The northern shore of Galway bay is lined by a string of village's. Spiddal is set back from shore it possesses a large quay, where boats bound for the Aran islands leave, there is a strong tradition of curragh and Galway Hooker racing, and is an excellent area for sea angling.

St Enda's church on the main street is a bold expression of Celtic Romanesque architecture, it was designed by William A Scott and completed in 1904.

One of America's great film directors John Ford was born in the town in 1894 he was christened Sean O’Feeney.

He went to America where he changed his name, he returned to Ireland in 1951 where directed the epic film 'The Quiet Man' starring John Wayne, Maureen O'Hara, also a native of Ireland and Barry Fitzgerald, no doubt there were Irish connections there also. The film was shot in County Mayo in the village of Cong. See the Quiet Man Cottage which is a great tourist attraction.

The craft center and coffee is well worth a visit.