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 April 2023:
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
Galway Free Walking Tour
https://www.galwayfreewalkingtour.ie/
- Departure point: Spanish Arch Park, opposite “Jurys Inn Hotel”
- Saturdays at 11:00 am
- Explore the medieval streets and cultural heritage of Galway
- Attractions: Lynch’s Castle, St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Spanish connection, Claddagh Ring
- Tips-based tour; guides accept donations at the end of the tour
- For groups of 7 or more, please contact for a private tour arrangement
Civitatis Galway Walking Tour
https://www.civitatis.com/en/galway/walking-tour/
- Meeting point: Galway’s Spanish Arch
- Duration: 2 hours
- English-speaking guide
- Attractions: narrow streets of Galway, Lynch Castle, Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, Galway harbor area, views of the Corrib River
- Tips-based tour; no upfront payment required
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)
Galway on Foot
- Tours by prior appointment
- Available times:
- Saturday morning @11 a.m. (including a visit to Galway’s Saturday market)
- Thursday morning @10.30 a.m.
- Fridays @10.30 a.m. or 2.30 p.m.
- Sundays and Mondays (subject to availability)
- Contact Seán directly for the best rates and availability:
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: +353 85 7302488
- Price: From €140.00 per group (up to 15) on viator.com
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.
