Galway River Corrib Walk
This walk takes you along the River Corrib walkway in the city centre, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast.
The city is a lovely place for a walk with stone-clad cafes, boutiques, art galleries and interesting shops around the attractive 18th-century Eyre Square.
You can start off on the eastern side of the river from O'Briens Bridge on Bridge Street. The route then follows the easy surfaced footpath north to Salmon Weir Bridge. On the way there are lovely views over river to the city with its colorful houses and historic buildings such as the cathedral. There's photgenic bridges, weirs and wildlife such as grey heron to see on the way. Also look out for the local fishermen and the attractive riverside fencing and hedges with in wisteria and morning glory.
The walk finishes on Salmon Weir Bridge where you can see the wild salmon leaping between May and September.
Head north from the city and you could enjoy more waterside walking at Lough Corrib. The river enters the lough at the southern end of what is the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland.
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Walks near Galway
- Ashford Castle - About a 45 minute drive north there's a major local walking highlight at Ashford Castle. The medieval/Victorian castle includes beautiful grounds, riverside trails and a popular hawk walk.
- Kylemore Abbey - A little further away is this 19th century abbey. The popular estate includes loughside trails, a Victorian walled garden, woodland paths and views of the surrounding Twelve Bens Mountains.
- Clifden Castle - Near here there's more interesting local history at Clifden Castle. There's a nice circular walk around the early 19th century ruined manor house, the surrounding farmland and Clifden Bay. You can also pick up the walk along the scenic Sky Road to the coast.
- Killary Fjord - There's some wonderful scenery here with the impressive fjord flanked by the mountains of Mweelrea and Ben Gorm.
- Croagh Patrick - For a more challenging walk in the region head to Croagh Patrick mountain. There's a Pilgrimage Trail to the summit where you can enjoy glorious views over Westport Bay, Clew Bay and the Mayo mountains.
- Lough Lannagh - Enjoy the circular cycling and walking trail around this pretty lake in Castlebar.
- Ballyvaughan Wood Loop Walk - To the south there's the delightful harbour village of Ballyvaughan in County Clare. On the circular walk you can visit the wonderful Aillwee Cave system with its underground river and waterfall. Near here there's also Flaggy Shore. There's some wonderful geological features and fine views to Aughinish Island, Galway Bay, the surrounding mountains and the wider Atlantic Ocean.
- Lough Corrib - This walk visits Lough Corrib in County Galway. The expansive body of water is notable as the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland. To the north of the lake there's the climb to Mount Gable where you can enjoy some wonderful views back down to the lough.
- Oughterard Wind Farm Walk - This scenic circular walk explores the expansive Galway Wind Park, Ireland's largest on shore windfarm.
- Barna Woods - These lovely woods are located to the west of Galway in the coastal village of Barna. You can also enjoy coastal walks along the pretty Rusheen Bay and Silverstrand Beach here.
- Spiddal - To the west is the pretty village of Spiddal where there's a pleasant walk around the harbour and the beach.