Staying in the Docks and the harbor
A harbor address does not always mean a public waterfront path outside the door. Check the entrance street and use the surrounding pavements to reach the old town. Dock Road and the streets toward the Spanish Arch help orient a first walk, while the route toward Eyre Square is useful when carrying luggage to a train or coach.
At a glance
- Best for
- Modern hotels, quiet
- At night
- Quiet
- Getting around
- On foot; buses at the harbor
- Price level
- €€€
Rebuilt harbor land east of the old town, with a few larger hotels and a ten to fifteen minute walk in.
Good for
- Modern hotels with larger rooms
- A quiet base with the water close
- The Latin Quarter and the Spanish Arch within fifteen minutes
Think twice if
- You want pubs and old streets outside your door
- You are walking back late and prefer busy streets
- You want to be inside the old town, not beside it
How The Docks and the harbor compares with the rest of Galway
What is near The Docks and the harbor
Galway City Museum
From the western end of Dock Road, allow about five minutes on foot toward the Spanish Arch.
The Long Walk
From the western dock streets, the Long Walk is about five to ten minutes away on foot.
Quay Street
Allow about ten minutes on foot from the harbor streets, approaching through the lanes near the Spanish Arch.
Eyre Square
From the central dock streets, allow roughly ten to fifteen minutes on foot to reach the square.
Eating in The Docks and the harbor
Check whether your accommodation serves dinner if you expect to arrive late. For an evening walk, head toward Ard Bia at Nimmos near the Spanish Arch or McDonagh's on Quay Street. The harbor streets have fewer obvious dining stops than the old town, so choose a destination before setting out.
Getting around from The Docks and the harbor
Galway railway station and its adjoining bus station are beside Eyre Square, roughly ten to fifteen minutes on foot from many dock addresses. The coach station is separate, on Fairgreen Road. Use public streets around the harbor and follow signs where operational areas restrict access.
Hotels in The Docks and the harbor
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Other areas of Galway
Staying in the Docks and the harbor
Can I walk all the way around the harbor edge?
Do not assume a continuous public route. Follow public pavements and access signs, as parts of the harbor are operational.
Which station should I use for a coach departure?
Check your ticket or operator's instructions. Some services use the separate coach station on Fairgreen Road rather than the adjoining bus station.
What location detail should I check before booking?
Check the entrance street and walking route to the old town, since a harbor view does not establish pedestrian access.