As part of your language and cultural stay in Ireland, we invite you to discover one of the country’s most colourful and charming cities – Galway. Located on the west coast, where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean, Galway is known for its lively streets, traditional music, and welcoming atmosphere. Walk through the historic Latin Quarter, explore the Quay Street shops and cafés, and enjoy the street performers who bring music and energy to the city. You’ll see landmarks such as the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral, and the Eyre Square gardens. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll hear Irish music from pubs, see local art, and feel the friendly spirit of the city. Along the Salthill Promenade, you can breathe in the fresh sea air and look out across Galway Bay. You might even take part in the local tradition of “kicking the wall” at the end of the walk for good luck! Galway is also the gateway to stunning landscapes such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and Connemara. Throughout your visit, you’ll practice your English while learning about Irish culture, history, and traditions. You can read signs in both English and Irish (Gaelic), talk to locals or shopkeepers, and take notes to share with your class. Galway is not just a city – it’s an experience filled with music, colour, and culture. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, try some local food like fish and chips or Irish stew, and don’t forget your camera to capture the magic of the west of Ireland!
09:00 - Meet at the location as informed by CES staff.
09:00 - Take coach to drop off point in Galway city.
11:30 - arrive in Galway city
11:40 - Walk from coach drop off point to museum or walking tour meeting point, if included in your programme
12:00 - begin walking tour
14:00 - Students will spend approx 2 hours visiting the museum and attending the walking tour.
15:00- Free time
16:00 - Students will meet at the previous coach drop off point and prepare for departure.
16:00 - Students will return by coach to Dublin.
18:30 - students will arive back to dublin.
Also known as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, Eyre Square is a central public park in Galway. It’s a popular meeting place with sculptures, green spaces, and fountains, surrounded by shops and cafés.
Lynch’s Castle is a medieval townhouse on Shop Street. Once home to the wealthy Lynch family, it now houses a bank. The building is known for its stone carvings, Gothic windows, and coat of arms.
St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is the largest medieval parish church still in use in Ireland. Founded in 1320, it is famous for its stone architecture, stained-glass windows, and connection to explorer Christopher Columbus, who is said to have visited in 1477.
The Spanish Arch is a 16th-century stone arch near the River Corrib. It was part of the old city walls and was used for protecting ships and goods arriving from Spain and other European countries.
Latin Quarter
The Latin Quarter is the cultural heart of Galway, known for its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, street performers, pubs, and traditional Irish music. It includes areas like Quay Street, Shop Street, and Kirwan’s Lane.
Kirwan's Lane
Kirwan’s Lane is one of Galway’s best-preserved medieval streets. With its old stone buildings, cafés, shops, and art studios, it gives a glimpse into the city’s historic past.
Welcome to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most famous natural places. These cliffs are very old — about 320 million years! They are made of special rocks called sandstone and shale. The cliffs are very tall, almost 700 feet high, and they stretch for about 5 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. People come here to enjoy the amazing views, see birds like puffins flying above, and feel the strong wind. The cliffs show the wild and beautiful side of Ireland and are visited by over a million people every year.
At the Visitor Centre, you will learn more about the cliffs and the animals that live here. The centre opened in 2007 and was built carefully to protect nature. Inside, there is a short video that explains how the cliffs were formed and why they are so special. The name “Moher” comes from an old fort that once stood nearby. Many sea birds and unique plants call this place home. The centre helps us understand how people and nature can live together and protect this beautiful area.