Before you go

Your trip to Galway.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Galway – Galway Destination Galway and Connemara Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto de Shannon (Shannon Airport) (SNN) Shannon · 90 km
Aeroporto de Dublin (Dublin Airport) (DUB) Dublin · 210 km
Estação Ceannt (Galway Ceannt Station) 1 km
Rodoviária de Galway (Galway Coach Station) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before booking. Galway does not have a commercial airport: Shannon is about 90 km away and Dublin about 210 km, both with direct buses. The train from Dublin Heuston reaches Ceannt station in the center in about 2h30, and the bus station is next door.

How many days

Two days for the city: one for the Latin Quarter, the Spanish Arch and the Claddagh; another for the cathedral, the museum and Salthill. Add one day for each excursion, to the Falésias de Moher or to the Ilhas Aran.

When to go

From May to September days are long and the city is lively; in July the Galway International Arts Festival and the horse races take place, with hotels busy. In September there is usually an oyster festival. From October to March it rains more and it gets dark early, but the pubs have music year-round.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

You don't need a car for the city, which is best explored on foot; buses go to Salthill. A car is useful for Connemara and the Burren coast. Without a car, there are daily buses and tours to Clifden, Kylemore, Moher and the port for the Ilhas Aran. In Ireland you drive on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Galway

Morning
Eyre Square and Shop Street
Start at Eyre Square and walk down Shop Street and High Street, passing Lynch's Castle and the church of St Nicholas.
Afternoon
Spanish Arch and Claddagh
Follow Quay Street to the Spanish Arch and the city museum. Cross the river to the Claddagh and walk along the riverbank.
Late afternoon
Cathedral and river Corrib
Walk up the Corrib bank to the Cathedral of Galway, passing Salmon Weir Bridge, where salmon run up the river in season.
Evening
Music in the Latin Quarter
Dine in the Latin Quarter and look for a traditional music session in the pubs on Quay Street and Dominick Street.

2 days in Galway

Day 1

Morning
Latin Quarter
Eyre Square, Shop Street, Lynch's Castle and the church of St Nicholas; on Saturdays, the market beside the church.
Afternoon
Spanish Arch and museum
Spanish Arch, the Galway City Museum and the Long Walk, with the colorful houses on the bayfront.
Late afternoon
Cathedral
Cathedral of Galway and the return along the Corrib bank.
Evening
Pubs on Quay Street
Dinner and traditional music in the Latin Quarter.

Day 2

Morning
Excursion or Ilhas Aran
Set off early for the Falésias de Moher and the Burren on a tour or by car, or take the bus to Rossaveal port and the boat to Inis Mór.
Afternoon
Continuation of the excursion
Day tours return to Galway in the late afternoon. On Inis Mór, rent a bicycle and cycle up to the fort of Dún Aonghasa.
Late afternoon
Salthill
On the return, walk along the Salthill promenade to the Blackrock diving platform, with the sunset over the bay.
Evening
Seafood
Eat oysters and bay fish at a restaurant in the centre or in Salthill.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the Claddagh ring?

A traditional ring with two hands holding a crowned heart, representing friendship, love and loyalty. It is named after the old fishing village of Claddagh across the river and is sold in the centre's jewellers.

Is Galway good for listening to Irish music?

Yes. The pubs in the Latin Quarter have traditional music sessions almost every night, and street musicians play on Shop Street during the day.

How to get to the Falésias de Moher from Galway?

The cliffs are about 75 km away, along the Burren coast. There are day tours leaving from the centre and regular buses; by car it takes about 1h30.

What are Galway's festivals?

In July the Galway International Arts Festival takes place and, at the end of the month, the Galway Races; in September there is usually an oyster festival. At those times hotels tend to book up in advance.

What is the Latin Quarter?

The name given to Galway's medieval centre, between Shop Street, High Street, Quay Street and the Spanish Arch, with pedestrian streets, pubs and restaurants.

Back to Galway