City Balloon Tours
Language $Currency
Login / Sign up
Bookings
Bookings
Wallet
$0.00
Wishlists
Wishlists
Rewards Rewards
Gift cards
Profile
Help Center
Language
Log out
Things To Do Things To Do Top 10 Top 10 City Tours City Tours Swamp Tours Swamp Tours Steamboat Natchez Steamboat Natchez Gift Cards Gift Cards Rewards Rewards Groups Groups FAQ FAQ Contact Contact
Start your search
Change your search
Place or activity
Select Dates
You booked this experience
You're departing on
Google Calendar
Apple Calendar
Microsoft Outlook
Make your trip unforgettable

Riverboat Private Cruise plus Historic Galway city tour, 3-hour

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Galway, Ireland
Book online or call us

from $427.98 per group (up to 15)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Passengers board Sightseeing Cruise boat.
Tour guide, Ger of Western Tours & Tales leading a Connemara tour at Leenane Bridge.
An iconic attraction on the river route includes the Menlo Castle ruin.
The Latin Quarter in Galway's Old town is always a hive of activity especially at evening-time during the many Festivals that take place in the city.
The Spanish Parade and Spanish Arch are located at the old port area beside the Corrib river.
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
3 hours 10 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
French, German
Instant confirmation

Overview

We like to give our guests a warm West of Ireland welcome. As one of Ireland's oldest cities, Galway is rich in history and sightseeing. These tours between mid-May to end of September contain an enjoyable mix of a scenic Cruise of Corrib River and Lake onboard a riverboat, plus explore the History and Culture of Galway city.
This in-person combined tour is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the city and the adjacent Corrib Lake. It's presented by Irish Tourism professionals with commentary on-board the river boat route.
We start with the walking tour, visit top city landmarks including the Galway Cathedral, medieval Lynch's Castle, St. Nicholas' Church, the Latin Quarter and the Spanish Arch where you get an understanding of local history and culture.

The River cruise segment takes 1.5 hours. Cruise down the popular River Corrib to Ireland’s largest lake and waterways. Guests will have 'free time' to take photos on-board and enjoy beverages including a supreme Irish Coffee!

What's Included

  • Group meetup at Browne Doorway monument in Eyre Square, Galway city centre .
  • Shared Riverboat Sightseeing cruise plus 90-minute Private city Walking Tour
  • Photography opportunities
  • Alcoholic beverages . . but Irish Coffee can be purchased at nominal fee
  • Tea/Coffees Snacks not included but you buy on-board Cruise boat for small fee.
  • Hourly Charge if you wish to extend tour over 3.5 hours
See 3 moreSee 4 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Eyre Square
Galway, Ireland

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

The Browne Doorway

We start our tour here the main Square and give you a brief overview of Galway's rich history. The guide will outline the city's unlikely rise from a West Coast settlement to a wealthy and prosperous Walled city and the Anglo-Norman families, who became known as the 'Tribes of Galway'. We outline various Points of Interest around the Square including Iconic Buildings. The Historical aspects covered will include the medieval Browne Doorway, the Tribes of Galway Banners, the John F Kennedy memorial and the Quin-centenary Fountain.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

William Street

Our tour group now progress down the main street artery along William Street and view the landmark and elegant Browne Thomas building dating back to 1870. We pause at the Oscar Wilde / Edward Wilde monument, a gift from Estonia to Ireland in 2004 !
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lynch's Castle

The tour returns via Galway's famous River Walk to the main city artery. We arrive at a two-street intersection and the iconic Lynch's Castle building. This 4-story rectangular mansion is the oldest in the city and the finest surviving Town-Castle in Ireland. It was once the ancestral home of the powerful Lynch clan up until the mid-17th century. We explain the history of the building, its crests and roundels.
Read more

7 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Gothic and Tudor Revival-style former cathedral - Abbeygate Street Lower

Our next stop will be the old Galway Pro-Cathedral building at the Middle Street / Lower Abbeygate Street junction which opened in 1821. This old building was in use for many centuries until it was deemed inadequate by Galway bishop, Dr Michael Browne.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St Augustine's Catholic Parish (pass by)

The guide will explain that the Augustinian Order arrived in Galway in 1500 and setup an Abbey in the Forthill area of the city. Oliver Cromwell's English army banished them for a period but they returned in 1760 and established this building.
Read more

Buttermilk Lane (pass by)

From the Augustinian Church we divert into St Augustine’s Lane, now known as Buttermilk Lane. Daniel O'Connell is said to have addressed voters from the Oriel window which is seen at the top of the lane on the right.
Read more

Galway's Latin Quarter (pass by)

Galway's Latin Quarter is the Old town area and comprises of many small streets including High Street and Quay Street which has been the beating heart of Galway for many, many years. Here we encounter the iconic King's Head Pub. Legend has it that this pub site was gifted by Oliver Cromwell as payment to executioner of King Charles I.
Read more

Taaffes Bar (pass by)

Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Taaffe's Pub is a classic Irish pub with a warm atmosphere. It's a Traditional Music pub and has served customers since 1845, making it one of the oldest pubs in Galway City.
Read more

The King's Head

The King's Head Pub is one of the most famous pubs in Galway with the history of the building streaching all the way back to King Charles I ! The building itself dates back over 800 years to the 13th Century. it's a beautiful premises with lots of heritage features including a fireplace dated 1612 and quirky architectural lines!
Read more

3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Naughton's Pub (Tigh Neachtain)

Tig Neachtain is today one of Galway's finest pubs. In former years it was the town-house of Richard Martin, a local Galway celebrity in his day! In his early years as a duellist, he earned the nickname 'Hairtrigger Dick'. In later years, he was elected as a Galway PM to the British Parliament and introduced animal rights laws, which earned him the name 'Humanity Dick'. These laws led to the setting up of the SPCA. Martin was also landlord of a substantial area of Connemara.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Thomas Dillons Claddagh Ring - Gold Jewellers

As we enter Quay street, we now stand in front of Dillon's Jewellers, the original manufacturers of the famous Claddagh Ring from the 1830's. It takes its name from the former Claddagh fishing village nearby.
Read more

3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Wolfe Tone Bridge

From our Wolfe Tone Bridge vantage point, we can see the Claddagh Village across the River Corrib. This old Gaelic settlement was located outside the walled city of Galway. It was regarded as a fishing village with about 3000 people living here. The fishermen fished Galway Bay aboard the old Galway Hooker boats while the women-folk later sold the fish on the Spanish Parade area. Of course, the Claddagh area gave its name to the famous Claddagh Ring!
Read more

Admission Ticket Free

Quay Street

Quay Street has been at the center of Galway life since the city was founded almost 600 years ago. Today its a busy focal-point thoroughfare with several pubs, restaurants, cafes and lots of music. Also located here is a medieval castle and the Claddagh Ring Museum. Still on Quay Street, your Tour guide will tell you all about Blake's Castle, the imposing building on the right-hand side. Once owned by the Blake merchant family, it was confiscated by the Cromwellians and served as a jail for a number of decades.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Spanish Parade (pass by)

We now arrive at the Spanish Parade, which is an open area that was filled in when the old Trading port closed. It later served as a fish-market for Claddagh fisher-men.
Read more

The Spanish Arch

This open-space area, known as the Spanish Parade formally contained the old Galway port. Up until about 1660, there was a brisk foreign trade between Galway, France , Spain and Portugal. Old Galley ships frequented here with goods including wines and spices for local merchant families. Adjacent to here the medieval Spanish Arch is located on the banks of the River Corrib.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Kirwan's Lane

If Quay Street is too busy or alternatively if time allows our group will divert onto Kirwans Lane off Quay Street. This little detour will allow us to walk down this secluded medieval laneway. The laneway is named after one of Galway's Gaelic tribal families. This sublime streetscape offer us a view to past times when Galway city was regarded as 'the finest in the Kingdom'. Also located here is the site of the former Richard 'Humanity Dick' Martin Theatre.
Read more

3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Galway Farmers Market

If you are luck enough that your visit includes a Saturday morning you can explore the Galway Farmer's and Craft market. Here you can sample all the wonders of the Saturday Market (9am-4pm) just outside the church area! This is one of the oldest markets in the West of Ireland.
Read more

3 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Lynch Memorial

At this very popular Tourist attraction, we hear the story of the 15th century Lynch Memorial window and Mayor James Lynch FitzStephen. The story involves his privileged son, Walter, a love rivalry, a violent confrontation and the son paying the ultimate price issued by a stern, justice-of-the-peace father! The window commemorates this enduring legend and was erected in 1854.
Read more

4 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church

This famous church has existed for 700 years, is older than the city itself and has a very interesting history. Your guide will explain what you see here is the largest Medieval church in continuous use in Ireland. The church broadly outlines the story of Galway's history! It was originally built as a Catholic Church but changed hands many times. In 1477, the explorer Christopher Columbus is said to have worshipped here prior to his epic voyage of discovery! There is much to see within this ancient building and we have discount tickets available if you'd like to return later.
Read more

6 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bowling Green (pass by)

Our tour route passes close to Bowling Green. Here was the family home of Ms Nora Barnacle who was a prominent Galwegian in years gone by. She famously dated Irish Writer, James Joyce on 16th June 1904, thereafter known as Bloomsday! The Nora Barnacle House is believed to be Ireland’s Smallest Museum.
Read more

Galway Cathedral

Up ahead, from the newly-constructed pedestrian bridge over the River Corrib, our group will pause to view Europe's newest stone cathedral. The New Galway Cathedral opened in 1965 .
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Courthouse Square

We arrive next at Courthouse Square where your guide will talk to you about the evolving story of the two iconic Courthouses - one for the county and one for the city! Galway Courthouse , opened in 1815 and the City Courthouse (now the Town Hall Theatre) built in 1825.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Woodquay

We finally arrive at Waterside and Steamer's Quay in Woodquay area. This is the meeting point where we will wait to board the Corrib Princess for our river / lake cruise. On the boat's return, the Guide will accompany you to the original meeting-point in nearby Eyre Square.
Read more

6 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Corrib Princess

Your guide will take you to board the Corrib Princess for a sightseeing tour and river cruise which takes 1.5hrs approx. After the cruise we re-assemble back at the Quayside .
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 23 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • NOTE: Guests with mobility issues are welcome to check out our Private City tour, 400766P1 where smaller groups are catered for.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Riverboat Private Cruise plus Historic Galway city tour, 3-hour?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-400766P3

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
1 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
Galway Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Discover Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike
4.9 (72)

Discover Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike

A private full day guided excursion from Galway. Convenient roundtrip transportation from your accommodation. 3 hour thrilling electric fat bike ride in the heart of...

8 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (72)
from
$302
Medieval Galway Tour
5.0 (19)

Medieval Galway Tour

Please note: Galway Christmas Market is running in Eyre Square from November 6th to December 22nd 2026. When in Eyre Square, walk to a set...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (19)
from
$23
12:00 Cliffs of Moher Tour
4.9 (732)

12:00 Cliffs of Moher Tour

Departing at 12:00 noon from Galway, you will travel in comfort through one of the most scenic landscapes in Ireland; the lunar-like Burren. Walk, explore...

7 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (732)
from
$68
Connemara and Galway Atlantic Way Highlights 2 DAY Private Tour

Connemara and Galway Atlantic Way Highlights 2 DAY Private Tour

Our Private Tour takes you to the best sites of the famous West Coast, from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, to the bustling Street Markets...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
from
$423
Discover Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike

A private full day guided excursion from Galway. Convenient roundtrip transportation from your accommodation. 3 hour thrilling electric fat bike ride in the heart of …More

4.9 (72)

Discover Connemara Tour by Electric Fat Tyre Bike

4.9 (72)

A private full day guided excursion from Galway. Convenient roundtrip transportation from your accommodation. 3 hour thrilling electric fat bike ride in the heart of...

8 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.9 (72)
from
$302
Medieval Galway Tour

Please note: Galway Christmas Market is running in Eyre Square from November 6th to December 22nd 2026. When in Eyre Square, walk to a set …More

5.0 (19)

Medieval Galway Tour

5.0 (19)

Please note: Galway Christmas Market is running in Eyre Square from November 6th to December 22nd 2026. When in Eyre Square, walk to a set...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (19)
from
$23
12:00 Cliffs of Moher Tour

Departing at 12:00 noon from Galway, you will travel in comfort through one of the most scenic landscapes in Ireland; the lunar-like Burren. Walk, explore …More

4.9 (732)

12:00 Cliffs of Moher Tour

4.9 (732)

Departing at 12:00 noon from Galway, you will travel in comfort through one of the most scenic landscapes in Ireland; the lunar-like Burren. Walk, explore...

7 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (732)
from
$68
Connemara and Galway Atlantic Way Highlights 2 DAY Private Tour

Our Private Tour takes you to the best sites of the famous West Coast, from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, to the bustling Street Markets …More

Connemara and Galway Atlantic Way Highlights 2 DAY Private Tour

Our Private Tour takes you to the best sites of the famous West Coast, from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, to the bustling Street Markets...

2 days Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
from
$423

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks
4.7 (456)

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

Awarded 'BEST IRISH EXPERIENCE' and 'Boat Tour of the Year in Ireland', this is the only tour that enables passengers to sail straight from Galway...

8 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (456)
from
$69
The Welcome to Galway Walking Tour
4.9 (642)

The Welcome to Galway Walking Tour

Wander the streets of Galway with our expert local guide and discover the history, culture and tales which makes Galway so special. This is a...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (642)
from
$17
Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway
4.8 (1,039)

Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

Departing from Galway at 10:00 AM, you begin your fully guided tour of Connemara & Cong at our first photo stop near the scenic Inagh...

8 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,039)
from
$51
The Dark History Tour of Galway City
4.8 (247)

The Dark History Tour of Galway City

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...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (247)
from
$23
Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

Awarded 'BEST IRISH EXPERIENCE' and 'Boat Tour of the Year in Ireland', this is the only tour that enables passengers to sail straight from Galway …More

4.7 (456)

Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher Day Cruise sailing from Galway City Docks

4.7 (456)

Awarded 'BEST IRISH EXPERIENCE' and 'Boat Tour of the Year in Ireland', this is the only tour that enables passengers to sail straight from Galway...

8 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.7 (456)
from
$69
The Welcome to Galway Walking Tour

Wander the streets of Galway with our expert local guide and discover the history, culture and tales which makes Galway so special. This is a …More

4.9 (642)

The Welcome to Galway Walking Tour

4.9 (642)

Wander the streets of Galway with our expert local guide and discover the history, culture and tales which makes Galway so special. This is a...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (642)
from
$17
Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

Departing from Galway at 10:00 AM, you begin your fully guided tour of Connemara & Cong at our first photo stop near the scenic Inagh …More

4.8 (1,039)

Connemara, Cong & Kylemore Abbey Tour from Galway

4.8 (1,039)

Departing from Galway at 10:00 AM, you begin your fully guided tour of Connemara & Cong at our first photo stop near the scenic Inagh...

8 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (1,039)
from
$51
The Dark History Tour of Galway City

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 …More

4.8 (247)

The Dark History Tour of Galway City

4.8 (247)

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...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (247)
from
$23

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Riverboat Private Cruise plus Historic Galway city tour, 3-hour?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Riverboat Private Cruise plus Historic Galway city tour, 3-hour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Group meetup at Browne Doorway monument in Eyre Square, Galway city centre .
  • Shared Riverboat Sightseeing cruise plus 90-minute Private city Walking Tour.
  • Photography opportunities.
  • Combined tour experience and entertaining stories of Galway's history.
  • Admission Ticket for 90-minute Corrib Riverboat Cruise.
  • Irish Professional Tourist guides provide commentary.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic beverages. . . but Irish Coffee can be purchased at nominal fee.
  • Tea/Coffees Snacks not included but you buy on-board Cruise boat for small fee.
  • Hourly Charge if you wish to extend tour over 3.5 hours.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Riverboat Private Cruise plus Historic Galway city tour, 3-hour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • NOTE: Guests with mobility issues are welcome to check out our Private City tour, 400766P1 where smaller groups are catered for.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Riverboat Private Cruise plus Historic Galway city tour, 3-hour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Group meetup at Browne Doorway monument in Eyre Square, Galway city centre .
  • Shared Riverboat Sightseeing cruise plus 90-minute Private city Walking Tour
  • Photography opportunities
  • Combined tour experience and entertaining stories of Galway's history.
  • Admission Ticket for 90-minute Corrib Riverboat Cruise
  • Irish Professional Tourist guides provide commentary
  • Alcoholic beverages. . but Irish Coffee can be purchased at nominal fee
  • Tea/Coffees Snacks not included but you buy on-board Cruise boat for small fee.
  • Hourly Charge if you wish to extend tour over 3.5 hours

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • NOTE: Guests with mobility issues are welcome to check out our Private City tour, 400766P1 where smaller groups are catered for.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Most travellers can participate and this combined Tour is child and animal-friendly
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled by the Supplier due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund

Report Product Issue

Activity name