Tours/Galway/The Dark History Tour of Galway City
Viator · group up to 20 pax

The Dark History Tour of Galway City

4.8(233)Galway1 hour
VIATOR4.7(104)TRIPADVISOR4.8(129)

Description

Join us on The Dark History Walking Tour of Galway City as we explore the darker side of Galway and delve into the gruesome history that lies beneath its charming exterior. Our expert guides will lead you through the winding streets and hidden corners of the city, revealing the chilling stories of murder, witchcraft, and ghostly apparitions that still haunt the streets today. This tour is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who are brave enough to embrace the unknown and immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere of the city at in the evening. The Gallows: Step back in time to witness some of Galway's most notorious executions. The Long Drop: Explore a new method of execution with disastrous consequences. The Ghosts of Galway: Encounter restless spirits and haunting tales from Ireland's history. The Famine: Gain insight into Galway's darkest years and a man's valiant struggle against it. The Lynches: Uncover the harrowing story of love, loss, gruesome murder, & poetic justice.

Tour Options

Dark History Tour of Galway

Itinerary

15 min

Our tour starts in Eyre Square in Galway City Centre. Listen as your guide tells you stories about Eyre Square, the (seemingly) random doorway which was once the gateway to the park, Galway's link to a famous US president and learn about the flagpoles that adorn the north side of the square.

10 min

Listen to the tales of the Tribes of Galway, one of which was the Browne family, who's doorway now sits in Eyre Square

Pass by

Learn about the love story of Thomas Parry and Alice Burns..

Pass by

Hear about this streets eerie past

15 min

Discover the dark history of Galway's Cathedral

15 min

Don't pass by this old castle without taking a moment to look at the finer details on the building. Learn about it's gruesome history..

5 min

Learn about this church and it's connections to a world-famous navigator

15 min

Easily Galway's most popular tourist attraction

15 min

The tour enables guests to immerse themselves in Galway City's culture and learn about it's history, traditions, folklore and art.

Highlights

90 minute guided tour with a local guide

What's included

Included
90 minute guided tour with a local guide

Traveller Ratings

4.8
233 reviews
5
206
4
13
3
5
2
4
1
5

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please contact our team in advance if you have mobility issues.

Reviews(233)

6
628evanh
July 8, 2026
Lots of fun

Jason was great! Highly recommended.

D
daniellepS2553DN
July 6, 2026
Tales of Galway's darker past

This tour focused on the supernatural, superstitions and tales of true crime of Galway and Claddagh. Sean did a wonderful job of bringing all the characters back to life while strolling thru the streets and river park of Galway. I will be sure to always carry some gold pieces with me from now on!

Q
Q284YMjonc
July 4, 2026
Terrific Tour!

Awesome story telling by Sean, we had a wonderful time despite the weather and so many great stories. Highly recommend this for a Galyway tour!

C
Christina_R
July 2, 2026
Great, relaxed but engaging tour!

Seán was great! He did a good job of getting people involved and was able to answer our questions. It was fun and interactive. A good mix of history and stories about pagan folklore/ ghosts/ etc. For anyone worried about the amount of walking, it’s an easy walk and pace. It’s a quick tour but a very easy and relaxed one.

K
katierN2418NZ
June 26, 2026
Great tour to start your evening in Galway!

Great tour for a multi-generational group! Sean was so great and had us laughing and shocked at the same time! Well done.

N
Nicole_O
June 25, 2026
Fun highlight

Sean was very knowledgeable and it was a fun time. Even in the rain we enjoyed learning some of the history of Galway. The stories were well told and a really hilarious time.

R
Robert_F
June 22, 2026
History tour

Really a historical review but focusing on seedier parts of history. Great guide, perfect length. Very knowledgeable guide

M
Magdalena_R
June 17, 2026
Wonderful time

This was so fun to do as a quick activity but also packed with great macabre pieces of history and stories of darker things in other realms. The stopping points to tell stories were great and the walking portions were easy

M
Melissa_M
June 15, 2026
Absolute Must!

We loved the tour, learning about so many historical events and Irish beliefs all rolled into one tour!

A
Abby_S
June 15, 2026
Galway Dark History Tour

Guide, Paul was so knowledgeable and a joy to listen to! Learned so much. Love the history he shared and the places seen.

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