Galway’s Westend has announced the launch of Galway’s Westend Walking Tours. This immersive experience will allow visitors and locals to delve into the Galway City’s hidden gems, unique stories and vibrant atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination.
Galway’s Westend is celebrated for its bohemian charm, artistic flair and diverse community. The walking tours aim to showcase this district, guiding participants through its picturesque streets, unveiling its historical landmarks, and providing an intimate glimpse into the thriving arts, food and music scene. Led by expert local guides, each 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, restaurants and artisanal food markets, visitors will immerse themselves in the district’s unique ambiance.
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 W.B. 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 neighborhood, they will be introduced to the socio-cultural fabric through food, people and place, besides nuggets of information. For instance, 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.
The walking tours will commence in June and will run throughout the year. The tours will be available twice daily, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. from Raven’s Terrace. Tours last approximately 75 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online through the official Galway’s Westend website or directly at the meeting point.
For more information, visit www.galwayswestend.ie.
Related Stories
Eurobound Launches Ireland Self-Drive Package
On Location Unveils Travel Packages for Paris Olympics 2024
Off the Map Debuts New Tour of Scandinavian, Baltic Capitals
New Wine Tour to Portugal Combines Madeira and Douro Regions