Galway City is a booming mini-metropolis where medieval and Gaelic roots coalesce with modern art and hip university youth. It is best explored on a walking tour; the folks at Galway Tours (091 561 386 or 086 402 1819, www.galwaytours.ie) run superb tours daily departing from the fountain at Eyre Square, May–September, Monday–Friday, at 11 A.M. Private tours are available. For a more gory approach, try Galway Gothic Tours (0877 782 887, www.legendtours.ie/gothic.php).

The following sections detail the best sights in Galway City.

Eyre Square

This central pedestrian zone has a few notable sights. In the front sits the seventeenth-century Browne Doorway taken from the remnants of a mansion off of Abbeygate Street. The Quincentennial Fountain is near the JFK bust marking the JFK Memorial Park in the backdrop.

Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas

Known as the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra (091 564 648, www.stnicholas.ie), this gem off of Market Street is Galway's oldest house of worship and is currently presided over by the Church of Ireland. Christopher Columbus supposedly prayed here in 1477 before further attempts at his around-the-world ventures. Eerily marked is the spot where Mayor Lynch in the early 1490s hanged his son before banishing himself to a reclusive life. Guided tours are available except on Sunday. Church open daily, January–February, 9 A.M.–5 P.M.; March–December, 9 A.M.–7 P.M. Donations appreciated.

Lynch Castle

Located in what is now the AIB (Allied Irish Bank), Lynch Castle was home to Galway's most prominent “tribes,” or families. The outer façade of the sixteenth-century mansion still portrays Irish gargoyles in their full glory. Moreover, the coat of arms of the Lynch and Fitzgerald families are adorned with the crest of Henry VII, to whom they were loyal. Located on Abbeygate Street Lower and Shop Street. Open during the bank's regular business hours. Admission free.

Spanish Arch

Located across the Wolfe Tone Bridge, the Spanish Arch was a portal that Spanish merchant fleets used to enter with goods, namely brandy. It is one of the only parts of the city's medieval walls that still stand. Other remnants of the city's fortified partition can be seen throughout the city's pubs and inside the main shopping mall off of Eyre Square.

Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum (091 532 460, www.galwaycitymuseum.ie) proudly displays some of the key artifacts and documents depicting the city's past. For War of Independence researchers, it houses interesting memorabilia and photographs. The elegant Galway Hooker boat replica is a must-see, as are the various exhibitions on hand. Open June–September, daily, 10 A.M.–5 P.M.; October–May, Tuesday–Saturday, 10 A.M.–5 P.M. Admission 2.50/5.

Galway Cathedral

The Galway Cathedral, completed in the 1960s, is actually denominated the Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas (091 563 577, www.galwaycathedral.org). Local artisans completed the structure in local limestone and marble. The mosaics, statues, and central dome are all designed for elegant simplicity. The website displays some of the music and organ recitals. Located next to the Salmon Weir Bridge and University and Gaol Road. Open daily, 8 A.M.–6 P.M. Donations appreciated.

Nora Barnacle House

This nineteenth-century private museum located in Bowling Green is known as the Nora Barnacle House (091 564 743, www.norabarnacle.com). The residence of James Joyce's wife, the small house displays handwritten letters between the two, along with photographs, furniture, and other noteworthy items. Best to call or e-mail ahead.

Galway is known for its festivals and offers plenty throughout the year. Reserve accommodations ahead for these time periods. The best festivals are:

• Galway International Oyster Festival. From Dublin to West-port and from Blarney to the Burren, you will hear locals talk about the Galway International Oyster Festival (091 587 992, www.galwayoysterfest.com). The event takes place during the last week of September each year.

• Galway Horse Races. The Galway Horse Races (091 753 870, www.galwayraces.com) take place in July or early August each year. Eachday hasa different theme, and closed-circuit television broadcasts the event throughout the grounds.

• Galway Film Fleadh. For an art-filled summer season at one of Ireland's largest film festivals, the Galway Film Fleadh (091 751 655, www.galwayfilmfleadh.com) comes highly recommended.

• Galway Arts Festival. For the finest sampling of Ireland's most dramatic, musical, and comedic renderings, the Galway Arts Festival (091 509 700, www.galwayartsfestival.ie) lasts two weeks in mid-July each year.