Guide to Visiting Galway


Experience Ireland's cultural capital where medieval streets meet Atlantic waves and every pub tells a story.

The Ultimate Galway Blog Style Guide


Introduction: The Soul of Ireland's Cultural Capital


Galway captures the essence of Ireland like no other city. With its tangled lanes lined with colorful shopfronts curving around Galway Bay, compact Galway is one of Ireland's most picturesque cities. Bolstered by an energetic student population, it's also one of the island's most vibrant, with musicians striking up in its atmospheric pubs and busking on its streets, a seafood-driven culinary scene, a jam-packed calendar of events and a bohemian soul.


When to Visit: Timing Your Galway Experience


Peak Season (July-August)

July and August bring long days that are perfect for exploring, but the high season also brings higher accommodation prices. And while these may be the summer months, the sun is never a guarantee in Ireland.


Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)

The shoulder season months of April, May, September and October are great times to visit, with fewer crowds. These months can even see stretches of exceptional weather — perhaps even warmer and sunnier than in summer in some years.


Winter Months

The winter months can be cold, wet and dreary. It's not the ideal for visiting, but if you happen to be in Galway in these months, don't fear — just pack well for the weather and expect to while away the long, dark evenings with some live music in the pub.


Festival Calendar: When Galway Truly Comes Alive


Galway's festival scene is legendary, with events that draw visitors from around the world , GalwayTourism.ie is an excellent website on Galway Tourism:


  • April: Cúirt International Festival of Literature
  • May: Galway Theatre Festival
  • July: Galway Arts Festival and Galway Film Fleadh
  • Late July: Galway Race Week
  • September: Galway Oyster & Seafood Festival
  • October: Macnas Halloween parade


Getting There and Around


Transportation to Galway

Galway is easily reached by train and bus from Dublin. If you want to get to Galway from any other city in Ireland, a bus is your best bet with services like Citylink and GoBus services providing direct routes from Dublin Airport to Galway, operating hourly.


Getting Around the City

Once you're in Galway City, the central core is very walkable, and rambling (and pub-crawling) around Eyre Square and Shop Street is part of the Galway experience.


Must-Do Experiences in Galway


1. Immerse Yourself in Pub Culture


Galway is famed far and wide for its pubs, most of which are just a crawl from the next. Essential venues include:

  • Tigh Neáchtain (Neáchtain's): A bright-blue-painted 19th-century treasure that attracts all walks of life beneath its low ceilings and on its tree-shaded terrace
  • Tig Cóilí: A fantastic place to catch live music
  • The Crane Bar: The two-storey Crane Bar is famous for traditional music sessions
  • Róisín Dubh: Legendary venue where bands of all genres get their break


2. Savor World-Class Seafood


Seafood reigns in Galway with exceptional restaurants offering the best of the Atlantic:

  • Aniar: Terroir-focused Aniar uses local catches in many of its Michelin-starred multicourse menus
  • Oscar's: Celebrated seafood bistro Oscar's is a superb place for Galway Bay oysters
  • Ard Bia at Nimmo's: Features local specialties like West Coast monkfish
  • Kai: West Coast crab (washed down with Galway Hooker) is a specialty of hip Kai
  • McDonagh's: Down-to-earth McDonagh's is an essential stop for phenomenal fish and chips


3. Explore Galway's Rich History


Situated at the mouth of the River Corrib, Galway started out life as a fishing village, Claddagh, and really took off in the 13th century when it came under the Anglo-Norman rule of Richard Óg de Burgh (aka the Red Earl) and its city walls were constructed.

Key historical sites include:


  • Spanish Arch: Protected moored merchant ships from Spain, is a remnant of the medieval walls
  • Hall of the Red Earl: A medieval tax office/courthouse/town hall whose remains were uncovered by accident in 1997
  • Lynch's Castle: Ireland's finest town castle (now an AIB bank)
  • Galway City Museum: Exhibits from 1800 to 1950, including a traditional wooden Galway Hooker fishing boat


4. Experience Galway's Artistic Spirit


Galway is famous for its artistic spirit, making it the perfect place to see some theater. Visit:

  • Druid Theatre: Award-winning group that puts on exceptional and ambitious shows
  • Town Hall Theatre: Hosts plenty of performances, including music, comedy, theater and films


5. Stroll the Salthill Promenade


Join the locals getting their 10,000 steps on the prom. This 2km seaside path along the Salthill neighborhood is the perfect place to stroll and take in the fresh sea air. The adventurous can even join the brave souls jumping off the Blackrock Diving Tower into the bracing North Atlantic.


6. Shop for Unique Irish Treasures


One of the joys of wandering through Galway is stumbling across its small specialty shops selling everything from Irish-made fashion to local art and jewelry — including its Claddagh rings. Notable shops include:

  • Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold: Ireland's oldest, 1750-established jewelry shop
  • Charlie Byrne's Bookshop: The warren of book-lined rooms
  • P Powell & Sons and Kiernan Moloney: Both selling traditional Irish musical instruments


Day Trips from Galway


Aran Islands

Without a car, the best option is to hop on Aran Island Ferries at the Galway city docks and jet away to the island of Inish Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Once there, rent a bike and feel the freedom of zipping down country roads, stopping to relax on the white sand of Cill Mhuirbhigh beach, scout for cute animals at the seal colony and explore the prehistoric stone fort of Dún Aonghasa.


Connemara

The evocative Connemara region, with its fissured coastline, undulating bogs, empty valleys and slate-toned lakes (plus peat fire-warmed pubs) offers spectacular scenery for day trips.


Cliffs of Moher

The plunging Cliffs of Moher provide one of Ireland's most iconic views. Bus Éireann Route 350 from Galway stops at the visitor center.


The Burren

The rocky moonscape of the Burren offers a unique geological experience.


Budget Planning


Ireland isn't cheap, and Galway prices won't drop much below what you'd find in Dublin. Here's what to expect:


  • Hostel dorm bed: €40-€60 per night
  • Basic hotel room for two: €140-€160 per night
  • Self-catering apartment: €200-€250 per night
  • Coffee: €4.50
  • Takeaway sandwich: €8
  • Dinner for two: €60-80
  • Pint of beer: €6.50


What to Pack


Travelers to Ireland will always benefit from packing light layers that suit the changing weather. A proper rainjacket is beneficial as strong winds off the Atlantic can render the highest quality umbrella useless. You won't regret packing footwear that will keep your feet dry.


How Long to Stay

It's worth spending a night or two in Galway on any trip to Ireland. Two days is enough time to wander the colorful streets in search of seafood, pints, and the local culture. Base yourself in Galway for a few days and add in a day trip to Connemara, the Burren or the Aran Islands.


The Natural Beauty

As a place of stunning natural beauty on the west coast of Ireland, there is so much variety in the great outdoors. Epic coastlines, magnificent beaches and lofty mountain peaks, marvel at the epic scenery in County Galway.


Galway offers an authentic Irish experience that seamlessly blends medieval history with vibrant contemporary culture. Whether you're drawn by the promise of traditional music sessions, world-class seafood, or the stunning landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway delivers an unforgettable Irish adventure. From castles to cathedrals, from stone forts to beaches, from film locations to the wacky, weird, and wonderful – there is something for everyone! , The city's compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot, while its position as a gateway to some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery ensures there's always another adventure waiting just beyond the city limits. Plan your visit around one of the many festivals, pack for changeable weather, and prepare to fall in love with Ireland's cultural capital.