Things to Do in Galway
Galway city's essential sights, from the Latin Quarter and Spanish Arch to Galway Cathedral and Salthill promenade — what to see and why each one matters.
Food & Drink in Galway
Native Galway Bay oysters, a fish and chip shop run by the same family since 1902, and a pub pouring pints since 1894 — Galway's food and drink culture, beyond the Latin Quarter's buskers.
By Ireland Spots Team
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Galway's food and drink identity runs on two things: what comes out of the bay, and pubs old enough that the music feels like a fixture rather than a show put on for visitors.
Galway Bay oysters
Native oysters from Galway Bay are the city's signature seafood, served as a standard starter at seafood spots around the Latin Quarter, McDonagh's among them. The connection runs deep enough that Galway holds its own dedicated oyster festival each September — not a one-off tourist event, but a long-running local tradition built around the same oysters you'll find on a plate on Quay Street any day of the year.
McDonagh's
A fish and chip shop and seafood restaurant on Quay Street, trading since 1902 and now run by the fourth generation of the same family. The chips are cut from potatoes peeled on the premises rather than bought pre-cut, and it functions as both a casual takeaway counter and a sit-down restaurant side by side — genuinely used by locals, not just a stop built for visitors passing through the Latin Quarter.
Tigh Neachtain
A traditional pub at the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street, pouring pints since 1894. Low ceilings, a working fireplace, and live traditional music most nights make it one of the most atmospheric pubs in the city for a session — the kind of place that would exist exactly as it is whether or not any visitors walked in.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Are Galway oysters actually local?
Yes — native Galway Bay oysters, the kind served at McDonagh's and other spots around the Latin Quarter, come from the bay itself rather than being shipped in. Galway's connection to oysters is strong enough to have its own dedicated festival each September.
What is McDonagh's known for?
A fish and chip shop and seafood restaurant on Quay Street, run by the same family since 1902 and now on its fourth generation. The chips are cut from potatoes peeled on the premises, and it's as well known locally as it is with visitors.
What is Tigh Neachtain known for?
A traditional pub at the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street, pouring pints since 1894. It's known as one of the most atmospheric trad-music pubs in the west of Ireland, with live sessions most nights, a working fireplace and low ceilings that haven't been modernised away.
Practical details last verified 5 November 2026.
More in Galway
Free Things to Do in Galway
Galway's best free attractions — the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral, the City Museum, Salthill promenade and the Latin Quarter's street life — with no admission fee anywhere on the list.
Galway in One Day
A realistic walking itinerary through Galway city centre for a first visit, from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch and out along Salthill promenade.