Joint 3-hour Riverboat Cruise plus Historic Galway city tour

Explore Galway’s Historic Streets and Waterways in One Tour

This 3-hour combined tour in Galway offers a rich taste of the city’s history, culture, and scenic beauty, all for $209.53 per group (up to 7 people). The experience blends a walking city tour with a 1.5-hour river cruise onboard the Corrib Princess, making it an ideal option for travelers wanting a rundown of Ireland’s fascinating west coast city.

The tour departs from Eyre Square or your Galway hotel, with most bookings made 12 days in advance, indicating good availability ahead of peak season from mid-May to end-September. Led by an Irish tourism professional, the guides provide engaging commentary, ensuring a lively and informative experience. The tour’s flexible nature and inclusive pricing make it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of history and scenery.

While the shared tour can include participants from other groups, its child- and animal-friendly approach, good weather requirement, and full refund policy if canceled 24 hours in advance add to its convenience and safety. The inclusion of the Corrib Princess cruise with photo opportunities and Irish Coffee offers a memorable way to relax and enjoy Galway’s waterways.

Key Points

• Combination of city walking tour and river cruise provides a well-rounded Galway experience
• Tour lasts approximately 3 hours 10 minutes, with 1.5 hours onboard the Corrib Princess
• Led by an Irish professional guide, who offers engaging commentary on local history and culture
• Highlights include Lynch’s Castle, Galway Cathedral, Latin Quarter, Spanish Arch, and Claddagh Village
• Small group size (up to 7) ensures a personalized experience
• Cost of $209.53 covers the entire experience, including the cruise ticket

Starting at Eyre Square: The Browne Doorway and Galway’s Main Square

The tour begins at The Browne Doorway in Eyre Square, where the guide provides a brief overview of Galway’s transformation from a modest settlement into a prosperous city. This iconic monument sets the tone for the tour, emphasizing Galway’s unexpected rise on Ireland’s West Coast.

From here, the group proceeds to William Street, where the Browne Thomas building from 1870 and the Oscar Wilde / Edward Wilde landmarks are visible. The area embodies Galway’s architectural charm and literary history, making it a fitting start for a city steeped in cultural richness.

Lynch’s Castle: The City’s Oldest Landmark

One of the tour’s highlights is Lynch’s Castle, a 4-story rectangular mansion that dates back to the medieval period. Recognized as Galway’s oldest building, it stands at a key intersection, connecting visitors to Galway’s trading past and medieval heritage. The guide shares stories about the Lynch family and their influence on the city, adding depth to the viewing experience.

Visiting the Old Galway Cathedral and Abbeygate Street

The tour stops at the former Galway Pro-Cathedral, an imposing Gothic and Tudor Revival-style building opened in 1821. Nearby, the Augustinian Abbey site reveals a story of religious history in Galway, with roots dating back to 1500. The guide explains how the Augustinian Order established an abbey, faced exile under Cromwell, and returned in 1760.

Walking down St. Augustine’s Lane, the group learns about Daniel O’Connell, who is said to have addressed voters from the Oriel window at the top of the lane. This area, part of Galway’s Latin Quarter, has long been a hub of local commerce and culture.

Discovering Galway’s Vibrant Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter is Galway’s historic heart, featuring narrow streets like High Street and Quay Street—the city’s bustling main thoroughfare. This district is famous for its small shops, pubs, and cafes, making it a lively spot full of musical energy and local flavor.

Within the Latin Quarter, Taaffe’s Pub stands out as a traditional Irish pub founded in 1845, known for live music and a warm atmosphere. The tour also visits The King’s Head, a pub with a history stretching back over 800 years, originally linked to King Charles I.

Exploring Galway’s Historic Pubs: Naughton’s and Claddagh Jewellers

Naughton’s Pub (Tigh Neachtain), once the townhouse of local figure Richard Martin, now ranks as one of Galway’s finest pubs. It’s celebrated for its atmosphere and history as a duellist’s residence.

Dillon’s Jewellers on Quay Street sells the original Claddagh Rings, crafted since the 1830s in the nearby fishing village of Claddagh. The Claddagh Ring is a symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship, and is a regional emblem that visitors often purchase as a keepsake.

The Spanish Parade and Old Galway Port

The tour passes the Spanish Parade, an open square that once served as the old trading port. Historically, Galway engaged in international trade with France, Spain, and Portugal until around 1660. Nearby, the Spanish Arch shelters part of the old port area and offers insight into Galway’s maritime trade history.

Secluded Kirwans Lane and Galway’s Market Scene

If time allows or if the area is less crowded, the group explores Kirwans Lane, a medieval laneway with secluded charm. The tour also takes a quick detour to the Galway Farmers Market, especially lively on Saturday mornings, where fresh produce and local crafts are on display.

The Lynch Memorial and Saint Nicholas’ Church

The Lynch Memorial commemorates Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen and his son Walter, sharing stories of love rivalry and violence. It offers a glimpse into Galway’s civic history.

Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is Ireland’s largest medieval church still in continuous use, standing for over 700 years. Its long history reflects the religious and architectural continuity of Galway.

Galway Cathedral and Courthouse Square

A highlight is the Galway Cathedral, opened in 1965, regarded as Europe’s newest stone cathedral. It stands near the pedestrian bridge over the River Corrib, providing grand views.

The tour concludes at Courthouse Square, home to two historic courthouses—one for the county and one for the city—dating back to 1815. This area symbolizes Galway’s judicial and civic development.

Scenic River and Lake Cruise on the Corrib Princess

Finally, the 1.5-hour cruise onboard the Corrib Princess begins at Waterside and Steamer’s Quay in Woodquay. This scenic journey offers spectacular views of the Corrib River and Lake, with opportunities to take photographs and enjoy a supreme Irish Coffee onboard.

The cruise provides a relaxing end to the tour, showcasing Galway’s waterfront landscapes and tranquil waterways. The boat’s comfortable setting and informative guide commentary make it a memorable part of this combined experience.

Practical Details and Booking Tips

Participants meet at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square or your Galway hotel, ensuring flexible start points. The tour is most suitable for visitors with good weather, as outdoor stops and the cruise depend on clear conditions.

The small group size (up to 7) ensures an intimate experience, though it’s a shared tour, so other groups may join. The full refund policy applies if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for planning.

The tour includes admission to the Corrib Princess, with additional options to purchase beverages onboard, including Irish Coffee. Food and snacks are not included but are available for purchase during the cruise.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This combination tour appeals to history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those interested in Galway’s maritime and civic past. It’s a great choice for visitors wanting a compact yet rundown of the city, especially if they prefer small group environments.

Travelers seeking a relaxed pace with scenic views, along with informative storytelling, will find this experience particularly satisfying. It’s suitable for families and individuals alike, although mobility issues should be checked with the provider for smaller private options.

Galway’s Heritage and Scenic Waterways in One Package

This tour offers a balanced blend of walking exploration and tranquil river cruising, highlighting Galway’s historic landmarks, vibrant districts, and scenic waterways. Its expert guides and well-curated stops ensure an engaging and educational visit.

While it’s not focused on food or long leisure time, the included Irish Coffee and photo opportunities enhance the experience. The duration and group size make it perfect for those who prefer an intimate and manageable exploration of Galway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is child-friendly and animal-friendly, making it suitable for families with kids.

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is included in the price?
The guiding service, admission to the Corrib Princess, and photo opportunities are included. Beverages like the Irish Coffee are available for purchase onboard.

Where do I meet the tour?
Participants meet at the Browne Doorway in Eyre Square or at your Galway hotel lobby.

How long is the river cruise?
The corrib waterway cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired visitors?
Guests with mobility issues can inquire about private options, but the main tour involves walking and outdoor stops.

What are the main highlights of the walking tour?
Expect to see Lynch’s Castle, Galway Cathedral, Latin Quarter, Spanish Arch, Claddagh Village, and Saint Nicholas’ Church.

Are drinks and snacks available during the tour?
Snacks are not included, but drinks are available for purchase onboard the cruise.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of city landmarks with scenic waterways and Irish guide commentary creates a rich, personalized Galway experience.