Galway is one of the most exciting cities in Ireland. It’s a place of beauty, epic nights out, and folklore. Do you know that saying? The one that goes — a picture is worth a thousand words? If that’s the case, you could write a whole novel during your stay in The City of the Tribes.
At Insta Tours, we are passionate about helping our customers find that perfect photo. We even have our very own Galway Photography tour. So make sure to check it out if you’re interested in learning more about the city and getting some top-notch photography tips! Also, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions; we love a good old natter at Insta Tours!.
Let’s get cracking with our list of the seven must-see sights in Galway.
Spanish Arch
The Spanish arch is positioned on the left bank of the Corrib river and harks back to pre-medieval times. Make sure to get a shot of this historical gem!
There is some speculation as to why it’s called the Spanish Arch. Some argue the name references the former merchant trade with Spain, whose ships would often dock there. Others say that it was coined by the ruling classes of Dublin, who argued that that section of Galway was more Spanish than Irish.
This spot would be a compelling way to frame passers-by; imagine how cool a shot would look if you caught a wholesome moment framed by the medieval bridge.
The Fisheries Watchtower Museum
The Fisheries Watchtower museum is a super interesting spot. It is dedicated to the rich fishing history of Galway and has plenty of artefacts to explore.
However, as this is an Insta Tours post, we’re really here to talk about what it looks like from the outside! The Victorian Watchtower is three stories high, butter-coloured, and overlooks the River Corrib and Claddagh.
The watchtower photographs nicely, and there are loads of ways you can play about with your camera focus or colour. Maybe you could focus on the background and let the watchtower blur for a more artsy shot. Or you could go for a hyper-saturated look to bring out the colours of the tower contrasting with the paler buildings around it.
Killary Fjord
Just outside of Galway, in Connemara, lies the Killary Fjord — one of the only three fjords in Ireland. A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that travels far inland (for those of you who don’t know). The Killary fjord forms a natural border between Galway and Mayo and it stretches 16km.
It truly is a sight to behold, and the photographic opportunities are endless. The rolling hillsides stretch as far as the eye can see and stretch down into the frozen glacial waters. So if you’re looking for a post worthy of the grid and not just a story post, then this is THE place to go.
Blackrock Diving Platform
You’ll arrive at the Blackrock Diving Tower at the end of Salthill Promenade. As you can imagine from the name, it’s a popular spot for diving! It’s a common sight to see someone whooping and hollering before plunging into the bracing Irish sea.
It’s probably one of the most photographed spots in Galway, but don’t let that stop you from getting that perfect shot. Are there any ways you could take the photo differently? For example, explore how angles or different weather types change the image!
The Latin Quarter
Some say that The Latin Quarter is how the Galway spirit shines through, and it is often referred to as Galway’s Cultural Heart.
The Latin Quarter is equally popular with tourists and local Galwegians. These cobblestone streets are home to family-run businesses, quirky shops, and cosy coffee spots.
Nighttime, however, is when the Latin quarter truly comes alive. Traditional music is playing, the locals are dressed up to the nines, ready for a night out on the town, and you can expect to find lit lanterns giving the spot a carnival vibe.
This mixture of colours and the old and the new crossing over make for a fascinating image, that’ll have your friends asking “WHERE did you take that photo?”
What Lifts You Mural
The What Lifts You Mural is an interactive mural in Galway Town designed by the artist Kelsey Montague. The mural consists of a giant aesthetically pleasing pair of wings in which you can stand in front to achieve that ethereal fairy look.
The mural was designed for people to pose in front of it and share what inspires them or motivates them in life. You’ll find the mural outside O’Connell’s Bar on Eyre Square. What more do you want? An uplifting message and a cute snap for the gram!
Salthill Promenade
Suppose you’re looking for the ultimate seaside shot. Then Salthill Promenade is the place for you. Take a stroll down its 3km coastline with views over Galway Bay. Its Irish name is Bóthar na Trá which translates to The Road by the Sea.
It’s a mixture of civilisation and nature meeting perfectly together, separated by a rocky boundary, and it makes for a perfect IG-shot. The promenade is ideal for capturing a windswept self-portrait or even a more artsy long-exposure shot to capture the movement of the waves.
Salthill Promenade looks particularly photogenic at dusk, where you can catch (hopefully) the sunset hues contrasting with the greeny blues of the Irish Sea. Well, there you have it! We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistlestop tour of some of the most photogenic spots in Galway. If you’d like to find out more about the tours we run, please give us a call or send us an email — we’d love to hear from you!
