Galway

November 10, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Galway

Galway, the vibrant city on Ireland’s west coast, is a treasure trove of culture, history, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat and stay, and essential tips for making the most of your trip.

Places to Visit

1. Claddagh Ring Museum

Address: Galway Atlantaquaria, Salthill Promenade, Galway
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 6pm
Admission Fee: €5 adults, €3 students and seniors, free for children under 12

Discover the fascinating history of the iconic Claddagh Ring at this unique museum.

2. Galway Cathedral (St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church)

Address: Lombard Street, Galway
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 1pm - 5pm
Admission Fee: Free

Admire the stunning architecture and explore the historic significance of this beautiful cathedral.

3. Spanish Arch

Address: Quay Street, Galway
Opening Hours: Always open

Take a stroll through this iconic arch, which dates back to 1584 and is now a popular spot for photos.

4. Galway City Museum

Address: Spanish Parade, Galway
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm
Admission Fee: Free

Learn about Galway’s rich history and cultural heritage at this engaging museum.

5. Salthill Promenade

Address: Salthill, Galway
Opening Hours: Always open

Enjoy the stunning views of Galway Bay while taking a leisurely walk along this scenic promenade.

6. Connemara National Park

Address: Letterfrack, Connemara, Co. Galway
Opening Hours: Daily 9am - 5pm (April to October), Daily 9am - 4pm (November to March)
Admission Fee: Free

Explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of this beautiful national park.

7. Kylemore Abbey and Garden

Address: Kylemore, Connemara, Co. Galway
Opening Hours: Daily 9am - 6pm (April to October), Daily 9am - 5pm (November to March)
Admission Fee: €10 adults, €8 students and seniors, free for children under 12

Discover the stunning neo-Gothic architecture and explore the beautiful gardens of this historic abbey.

8. The Latin Quarter

Address: Galway City Centre
Opening Hours: Always open

Wander through the charming streets of this historic quarter, known for its vibrant cultural scene and lively atmosphere.

Activities

1. Surfing or Bodyboarding Lessons

Provider: various surf schools in Galway
Cost: From €30 per person

Catch some waves at one of Galway’s stunning beaches with expert tuition from a local surf school.

2. Horse Riding

Provider: various stables in Galway
Cost: From €40 per person

Explore the beautiful countryside on horseback, suitable for all experience levels.

3. Boat Tours of Galway Bay

Provider: various boat tour operators in Galway
Cost: From €20 per person

Take in the stunning views of Galway Bay and surrounding landscape with a guided boat tour.

4. Hiking or Walking Tours

Provider: various tour operators in Galway
Cost: From €30 per person

Discover the natural beauty of Galway’s countryside with a guided hike or walking tour.

5. Traditional Irish Music Sessions

Provider: various pubs and music venues in Galway
Cost: Free (but tips are appreciated)

Experience the authentic sounds of traditional Irish music at one of Galway’s many lively sessions.

Where to Eat

1. The Dough Bros

Address: Cathedral Buildings, Galway
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8am - 6pm, Sunday 9am - 6pm

Indulge in delicious wood-fired pizzas and artisan bread at this popular spot.

2. Moran’s on the Weir

Address: The Long Walk, Galway
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm - 10pm

Savor traditional Irish cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood at this family-run restaurant.

3. Ard Bia at Nimmos

Address: The Spanish Arch, Galway
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am - 11pm, Sunday 10am - 10pm

Enjoy innovative, locally sourced dishes in a beautifully restored 18th-century building.

4. The Heron Coffee Company

Address: William Street, Galway
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 7pm, Sunday 10am - 7pm

Fuel up with expertly brewed coffee and delicious baked goods at this specialty coffee shop.

5. Oscar’s Seafood Bistro

Address: Dominick Street, Galway
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm - 10pm

Treat yourself to fresh seafood dishes in a cozy, intimate setting.

Where to Stay

1. The Galmont Hotel & Spa

Address: Lough Atalia Road, Galway
Prices: From €120 per night

Unwind in luxury at this stylish hotel, featuring a spa, fitness centre, and fine dining restaurant.

2. The House Hotel

Address: Spanish Parade, Galway
Prices: From €100 per night

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and style at this boutique hotel in the heart of Galway city.

3. Galway Bay Hostel

Address: Salthill Promenade, Galway
Prices: From €20 per night (dorm), €60 per night (private room)

Enjoy stunning views of Galway Bay at this popular hostel, offering dorms and private rooms.

4. Sleepzone Galway

Address: Bóthar na mBóithre, Galway
Prices: From €20 per night (dorm), €50 per night (private room)

Relax in comfort at this modern hostel, featuring a games room, movie lounge, and outdoor courtyard.

5. Airbnb Options

Various locations throughout Galway city and county
Prices: From €30 per night

Stay in a unique, locally owned property through Airbnb, offering a range of options from apartments to cottages.

Things to Know

1. Weather

Galway’s climate is mild and temperate, with frequent rainfall. Be prepared with waterproof gear and layers for changing weather conditions.

2. Language

While English is the primary language spoken in Galway, you may also hear Irish (Gaeilge) being spoken by locals.

3. Currency

The official currency of Ireland is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

4. Time Zone

Galway operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is equivalent to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) +0 hours.

5. Safety

Galway is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Transportation

1. Galway Airport

Address: Carnmore, Galway
Airlines: Aer Lingus, Ryanair

Fly into Galway Airport for convenient access to the city and surrounding region.

2. Bus Éireann

Address: Ceannt Station, Galway
Routes: Nationwide, including Dublin and other major cities

Use Bus Éireann for affordable, frequent bus services connecting Galway to the rest of Ireland.

3. Train

Address: Galway Railway Station, Galway
Routes: Dublin, Limerick, and other regional destinations

Travel by train with Irish Rail, offering a comfortable and scenic way to explore Ireland.

4. Taxi

Providers: various taxi companies in Galway
Cost: Approximately €10-15 for a short journey

Use taxis for convenient door-to-door transportation, especially at night or when public transport is limited.

5. Car Rental and Driving

Providers: various car rental companies in Galway
Cost: From €40 per day

Rent a car to explore the surrounding countryside and coastal routes at your own pace. Be aware that driving in Ireland can be challenging, especially on rural roads.

Tips and Tricks

1. Pack layers and waterproof gear for unpredictable weather.

2. Learn some basic Irish phrases to show respect and appreciation for the local culture.

3. Take advantage of Galway’s vibrant cultural scene by attending traditional music sessions or festivals.

4. Explore the surrounding countryside and coastal routes, which offer breathtaking scenery and charming villages.

5. Be prepared for variable Wi-Fi connectivity and mobile phone signal strength in rural areas.

6. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting historical sites or attending cultural events.

7. Take your time and soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Galway – it’s a city that rewards slow travel and exploration.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Galway!