Galway's Westend, regarded as a beating heart of Galway city, is launching its Westend Walking Tours this month.
The tours aim to showcase this captivating district, guiding participants through its streets, unveiling its historical landmarks, and providing an intimate glimpse into the thriving arts, food, and music scene that defines the area.
This immersive experience will allow visitors and locals to delve into the rich tapestry of Galway's Westend, revealing the hidden gems, unique stories, and vibrant atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination.
The tours will tell the tales of Irish-town (West End ) versus the Norman/English town of Galway, and 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. 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, did you know that the area is home to Galway’s only LGBT Bar, Nova on Henry Street?
Back into The Small Crane the history of the Galway markets for potato, hay, turf, vegetable, pigs, calves were held will be told. Right alongside the stories of prolific Galway author Walter Macken and of Titanic survivor Eugene Daly from Raleigh Row will be highlighted to walkers.
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, €15 + Booking fee can be purchased online through the official Galway's Westend website or directly at the meeting point.
For more information about Galway's Westend Walking Tours, including ticketing details and the tour schedule, please visit www.galwayswestend.ie
