irish Whiskeys, learning about the whiskey, the process, the history and heritage while hearing stories about Irish Whiskey, Pubs & Galway. Between each venue we will explore the historic streets of Galway, learn about this vibrant city and gain a unique local’s insight to ‘the Greatest Little City in the World’.

Take a scenic flight to the unique Aran Islands and enjoy their local freshly caught seafood, fine ales and warm hospitality on this privately guided pub tour. Availability: March to October. Max: 8. Enjoy a day packed full of everything the West of Ireland has to offer on this privately guided unique tour. Pick up included from Galway by your private local knowledgeable guide and travel to Connemara International Airport for the flight across Galway Bay with commanding views of the coastline, the Cliffs of Moher and limestone landscape of the three Aran Islands. On your arrival on Inisheer, the smallest of the Aran Islands, food and drink of the highest quality awaits you. You will visit three hostelries on the island where you will meet the locals and enjoy the unique atmosphere on the island made famous by Father Ted. Back to Connemara for your return trip to Galway, where we will stop at Tigh Chualain, west of Spiddal for our last pub of this truly enjoyable and unique tour.