Ireland · Walking Tours

3-Hour Galway Walking Tour and Corrib Cruise with Menlo Castle Views

3 Hours Round trip from Eyre Square Easy pace

Tribal Families of Galway banners at Eyre Square

Tour group at Cathedral Square in Galway

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Eyre Square and uncover Galway's rich history and iconic landmarks
02 Admire the medieval Lynch's Castle, the finest surviving town castle in Ireland
03 Stroll through Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter with its lively pubs, restaurants, and craft shops
04 Hear the enduring legend of Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen at the Lynch Memorial Window
05 Visit St. Nicholas' Church, the largest medieval church in continuous use in Ireland
06 Cruise the River Corrib and part of Lake Corrib aboard the Corrib Princess past Menlo Castle and Glenlo Abbey

Embark on a captivating 3-hour Galway tour that blends a historic city walking experience with a scenic 1.5-hour river cruise. Explore Eyre Square, Lynch's Castle, the Latin Quarter, St. Nicholas' Church, the Spanish Parade, and Galway Cathedral as your guide brings the city's rich past to life. Then board the Corrib Princess to cruise the River Corrib and part of Lake Corrib, passing sights such as Menlo Castle, Terryland Castle, and Glenlo Abbey. This combined experience offers an engaging mix of history, culture, sightseeing, and relaxing waterside views.

Embark on a captivating 3-hour Galway tour that blends a historic city walking experience with a scenic 1.5-hour river cruise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

City Galway

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Meet in Eyre Square and Discover Galway's Origins

We start our tour in Eyre Square, in central Galway, with a brief overview of the city's rich history. Your guide will outline Galway's unlikely rise from a west coast settlement to a wealthy and prosperous walled city, and explain the story of the Anglo-Norman families known as the "Tribes of Galway".
We also point out various places of interest around the square, including iconic buildings. Historical features covered here include the medieval Browne Doorway, the Tribes of Galway banners, the John F. Kennedy memorial, and the Quincentenary Fountain.

Day 02

View Lynch's Castle at the Historic Crossroads

The tour continues to a two-street intersection where we arrive at the iconic Lynch's Castle building. This four-story rectangular mansion is the oldest in the city and the finest surviving town castle in Ireland. It was once the ancestral home of the powerful Lynch clan until the mid-17th century. Here, we explain the history of the building, along with its crests and roundels.

Day 03

See Galway's Former Pro-Cathedral

Our next stop is the old Galway Pro-Cathedral building at the Middle Street and Lower Abbeygate Street junction, which opened in 1821. This old building served for many years until it was deemed inadequate by the Galway bishop, Dr Michael Browne. It contains many exciting features.

Day 04

Learn the Story of the Augustinian Church

Your guide will explain how the Augustinian Order arrived in Galway in 1500 and established an abbey in the Foothill area of the city. Oliver Cromwell's English army banished them for a period, but they returned in 1760. The current Augustinian Church on Middle Street was established here in 1855.

Day 05

Walk Through Galway's Latin Quarter

We next arrive in Galway's Latin Quarter in the Old Town area. It includes many small streets, including High Street and Quay Street, which have been the beating heart of Galway life for 600 years.
Here, we encounter many pubs, including the iconic King's Head and Naughton Pub, as well as busy restaurants. Quay Street is also home to many beautiful craft shops, the famous Dillon's Claddagh Ring, and Aran sweater outlets.

Day 06

Explore the Spanish Parade and Old Port

This open space area, known as the Spanish Parade, once formed part of the old Galway port. Until about 1660, there was brisk foreign trade between Galway, France, Spain, and Portugal. Old galley ships came here carrying goods, including wines and spices, for local merchant families. Nearby, the medieval Spanish Arch, located on the banks of the River Corrib, served as a protective structure for ships in port during Galway's old maritime trading days.

Day 07

Wander Kirwan's Lane and Medieval Streets

Our group then diverts onto Kirwan's Lane, just off Quay Street. This little detour allows us to walk down a secluded medieval laneway named after one of Galway's Gaelic tribal families. This sublime streetscape offers a glimpse into past times when Galway city was regarded as "the finest in the Kingdom". Also located here is the site of the former Richard "Humanity Dick" Martin Theatre.

Day 08

Hear the Legend at the Lynch Memorial Window

We spend 5 to 6 minutes at the very popular tourist attraction known as the Lynch Memorial Window and hear the story of the 15th-century Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen. The tale involves his privileged son, Walter, a love rivalry, a violent confrontation, and the son paying the ultimate price imposed by a stern justice-of-the-peace father. The window commemorates this enduring legend and was erected in 1854.

Day 09

Visit St. Nicholas' Church

This famous church has existed for 700 years, is older than the city, and has a fascinating history. Your guide will explain what you see here: the largest medieval church in continuous use in Ireland. The church broadly tells the story of Galway's history. It was originally built as a Catholic church but changed hands many times. In 1477, the explorer Christopher Columbus is said to have worshipped here before his epic voyage of discovery.

Day 10

Pause for Views of Galway Cathedral

Up ahead, from the newly constructed pedestrian bridge over the River Corrib, our group pauses to view Europe's newest stone cathedral. The new Galway Cathedral opened in 1965.

Day 11

Board the Corrib Princess for a River and Lake Cruise

We eventually arrive at Woodquay on the River Corrib. Your guide will take you to board the Corrib Princess Riverboat for a sightseeing cruise lasting 1.5 hours. Beautiful sights along the river include the ruins of Terryland Castle, Menlo Castle, the old French estate of Glenlo Abbey, and the golf course. The boat may also pass rowing students from the nearby University of Galway. The riverboat eventually reaches Lake Corrib, traverses part of the lake, and then returns to port.
After the cruise, we reassemble at the quayside and gradually return to our starting point.

Where this trip takes you

Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, Menlo Castle, Lake Corrib

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Eyre Square 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

This is a shared riverboat cruise plus a city walking tour where visitors from another group can participate.
Combined tour experience and entertaining stories of Galway's long history.
Admission ticket for the Corrib Princess river cruise.
Irish professional tourist guides provide commentary.
Gratuities.

What's Not Included

Alcoholic beverages, but Irish Coffee can be purchased on board the boat for a nominal fee.
Tea, coffee, and snacks are not included.

What to bring

Rain gear and comfortable walking shoes.

Know before you go

The theme of this shared city walking experience and scenic river cruise is an enjoyable mix of history, culture, and sightseeing in Galway and the surrounding district. The combined tour is presented by an Irish tourism professional with on-board commentary on the riverboat route. This in-person tour is a great afternoon to explore the city and the adjacent Corrib Lake.
We start with the walking tour and visit top city landmarks, including the new Galway Cathedral, Courthouse Square, medieval Lynch's Castle, St. Nicholas' Church, the Latin Quarter, and the Spanish Parade, where you will understand local culture.
The river cruise segment takes 1.5 hours and allows you to explore the region's Corrib waterways. Guests will have free time to take photos on board and enjoy beverages, including Irish Coffee.

Logistics