Things to do in Galway: street music, the Claddagh and the coast
Galway is a small city on Ireland's west coast, with a pedestrian center of pubs, buskers and shops, and the Atlantic a few minutes' walk away. Two days cover the town itself. The one thing to know is that the best of the region is outside it, so day trips to the Aran Islands, Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher need booking and good weather.
The short answer
- First trip
- Walk Quay Street and Shop Street, follow the river to the Spanish Arch and the Long Walk, and spend an evening in a pub with live music.
- Where to stay
- The Latin Quarter for the pubs, the West End for restaurants, Salthill for the seafront. The full guide covers them area by area.
- How many days
- Two days for the town. Three or four adds the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher or Connemara.
- Best time to go
- May to September for the longest days and the ferries. The weather is changeable in every month.
- Book ahead
- The Aran Islands ferry, the Cliffs of Moher tickets and any bus tour in summer.
- From the airport
- Shannon airport is about two hours by bus. Dublin airport is about two and a half hours by coach. Both stop at the coach station in the center.
Where to stay in Galway, in brief
The Latin Quarter
pubs, music and sights on foot
The lanes around Quay Street, High Street and the Spanish Arch. Everything is a few minutes away, and it is loud on weekend nights, so ask for a room at the back.
Eyre Square and the station
trains, buses and a short stay
Big hotels beside the main square and the coach and train stations. It is practical for arrivals and early departures, but less atmospheric than the old lanes.
The West End
restaurants and a calmer evening
Dominick Street and Shantalla, west of the river. It has some of the best restaurants and quieter nights, about ten minutes from Quay Street.
Salthill
the seafront and a family stay
A seaside suburb about two kilometers from the center, with a long promenade and beaches. The walk into town takes 30 minutes, or a short bus ride.
Things to do in Galway
Quay Street and Shop Street
The pedestrian spine of the old town, lined with pubs, shops and street musicians. It is busiest on Saturday afternoons and summer evenings.
The Spanish Arch and the Long Walk
A fragment of the old town wall beside the river Corrib, with the painted houses of the Long Walk across the water. Walk it at sunset.
The Claddagh
A former fishing village at the river's mouth, now a quiet residential quarter, with a basin and views over Galway Bay. It gives the Claddagh ring its name.
Salthill promenade
A two-kilometer seafront walk, with the Atlantic on one side. Tradition says to kick the wall at the end, at Blackrock diving tower.
St Nicholas' Collegiate Church
A medieval church, said to be the largest still in use in Ireland, on Lombard Street, next to the Saturday market.
Galway City Museum
A free museum beside the Spanish Arch, covering the city's history and the Galway hooker boats. Check opening days before you go.
Eyre Square and the Latin Quarter lanes
The main square is a short walk from the pubs on Quay Street. Cross it on the way from the station.
A live music session
Traditional music in pubs such as Tigh Neachtain or The Crane Bar. Sessions start around 9pm, so arrive early for a seat.
The Aran Islands
Inis Mór, the largest of the three, has stone forts, cliffs and a bike route. Ferries leave from Rossaveal, about 40 minutes from the city.
a week or more ahead in summer
Cliffs of Moher
The best-known cliffs on the Irish coast, about two hours south by road. Go by tour bus or hire a car, and expect crowds from late morning.
a few days ahead in summer
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Galway can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Galway, and which to pick- Aran Islands ferrya week or more ahead in summer
Sailings fill on sunny days, and the crossing is canceled in rough weather, so keep a spare day.
- Cliffs of Moher visita few days ahead in summer
Timed visitor slots and tour buses sell out in July and August.
- A Connemara day toura few days ahead in summer
Small-group tours have few seats and public transport there is limited.
What to skip in Galway
- The Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands in one day
They are in opposite directions and each takes most of a day. Pick one, and give the other its own day.
- A hire car for the city itself
The center is pedestrian and parking is dear and slow. Hire one only for the day you drive to Connemara, and pick it up that morning.
Best time to visit Galway
May to September has the longest days, the most ferries to the islands and the most music and festivals. July and August are busiest, and rooms cost more.
Spring and early autumn are quieter and often kind. Winter is mild but wet, windy and short on daylight, and some island and coastal services run less often. Rain can arrive in any month, so pack a waterproof.
- From Shannon airportBus Éireann route 51 runs from the arrivals hall to Galway's bus station in about two hours, with fares from about €10 on the operator's site.
- From Dublin airportCitylink and GoBus coaches run direct to Galway coach station in about two and a half hours. Check the operators' timetables, as they change by season.
- On footThe old town, the Claddagh and the West End are all within 15 minutes of Eyre Square. Salthill is about 30 minutes along the seafront.
- Buses and day tripsLocal buses reach Salthill and the ferry port at Rossaveal. For Connemara and the Cliffs of Moher, a small-group tour is simpler than public transport.
Galway in three days
- Day 1
Eyre Square, Shop Street and Quay Street, the Spanish Arch and the Long Walk, the Claddagh at sunset, then a pub with music.
- Day 2
A ferry to Inis Mór and a bike ride past the stone forts, back in Galway for a late dinner.
- Day 3
A tour of Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher, or a slow morning on the Salthill promenade and the Saturday market.
Day trips from Galway
- ConnemaraLakes, bogs and mountains northwest of the city. A tour or car is the easiest way, and the loop takes a full day.
- Cliffs of MoherAbout two hours south by road, often combined with the Burren on a tour. Public transport exists, but a tour fits more in.
- Aran IslandsFerries from Rossaveal reach Inis Mór in about 40 minutes. Allow six to eight hours on the island, and check the weather first.
Galway: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Galway?
Two days cover the town. Three or four add a day trip to the Aran Islands, Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher, which each take most of a day.
Is Galway worth visiting?
Yes, for the music, the pubs, the seafood and the coast on its doorstep. It is small, so most people use it as a base for the west of Ireland.
What is the best time to visit Galway?
May to September, when days are long and ferries run often. Spring and early autumn are quieter, and winter is wet.
How far is Galway from Dublin?
About 210 km, or roughly two and a half hours by coach or train. Many visitors do it in a day each way.
Can you visit the Cliffs of Moher from Galway?
Yes. It is about two hours by road, and most people go on a tour. Book ahead in summer, and go early in the day to avoid the crowds.
How do you get to the Aran Islands from Galway?
By bus or car to Rossaveal, about 40 minutes west, then a ferry of about 40 minutes to Inis Mór. Book ahead in summer, and expect cancellations in rough weather.
Is Galway walkable?
Yes. The old town, the Claddagh and the West End are within 15 minutes of each other on foot. Salthill is a 30 minute walk.
Is Galway safe for tourists?
Generally yes. As in any city, watch your bag in busy pubs and take a taxi home late if you are alone.