Free Walking Tours in Galway

Galway might be one of Ireland’s smaller cities, but it packs a punch. Celebrated for its rich history and arts scene, it was crowned ‘European Capital of Culture in 2020’ by the European Union.

The best way to take in all the sights, sounds and secrets is through one of the many free walking tours in Galway. Let expert guides take you through the history dating back to the 12th century of this magnificent Irish city.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Galway.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Galway have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between £10 and £15 per person, but some people tip as much as £50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Galway?

History, legend and laughter free walking tour in Galway

Prized for mixing history, legend and laughter into one in-depth tour of Galway, you’ll come away from this free walking tour with a smile on your face and plenty of new knowledge on this Irish city.

You’ll meet at Eyre Square, in front of the Skeffington Arms Hotel. Your guide will then lead you across Galway’s most interesting spots. Early in the tour, you will learn about the city’s medieval walls, built by the Normans to protect those inside from invaders.

For lovers of medieval history, the old-world tales don’t stop there. Later on the tour, you’ll be led to Kirwan’s Lane, one of the city’s remaining medieval lanes. Dating back to the 16th century the area still holds many architectural relics from that era.

To finish this free tour in Galway, your final stop will be the Spanish Arch. Your guide will explain how this Irish city has such strong ties to Spain, with Spanish ships and residents often docking near the arch centuries ago.

Eyre Square and Galway city free walking tour

Organized by a local history expert this tour will unravel the fascinating past and present of this coastal county.

Your 1.5-hour tour will begin at the Padraic O Conaire Statue Eyre Square Galway in Eyre Square. Here your guide will take you through the history of the 14 tribes that dominated life in the city between the 13th and 19th centuries.

Another highlight includes a visit to Richard Martin’s Townhouse, where you’ll learn about the man who pioneered animal rights legislation. At a time when the welfare of animals was rarely considered, Richard Martin fought to protect them against cruelty. He is also one of the founders of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

You can even expect to find out more about Santa Claus at St Nicholas Collegiate Church. Dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of children, your guide will discuss how this man became the model for Father Christmas.

Best of Galway free walking tour

Run by a local, independent tour company, you’ll be taken across the city’s most famous landmarks, quaint shops and medieval streets.

The 2-hour tour will depart from Spanish Arch Park, found opposite “Jurys Inn Hotel,” and will last around two hours. Expect to visit such sites as St Nicholas’ Collegiate church where, according to The Irish Times, Christopher Columbus prayed during the 15th century.

Other highlights include Lynch’s Castle, once a medieval fortified four-story house that is embellished with gargoyles, carved windows and other ornamentals from the 16th century.

In which languages are they operated?

The free walking tours in Galway are primarily offered in English.

However, likely due to Galway’s past ties to Spain, some tours are available in Spanish. It would be best to discuss ahead of the tour’s scheduled departure whether this is feasible, accounting for group size and language requirements on the day.

Where does it start?

Thanks to its small size, you won’t have to travel far within the city to start any of the free walking tours in Galway.

Most tours either begin at Eyre Square or the Spanish Arch. Eyre Square is located right next to Galway’s coach station and Ceannt train station. The walk from either station to the Spanish Arch takes just 10 minutes, making both meeting points easily accessible.

If you’re staying in the city, most hotels and hostels are all within a short walking distance of both locations.

How long do free walking tours in Galway last?

Despite the city’s small size, most free tours in Galway typically last between 1.5 hours and 2 hours. If you build up an appetite after the free walking tour, you could consider pairing your experience with a food tour in Galway.

Although guides will be well versed in handling Ireland’s unpredictable weather, tours may be tweaked or cut a little shorter if the rain or wind becomes overwhelming.

Most tours begin in the late morning and early afternoon before finishing around 3:30 PM. If you book a morning tour, you would have plenty of time to get a closer look at the Cliffs of Moher on a boat tour in Galway.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

The free walking tours in Galway are not suitable for those with reduced mobility.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Galway?

Galway's weather is typically Irish; it can be unpredictable, with a chance of rain throughout the year. The best weather is usually between May and September when it's warmer and there's a higher chance of dry days. Check the weather forecast and aim for a day with clear skies if possible.

Should you book tickets online?

Booking free walking tours in Galway online ensures your spot, as they are popular and get booked up very quickly. These tours also have limited spots available to ensure the quality of the tour— with some maximum capacities being limited to as few as 10 people.

Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform. Arrive in Galway with your tour already booked and make the most out of your time.