The quaint city of Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland. It is known for its pub culture, stunning coastline, and friendly locals. The seaside city is an Irish gem, just a two-and-a-half-hour train from Dublin; it is definitely worth a visit.
Galway is a beautiful harbor city located where the River Corrib flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city’s central point is the 18th-century Eyre Square, with traditional pubs and shops that often offer live Irish folk music. The winding lanes of the Latin Quarter, which still have some parts of the medieval city walls, are home to stone-clad cafes, art galleries, and boutiques.
While there is plenty to do in the city, Galway is near some of the best destinations in Ireland (the Cliffs of Moher, Ballyvaughan, and many historic castles). So Galway is the perfect home base for exploring more of the West Coast of Ireland. Here’s my guide to Galway (your hub for exploring the best of Ireland), with everything you need to know to have a great stay here.
Where To Stay In Galway, Ireland
Galway is a small city, so in terms of the best areas to stay, you really can’t go wrong. I have organized the best places to stay into luxury, mid-range, and budget Galway hotels. I found that Ireland, in general, was more expensive than expected. The prices are similar to those in the United States.
I have organized these hotels into luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels so you can find exactly what you are looking for.
Luxury Galway Hotels
- Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate – The Glenlo Abbey Hotel and Estate, just outside of Galway City, is Galway’s most luxurious accommodation option. The hotel has a golf course, falconry, spa, restaurant, bar, and elegant rooms.
- The Ardilaun Hotel – This upscale hotel has double, twin and single rooms. Located near the beach, Nora Barnacle House and Spanish Arch, this hotel is ideally situated to visit local landmarks. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, two restaurants and a coffee shop.
Mid-Range Galway Hotels
- Eyre Square Hotel – Located in the bustling Eyre Square, the Eyre Square Hotel has everything you need for a fabulous time in Galway. The Eyre Square Hotel offers spacious rooms, two restaurants, a bar, and more for a reasonable price.
- The Lane – The Lane Hotel is located in the heart of Galway and offers clean, bright rooms. However, it doesn’t have a restaurant or bar, so plan accordingly.
- The Nest Boutique Hostel – Located close to the National Aquarium of Galway and Grattan Beach, this hostel is a great base for exploring the city. The hotel offers 7-bed dormitories, 6-bed female dormitories, and private rooms.
Budget Galway Hotels
- The Snug Townhouse – The Snug Townhouse is the perfect budget option if you are looking to stay in a hotel rather than a hostel. Offering clean and spacious rooms, the Snug Hotel is located in the Latin Quarter of Galway City.
- Galway City Hostel – This hostel is perfect for solo travelers looking to save money. All of the rooms are non-smoking and offer views of the city.
Best Tours To Take In Galway, Ireland
Galway offers a great number of fun tours for exploring the area, visiting islands and walking city tours. Here are some great options:
- On a day trip from Galway, explore the Burren and Cliffs of Moher. Travel along Galway Bay, see Dunguaire Castle, the Gleninsheen Wedge Tomb, and more.
- Embark on a tour from Galway to explore the stunning Connemara countryside. Discover the hidden gems of Cong village and the charming Kylemore Abbey.
- Join a spine-chilling adventure on an after-dark walking tour of Galway. Take a journey through Galway City’s haunted past on a harrowing stroll that’s not for the faint-hearted.
What To Do In Galway, Ireland
1) Visit Eyre Square
Eyre Square is in the heart of the city and is a great starting point for exploring Galway. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore in Eyre Square. Make sure to check out the indoor shopping mall, which offers tons of local shops and Irish brands that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
2) Explore The Latin Quarter
Galway’s Latin Quarter is one of my favorite parts of the city. The historic Quay Street is home to family shops, pubs, bars, coffee shops, and boutiques. Enjoy a nice stroll on the cobblestone street, and don’t forget to admire the postcard-worthy architecture and flags.
My favorite shops in the Latin Quarter are the Aran Sweater Market and Designs Of Ireland, which are perfect if you are looking to pick up an Irish wool sweater.
3) Visit The Galway Cathedral
The Galway Cathedral cannot be missed while in Galway. The Gothic Cathedral was built in 1958 and is one of Galway’s most impressive buildings. Located on River Corrib, The Galway Cathedral was the last church built in Ireland with stone.
Entrance to the Galway Cathedral is free, but they have a donation box, so bring cash.
4) Stop By Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop
With an estimated 100,000 books, Byrnes Bookshop has a book for everything. I spent over two hours combing through every genre; I truly lost track of time at Byrne’s Bookshop. This independent bookshop in the Galway Latin Quarter is an amazing place to visit, especially if you are a fellow bookworm. Read more about Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop here.
5) Walk Along The Long Walk
The Long Walk is a stunning walk in Galway to the water and the famous Galway houses. It is super short and starts at the historic Spanish Arch, which dates back to medieval times.
If you continue walking past the Galway houses, you will come across Salthill, a residential neighborhood offering views of Galway Bay.
6) Visit Mutton Island
Mutton Island is situated in Galway Bay, and even though it is an island, it is super easy to get to. There is a pedestrian-only bridge connecting Mutton Island to the mainland. It takes me about thirty minutes to walk to the island from the center of Galway.
While on Mutton Island, you will be able to enjoy views of Galway City and the Mutton Island Lighthouse.
7) Learn About History At Dunguaire Castle
Dunguaire Castle is located just outside of Galway. Situated on the shore of Galway Bay, It is a must-visit while in the Galway area. Built in 1520 by the O’Hynes Clan, It offers tours and banquets in the summertime. Check the hours here.
8) See The Cliffs of Moher
A bucket list destination for many, the Cliffs of Moher are among the most beautiful natural sights I have ever seen.
Galway is a great place to do a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher because it is the most exciting city closest to them. Unless you have rented a car, taking a tour of the Cliffs from Galway is best. There are many tour groups to choose from when going to the Cliffs. I recommend doing this tour; I loved it!
9) Explore Burren National Park
The Burren National Park was an unexpected visit for me, but I ended up loving it. On my Cliffs of Moher tour, we stopped at the Burren on the way.
The Burren is 138 square miles of limestone carved by glaciers, hiking trails, unique plants, and historic sites of people generations before us.
Where To Dine In Galway
Best Breakfast & Lunch In Galway
- Jungle Cafe – The Jungle Cafe is perfect for brunch, lunch, breakfast and coffee. You can grab a latte and pastry on the go at the Jungle Cafe Coffee Bar or have a sit-down meal, whatever you are in the mood for. There are plenty of options. The food, coffee, service, and decor were amazing at the Jungle Cafe.
- Dela Restaurant – If you are looking for a healthy farm-to-table breakfast or lunch in Galway, look no further than the Dela Restaurant. If you go to the Dela Restaurant, try the Eggs Benedict or Buttermilk Pancakes.
- Coffeewerk + Press – Located on the picturesque Quay Street in Galways Latin Quarter, Coffeewerk + Press is a lovely place to grab a coffee and pastry to start your day of exploring.
Best Dinner In Galway
- Ard Bia at Nimmos – Ard Bia at Nimmos is not only dinner but also an experience. It is unknown when the actual stone building was constructed, but it is seen on a map that dates back to 1651. Located next to the Spanish Arch, Ard Bia at Nimmos is a gourmet restaurant serving top-notch Irish food.
- The Quay Street Kitchen – This Restaurant serves traditional Irish food, such as fish and chips, and beef stew. It has received rave reviews and is worth visiting in Galway.
- Kai Kitchen – Kai Kitchen offers a fine dining experience in a unique environment. All the food served at Kai is locally sourced and prepared with care. If you choose to dine at Kai Kitchen, make a reservation, and they will book up!
Best Pubs In Galway
- O’Connell’s – Easily one of the most well-known pubs in Galway, O’Connell’s is the place to spend a night out in Galway. Enjoy everything from unique cocktails to traditional Irish whiskey at O’Connell’s. O’Connell’s is great for a younger crowd.
- Tigh Neachtain – Another great pub in Galway is Tigh Neachtain. At Tigh Neachtain you will find delectable Irish food and drinks in a local environment.
Getting To & Around Galway
There is no airport in Galway. The closest airport is Shannon Airport, which is about an hour and a half south of the city. It can be difficult to find flights directly to Shannon that are also affordable, so I recommend flying into Dublin, where you can take a train to Galway. Most people stay a few nights in Dublin anyway.
The train from Dublin to Galway takes a little over two hours. I was shocked at how short it was to cross the country. Ireland is well connected by trains and busses so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one.
Galway is a tiny city and is very walkable. There is no subway. You can take a bus, but the city is so small it may be a waste of time. Uber and Lyft are available in Ireland, so if you really need a ride, I would just do that.
Best Time To Visit Galway, Ireland
I would go to Ireland anytime. This type of place is enjoyable year-round as the temperatures stay mild year-round. One thing I noticed about Galway, in particular, was that it was super windy, so the wind may make it feel a bit cooler there.
Fall in Ireland is my favorite season because you experience the change in season and more of what Ireland is like on a cloudy but cozy day. It is not cold in the fall in Galway; when I was there in the fall, it was primarily in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit.
Winter in Ireland is colder than in other months but still bearable, unlike in Nordic countries, Canada, etc. Galway is lovely over the holidays. They have a Christmas Market and decorate the city, so it is a great holiday getaway. Temperatures in the winter are usually around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spring in Ireland is beautiful. There is still rain, but you can explore farms and fields full of flowers on sunny days. The city of Galway will have flowers and greenery, but it will still be windy and a bit chilly. Temperatures in the spring are usually around the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit.
Summer in Ireland has the best weather but the most crowds. If you don’t mind the crowds and high prices, Summer is a perfect time to see Galway. The temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit.
A Quick Guide To Galway Wrap Up
Galway is a must-add to your Ireland itinerary. The pub culture, history, surrounding nature, and medieval architecture make Galway a memorable destination. If you have anything to add please leave a comment. I hope this guide to Galway helps you plan the best Ireland trip ever!
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