Galway Tour Guides Association has teamed up with the Galway International Oyster Festival to offer a series of exciting walking tours throughout the festival weekend. Tours take place twice daily over the weekend, giving festival-goers the perfect opportunity explore Galway and learn more about the City of the Tribes.
With tours focusing on Galway’s West End, the city’s waterways, and the legendary Tribes of Galway, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the festival.
The weekend walking tours begin at 2pm on Friday, with Arthur McGuire leading his popular tour of Galway’s West End. This tour highlights the history of the Claddagh, the Dominicans in Galway, and the Eglinton Canal.
At 4pm on Friday, Mary Treacy will lead a tour through Galway’s ecclesiastical heritage, exploring the city’s historic churches, religious traditions, and fascinating stories.
On Saturday, Gerard Burke will lead a walking tour focusing on the Tribes of Galway at 11am. This tour will take in the city’s medieval streets, historic landmarks and waterfront while learning about the 14 merchant families who shaped Galway’s history, culture and fortunes.
Saturday evening will see Brendan J Hynes bring festivalgoers on a tour along the River Corrib at 6pm. Go along to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the river to the history of Galway city.
On Sunday morning, Ger Considine will bring people on a tour of the city’s waterways at 11am. This Sunday morning stroll along the mighty Corrib and the network of canals associated with it will uncover tales of the people and industries that shaped the city.
The weekend walking tours finish at 2pm on Sunday, with Una Sinnott leading a walk through Galway: The City of the Tribes. This tour focuses on the 14 Tribes who controlled and shaped the city during the late medieval period, and uncovers the many ways in which these families have left their mark on Galway.
Galway Tour Guides Association represents professional tour guide in Galway, with members throughout the West of Ireland. All members are fully qualified and Fáilte Ireland approved.
For more information and to book this weekend’s Oyster Festival walking tours, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/oyster-festival-2026-walking-tours-4865623.
