Staying in the Claddagh and the Long Walk
These waterfront names describe opposite sides of the river mouth. The Long Walk sits beside the old town, while the Claddagh is reached by crossing the river. A photograph can make them look closer than the walking route feels, so check the property's actual street. Build a short circuit using the bridge, the Spanish Arch and the basin.
At a glance
- Best for
- Views, calm
- At night
- Quiet
- Getting around
- On foot; buses on the main road
- Price level
- €€
A former fishing village at the river's mouth, with the basin and the bay on one side and the old town ten minutes away.
Good for
- Water views and early morning walks
- Quiet nights, ten minutes from the old town
- A small guesthouse base with some character
Think twice if
- You want to be among the pubs: the Latin Quarter is a ten minute walk
- You want a wide choice of hotels
- Wind off the bay bothers you in winter
How The Claddagh and the Long Walk compares with the rest of Galway
What is near The Claddagh and the Long Walk
Spanish Arch
From the Claddagh basin, allow about five to ten minutes on foot, crossing the river by Wolfe Tone Bridge.
Galway City Museum
The museum is about five minutes on foot from the Long Walk and roughly ten minutes from the Claddagh basin.
South Park
From the Claddagh basin, allow about five minutes on foot to reach the open waterfront space at South Park.
Quay Street
Allow about five minutes from the Long Walk or ten minutes from the basin, using the bridge crossing.
Eating in The Claddagh and the Long Walk
Ard Bia at Nimmos is convenient from the Long Walk side. From the Claddagh, cross toward Quay Street for McDonagh's or continue into the West End for Kai. Choose your dinner destination before setting out in wet weather, since the river crossing adds an exposed stretch.
Getting around from The Claddagh and the Long Walk
Wolfe Tone Bridge is the useful crossing between the Claddagh and the Spanish Arch side. Galway railway station is about twenty minutes on foot from the basin and nearer from the Long Walk. For buses, check your exact address and destination; neither waterfront has a railway stop.
Hotels in The Claddagh and the Long Walk
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Other areas of Galway
Staying in the Claddagh and the Long Walk
Are the Claddagh and the Long Walk on the same side?
No. They face each other across the river mouth, so walking between them requires a route over the bridge.
Where can I make a short waterfront circuit?
Combine the Claddagh basin, Wolfe Tone Bridge, the Spanish Arch and the Long Walk, returning over the same river crossing.
What should I bring for a waterfront walk?
Bring a waterproof layer and shoes with grip, as the exposed waterfront can feel wet and windy even on a short outing.