An introductory guide to Galway

With its winding streets adorned with vibrant storefronts hugging the shores of Galway Bay, compact Galway is among Ireland's most charming cities. Energized by a lively student community, it’s also one of the island’s most dynamic places, featuring musicians performing in its cozy pubs and along its streets, a seafood-centric dining scene, a bustling schedule of events, and an artsy spirit.

If you're looking to truly experience Galway, here’s all the essential information you need.

When is the best time to visit Galway?

July and August offer long, inviting days ideal for exploration, but the peak season also brings elevated accommodation costs. Though these are summer months, sunshine is never a certainty in Ireland.

The shoulder seasons of April, May, September, and October are excellent times to visit, featuring fewer tourists. These months can even bring periods of remarkable weather—sometimes warmer and sunnier than summer in certain years. As is typical in Ireland, be prepared for rain and rejoice when the sun makes an appearance.

The winter months can be chilly, damp, and dreary. While not the best time for a visit, if you find yourself in Galway during this season, don’t worry—just pack appropriately for the weather and enjoy the long, dark evenings with some live music at a pub.

Galway is lively year-round, but it truly shines during its annual festivals (where you’ll want to secure accommodations well in advance). Highlights include the poetry- and prose-filled Cúirt International Festival of Literature in late April; the Galway Theatre Festival in May; the Galway Arts Festival in mid-July; and the prominent Galway Film Fleadh. The exciting Galway Race Week, showcasing horse racing and high fashion, kicks off on the last Monday of July, while late September features the well-established Galway Oyster & Seafood Festival. During Halloween, the spectacle theatre group Macnas presents an extraordinary parade featuring intricate floats and towering sculptures.

How long should I stay in Galway?

It's definitely worth spending a night or two in Galway on any visit to Ireland. Two days allows you to explore the vibrant streets while hunting for seafood, pints, and a taste of local culture. Use Galway as your base for a few days and consider a day trip to Connemara, the Burren, or the Aran Islands.

If you’re driving along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is the largest city you'll encounter on your journey. Take a break to enjoy the variety of pubs and restaurants before continuing on to more scenic stretches.

Is it easy to reach and navigate Galway?

Galway is easily accessible by train and bus from Dublin. If you're traveling from another city in Ireland, taking a bus is your best option—check routes and schedules with Bus Éireann and City Link.

Once you're in Galway City, the central area is quite walkable, and wandering (and pub-hopping) around Eyre Square and Shop Street is all part of the Galway experience. Local buses offer good connections within the city, and you can even catch regional buses to Connemara to visit towns like Clifden.

Must-see attractions in Galway

Stop by the pub for a taste of Guinness, whiskey, and live music

Galway is renowned for its vibrant pub scene, with many establishments just a short stroll apart. Join the welcoming locals as they move from bar to bar, never knowing what fun awaits but always ready for a good time. A fantastic starting point is Tigh Neáchtain (or simply Neáchtain's—pronounced 'nock-tans'), a charming 19th-century gem painted in bright blue, attracting a diverse crowd beneath its low ceilings and tree-shaded patio.

Of course, pints of Guinness, affectionately known as 'the black stuff,' are a must-try, but don’t miss out on the locally brewed Galway Hooker Irish Pale Ale, a beloved local favorite for over a decade. For whiskey enthusiasts, head to the laid-back Garavan's, known for its expertise.

Galway’s pubs are alive with the sounds of live music. You'll enjoy lively traditional tunes featuring an array of instruments—fiddle, tin whistle, bodhrán (a hand-held drum), guitar, banjo, squeezebox, and more—filling the air. You can find a seisún (pronounced 'seh-shoon') almost any night of the week. The vibrant red Tig Cóilí is a great spot for live music, as is the two-story Crane Bar.

For those who prefer a more modern musical experience, the iconic venue Róisín Dubh features bands from all genres and also hosts comedy shows. Bierhaus and The Blue Note are popular spots for DJs that attract a trendy local crowd.

Savor exquisite seafood

Seafood is the star in Galway. The terroir-driven Aniar utilizes local catches in its Michelin-starred multi-course menus. The acclaimed seafood bistro Oscar's is fantastic for enjoying Galway Bay oysters. Ard Bia at Nimmo's serves up local delights like West Coast monkfish with spiced cauliflower and chermoula, or pan-roasted Atlantic hake paired with leek and fennel orzo, clams, and chard. Hip eatery Kai specializes in West Coast crab, best enjoyed with a pint of Galway Hooker. Don’t miss McDonagh's, a must-visit for outstanding fish and chips served at its lively communal tables.

Discover the history of the city

Nestled at the mouth of the River Corrib, Galway began as the fishing village of Claddagh and flourished in the 13th century under Anglo-Norman rule from Richard Óg de Burgh (the Red Earl), when its city walls were built. The Spanish Arch, a remnant of the medieval fortifications, once safeguarded merchant ships from Spain. Another portion of the walls can be found within the Eyre Square Centre shopping mall. The Hall of the Red Earl, an accidental archaeological find in 1997, showcases intriguing medieval artifacts. In 1396, power shifted to 14 merchant-family 'tribes'; the dominant Lynch family constructed Lynch's Castle, Ireland's finest town castle (now home to an AIB bank). The Galway City Museum presents more recent history from 1800 to 1950, featuring exhibits like a traditional wooden Galway Hooker fishing boat.

Experience some theater

Galway is renowned for its vibrant artistic scene, making it an ideal destination for theater enthusiasts. The acclaimed Druid Theatre group presents outstanding and ambitious productions—be sure to check their schedule before your visit. The Town Hall Theatre also offers a variety of performances, including music, comedy, theater, and films.

Stroll along the promenade in Salthill

Join the locals as they rack up their 10,000 steps along the promenade. This 2km seaside path in Salthill is the ideal spot for a leisurely walk and to soak in the fresh ocean air. If you're feeling daring, take a leap off the Blackrock Diving Tower into the invigorating North Atlantic—just be sure it's high tide.

Go shopping

One of the delights of exploring Galway is discovering its charming specialty shops, which offer everything from Irish-made fashion to local art and jewelry, including the iconic Claddagh rings (featuring a heart symbolizing love between two hands representing friendship, topped with a crown for loyalty), named after the original fishing village. Notable jewelry shops include Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold, established in 1750, Ireland's oldest. Other favorites are the cozy, book-filled Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, along with P Powell & Sons and Kiernan Moloney, both known for traditional Irish musical instruments.

How much should I budget for Galway?

Ireland can be pricey, and you won't find much difference in costs in Galway compared to Dublin. If you’re watching your spending, make sure to book your accommodations well in advance.

• hostel bed: €40-€60 per night in a dorm

• basic hotel room for two: €140-€160 per night

• self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €200-€250 per night

• public transport ticket: €2.70

• coffee: €3

• takeaway sandwich: €7

• dinner for two: €60-€80

• beer/pint at the bar: €6

What should I pack for my trip to Galway?

Travelers heading to Ireland should always consider packing light layers to accommodate the unpredictable weather. A quality rain jacket is essential, as strong Atlantic winds can easily defeat even the best umbrella. You’ll appreciate having waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry.

The ultimate day trip from Galway

Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway offers easy access to some of Ireland's most breathtaking landscapes. If you're driving, consider day trips to the stunning Connemara region, featuring a rugged coastline, rolling bogs, vast empty valleys, and slate-colored lakes (not to mention cozy pubs warmed by peat fires), as well as the dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the unique terrain of the Burren.

If you don't have a car, your best bet is to catch Aran Island Ferries from the docks in Galway and head to Inish Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. Once there, rent a bike to enjoy the freedom of riding along country roads, take a break on the pristine sands of Cill Mhuirbhigh beach, look for seals at the colony, and visit the ancient stone fort of Dún Aonghasa. Opt for a ferry ticket that sails past the Cliffs of Moher for an unforgettable view of their grandeur.