Getting to Galway

Many visitors choose to travel by car to Galway so they can be independent and enjoy the spectacular scenery on the way. There is a regional airport offering flights to several Irish and UK destinations. Other options include coach and train services, departing from Dublin.

By car

Driving in Ireland is on the left hand side of the road, and the N6 is the major road from Dublin. The drive from Dublin to Galway is 140 miles and will take about 3 hours. The N6 goes through Maynooth, Enfield, Kinnegad (take the first exit road at the roundabout just before Kinnegad town), Tyrrellspass, Moate, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Oranmore. Some towns are bypassed, while in others, the N6 goes through the main street, offering a fascinating glimpse of daily life.

From Cork in the south, take the N20 and then the N18 to reach Galway. Alternatively, the N24 from Wexford port in the southeast will lead you onto the N18.

By rail

Train is the ideal way of travelling from Dublin to Galway. The journey time is about 3 hours and a bar and restaurant service is available on most trains. Irish Rail runs a regular train service to Dublin stopping off at major towns. Advance booking is not usually necessary.

Towns serviced along this route include Athenry, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Tullamore and Kildare. There are no direct routes to other cities. Ceannt Station in Galway City is just off Eyre Square in the centre of the city. For more information on schedules and services, visit the rail provider’s website at: www.irishrail.ie/home/; or call them on: +353 1 703 4499.

By bus

There are frequent daily services to Galway from Dublin. There is also a special service to and from Dublin Airport. The journey takes 3 hours, 25 minutes. The main bus station in Galway is in Eyre Square. Services are provided by Bus Nestor (tel: +353 1800 424248; website: www.galway.net/pages/nestorbus).

By air

Over the past two decades, Galway Airport has developed from a small air strip to a fully-fledged regional airport. The airport now offers daily services to Dublin, Cardiff, London Luton, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Belfast City, Birmingham and Cork as well as Lorient, in France.

Galway Airport

Galway Airport is located four miles from the city centre. Airport facilities include the AV8 café and free WiFi access. AV8 café bar at Galway Airport is located in the main concourse. Enjoy a freshly made sandwich or choose from a wide variety of hot foods including soup, paninis and wraps. A selection of fine teas and coffees are also available as well as a full bar service.

Galway Airport offers its customers free high-speed internet access. Simply ask at the information desk for your free username and password. The information desk at Galway Airport is located directly in front of the main terminal entrance.

Galway Airport transportation

Galway Airport is ideally positioned as the gateway to the west of Ireland. There is no bus service to the airport, but taxis are readily available any time of the day or night. All the major car hire companies have desks at Galway Airport.