Galway's Westend is celebrated for its bohemian charm, artistic flair, and diverse community, making it a focal point of Galway's cultural scene. The Galway's Westend Walking Tours aim to showcase this captivating district, guiding participants through its picturesque streets, unveiling its historical landmarks, and providing an intimate glimpse into the thriving arts, food, and music scene that defines the area.
Led by expert local guides, each Galway's Westend Walking Tour will take participants on a journey of discovery, exploring the district's rich history, captivating tales, and fascinating anecdotes. From traditional Irish music venues to independent boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and artisanal food markets, visitors will immerse themselves in the unique ambiance that defines Galway's Westend.
The tours will tell the tales of Irish-town (West End ) versus the Norman/English town of Galway to being introduced to the home of Lady Gregory’s son, Major Robert Gregory, whose death in January 1918 inspired WB Yeats poem, ‘An Irish Airman foresees his death’. Where now lies The Galway Arts Centre, Galway’s only dedicated art gallery and Aras Na Gael – the Irish language experience with dance, music, song, conversation, and a bar!
The tours will begin each day on Raven’s Terrace where the great Claddagh connection begins. Tour guides will touch on pawnbroker, fish on Friday, Claddagh ring, Claddagh fishing tradition and the Galway Hookers.
Then the connection to maritime history will be the focus of walks along The Eglinton Canal that lead to the University. Tour guides will draw on the lock gates, bridges, tow-paths and how the canals connect to Corrib with water activities from past to present day.
As people step through the neighbourhood, they will be introduced to the socio-cultural fabric through food, people and place and of course nuggets of information, like the fact that the area is home to Galway’s only LGBT Bar, Nova on Henry Street.
Back into The Small Crane where the history of the Galway markets, potato, hay, turf, vegetable, pigs, calves were held and now will be told. Right alongside here the stories of prolific Galway author Walter Macken and of Titanic survivor Eugene Daly from Raleigh Row will be highlighted to walkers.
Galway's Westend Walking Tours will commence in June and will run throughout the year. The tours will be available twice daily, at 3pm and 6pm, from Ravens Terrace. Participants will be treated to a captivating journey through the district, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Tickets are €15 + booking fee. Purchase yours online via galwayswestend.ie Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #GalwaysWestendTours and stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates.
