A Literary Journey via Galway’s Poetry Trail
Join us on a unique literary walking tour through the heart of Galway. Discover the hidden gems of poetry etched on plaques through the city’s streets and along the River Walk. This absorbing themed walk offers visitors an opportunity to explore Galway from a different perspective, where literature, culture, and place come together in a memorable and inspiring experience.
Galway has long been recognised as one of Ireland’s great centres of artistic and cultural expression. As the vibrant “throbbing heart” of Ireland’s mid-West, the city has nurtured generations of writers, poets, storytellers and musicians. Its rich literary tradition continues to thrive today, making it the perfect setting for a tour dedicated to the written word.
The Poetry Plaques of Galway
Scattered throughout Galway’s inner city are a series of remarkable Poetry Plaques that form a unique literary trail. The Galway Poetry Trail was setup jointly by Kennys Bookshop and Galway City Council, and in conjunction with Cúirt International Festival of Literature. The trail has been added to annually since the first plaque was installed in 2005. Cast in bronze or engraved in limestone, these artistic installations feature extracts from poems and literary works inspired by Galway and its people. Positioned in locations that connect directly with the words they display, the plaques invite visitors to pause, reflect, and experience the city through the eyes of some of Ireland’s finest writers.
Each plaque tells a story. Some celebrate Galway’s maritime heritage and bustling streets, while others capture moments of beauty, memory, humour or local character.
An In-Depth Guided Experience
While visitors can follow the Poetry Trail independently by picking up a brochure from Kenny’s Bookshop or the Galway Tourist Office at the Spanish Parade, our guided tour offers a far richer and more rewarding experience.
Led by our experienced Tour leader, Ger @gersguidedtours the walk brings the plaques to life through engaging stories, historical context, and insights into the poets themselves. We explore Galway’s wider literary heritage, including its connections to the Irish language and local traditions. Participants learn about the writers behind the words, the circumstances that inspired their work and the significance of each location.
The result is an enjoyable and thought-provoking journey that appeals to literature lovers, cultural travellers and students.
Festival Connections
Our Galway Poetry Trail tours are traditionally offered during April, June and July each year. The April tours often coincide with the internationally renowned Cúirt International Festival of Literature, one of Ireland’s leading literary festivals. This timing allows visitors to immerse themselves in Galway’s vibrant literary atmosphere while exploring the city’s permanent poetic landmarks.
Subject to demand, additional tours may also be arranged around Bloomsday on 16th June, when Ireland celebrates the life and work of James Joyce and the rich legacy of Irish literature.
Join the Tour
Although Poetry Plaques are located in places such as the Salthill Prom, our tour focuses on those Plaques located within Galway’s inner city and Whether you’re a student of literature, or simply curious about Galway’s cultural heritage, this walk is suitable for visitors of all interests and offers a rewarding and memorable experience.
Please contact us by email for further information, tour dates or to inquire about arranging a place on one of our Galway Poetry Trail tours.
More information on the Galway Poetry Trail can be found here on Kenny’s bookshop site.