The Dark History Tour of Galway City

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

90 minute guided tour with a local guide

What To Expect

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.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

The Browne Doorway

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

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

The Dark Tour of Galway City

Reviews

4.78

201 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

183

Excellent stories and...
Amanda M,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent stories and background of the Galway history, Good stops as well. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to hear more storytelling
So cool!
Gabriella C,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour guide was amazing, we learned so much about the history of the city from him. Great experience!
Fun and informative
Jen N,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lots of great stories and the history of Galway. Upbeat and fun guide. Interesting spots and a nice evening stroll
Fun & Educational Experience
eiw2b1983,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great tour of Galway! We learned about the history and folklore of Ireland. Our guide was very knowledgeable and fun!
This was the perfect tour...
Christine m,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was the perfect tour to take on the night before Halloween! Our guide Connor was engaging and quite informative! My sister, daughter and I absolutely loved this tour!!
Spooky along the river in the fall
Emma M,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Bit cold after it got dark, but very interesting. Guide was knowledgeable and walking wasn't too much.
The Dark Side of Galway History
PRWonderly,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I really enjoyed listening to our expert guide, Sean, describe the darker side of Galway's history. His narrative included the myth of the "bean si" (Banshee), the Headless Horseman, the origins of Halloween (Samhain - pronounced "Sow -en"), and the large black dog, the "gliomach" which is said to be half lobster and half big shaggy dog. His use of guests on the tour to bestow parts to as he described famous and infamous murders and hangings made everything light-hearted and fun. We walked about 2 miles at a somewhat brisk pace, so it is not for those who want a leisurely tour.
Great tour if you like history or simply learning interesting facts about Galway!
Katie R,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour was great! We learned so much about the history of the city and our guide, Conor, was wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. The only minor inconvenience was that a few passersby did attempt to interrupt the tour on a few occasions. One man pushed his friend into my husband and a few others yelled at the group or walked right through our group. This is no fault of the tour guide and nothing they could help - Conor did give us a warning at the start that some people may try to be funny. Overall, it was a great tour!
History, folklore and murder
Tony C,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s a 90 minute tour starting at Eyre Square, with the guide sharing Irish history and stories of murders and fairies.
Loved it!
Jenna D,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
Beautiful tour of a beautiful city! The only reason I gave it a 4/5 is because it was difficult to hear at times. Otherwise what we heard and saw was amazing!