Galway Voyage Tips and guide

Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) is the county town of County Galway on the west coast of Ireland. It's Ireland's fourth largest city, with a population in 2024 of 85,000, but its historic centre on the east bank of the River Corrib is compact. Galway is a colourful party town with live music and revellers spilling onto its pedestrianised central street. It's also a base for exploring the scenic surrounding county.

Galway expanded from a small fishing village from the 13th century, when the Anglo-Normans captured the area and built a fortified city. A charter of 1396 granted power to 14 merchant families, and this elite would later be mocked by Cromwell as "tribes", hence the nickname "City of the Tribes". This illustrious 14, now immortalised in the names of the city roundabouts, were Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'arcy, Deane, Font, Ffrench, Joyce, Kirwan, Lynch, Martin, Morris, and Skerritt. All but two were Anglo-Norman rather than Gaelic. They're often described as an oligarchy, cartel or cabal, but by medieval standards 14 influential families operating an urban centre looks positively diverse. Imagine the Medici welcoming the Borgias and Sforzas to Florence: "Sure the city is big enough for all of us, and let's bring in the Albizzi, the Alberti...." They prospered through trade with Spain and Portugal, and by loyalty to the Crown, but that was the reason for Cromwell besieging and smashing the city. They recovered somewhat during the Restoration, but fell forever with the ousting of the catholic Stuart monarchy. Under the Hanoverian kings, power and fortune throughout Ireland centred on a tight little "Protestant Ascendancy", just to show everyone what a cartel or cabal really looks like. Sea trade also moved away to Dublin and Waterford. Galway stagnated until the 20th century, recovering slowly with independence, and more rapidly later with growth in students and in tourists. It's now a lively, buzzing colourful city that again feels well-connected to the rest of the world.

• Galway Tourist Information Centre, Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade H91 CX5P (inside the museum), ☏ +353 1 265 5634. 9AM–5PM (lunch break between 1–2PM), closed Sundays. The Galway branch of Fáilte, the official government tourism agency. Provides free personalized travel itineraries, and answers any questions you may have. (updated Dec 2025)

"Summer is my favourite week of the year" is a common joke in Galway. It's wet and windy and cold, pretty much year round. One may even argue it's one of the windiest cities in the world, so hold on to your umbrellas!

• Dublin (DUB ^IATA) has the widest selection of flights across Europe and UK, then you have a 3-4 hour journey to Galway.
• Shannon (SNN ^IATA) has UK and European flights though not as many as Dublin, but is well-connected to the USA with pre-border clearance.
• Knock (NOC ^IATA) has few flights, you'd only consider it for a road trip through Connaught and other northwestern areas.

The airports all have car hire, best reserved in advance, and see below for onward public transport to Galway.

The existence of Galway Airport was almost as short as its runway: commercial flights ceased in 2011 and private aviation ceased in 2015.

• From Dublin Heuston there are ten trains M–Sa, taking 2 hr 30 min via Athlone. Buy your ticket to or from Dublin city centre not Heuston, as this will include the city tram fare and save a couple of euros over separate tickets.
• From Limerick Colbert five trains run M–Sa, via Ennis taking two hours. Limerick has connections from Cork and Tralee.

• From Dublin there's bus 660 / 760 / 761 (Citylink), taking 2 hr 30 min from Dublin airport and city, plus 763 also stopping in Athlone and Ballinasloe.
• From Limerick, Cork and Clare Bus 51 (Bus Éireann) runs hourly from Cork via Mallow, Limerick, Shannon Airport, Ennis and Gort, taking 4 hours, while Bus X51 runs hourly nonstop from Limerick, taking 80 min. There's also bus 251 (Citylink) from Cork Airport via Limerick, taking 3 hours.
• From Ennis and Cliffs of Moher Bus 350 (Bus Éireann) winds along the coast six times a day from Ennis via Lahinch, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara and Oranmore, taking 2 and a half hours.
• From Mayo Bus 456 (Bus Éireann) runs five times daily from Castlebar via Westport, taking 2 hours.
• From Connemara Bus 923 (Citylink) runs from Letterfrack via Clifden, taking 2 hours.
• From the north Bus 64 (Bus Éireann) runs every two hours from Derry via Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Sligo and Knock Airport, taking 5 hours.
• Operators include Bus Éireann and CityLink.

53.274-9.0481 Galway railway and bus station are side by side in Eyre Square. The railway ticket office is open M–F 6AM–1:45PM and there are ticket machines and toilets. CityLink buses use the coach station 100 m further north. The railway station is officially called "Ceannt" for Éamonn Ceannt, executed in 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising.

• From Dublin take the toll motorway M4 west then M6 to the city's edge, maybe 2 hours depending on traffic.
• Parking in Galway city is expensive. If your accommodation doesn't offer any, there's long-stay parking by the cathedral for €5/day.
• By thumb: outbound, ask around at your accommodation, there might well be a lift going towards Dublin. Otherwise head for Galway shopping centre: all the major routes branch out from the roundabouts here.

• For the Aran Islands, a bus runs to Rossaveel port 38 km (24 mi) west. Ferries also sail from Doolin in County Clare, linked by bus from Galway. This means you don't have to go there and back the same way.

53°16′19″N 9°3′0″W

Map of Galway

• Walk: Central Galway is easily accessible on foot, and Salthill is a pleasant 30-minute walk from the centre, down the Prom to Blackrock.

• Taxis: there are ranks in Eyre Square and Bridge Street. Fares are nationally regulated and taxis must use the meter. You can use the TFI website to calculate rates.
• Bike: TFI Bikes operates bike share in Galway. As of 2025, prices are €3 for a 3-day pass (with a €150 deposit!). The pass includes unlimited 30-minute journeys, and reasonably priced amounts for longer rides. While drivers are fairly considerate of bicycles, there is limited bicycle-specific infrastructure in the city.

• Try not to bring a car into town, it's congested and has limited, expensive parking. Central parking lots include Dyke Road and at the Cathedral.

Bus Éireann run seven routes, mostly cross-city:

• Bus 401 from Salthill in the southwest to Parkmore Industrial Estate in the northeast, daily, every 20 minutes.
• Bus 402 from Shangort Road in the west to Merlin Park University Hospital in the east, every 30 min M-Sa and hourly on Sundays.
• Bus 404 from Newcastle in the northwest to Oranmore in the southeast, daily every 30 minutes.
• Bus 405 from Rahoon in the west to Ballybane Industrial Estate in the northeast, every 20 min M-Sa and every 40 min on Sundays.
• Bus 407 from Eyre Square in city centre to Bóthar an Chóiste in the north, every 30 min M-Sa and hourly on Sundays.
• Bus 409 from Eyre Square to Parkmore Industrial Estate in the northeast, every 10-15 min daily.
• Bus 424 from Eyre Square to Barna in the west, 12 per day M-Sa and five on Sundays.

City Direct run four routes on the west side of the city:

• Bus 410 from Cappagh Road in the west via Salthill to Eyre Square, hourly M-Sa.
• Bus 411 from Cappagh Road via Westside to Eyre Square, daily every 30 min.
• Bus 412 from Cappagh Road via Gateway Retail Park to Eyre Square, every 30 min M-F.
• Bus 414 from Barna in the west via Lombard Street to Eyre Square, twice a day M-F.

A map of the combined city bus network (Bus Éireann and City Direct) is available here. All routes connect with each other at Eyre Square in the city centre.

Cash fares on the Bus Éireann network are €2.40–2.80 adult and €1.40–1.70 child, and are 30% cheaper if paying with a TFI Leap Card. Children aged 4 and under are free, and children 5–8 can apply for a Child Leap Card, which allows them to also go for free. On Leap Card 24-hour, 7-day and monthly tickets are also available.

Cash fares on the City Direct network are €2.50-3.50 adult and €1.00-1.50 child, and if paying with a Leap Card are 30% cheaper. Weekly and monthly tickets are also available.

You can get a TFI Leap Card online here or in-person at any post office or convenience store.

• 53.2745-9.0491 Eyre Square is the place to begin exploring the city, as it's the transport hub and with a cluster of hotels and eating places. It's an attractive green space with a pedestrianised shopping mall just south. Artwork includes the "Galway Hooker" (a fountain resembling a traditional fishing boat), the Browne doorway (from the house of one of the ruling families), and a bust of former US President John F Kennedy, who visited in 1963. The square is officially named after JFK, but this never stuck, and it's always called Eyre Square after the mayor who presented this plot of land to the city in 1710.
• 53.26987-9.054012 Spanish Arch : medieval Galway had city walls, which in 1584 were extended to protect the quays at the river outlet. This extension, known as "the head of the walls" (ceann an bhalla), is nowadays almost their only remnant. In the 18th century the quays were extended, and two arches were cut in the walls to improve street access to the quays. They were probably first known as the "Eyre Arches", but Galway was Ireland's main port for trade with Spain and Portugal. In 1755 the Lisbon Tsunami wrecked the arches, but one was later re-opened, so they became known as the Spanish Arch and the Blind Arch. It's a pleasant area to sit or stroll.
• An Claddagh, meaning the shore, was a village west of the river, while the Anglo-Norman walled city of Galway stood east, with "No damned Irish!" signs at its gates. Another unloved group here was the jewellers, hence the name of the ring. Nothing remains of that village and the present Claddagh neighbourhood is modern.
• 53.254-9.0553 Mutton Island is connected to the mainland at Claddagh by a one-km causeway. (Don't confuse it with Mutton Island off Quilty in County Clare.) It's popular for wedding photos taking in the lighthouse foreground and cityscape background, while artfully avoiding the sewage plant.

• William Street southwest off the square is the historic spine of the city, becoming William Street then Shop Street then High Street then Quay Street. It's all pedestrianised, an agreeable stroll from park to pub to pub to eating place to pub. At the top of Shop Street, Lynch's Castle is a fine medieval town house, once home to the Lynch dynasty. But it's now a branch of Allied Irish Banks: you're welcome to look in during opening hours but there's not much to see.
• 53.2626-9.07064 The Promenade (often referred to simply as "The Prom") is the main shoreline attraction, stretching for 2 km into Salthill. Traditionally you turned around once you'd kicked the wall at the two-level diving platform at the junction of Threadneedle Rd. Lots of pubs and B&Bs along here. It's long been hoped to extend the promenade west to Silverstrand, and to reinforce the crumbling coast against sea erosion. By 2015 this plan had reached design stage, but with no prospect of the funding that would enable it to go to tender, and it's all gone very quiet since then. So you can pick your own way along the headland west of Salthill but there's no paved prom.
• River Corrib flows for 6 km south from Lough Corrib to enter Galway Bay. In 1178 the friars of Clairegalway cut a new channel out of the lough, east of the original outflow, and this became the main course of the river. It passes the ruin of Menlo Castle to reach the northwest edge of the city at a salmon weir: watch them swim upriver in early summer. The last km of river is a fast descent, great for driving waterwheels but not navigable. Eglinton Canal was cut just west of the cathedral in the 19th century to bypass that last km, with swing bridges, locks, and side-races for mills. The bridges are now fixed so the canal is no longer navigable except by kayak.

• 53.26989-9.053555 Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade H91 CX5P (at Spanish Arch), ☏ +353 91 532 460, [email protected]. Tu–Sa 10AM–5PM, Su (Apr–Sep) noon–5PM. Three floors of galleries have seven long-term exhibitions on Galway's archaeology, history and links to the sea. Two halls have rotating exhibitions. Free (suggested donation €5).  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2598-9.07416 Galway Atlantaquaria (Galway Aquarium), Seapoint Promenade, Salthill H91 T2FD (30 min walk or 10 min cycle from Eyre Square), ☏ +353 91 585 100, [email protected]. W–F 10AM–5PM, Sa Su 10AM–6PM. Large aquarium majoring on local marine life, so you will see sharks, but they're Irish sharks and proud of it. Staff display the various beasties: care to cuddle a huge crab? Adult €15, child €10.  (updated Dec 2025)

• 53.27245-9.05347 Legend of the Claddagh Ring, 26 Shop Street H91 E653 (south side of St Nicholas), ☏ +353 91 562 554, [email protected]. M–Sa 9AM–6PM, Su 11AM–6PM. Called a museum but mostly a marketing exercise. The Claddagh Ring is a style of mani in fede finger ring: two hands join to clasp a heart. It's been a design for wedding or engagement rings since medieval times but became a Galway tradition from 1700, when the jewellers worked near an Claddagh, the city shore. It became popular from the late 20th century, and legends were embellished around it as ingeniously as its designs. This museum hews to the "Joyce" legend, after the man captured by Algerian corsairs and learning the design in captivity; he returned to Galway where of course his sweetheart had remained true... aah, bless. The heart is often surmounted by a crown, or isn't, depending on your allegiances in that matter. Free (no, not the rings).  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2777-9.06218 University Quad. Daily 8AM-9PM. This was the original quadrangle of the college that opened in 1849 and became one of the three colleges of Queens University of Ireland, the others being Belfast and Cork. Since 1997 it changed it's name to National University of Ireland Galway, and again in 2022 to University of Galway. The Quad buildings are in mock Tudor Gothic modelled on Oxford's Christ Church, so their aspirations are clear. They're nowadays the admin offices of a huge modern campus stretching from the river and canal to Newcastle Road, then continuing west as University Hospital. Free.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2709-9.05229 Hall of the Red Earl, Druid Lane. The Hall is the earliest medieval structure to be seen within the walls of the city. It was built by the de Burgo family in the 13th century and was the main municipal building, acting as town hall, court house and tax collection office. Only a fragment remains, protected behind glass, and it won't take a minute to see. The modern building adjoining is the base of Galway Civic Trust, and their guided walks through the city start here, see below. Free.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.273-9.05510 Nora Barnacle's house is at 8 Bowling Green. Nora (1884-1951) grew up in Galway and came to live here with her mother who'd separated from the drunkard father. Her boyfriends had a habit of dying, so she left for Dublin where in 1904 she met James Joyce, and "knew him at once for just another Dublin jackeen chatting up a country girl". Soon she would have cause to bemoan his drinking, hanging about with artistic ne'er-do-wells, spendthrift ways, obscure nonsensical writing style, and his demands for English puddings. They lived mostly in Trieste and Paris then Zurich, where James died and Nora lived out her own final years. The house in Galway is a small museum of Joyce memorabilia (including letters, but not the hotties). Open June-September.

• 53.2751-9.057611 Galway Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas), Gaol Road H91 A780, ☏ +353 91 563 577, [email protected]. Daily 8AM–8PM. Roman Catholic cathedral built 1958-1965 on the site of an old prison; it's an imposing limestone building in a mixture of retro-classical styles, which some detest. The dome, pillars and round arches are Renaissance, while a Romanesque portico dominates the main façade. The organ was re-conditioned in 2007, and recitals show off the acoustics. Regular mass, with one Sunday mass in Irish. Suggested donation €3.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2727-9.053812 Saint Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lombard Street H91 PY20, ☏ +353 89 489 8084, [email protected]. M Tu Th–Sa 10AM–6PM, W noon–6PM, Su 1–5:30PM. A collegiate church doesn't have a resident priest, but members of a seminary (here, a College of Vicars) take turns. St Nicholas is the largest medieval church still in everyday use in Ireland. It was founded in 1320 and enlarged over the following two centuries. It's dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra (circa 300 AD), the patron saint of seafarers who later became Santa Claus. There are large tombs of the Lynch family, and a plaque at the Lynch memorial window claims to be the spot where 15th-century mayor James hanged his own son Walter: for killing a Spanish visitor, so goes the tale, but what was that really all about? In 2002 St Nick's conducted the first blessing of a same-sex partnership in an Irish church, but the Bishop prohibited any such unbiblical goings-on in future. The church is Anglican Protestant (which it obviously wasn't when Christopher Columbus attended mass here), but has occasionally been used by RC, Romanian, Russian Orthodox and Mar Thoma Syrian congregations. When in Rome, as they say.... Adult €5, children free, guided tours €10.  (updated Dec 2025)

The city's original castle was a Norman motte-and-bailey, but it was smashed, burnt, raided for masonry and disappeared in the 13th century. It was only rediscovered in 2018 beneath Quay Street: it's hoped to put parts on display as was done for the Hall of the Red Earl. Remnants of smaller castles dot the area although it's mostly a case of "hunt the stump". They include:

• 53.28-8.99813 Merlin or Doughiskey is a turret in wooded parkland 3 km east of city centre.
• 53.296-9.07414 Menlo is the ivy-shrouded stump you see from the river. By road it's a bit of a scramble over a padlocked gate and down an unsigned track.
• 53.298-9.02215 Castlegar means "short castle", which may refer to its structure or because it was used as a short-stay annexe by Menlo Castle. The name's even more accurate nowadays.
• 53.309-9.02816 Ballindooley is a turret along Headford Road N84 near Castlegar. Slow down for a look but it's hardly worth stopping.
• 53.313-8.97917 Killeen is a 15th-century towerhouse that has been restored and is now a private residence.
• 53.323-8.98818 Cloonacauneen is a restored 15th-century towerhouse that's now a restaurant, often booked for weddings.
• Ballybrit is a turret just south of the racecourse, so if you've brought your racing binoculars you can save trudging across the field.
• Dunguaire: see Ballyvaughan for this plush place in Kinvarra south of the bay just before the boundary with County Clare.

Galway doesn't really have a proper park, just a few small ones scattered about. Although, the whole city is kind of one big park, with the canals, the river, and the fact that almost every footpath is lined with grass or trees. There's an official "Galway National Park City" project, but they don't seem to be doing all that much.

• 53.2759-9.059819 Millennium Park is the closest thing to a "real" park, with lots of native wildflowers planted in the spring that bloom every summer. Also has a lovely and colourful (but very small) playground, and a popular skate park. If you look down from the bridge heading towards the cathedral, you can often see swans nesting.
• 53.2781-9.059520 University of Galway Biodiversity Trail is a long straight walk along the bank of the Corrib. Loads of joggers love this trail, expect to see one every 5 minutes.
• 53.2823-9.05321 Terryland Forest Park is right in the city centre, and it's deceptively large. Over 100,000 native trees are here, shockingly enough.
• 53.2584-9.086222 Quincentennial Park in Salthill is a tidy little park that has a garden dedicated to organ donors called "Circle of Life".
• 53.2656-9.052923 South Park is less of a park and more of a big field. Has a playground though. As of 2025 there's a plan to redesign it, who knows how that'll turn out. It might be worth a visit in a few years so.

Further out:

• 53.2583-9.13224 Barna Woods likes to think it's a big forest, but really you're always so close to the road that you can hear traffic. Still pretty peaceful and nice to walk around, and there's a large field for playing football in the middle.
• 53.2792-8.997125 Merlin Park Woods is more of a proper forest, and has lots of birds and wildflowers. Merlin Castle is also here, see "Castles".
• 53.2466-8.960626 Rinville Park is the largest park in Galway, although actually it's in Oranmore. Has picnic areas, a playground, a castle and you might even spot an otter!

You can also visit Coole Park Nature Reserve, but that's quite a bit outside of Galway. You can drive to get there, or go via train to Gort and then get a taxi.

• What's on? Listen to Galway Bay Radio on 95.8 FM, or read This is Galway, or the Galway Advertiser online or in print (free) on Thursdays.
• Walk: Stroll along the banks of the River Corrib and the Eglington Canal, or along the promenade to the diving platform at Salthill, or out along the causeway to Mutton Island.

Guided walks: Galway Civic Trust have 90-min walks May–Sep on Tu Th at 2PM, W at 12:30PM and 2PM and F at 11AM starting from Hall of the Red Earl and finishing at Eyre Square. Donations welcome, no booking.

• 53.278-9.0551 Corrib Princess river cruises, Steamers Quay H91 FH61 (across the river from the cathedral), ☏ +353 87 806 5366, [email protected]. May–Sep, closed Mondays. Corrib Princess is a 157-seat river boat that sails from Woodhead Quay, east bank of the river just above the weir, for 90-min cruises up the Corrib into the lough. Adult €20.  (updated Dec 2025)

• 53.2762-9.05412 Town Hall Theatre, 1 Courthouse Square H91 H3C2, ☏ +353 91 569 777, [email protected]. Box office M–Sa 10AM–7:30PM, Sundays an hour before the show. The THT features plays, music, dance, comedy and of course panto. They run three venues: the main auditorium has only 400 seats, so it's cosy and suits many performances but is a bit small for grand occasions. Studio Space also in the square has 52 seats. Black Box, 500 m north on Dyke Road, has 600 seats and is more suitable for a rock concert. Babies under 2 free.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2709-9.05323 Druid Theater, Druid House, Flood Street, ☏ +353 91 568 660, [email protected]. A small and independent but highly acclaimed theatre.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.27205-9.052414 An Taibhdhearc, 19 Middle St H91 RX76, ☏ +353 91 357 011, [email protected]. Box Office Tu–F 10AM–5PM, Sa noon–5PM. The national Irish language theatre. It has produced some of Ireland's most celebrated actors.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Kayaking is a choice of gentle paddles on the upper river and lough, sea kayaking, and white water on the lower Corrib right in the heart of the city. The white water flow depends on recent rainfall and the status of the locks above. There's a standing wave at O'Brien's Bridge to test your sense of humour, and the Eglinton Canal rejoins the river at the Jury Drop: it faces Jurys Inn Hotel (now Leonardo's), where onlookers can express their verdict on your skill.
• Golf: Galway GC is in Salthill. Further out are Bearna, Glenlo Abbey and Galway Bay.
• Rugby Union: Connacht Rugby are one of the four Irish professional teams playing in the United Rugby Championship (formerly Pro14), the European and predominantly Celtic tournament. Their home stadium is The Sportsground, capacity 8000, a mile northeast of the centre.
• Gaelic games: the County GAA team plays Gaelic football and hurling at Pearse Stadium (capacity 26,200), in Salthill 2 km southwest of city centre.
• Football: Galway United play soccer in the Premier Division, the Republic's second tier. Their stadium is Eamonn Deacy Park (capacity 5000) 1 km north of city centre. The playing season is March-Nov with games usually on Friday evening.

• 53.2994-8.99925 Galway Races, Ballybrit Racecourse H91 V654 (6 km northeast of city), ☏ +353 91 753870, [email protected]. They host four events a year: Summer Festival is a week in late July and early Aug, then they have two days early Sept, a day early Oct and three days late Oct. These are jumps races, which include "chases", similar rules but without jumps.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Galway International Arts Festival features music, theatre and exhibitions every year for two weeks in late July.
• Galway Comedy Festival features popular Irish, British and international comedians every year for a week in late October. Past headliners have included names such as Deirdre O'Kane, Dara Ó Briain, Russell Howard and Rhod Gilbert.
• Galway Oyster Festival has the World Oyster Opening Championship, where lads race to open 30 oysters as fast as possible. Also has oyster tastings and tours of oyster farms. It's on Friday–Sunday of the last week of September.

• 53.2768-9.06161 University of Galway (UG, formerly NUIG National University of Ireland, Galway), University Road H91 TK33 (15 min walk from City Centre), ☏ +353 91 524 411, [email protected]. Changed it's name for some god-unknown reason in 2022, but everyone still calls it NUIG.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Has 2 campuses, one on Dublin Road and one on Wellpark Road, ☏ +353 91 753 161, [email protected]. Formerly GMIT, until it merged with 2 other colleges to become ATU.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.267351-9.0595182 Galway Technical Institute (GTI), Fr Griffin Road, Claddagh, ☏ +353 91 581 342, [email protected]. Various courses in applied science, such as filmography, hairdressing and even dog grooming! Offers both full-time and part-time courses.  (updated Dec 2025)

• Middle Street, parallel to Shop Street, is good for creative independent outlets, including Charlie Byrne's Bookshop and Kenny's gallery/bookshop.
• 53.2725-9.054251 Galway Market (right next to St Nicholas Church). Sa 8AM–6PM, Su 2–6PM. Authentic traditional market selling food and various handmade goods. The boerie rolls are incredible!  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2736-9.04942 Eyre Square Centre. It's the big mall next to the railway and bus stations. It has a massive chunk of the city wall inside, and a cafe where you can eat a panini while looking at said wall.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Sheridan's Cheesemongers, Kirwan's Lane (on the square in front of St. Nicholas’s Church), ☏ +353 91 564 829, [email protected]. Daily 10AM–6PM. The original shop. Great place to get wine, pates, bread, and of course cheese. (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.27134-9.052693 Magpie Bakery, Unit 12, The Cornstore, St. Augustine Street H91 CC44, [email protected]. Th F 8:30AM–3PM, Sa Su 10AM–3PM. Very popular independent bakery. Make sure to come early before it's sold out. €5–10.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2707-9.052184 Planet Retro, Niland House, Merchants Rd, ☏ +353 85 655 2225, [email protected]. Independent vintage clothing shop, the staff are very chatty. By far the gayest place in town.  (updated Dec 2025)
• The Sheep, 4 Mainguard Street H91 K099 (the one with the sheep). The place to go if you've ever wanted a life-sized wooden sheep in your house. Ridiculously expensive, honestly just come to marvel at the sheep displayed outside. Baa. (updated Dec 2025)

• 53.2715-9.06111 Hooked, 67 Henry St, H91 DP78, ☏ +353 91 581 752, [email protected]. Tu–Th 5–9:30PM, F–Su 1–9:30PM. Delicious fresh seafood, often caught the same day. Most consistent quality. €15–20 for a main.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2714-9.05342 Kirby's, 3-5 Cross St Upper H91 FX30, ☏ +353 91 569 404, [email protected]. Daily noon–9:30PM; Dinner from 5PM. Great food and service. €25–35 for a main + drink.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.27303-9.052433 McCambridges, 38-39 Shop St H91 T2N7, ☏ +353 91 562 259. 8AM–6PM; closed Sundays. Deli food hall downstairs does take away sandwiches, upstairs cafe serves good sit-down meals. Used to be family-owned; not the same since corporate Musgraves took ownership in 2022. €5–10.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.27105-9.054064 Freddy's, 15 Quay St H91 E7RX, ☏ +353 91 567 279, [email protected]. Daily noon—9PM; F–Su noon–9:30PM. Longest established cheap-and-cheerful place: pizza and other Italian food. €14 for a pizza.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2709-9.05445 McDonagh's, 22 Quay St H91 N902, ☏ +353 91 565 001, [email protected]. M–Sa noon–10PM, Su 1–9PM. Famous fish and chip shop, open since 1902. Takeaway or eat either at the communal cafe tables or in the restaurant. €16 for cod and chips.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2751-9.05276 McSwiggans, 3 Eyre St H91 X0KX, ☏ +353 91 568 917, [email protected]. Daily noon–9PM; Dinner from 4PM. Big restaurant on the two floors above the bar but rightly popular and gets crowded. Gastropub with traditional fare. €20–30 for a main.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Ard Bia at Nimmo's, Spanish Arch, Long Walk H91 E9XA (just off the Spanish Arch), ☏ +353 91 561 114, [email protected]. Daily 10AM–3PM; dinner Tu–Su 6–9PM. Delicious food and atmosphere, gets great reviews. Restaurant is a splurge and you'd better book, cafe brunch is less pricey. Breakfast €10–20, dinner €25–40. (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2701-9.05867 Oscar's Seafood Bistro, 22 Dominick Street Upper H91 VX03, ☏ +353 91 582 180. Tu–Th 6–9PM, F Sa 6–9:30PM. Gets rave reviews for its seafood, vegans also catered for. €30–35 for a main.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2596-9.07668 O'Reilly's, 232 Upper Salthill Road H91 PTD9, ☏ +353 91 522 610, [email protected]. Daily 10AM–9PM; F Sa 10AM–9:30PM; dinner from 12:30PM. Mostly traditional Irish fare with a leavening of Med dishes. €15–20 for a main.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.27211-9.053539 Murphy's Ice Cream (Murphy's), 12 High Street H91 DC8W, ☏ +353 87 708 8758, [email protected]. Daily 11:30AM–10PM. Possibly the best ice cream you will ever eat in your life. Seriously, it's that good, albeit very expensive. €6.50–9.50.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Grain & Grill is within Maldron Hotel, see Sleep. Serves food daily noon–9PM (Sa Su 12:30–9PM).
• Others worth trying are Finnegans on Market St and Kirwan's Lane Seafood.

See also Galway City Pub Guide for current reviews, photos and videos.

• Galway Hooker is the local beer, brewed since 2014 at Oranmore at the head of Galway Bay. It's a chemical-free pale ale: "We couldn't afford chemicals." They don't do brewery tours but the product is widely available.
• 53.2745-9.04741 An Púcán, 11 Forster St H91 P65D (near the station), ☏ +353 91 376 561, [email protected]. M–Th 10:30AM–11:30PM, F Sa 10:30–2AM, Su 10:30AM–11PM. Lively bar with music and dancing, it's the food that reviewers seem most to enjoy.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2726-9.05292 Taaffes Pub, 19 Shop St. Daily 10:30–12:30AM. Great authentic Irish experience. You can find trad music there almost any night and there's a friendly atmosphere. Food only to 5PM.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.272167-9.0532813 King's Head, 15 High Street H91 AY6P, ☏ +353 91 567 866, [email protected]. Su–Th noon–midnight, F Sa noon–2AM. Bar with restaurant on three floors, often has live music.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Freeneys, 19 High St H91 TD79 (next to King's Head). Daily 10:30AM–11:30PM. Fine traditional pub, often much quieter than its neighbours midweek, indeed at first glance from the street it doesn't look like a pub. They pour a good Guinness but where Freeney's excels is in its collection of Irish whiskeys. (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.271399-9.0540484 Tigh Neachtain, 17 Cross St (the bright cornflower-blue one, corner with Quay St), ☏ +353 91 568 820. Daily 11AM–midnight, Su noon–midnight. A local favourite: good grub, whiskey and atmosphere.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Busker Brownes, 5 Cross St Upper H91 FX30 (part of Kirby's Restaurant), ☏ +353 91 563 377, [email protected]. M–Sa 10–2AM, Su noon–2AM. Four bars: the original Busker's and Slatehouse, while the large Hall and small Mezzanine bars are often booked for events. Also, Kirby's upstairs turns into a late bar after dinner. Live bands nightly from 10:30AM. Decent bar food. (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.27116-9.0539225 The Quays, 11 Quay Street, ☏ +353 91 568 347, [email protected]. Daily 11–2AM. Lively pub, the interior is done up like a church. Also calls itself a "gastropub" (which frankly it's not, you won't starve but few visitors rate the food) and a "music hall" which is on the mark, there's always live folk and other styles of music.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Monroe's, 14 Dominick Street Upper H91 WD2H (white frontage is very prominent from Spanish Arch), ☏ +353 91 583 397, [email protected]. Daily 11–2AM. Has traditional music every night and set dancing on Tuesdays. (updated Dec 2025)
• Róisín Dubh, 9 Dominick Street Upper H91 X266 (opposite Oscar's Restaurant), ☏ +353 91 586 540, [email protected]. Daily 6PM–2AM. Pub with two stages, mostly alternative and rock gigs and comedy. (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.269865-9.0603836 The Crane Bar, 2 Sea Rd H91 YP97, ☏ +353 91 587 419, [email protected]. Daily 3–11:30PM. Great pub, music nightly: trad downstairs or various styles upstairs, where you need to grab your seat not much after 9PM. Some outdoor seating, but you are moved inside around 11PM. Cash or card accepted.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.272-9.0627 Cooke's Thatch Bar, 2 Newcastle Rd (near University Hospital), ☏ +353 91 521 749. Daily. The last thatched pub in Galway city, dating back to the 1600s. (Within the county are Powers at Oughterad, and Morans at Kilcolgan). Has trad music on Wednesday and Sunday nights.  (updated Dec 2025)
• Others worth a look: Blue Note on West William St, Tigh Chóilí on Mainguard St, and Front Door on Cross St.

• 53.2701-9.05848 Plámás, 6 Dominick St Upper H91 A2TT. 8AM–5PM. Small simple place with simple coffee. Often touted as "the friendliest coffee shop in Ireland", but that's subjective of course. You get a discount if you order as Gaeilge (in Irish). €4 for a coffee.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.27002-9.05989 The Secret Garden, 4 William Street West H91 AEW4, ☏ +353 85 758 3927. Daily 9AM–9PM. Cozy little hidden gem with beanbags and free board games. Offers a huge selection of specialty tea from around the world. €4.80 for a small pot of tea, €6.80 for a large pot.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2729-9.052310 56 Central, 5 Shop St, ☏ +353 91 569 511, [email protected]. Chic and stylish, if a little pretentious. Offers fancy coffee and a decent selection of food. €4 for a coffee, €5 for various fancy stuff (matcha latte, hot chocolate etc), €6.50 for a smoothie.  (updated Dec 2025)

As Galway is a popular destination, there's a large selection of accommodation in all price brackets.

Where else would you find so many decent hostels right in the centre? In any other city, the chain business hotels and financial firms would have bought the land from under them.

• 53.2752-9.0451 Snoozles Hostel, Forster St H91 D378 (2 min walk from Eyre Square), ☏ +353 91 530 064, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Comfy and modern central hostel. Dorm €45 ppn. Free breakfast.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2741-9.04742 Galway City Hostel, Frenchville Lane, Eyre Square H91 TF62 (on Eyre Square, next to the station, across the road), ☏ +353 91 535 878, [email protected]. Check-in: 2:30–10PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Very central hostel, clean and great vibe. A bit cramped for storage. Also does tours of Aran Islands, Connemara and cliffs of Moher. Dorm €45 ppn. Free breakfast.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2732-9.04883 Kinlay Hostel, Merchants Road, Eyre Square H91 F2KT, ☏ +353 91 565 244, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10:30AM. Affordable, clean and central hostel. Dorm €45 ppn.  (updated Dec 2025)
• 53.2762-9.05254 Woodquay Hostel, 23/24 Woodquay H91 P8RP, ☏ +353 91 562 618, [email protected]. Small, friendly independent hostel. Dorms €30 ppn.  (updated Apr 2025)

Even by Irish standards, Galway has a ridiculous abundance of B&Bs. Two clusters are on College Road by the lough 1 km east of the centre, and in Salthill where you'll probably want your own car.

• 53.2732-9.06235 Desota House, 54 Newcastle Road, Cookes Corner H91 F5Y3, ☏ +353 91 585 064. Six rooms all en suite. No children. B&B double €150.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2591-9.09026 Coolin House, Threadneedle Rd, Salthill H91 K2N9, ☏ +353 91 523 411. Small B&B open Apr-Oct, has private parking. B&B double €100.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2585-9.10147 Claremount House, Upper Salthill Rd H91 DT99, ☏ +353 91 584 741. Family-run B&B next to Galway Golf Club and Salthill Promenade. All rooms are en suite, great welcome and service. B&B double €200.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2777-9.04048 Asgard Guesthouse, 21 College Rd H91 XR8P, ☏ +353 91 339 514, [email protected]. Pleasant B&B by lough 500 m from station. Rooms small but clean and comfy. B&B double €120.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2763-9.00439 Almara House, 2 Merlin Gate, Old Dublin Rd H91 R2V8 (3 km east of centre), ☏ +353 91 755 345. Clean B&B with friendly helpful hosts.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2638-9.072710 Tara House, 138 Salthill Road Lower H91 P400, ☏ +353 91 527 966. Clean friendly B&B with private car park. En suite rooms have TV, wifi, hairdryer, ironing, tea and coffee making facilities. Ground floor accommodation available.  (updated Apr 2025)

• 53.2708-9.055111 Leonardo Hotel, Quay St H91 E8D7, ☏ +353 91 566 444. Good mid-range chain, great service. B&B double €230.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2879-9.046612 Menlo Park Hotel, Headford Rd H91 E98N, ☏ +353 91 761 122. Hotel with 54 rooms in quiet area 2 km from centre, friendly staff and lovely rooms. B&B double €150.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2828-9.036313 Travelodge Galway, Joyce Roundabout, Tuam Road H91 HX8Y, ☏ +353 91 781 400, [email protected]. Reliable chain hotel, great service, 1.5 km from centre. B&B double €170.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2671-9.06814 Wards Hotel, 17 Lower Salthill Rd H91 NY13, ☏ +353 91 581 508. Basic small hotel, usually clean. B&B double €150.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.273903-9.04312415 Galmont Hotel, Lough Atalia Rd H91 CYN3 (150 m north of station), ☏ +353 91 538 300. Good modern hotel overlooking the lough, short walk to city centre. B&B double €270.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2858-9.045216 Maldron Hotel, Sandy Road, Headford Point H91 ET6N, ☏ +353 91 513 200. Modern hotel 1.5 km north of centre. Free parking and easy access from M6 and M17. B&B double €170.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2797-9.021617 Connacht Hotel, Old Dublin Road H91 K5DD, ☏ +353 91 381 200, [email protected]. Good modern hotel 2 km east of centre. Onsite dining, coffee shop and meeting rooms. Free parking may be available. B&B double €170.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2711-9.054318 Residence Hotel, 14 Quay Street H91 P628, ☏ +353 91 569 600, [email protected]. Hotel in Latin Quarter with 20 bedrooms. Good ratings for comfort and service, but there's often loud music downstairs late at night. Double (room only) €160.  (updated Apr 2025)

The plentiful mid-range options mean that the upscale group are cheaper than in many other cities. Most are clustered around Eyre Square and adjoining Forster Street very close to the bus and railway stations; this area is often noisy on weekend nights. There's a scattering further out.

• 53.274283-9.04745119 Eyre Square Hotel, 8 / 10 Forster Street H91 TCP0, ☏ +353 91 569633. Very central, comfy hotel. It doesn't have parking, but is next to the bus and railway station. B&B double €220.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.274936-9.04637420 Hyde Hotel, Forster Street H91 PY7E (100 m northeast of Eyre Square), ☏ +353 91 564 111, [email protected]. Stylish boutique hotel with restaurant. Very central, occasional street noise. B&B double €260.  (updated Apr 2025)
• The Hardiman, 14 / 15 Eyre Square H91 NFD2 (the large stone building right in front of the station, facing onto Eyre Square), ☏ +353 91 564 041. Victorian hotel, the modern rooms are good, but the older rooms are a bit, well, old. Service standards variable. B&B double €220. (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.274562-9.05083521 Imperial Hotel, 35 Eyre Square H91 X529, ☏ +353 91 563 033. Comfy central hotel, great service, some noise from the square. B&B double €180.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.274538-9.04698422 Park House Hotel, 18 Forster St H91 PCF8, ☏ +353 91 564 924. Grand old place, clean and friendly. Very central, ask for a back room if you're bothered about street noise. Parking may be available. B&B double €340.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.273017-9.04790223 Victoria Hotel, Victoria Place H91 KVW0 (50 m south of Eyre Square), ☏ +353 91 567 433. Central efficient hotel. B&B double €220.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2817-9.032224 G Hotel, Old Dublin Road H91 V0HR, ☏ +353 91 865 200. Posh hotel 1 km from centre with spa. Great comfort and service. B&B double €300.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.2583-9.084325 Galway Bay Hotel, The Promenade, Salthill Rd Lower H91 W295, ☏ +353 91 514 644. Great service, rooms dated but comfy. Has a spa and leisure centre. B&B double €250.  (updated Apr 2025)
• 53.258381-9.08748226 Salthill Hotel, Promenade, Salthill H91 DD4V (100 m west of Galway Bay Hotel), ☏ +353 91 522 711. Good spacious hotel with leisure centre and pool. B&B double €240.  (updated Apr 2025)

As elsewhere in Ireland dial 112 or 999 for emergencies. To report non emergency crime you can contact the local Garda Station (+353 91 538000 for Millstreet and general Galway City or +353 91 514720 for Salthill). A Garda can also take a report of a crime from you in person in any station.

Galway is a safe town by any standards, but give the swerve to damnfool drunks.

Galway is very accepting of LGBTQ+ people, so if you're a same-sex couple you should have absolutely no concern about displaying your affection in public. In fact, you might even get compliments that you make a cute couple! Trans people should have no issues either, every now and again there are isolated incidents of insults and the like, but they never involve violence and you should pay these no mind. There's probably no place in the world where LGBTQ+ people never get insulted ever, but Galway is probably one of the places where it happens the least.

• 53.2716-9.05183 Galway City Library, St. Augustine Street, ☏ +353 9150 9094. Has 8 free-use computers and free WiFi.  (updated Dec 2025)

As of 2025, Galway has 5G with all Irish carriers.

Oranmore and Athenry are both commuter towns of Galway.

• South across Galway Bay is County Clare, and the spare limestone terrain of The Burren, meeting the Atlantic at the Cliffs of Moher.
• "Gaeltacht" means an area where Irish is the official first language. Connemara west of Galway is one such area, with villages such as An Spidéal, An Cheathrú Rua and Carna.
• The Aran Islands are reached by ferry from Connemara.