Galway City Walking Tour: History-telling with Local Guide Seán
5.0
61 Ratings
Galway
Join Seán, a local guide, teacher, and storyteller, on a captivating walking tour of Galway City. Discover the rich history, hear engaging stories, and experience Seán's enthusiasm, humor, and warmth. Book now!
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The Spanish Arch - We start the tour at the Spanish Arch on the banks of the River Corrib, part of the only remaining fully-intact section of the medieval city walls. Here, we begin the story of Galway, charting its unlikely rise from a Gaelic settlement to a fabulously-wealthy Anglo-Norman walled city state, ruled over by 14 families (the “Tribes”), an international trading port characterised by its loyalty to the Crown and deep suspicion of the Gaels who still surrounded its walls.
What's Included
- Comprehensive and entertaining introduction to Galway’s stories
Additional Information
Seán is more than just a tour guide, educator, and storyteller, he brings an unmatched quality:
‘His captivating narratives and humor are the ingredients of some of the most amusing tours we’ve ever embarked upon.’
‘Sean should be on your itinerary when visiting Galway!… A skilled narrative weaver that makes the past come alive.’ (Tripadvisor)
His grasp on history and storytelling, a profound understanding of Galway’s past and present, his energy, wit and charm unite to craft an ‘exceptional, entertaining and laid-back’ experience (Lonely Planet Guide).
Feedback from previous patrons include:
‘Our top-ranking walking tour to date. A wordsmith. Extremely knowledgeable and poetic. Gained a lot of insight about Galway and he also kept us entertained with his humor.’
‘This gentleman is the authentic Galway tour guide.’
‘The best educative, humorous, and absolutely inspiring walking tour I’ve taken in a while… Sean’s charisma is so attractive you’d wish to devote the entire day with him.’
For private tours inquiries, please reach out to Seán directly Guaranteed small group tours (capacity <15)
Location
Spanish Arch
Walk to the bottom of Quay Street, cross the road, and you will see the medieval archways of the Spanish Arch and the Blind Arch across the plaza beside the river. Alternatively, just ask anyone for directions!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(61 Ratings)
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Alice
Apr 2, 2024
Funny, clear and engaging history and storytelling about Galway’s history. - I booked a tour with Sean late one evening ing from my home in England. He replied promptly with a clear outline and cost for the tour and a place to meet at a time convenient to us.
The tour itself was engaging for all of us ( 3 boys 14-10, and a couple) and Sean filled us in on the history of the city with dates and gory and funny stories. Our boys really enjoyed it and we would thoroughly recommend Sean’s tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H3073ogjamiew
Mar 14, 2024
Fun and educational tour of Galway - My family of four took a tour of Galway with Sean. He was knowledgeable and entertaining. My daughters, 12 and 9, were captivated with Sean’s storytelling. I’d definitely recommend this tour. It was fun and educational. Thank you, Sean!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brianl406
Dec 10, 2023
The high point of our visit to Galway City! - After combing through dozens of reviews for walking tours of Galway City, Seán was a shoe-in for our group of eight unruly seventy year olds. Humourous and knowlegable,
he recounts the Galway of the past and present in an exhuberant and compelling way that makes you wish that he had been your history teacher back in the day. Despite the rain and the cold wind, the 90 minute tour was over in what seemed like a half hour, and we came away enchanted - and better informed!
Seán really engaged with every member of the group. All the different nationalies and different backgrounds in our party felt the magic of what is clearly a passion mixed with the gift of telling a great story. Don't miss this!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dustin_r
Oct 18, 2023
Great time on foot around Galway - Seán was a great story teller and we really enjoyed his tour on foot around Galway. He told about the city's history and folklore stories as well. We all really enjoyed the time spent with him.
Review provided by Viator
Stepheninwseattle
Aug 29, 2023
Entertaining Walking History Tour - Sean met us at the Spanish Arch and our history lesson soon began. He shared so much information about the importance of Galway in trading and militarily to the region. Interesting stories about how Galway was settled and grew along with tales of the people who lived and died in Galway.
Sean has a quick wit and keeps the tour moving and he does a great job of getting to know his group and it seems like your walking around with a Galway historian friend.
The walk is pretty much level and easy to navigate and Sean’s personality and stories make the tour go by so fast. We were all sad that it had to end. Thank you Sean for a fantastic walking tour of Galway.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samfc3624nv
Aug 3, 2023
Fantastic Galway tour! - Entertaining, funny and informative - Seán’s walking tour has it all. It gave us a great overview of the city’s past as well as delving into some of Gallway’s lesser-known historical curiosities. Seán even stopped off by the street market to get us all muffins! Couldn’t recommend highly enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Culture65109095546
Aug 3, 2023
Educational and entertaining - My partner and I really enjoyed Seán’s walking tour of Galway, which was in equal parts educational and entertaining. We had spent a few days in Galway by the time we did the tour, but Seán’s engaging storytelling brought the city for life for us. I’ll remember his comedic telling of the legend of the Claddagh ring for years to come. I’d highly recommend visitors to Galway to book onto the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joseph_l
Jul 16, 2023
The highlight of our time in Galway! - For me, this was the highlight of my Galway trip. Sean did an amazing job telling stories and introducing us to what makes Galway unique. I not only was entertained and had a great time, but felt that I understood Galways much better afterwards!
Review provided by Viator
Laurabloomm
Jul 14, 2023
Highlight of Galway - Sean gave one of the most interactive and entertaining walking tours I’ve had the pleasure of attending. He even personalized our tour based on our family’s history. He has certainly been blessed with the “gift of the gab” and if one is in Galway, they should absolutely give him a go!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cherylsabes68
Jul 11, 2023
Amazing tour! - Sean was amazing! He was knowledgeable, entertaining, articulate, happy to answer ?’s…Can’t say enough good things!
Review provided by Tripadvisor