Top Rated Attractions in Galway

Town Hall Studio, at the Town Hall Theatre, is an eclectic event space that is home to a multitude of cultural events from time to time. The Studio Space is filled to bursting during event nights, though it can easily accommodate a crowd of 60. Attend exotic plays, theatrical performances, cultural dos and events at this charming studio space. Check website for more details on current and upcoming events.

The Claddagh Ring Museum functions both as a museum and as jeweler, who sells traditional Claddagh rings. The ring's design comes from a group of finger-rings called faith rings. The "Claddagh Ring" is distinctive because it has two hands holding a heart which is in turn surmounted by a crown. In the Claddagh, the rings were used to indicate marriage, worn with the crown towards the knuckle when unwed and worn with the crown toward the finger tip on marriage. The rings were handed down from mother to daughter over the years. The museum showcases an exclusive collection of historic photographs as well as a collection of rings and the making process, for viewing.

Located in the old quarter of the city, this laneway has recently been restored to its former glory, using original stones. The windows and doorways overlooking the lane have been rebuilt in the style of the 17th century. It was here that Richard Martin built a 100-seater theater for his wife in 1783. The republican patriot Theobald Wolfe Tone was among those who acted here. However, Richard Martin lost his wife to an Englishman in 1791, and lost interest in the little theater soon after, allowing it to fall into disrepair. The Martin Crest can still be seen on a 17th century window at the far end of Kirwan's Lane.

The Town Hall Theatre stands across from the Galway courthouse. Once the old Town Hall cinema, Town Hall Theatre is now an elegant but welcoming building with a plush, comfortable interior. The theatre hosts an extensive range of events, including amateur and professional theatrical productions, film screenings, concerts and opera. In the summertime, the venue houses the Galway Film Fleadh and the Galway Arts Festival.

The Mick Lally Theatre arrived in the city's Latin Quarter in the 1970s, at a time when the area was much neglected and dilapidated. Over the years, the theater has facilitated a change in the area, as more and more visitors were attracted to the area by the shows hosted here. In 2009, this iconic theater was modernized to better accommodate contemporary prodictions, and boasts a 90-seat auditorium, a well-equipped rehearsal space, and a spacious foyer. The theater is best known today as the home of the Druid Theatre Company. Besides the company's own productions, the theater also hosts a variety of events and performances by visiting companies on its hallowed stage.

Possibly the most impressive building in Galway, this was the last great stone cathedral constructed in Western Europe. The Cathedral is dedicated to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and overlooks the Salmon Weir Bridge. The Renaissance-style building was opened and consecrated by the late Cardinal Cushing in 1965 and stands on the site of the old city jail. It is not particularly antiquated, yet still corresponds with conventional church design and features a marble floor and brown cedar ceiling. The woodwork, stained glass and mosaics were all handcrafted by Irishmen.