Galway

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. The compact historic centre on the east bank of the River Corrib is easy to explore on foot, and the city has a vibrant pub culture with traditional music.

Central Galway is easily walkable, and Salthill is a pleasant 30-minute walk from the centre along the Prom to Blackrock. Taxis are available from ranks at Eyre Square and Bridge Street, with fares nationally regulated. TFI Bikes offers a bike share scheme: €3 for a 3-day pass (with a €150 deposit) that includes unlimited 30-minute journeys. Driving is not recommended due to congestion and limited expensive parking.

Galway has a wet, windy, and cold climate year-round. Summer is often joked as the favourite week of the year. Average temperatures range from 3-8°C in winter to 11-18°C in summer. The Galway Races take place in late July-early Aug, and other events occur throughout the year.

Galway has a large selection of accommodation from hostels to hotels. Budget hostels include Snoozles Hostel (dorm €45 ppn with free breakfast), Galway City Hostel (dorm €45), Kinlay Hostel (dorm €45), and Woodquay Hostel (dorm €30). B&Bs range from €100-200 for a double, and mid-range hotels from €150-230. The area around Eyre Square is very central but can be noisy.

Local specialties include seafood and traditional Irish fare. Budget options like Freddy's offers pizza from €14, McDonagh's has cod and chips for €16, and McCambridges deli has takeaway sandwiches €5-10. For drinks, Galway Hooker is the local pale ale. Popular pubs include Taaffes, King's Head, and The Crane Bar with live trad music. Murphy's Ice Cream on High St is a must-try at €6.50-9.50.

Free attractions include Galway City Museum (suggested donation €5), University Quad, Hall of the Red Earl, and walking along the promenade to Salthill. Corrib Princess river cruises cost €20 adult. The Galway Races jump racing events are held at Ballybrit Racecourse. For live performances, check Town Hall Theatre, Druid Theater, or An Taibhdhearc.

Galway is safe, but avoid drunk individuals. Dial 112 or 999 for emergencies. For non-emergency crime, contact Millstreet Garda Station (+353 91 538000) or Salthill (+353 91 514720). The city is very accepting of LGBTQ+ people; same-sex couples can display affection without concern.

As of 2025, Galway has 5G with all Irish carriers. Galway City Library on St. Augustine Street provides 8 free-use computers and free WiFi.

South across Galway Bay is County Clare with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Connemara west of Galway offers Gaeltacht areas like An Spidéal and Carna. The Aran Islands are reached by ferry from Connemara.

South across Galway Bay is County Clare and the Burren, with cliffs at Doolin. Connemara west of Galway has Gaeltacht villages. The Aran Islands are accessible by ferry.