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Historic Walk Tour of Galway plus 90min Sightseeing Cruise
5.0
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Galway
Experience the rich history and culture of Galway on a combined walking tour and sightseeing cruise. Explore top landmarks and learn about local legends, then cruise along the Corrib waterways for stunning views and a chance to relax with a drink.
Duration:
3 hours, 10 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- The Browne Doorway - We begin our tour at the main Square, providing a brief overview of Galway’s rich history. The guide will highlight the city’s remarkable transformation from a West Coast settlement to a prosperous Walled city, and the Anglo-Norman families known as the ‘Tribes of Galway’. Various Points of Interest around the Square, including Iconic Buildings, will be outlined. Historical aspects covered will include the medieval Browne Doorway, the Tribes of Galway Banners, the John F Kennedy memorial, and the Quin-centenary Fountain.
- William Street - Our tour group proceeds down the main street artery along William Street to view the landmark and elegant Browne Thomas building, dating back to 1870. We pause at the Oscar Wilde / Edward Wilde monument, a gift from Estonia to Ireland in 2004.
- Lynch’s Castle - The tour returns via Galway’s famous River Walk to the main city artery. We arrive at a two-street intersection and the iconic Lynch’s Castle building. This 4-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. We explain the history of the building, its crests, and roundels.
- Gothic and Tudor Revival-style former cathedral - Abbeygate Street Lower - Our next stop is the old Galway Pro-Cathedral building at the Middle Street / Lower Abbeygate Street junction, which opened in 1821. This old building was in use for many centuries until it was deemed inadequate by Galway bishop, Dr. Michael Browne.
- St Augustine’s Catholic Parish - The guide will explain that the Augustinian Order arrived in Galway in 1500 and set up an Abbey in the Forthill area of the city. Oliver Cromwell’s English army banished them for a period, but they returned in 1760 and established this building.
- Buttermilk Lane - From the Augustinian Church, we divert into St Augustine’s Lane, now known as Buttermilk Lane. Daniel O’Connell is said to have addressed voters from the Oriel window seen at the top of the lane on the right.
- Galway’s Latin Quarter - Galway’s Latin Quarter is the Old town area and comprises many small streets, including High Street and Quay Street, which has been the beating heart of Galway for many years. Here we encounter the iconic King’s Head Pub. Legend has it that this pub site was gifted by Oliver Cromwell as payment to the executioner of King Charles I.
- Taaffes Bar - Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Taaffe’s Pub is a classic Irish pub with a warm atmosphere. It’s a Traditional Music pub and has served customers since 1845, making it one of the oldest pubs in Galway City.
- The King’s Head - The King’s Head Pub is one of the most famous pubs in Galway, with the history of the building stretching back to King Charles I. The building itself dates back over 800 years to the 13th Century. It’s a beautiful premises with lots of heritage features, including a fireplace dated 1612 and quirky architectural lines.
- Naughton’s Pub (Tigh Neachtain) - Tig Neachtain is today one of Galway’s finest pubs. In former years it was the townhouse of Richard Martin, a local Galway celebrity in his day. In his early years as a duellist, he earned the nickname ‘Hairtrigger Dick’. In later years, he was elected as a Galway PM to the British Parliament and introduced animal rights laws, which earned him the name ‘Humanity Dick’. These laws led to the setting up of the SPCA. Martin was also the landlord of a substantial area of Connemara.
- Thomas Dillons Claddagh Ring - Gold Jewellers - As we enter Quay Street, we now stand in front of Dillon’s Jewellers, the original manufacturers of the famous Claddagh Ring from the 1830s. It takes its name from the former Claddagh fishing village nearby.
- Wolfe Tone Bridge - From our Wolfe Tone Bridge vantage point, we can see the Claddagh Village across the River Corrib. This old Gaelic settlement was located outside the walled city of Galway. It was regarded as a fishing village with about 3000 people living here. The fishermen fished Galway Bay aboard the old Galway Hooker boats while the women later sold the fish in the Spanish Parade area. Of course, the Claddagh area gave its name to the famous Claddagh Ring.
- Quay Street - Quay Street has been at the center of Galway life since the city was founded almost 600 years ago. Today it’s a busy focal-point thoroughfare with several pubs, restaurants, cafes, and lots of music. Also located here is a medieval castle and the Claddagh Ring Museum. Still on Quay Street, your Tour guide will tell you all about Blake’s Castle, the imposing building on the right-hand side. Once owned by the Blake merchant family, it was confiscated by the Cromwellians and served as a jail for several decades.
- Spanish Parade - We now arrive at the Spanish Parade, an open area that was filled in when the old Trading port closed. It later served as a fish market for Claddagh fishermen.
- The Spanish Arch - This open-space area, known as the Spanish Parade, formerly contained the old Galway port. Up until about 1660, there was brisk foreign trade between Galway, France, Spain, and Portugal. Old Galley ships frequented here with goods including wines and spices for local merchant families. Adjacent to here, the medieval Spanish Arch is located on the banks of the River Corrib.
- Kirwan’s Lane - If Quay Street is too busy or if time allows, our group will divert onto Kirwan’s Lane off Quay Street. This little detour will allow us to walk down this secluded medieval laneway. The laneway is named after one of Galway’s Gaelic tribal families. This sublime streetscape offers us a view of 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.
- Galway Farmers Market - If you are lucky enough that your visit includes a Saturday morning, you can explore the Galway Farmer’s and Craft market. Here you can sample all the wonders of the Saturday Market (9 am-4 pm) just outside the church area. This is one of the oldest markets in the West of Ireland.
- The Lynch Memorial - At this very popular Tourist attraction, we hear the story of the 15th-century Lynch Memorial window and Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen. The story involves his privileged son, Walter, a love rivalry, a violent confrontation, and the son paying the ultimate price issued by a stern, justice-of-the-peace father. The window commemorates this enduring legend and was erected in 1854.
- Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church - This famous church has existed for 700 years, is older than the city itself, and has a very interesting history. Your guide will explain that what you see here is the largest Medieval church in continuous use in Ireland. The church broadly outlines 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 prior to his epic voyage of discovery. There is much to see within this ancient building, and we have discount tickets available if you’d like to return later.
- Bowling Green - Our tour route passes close to Bowling Green. Here was the family home of Ms. Nora Barnacle, a prominent Galwegian in years gone by. She famously dated Irish Writer James Joyce on 16th June 1904, thereafter known as Bloomsday. The Nora Barnacle House is believed to be Ireland’s Smallest Museum.
- 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 New Galway Cathedral opened in 1965.
- Courthouse Square - We arrive next at Courthouse Square, where your guide will talk to you about the evolving story of the two iconic Courthouses - one for the county and one for the city. Galway Courthouse opened in 1815, and the City Courthouse (now the Town Hall Theatre) was built in 1825.
- Woodquay - We finally arrive at Waterside and Steamer’s Quay in the Woodquay area. This is the meeting point where we will wait to board the Corrib Princess for our river/lake cruise. On the boat’s return, the Guide will accompany you to the original meeting point in nearby Eyre Square.
- Corrib Princess - Your guide will take you to board the Corrib Princess for a sightseeing tour and river cruise, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. After the cruise, we reassemble back at the Quayside.
What's Included
- Admission Ticket for Corrib Princess River Cruise
- Professional guide
- Comprehensive and entertaining historical tour of Galway
- Optional Discount ticket for St Nicholas Collegiate Church (11am Tours only)
- Shared walking tour experience
- Inclusive of all nationalities and backgrounds
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Tea/Coffee/Irish Coffee/Snacks not included but buy on-board Cruise boat for small fee.
Additional Information
We like to give our guests a West of Ireland welcome. As one of Ireland’s oldest cities, Galway is rich in history and stories. The theme of this city Tour and scenic River Cruise is an enjoyable mix of the History, Culture and legend of Galway and the surrounding district. This in-person combined tour is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the city and the adjacent Corrib Lake. It’s presented by an Irish Tourism professional with on-board commentary on the river boat route.
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 get an understanding of local culture.
The River cruise takes 1.5 hours and allows you explore the region’s Corrib waterways. Guests will have ‘free time’ to take photos on-board and enjoy beverages including Irish Coffee!
- Most travellers can participate and this combined Tour is child and animal-friendly
- 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
- NOTE: Guests with mobility issues are welcome to check out our Private City tour, 400766P1 where smaller groups are catered for.
Location
The Browne Doorway
Eyre Square
Go to the Browne Doorway monument meeting point at Eyre Square, Galway and Tour Guide with ID and yellow High-Vis jacket will meet you there.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
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Keith_g
May 18, 2024
Awesome - Gerald was very informative and created a memorable tour through out Galway. He suggested Kirwin’s Seafood for dinner. He was spot on as it was a delicious and entertaining with a pianist.
Review provided by Viator
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