Galway City on Foot with Seán: Stories, History, Local Tips, Chat and More..
Galway City on Foot with Seán: Stories, History, Local Tips, Chat and More..
Tour guide, teacher, actor and storyteller, Seán does not do average: "His storytelling was compelling and his sense of humour made it one of the most enjoyable tours we have ever taken." (Tripadvisor)History, stoytelling, an in-depth knowledge of Galway's past and present, enthusiasm, humour and warmth combine to create an "excellent, fun and relaxed" experience (Lonely Planet Guide).Past guests say:"This man is the real deal for a first-hand guide to Galway.""I usually get very bored with the usual history guided tours, but Sean was able to relate history in stories that were exciting and fun to listen and understand!""We highly recommend this tour - it's not to be missed!""Sean was very friendly and funny... very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and he told the real stories behind the history! ""The most informative, funny, and downright passionate walking tour I've had in a long time...
Sean's personality is so magnetic you just want to spend the rest of the day with him."
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
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.
15 minutesThe Claddagh
Across the river from the Spanish Arch lies the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, the place that gave its name to the rollicking 17th century tale of how the world-famous Claddagh Ring came to be. Be ready for galleons, pirates, slave markets, a test of loyalty... and a tale of true love that refused to quit.
Quay Street
Frank advice on where to eat and drink (and possibly where not to eat and drink) are freely available at no extra cost.
10 minutesKirwan's Lane off Quay St
We duck off Quay Street to savour this secluded medieval laneway (and, occasionally, to avoid the crowds!). Named after one of Galway City's famous 14 merchant tribes, Kirwan's Lane's beautiful streetscape gives a glimpse into a time when Galway was one of the finest (and wealthiest) cities in Britain or Ireland.
5 minutesSaint Nicholas' Collegiate Church
And if you're very lucky, you're visiting on a Saturday, and all the wonders of Galway's Saturday Market are on offer here, too (do not miss out on the doughnuts, the fresh oysters or the otherworldly air plants).
15 minutesThe Lynch Memorial
Oh, and Ireland's oldest tourist trap.
20 minutesLynch's Castle 40 Shop Street
You'll get a recommendation for one of Galway's finest whiskey pubs, also the setting for the story of an unlikely lavatorial encounter between a well-meaning tourist and a smart alec barman in the 1980s. (And, if you don't object, the only mild swear word on the tour!)
10 minutesNaughton's Pub (Tigh Neachtain)
Martin's life quite literally defies belief: Blazing a trail of triumph and tragedy through the public life of Ireland and Britain, he was, by turns, the most famous duellist in the land (earning him the moniker "Hairtrigger Dick" in his youth), the singular pioneer of legislating for animal rights in the London Parliament, a founding member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (hence "Humanity Dick"), and landlord of almost all of Connemara. Between times, he was also a regular bankrupt, an exiled fugitive from the law... and one of the late 18th century's most infamous cuckolds.
15 minutesIncluded
- A comprehensive and entertaining introduction to the story and stories of Galway.
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- As our tour takes place exclusively outdoors, the risk of infection is at a minimum, and masks are not required. However, if multiple groups are participating in one tour, they will be asked to maintain a respectful social distance from one another.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.