Travel to Galway

Travel to Galway

As one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, Galway has kept its warm, small-town charm. It is home to a lively arts scene with many artists, writers and artisans having made the city their home. Every summer, the Galway Arts Festival takes place. Many travellers also pass through Galway on their way to Connemara and western Gaeltacht, giving Galway its nickname: gateway to the West.

Transportation to Galway

Galway Airport, which is located four miles from the city centre, receives daily flights from Dublin, Belfast and several UK cities. There are taxis to take passengers to the city centre. Another option is Dublin International Airport, offering even more flights from Europe and the UK; it is around 4 hours by road from Galway.

Many national roads, including the N84 and the N17 from the north; the N63 and N6 from the east; and the N67 and N18 from the south, end in Galway. Trains operated by Irish Rail stop in Galway from Dublin and other cities. Alternatively, buses from all across Ireland arrive here.

What to see

Lynchs Castle, which is located in the centre of Galway, dates back to 1490, and was renovated in the 19th century. What used to be the townhouse of Lady Augusta Gregory, WB Yeats patron, is now home to the Galway Arts Centre. It offers a first-rate programme of concerts, readings and exhibitions. The Galway City Museum is also well worth a visit for its collection of local documents, photographs and city memorabilia.

Dominating the citys skyline, Galway Cathedral is an attraction not to be missed. Nora Barnacle House used to be the home of Nora Barnacle, wife of writer James Joyce. The John F Kennedy Park, near Eyre Square, is the heart of the city and commemorates the American presidents visit here, in June 1963, only months before he was gunned down in Dallas. Not far away, the medieval quarter exudes a joyful charm.

Daytrips

Only a few hours' by car from Galway, visitors can find some of Irelands most stunning regions. Connemara, wild and rugged, boasts peaceful valleys, bogs and mountain passes. Great hiking trails and stunning views of the ocean can be found in the Twelve Bens, a range of mountains. The small town of Spiddal is a nice stop along the coastline.

The Aran Islands are to the west of Galway, and home to some of Irelands oldest Christian and pre-Christian remains. Especially interesting are the enormous Iron Age stone forts at Dun Aengus on Inishmor. There are three islands that can be visited, with daily ferry services leaving from Galway.

Activities and leisure

Galway is home to a wide variety of pubs and restaurants, where guests can enjoy Irish music while having a pint of Guinness and dining on fresh seafood from the nearby Atlantic Ocean. For those who like fishing, there are plenty of salmon and sea trout in the River Corrib. A fine golf course can be found at the Galway Bay Golf and Country Club. Horseback riding is another popular activity, with trails leading through farmlands, woodlands, forests and mountains.

Safety issues

Pickpockets can cause travellers trouble in any city, with visitors being more vulnerable when they are in an unfamiliar environment. Driving in a foreign country can also be dangerous. When travelling to Galway, we strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.