Galway Tasting and Walking Tour

Getting a true sense of Galway in just over two hours might seem ambitious, but this Galway Tasting and Walking Tour manages to do exactly that. With consistently high reviews, a personal touch from guides like Gerry, and a focus on authentic food and drink experiences, this tour promises a relaxed yet enlightening journey through the city’s historic streets and culinary scene.

What we love most about this experience? First, the well-chosen venues that combine tradition and modernity. Second, the knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and insights that bring Galway’s history to life. Third, the delicious tasting plates and drinks that showcase local flavors, from Irish cheeses to craft beers.

One possible consideration? The tour’s limited group size (max 12 people) means it can fill up quickly—booking well in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times. This intimate setting makes it ideal for those wanting a personalized experience, but it’s less suited for spontaneous travelers or last-minute planners.

This tour is perfect for food lovers, history buffs, and curious travelers looking for an authentic, engaging way to explore Galway beyond the typical tourist spots. If you enjoy tasting local delicacies and hearing stories from passionate guides, this experience is likely to leave a lasting impression.

• Authentic local experiences: Visit a mix of modern and historic venues that reflect Galway’s culinary and cultural identity.
• Compact and well-paced: The roughly 2-hour duration makes it a manageable addition to your day.
• Intimate group size: Limited to 12 guests, ensuring a personal touch and engaging conversations.
• Expert guide: Gerry and others share insightful stories, making history and culture come alive.
• Tasty variety: From Irish cheeses and meats to craft beers and Irish whiskey, there’s a broad spectrum of flavors.
• Booking in advance: The tour is popular, often booked 43 days ahead, so plan early for a spot.

Starting Point: Eyre Square and the First Venue

The tour kicks off next to St. Columbas Credit Union in Eyre Square, a bustling hub that’s perfect for soaking in Galway’s lively atmosphere. Here, Gerry or another guide will introduce you to Galway’s story—covering everything from Irish emigration to local monuments. This initial chat sets the tone, giving you a context for the stops ahead.

The first venue is a modern, contemporary bar just off Eyre Square, where you’ll sip on a Gin & Tonic made from their exclusive gin. The bar boasts an impressive collection of over 530 gins, making it a haven for gin enthusiasts. As one reviewer noted, the atmosphere here is relaxed, and the food served complements the drinks perfectly—ideal for settling into the tour’s laid-back pace.

Exploring Galway’s Historic Streets

After your first tasting, the group strolls down Galway’s streets, which have maintained their charm for centuries. Passing by the Browne Doorway—the entrance to a merchant family’s tower house—you get a glimpse of the city’s colonial past. The guide shares stories about Galway’s merchant families, especially the Lynch family, whose castle still dominates Lynch’s Castle, standing as Galway’s most complete original tower house.

Discovering the Mid-Century Charm

Continuing around the Forster Street area, the tour visits a second modern bar across from an 18th-century church. Here, you’ll enjoy a cocktail crafted with their own house gin, giving you a taste of Galway’s evolving drink scene. The juxtaposition of old and new architecture offers a visual cue of the city’s layered history.

Medieval Roots and Local Markets

Passing through Buttermilk Lane onto Middle Street, the group encounters historical structures, including a 14th-century church—notable for supposedly hosting visitors like Christopher Columbus (a fun bit of local lore). Adjacent to this, the renowned Galway Market pops up, a bustling spot that has operated for centuries, especially lively on Saturday mornings. Here, you can imagine the market as the heartbeat of Galway’s commerce through the ages.

Food & Drink: The Heart of the Tour

The highlight for many is the Irish cheese, meats, and breads tasting at Saint Augustine Street, a family-run business just off the main street. Guests enjoy a selection of local cheeses, complemented by a glass of wine, with stories about Galway’s historical ties to the global wine trade. One reviewer called this the “highlight” of the tour—and for good reason, as the intimate setting provides a cozy atmosphere to savor local delicacies.

The final stops are at one of Galway’s oldest pubs, a protected building in the city center. Here, guests settle into a quiet snug for a sampling of Irish craft beers or a whiskey flight. The pub’s long history and hearty drinks make for a fitting conclusion, with one reviewer noting the “fascinating history” of the venue.

Tour End: Eyre Square and Final Reflections

As the tour wraps up, you pass through Eyre Square again, passing banners representing Galway’s tribal families—a neat visual cue of the city’s historic social structure. The experience ends where it began, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for Galway’s diverse past and vibrant present.

The tour costs around $113.31 per person, which includes tastings of craft beer, gin, and wine, as well as plates of local cheeses, meats, and breads. Considering the variety and quality of foods and drinks, this is a solid value for an immersive, guided experience. The small group size (up to 12) ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and engage with the guide.

Duration of just over two hours makes it an ideal activity—long enough to explore several local venues and enjoy tasting, but short enough to fit into a busy itinerary. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so bring an umbrella if needed, and dress comfortably for walking.

Booking early is wise, as the tour is popular and often booked 43 days in advance. The tour starts at St. Columbas Credit Union in Eyre Square—a central, easy-to-find meeting point—and concludes nearby, in the heart of Galway.

If you enjoy learning stories behind the places you visit, this tour’s knowledgeable guide makes history come alive. The tasting element appeals to food and drink lovers, especially those interested in Irish cheeses, beers, and whiskeys. The small group size offers a personalized experience, perfect for those wanting a relaxed, engaging way to explore Galway’s streets and flavors.

This tour is less suited for travelers with specific dietary restrictions—limited vegetarian options are available, but vegan choices are not. It’s also best for those who appreciate a steady pace over long walking distances, as the route is manageable and well-paced.

How long is the Galway Tasting and Walking Tour?
It lasts roughly 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it a manageable activity that fits well into most itineraries.

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers tastings of craft beer, gin, and wine, plus plates of Irish cheeses, meats, and breads. Extra drinks can be ordered separately.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at St. Columbas Credit Union in Eyre Square and concludes nearby in Galway city center.

Is the tour suitable for all weather?
Yes. The tour operates in all weather unless there is an official orange or red weather warning.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience and opportunities to ask questions.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Limited vegetarian options are available, but vegan options are not offered. Please specify any dietary needs when booking.

The Galway Tasting and Walking Tour offers a balanced mix of history, local stories, and authentic flavors — all delivered in a friendly, relaxed setting. It’s ideal for those who want to experience Galway beyond its surface, soaking up stories, sights, and tastes that are hard to find elsewhere. The small group size and passionate guides make it a memorable way to learn about this vibrant city while indulging in some of Ireland’s best local produce. Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or simply curious about Galway’s past and present, this tour provides a genuine taste of what makes this city special.