Picture this: you're wandering through the winding streets of Galway, uncovering hidden gems and absorbing the city's incredible atmosphere. That's what awaits you in this blog post, as we delve into a handpicked selection of walking tours that reveal Galway's unique charm. Far from your average travel guide, we're bringing you an insider's perspective on this captivating Irish city.
Free Walking Tours Galway
A free walking tour is a type of guided tour where tourists aren't required to pay a fee upfront, but instead are invited to make a voluntary contribution at the end of the tour, based on their level of satisfaction and their ability to pay. Free walking tours are usually led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides, who provide a unique perspective on the city or area being visited.
Here are the free walking tour providers in Galway, as of February 2025:
Tribes Tours Galway
https://www.tribestoursgalway.com/free-walking-tour
- Uncover the secrets of Irish history
- Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Suitable for all ages
- Attractions: Eyre Square, Lynch's Castle, St. Nicholas' Church, Kirwan's Lane, Latin Quarter, Spanish Arch
- Tip-based tour; no upfront payment required
- Most days at 11:00 am
Paid Walking Tours Galway
Galway Tours
- Tours available for groups of 6 or more
- Tour duration: approx. 90 – 120 minutes
- Discounts for large groups and prices available for University Groups
- Minimum charge: €100
- Booking: [email protected]
- Tours available between 9am and 7pm
Offered Tours:
- 90 Minute Medieval Galway Walking Tour
- 2 hour Medieval City and Waterways tour
- Whiskey tasting for Groups
- Historic Pub Trail
- Walking Tour and Chocolate tasting
Galway Walks
- Galway's Horrible History Tour
- Daily tours at 10.30 am and 12 Noon
- Meeting point: O'Connells Bar, Eyre Square Galway (10 minutes before the tour)
- Recommended to check in online or call ahead: 086-3273560
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Price: €10 per person (includes complimentary coffee/soft drink at O'Connells)
- Concessions available
- O'Connors Famous Pub Tour in Salthill
- Duration: 1 hour
- Limited to 40 participants
- Advance booking required; usually available at 6pm and 7.30pm
- Price: €10 per person (includes Complimentary Beer/Wine/Soft drink; age limit applies for alcoholic beverages)
How much to tip for a free walking tour?
While the tours are advertised as "free" it is generally expected that participants will provide a gratuity or "tip" at the end of the tour, as this is how the guides make their living. The amount of the tip is typically left to the discretion of the participant, but is usually based on the quality of the tour and the participant's ability to pay.
As Ireland has a high cost of living, it would be fair to tip the tour guide at least €10 per person. We'd expect most people would tip between €5 to €15 on a free walking tour in Galway.