Travel Guide to Galway, Ireland
Ra's Travel Guide to Galway
The festival capital of Ireland hosting around 122 festivals per year; the complete travel guide to Galway.
Nestled on Ireland's picturesque west coast, Galway offers a rich cultural experience, vibrant nightlife, and serves as an ideal base for exciting day trips across Ireland. Wander through charming cobblestone streets, peruse boutique shops for authentic Irish gifts, savor delightful cafes, and relish the pub culture. Dive into the heart of Galway with this comprehensive travel guide to Galway for an enriching visit.
Getting to Galway, Ireland: Transportation Options and Travel Tips
Galway boasts convenient access through Ireland West Airport and Shannon International Airport, both just an hour's drive from the city center. These airports cater to domestic and international flights, featuring budget-friendly options. Plan your transport in advance, whether it's a car hire, taxi, bus, or train.
For travelers within Ireland, reaching Galway is seamless. The centrally located Galway Train Station (Ceannt Station) facilitates easy travel between Galway and other cities. Opting for buses, operated by Citylink, GoBus, and AirCoach, is a cost-effective choice, offering express routes to various destinations, including Dublin, Dublin Airport, Limerick, Cork, Clifden, and Letterfrack in Connemara. Secure your train and bus tickets early to avoid sell-outs.
If traveling by car or car hire, note that some companies offer direct transportation between Dublin and Galway, with a travel time of approximately 2.5 hours. Ensure your booking and price confirmation in advance.
For convenient travel planning, cost evaluation, and exploring various transportation options, Rome2rio is a valuable tool. It offers comprehensive information, suggests routes and stops, and enables customized and well-informed travel experiences. Furthermore it allows travelers to seamlessly plan their journey and make informed decisions based on their preferences. Discover more at Rome2rio.
Where to Stay in Galway, Ireland?
Galway, despite being a smaller city, boasts a diverse range of lodging options, including hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs, predominantly centered in the city's heart. Prices fluctuate based on accommodation type, location within the city, and the time of year.
For those planning a road trip or seeking a different ambiance than the bustling city center, exploring smaller villages like Salthill, Clifden, or Oranmore along the picturesque coastline is a fantastic option. These charming towns offer seclusion from large crowds while remaining in proximity to Galway, accessible by a quick drive or bus ride.
For a truly distinctive experience, consider lodging on one of Galway's islands. While the Aran Islands are popular, others such as Inishbofin Island, Inis Mor, Inis Oirr, or Inis Meain provide a more secluded atmosphere, untouched by heavy tourist traffic, presenting beautiful gems and a serene environment.
During my visit to Galway, I opted for a day trip from Dublin, with my accommodation situated in the capital. This decision was influenced by St. Patrick's Day, a lively holiday in Ireland, leading to limited availability and soaring prices. For those planning to visit any Irish city during this festive period, booking at least three months in advance is advisable to secure accommodations at reasonable rates and avoid substantial price hikes.
Getting Around Galway, Ireland
Car
Cars are available for rental at the airports or at various agencies around Ireland. This is a great option if you plan on traveling around Ireland and into the countryside. However, if you’re planning on just visiting Galway or staying in major cities, renting a car is not recommended. Galway is a small city that’s very pedestrian friendly and Ireland’s cities have great public transportation. Avoid losing time by getting stuck in traffic and stick to walking or public transportation.
Bus
The Eyre Square is the central area for catching buses around Galway and for buses around Ireland. The Galway buses connect the east and west of the city. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver. To get off the bus, just press the button to alert the driver that you want to get off otherwise the bus may not stop at your station. For information about bus routes and fares, click here.
Taxi
Taxis can be booked in advance or hailed from anywhere in the city. These are perfect if you find yourself in Galway during a rainy day or for leaving the city for a day trip. Be sure to confirm the price in advance before you agree to a ride so you don’t get hit with a surprise bill.
Bike
Bikes are available around the city at bike stands for rent. This is perfect if you would like to take a bike day trip, travel outside of the city, or want to bike the coastline and catch some fresh breezy salt air.
Walking
As a smaller city, the majority of tourist attractions are in the city center. This makes walking around very easy and the preferred method of travel around the city by tourists and locals. The streets and sidewalks are relatively well maintained and well lit, so you will often see people walking around late into the evenings.
What to Do in Galway, Ireland?
Historical Walking Tour
IAttend a walking tour around Galway to learn about the history of the city and many of the main tourist attractions. Additionally, receive insider tips from a local! There are many walking tours offered, including many free walking tours! Just remember to bring cash to tip your guide.
Latin Quarter
One of the iconic images of Galway is within these cobblestoned streets in the old center of the city. Within this location are many pubs, cafes, restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops. If you’re looking for Irish souvenirs or shopping for jewelry, this is the area to visit. Street performers can be found all along the streets throughout the day.
Salthill Promenade
Located southwest of the city center is this 2 kilometers long promenade along the sea. If you visit during a clear day, you’ll be able to spot the outline of The Burren in County Clare. The promenade is filled with bars, restaurants, cafes, and the Galway Atlantaquaira, which is an aquarium run by the National Aquarium of Ireland.
Galway Cathedral
Don’t be fooled by the appearance, this cathedral was only built in 1965 and it looks older than it is. Built on the site of the old Galway prison, the Cathedral is a mix of a variety styles of architecture with Romanesque, gothic, and Renaissance. The stained glass windows were designed by Patrick Pollock and imogen Stuart created an image of the Virgin Mary.
Galway City Museum
A free museum that contains exhibits about Galway's archeology, culture, art, and natural history. Within the museum are a few main attractions drawing visitors in: the traditional Galway sailboat called a “hooker” and “Great Mace” that was produced in Dublin in the 18th century, and a 16th and 17th century “Medieval Stone Collection.”
River Corrib Cruise
From May to September, you can cruise the lake with more than 1,300 islands from Woodquay in the middle of the city. The ride takes 90 minutes and you’ll pass by the rural green countryside and the ruins of 16th century Menlo Castle now covered in ivy after burning down in 1910. The Corrib Princess cruises twice daily at 12:30 and 14:30, and there’s an extra trip at 16:30 in July and August.
Lynch's Castle
Located at the intersection of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street is a fortified house of limestone built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The house was home to the Lynch family who had Anglo-Norman roots. They were one of the 14 tribes that stayed during the Galway period. One of the notable historical moments of teh castle was in 1493 when James Lynch Fitzstephen, a former mayor of Galway, hanged his own son from a window in the castle for killing a Spanish sailor.
Eyre Square
The most popular city park in Galway, located in the city center near the shopping area of William and Shop streets. During warm sunny days, locals and tourists can be found lounging out soaking up the sun rays and dogs running around playing fetch. This is also the perfect location to turn your lunch or dinner into a picnic!
Aran Islands
The Aran Islands, nestled off the coast of Galway, Ireland, are a captivating archipelago steeped in rich history and natural beauty, making them a must-visit destination. Comprising Inishmore, Inishmaan, and Inisheer, these islands are renowned for their rugged landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and unique cultural heritage. The islands boast a history dating back to prehistoric times, with remnants of ancient forts, monastic settlements, and stone walls that weave through the picturesque scenery. Visitors are drawn to the Aran Islands for a glimpse into traditional Irish life, where the Gaelic language, local crafts, and a close-knit community endure.
Dunguaire Castle
This 16th century castle is located about 30 minutes outside of Galway and is rumored to be one of the most photographed castles in Ireland. The 23 meter tower and fort wall date back to 1520 by the Hynes clan. During the summer time you can attend a “Dunguaire Castle Banquet.” During this event you can feast on medieval-style fare and enjoy medieval themed entertainment.
From the captivating Historical Walking Tours to the vibrant Latin Quarter and the tranquil Salthill Promenade, Galway invites exploration. Delve into the past at Lynch’s Castle, cruise the River Corrib, and embrace the allure of the Aran Islands. Galway, with its old-world charm and modern vibrancy, promises an unforgettable experience. This travel guide to Galway ensures your Galway adventure is extraordinary, filled with picnics in Eyre Square and magical moments in the Latin Quarter. Let Galway's tales become your own as you explore, discover, and create lasting memories. Safe travels!
Travel Tip
This area is known for sourcing many popular Irish gifts such as Claddagh rings and Connemara marble jewelry.
My Playlist for Galway, Ireland
"Galway Girl" by Ed Sheeran
"The Galway Shawl" - Traditional Irish Folk Song
"Streets of Galway" by Bagatelle
"Fields of Athenry" by Pete St. John
"Galway Bay" - Popular Irish Ballad
