Welcome to Galway, the beating heart of Ireland’s west coast and a city that perfectly balances history, culture, and vibrant energy. Known as the City of Tribes, Galway’s medieval past is woven into its cobbled streets and colourful facades, while its modern spirit is evident in its thriving arts scene, legendary live music, and dynamic food culture.
Perched in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way, Galway is a city that captivates visitors with its warm hospitality, unforgettable festivals, and stunning coastal scenery. Whether you’re drawn in by the traditional Irish music pouring from the pubs, the fresh Atlantic seafood, or the friendly locals, Galway is a must-visit destination in Ireland.
At Lally Tours, Galway is the place we call home. We love showcasing the best our incredible city and its stunning surrounding areas have to offer on our Galway day tours and day tours from Galway. But while you’re counting down the days until your Ireland adventure, get to know this special place better with our Galway City Guide.
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Galway City is located on the west coast of Ireland, nestled along Galway Bay. It is the capital of County Galway and serves as a key hub along the Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,600 km (1,600-mile) coastal route that showcases some of Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes. If you’re familiar with Dublin’s location on the east coast, Galway is essentially directly opposite the capital on the west coast.
To better understand Galway’s location here on the Emerald Isle, let’s take a look at its distance and approximate travel time from other major Irish and Northern Irish cities:
If you want to include Galway as part of a wider tour of Ireland, consider our Signature 10-Day Ireland West and South Tour. Starting in Dublin, you will enjoy an adventure that includes Kilkenny, Cork, Killarney, Dingle, Galway, and so much more! Read the full itinerary for the complete trip overview.
Galway is well connected to Ireland’s major points of entry, making it an easy destination to reach. Most international visitors will fly into Dublin Airport, our country’s busiest travel hub. From the airport and the city centre, you can take direct buses operated by Citylink with journey times varying. The quickest take around 2.5 hours, while longer routes take three or nearly four hours. Double-check your journey time before booking!
If you prefer the idea of train travel, simply catch one of the direct trains to Galway from Dublin Heuston Station. Services are operated by Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) and travel times vary depending on the number of stops made. In short, quicker journeys come in under 2.5 hours, while longer options are a little more than that.
But what about Ireland’s three other major airports? Well, Shannon Airport is around 85km away, which equates to around 1.5 hours of travel time in a car or direct bus. From Cork Airport, it’s around a 2.5-hour drive. And finally, from Ireland West Airport Knock, Galway is only around 90 minutes away by car and direct bus.
There’s no “best” time to visit Galway — it all depends on your travel preferences and the kind of trip you’re looking for! The good news is that Galway is a year-round destination, and each season offers something different.
Spring in Galway sees temperatures ranging from lows of 3 to 5°C (37 to 41°F) in early March to highs of 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F) by late May. Rain showers are still frequent, but the days gradually become longer and sunnier. This is a fantastic time to visit for those who prefer milder weather and fewer crowds.
The city begins to awaken from winter with the arrival of the Cúirt International Festival of Literature in April and the Galway Theatre Festival in early May, both showcasing the city’s vibrant arts scene. We take a closer look at our city’s famous festival scene a little further down the page!
Summer is the warmest and liveliest season in Galway, with temperatures averaging between 11 and 14°C (52 to 57°F) at night and reaching highs of 18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F) during the day. Long daylight hours — up to 17 hours at the peak of summer — allow visitors to explore late into the evening. While rain is still possible, this season offers the most stable weather. A general rule of thumb is to always bring a rain jacket, just in case!
Galway comes alive with major festivals like the Galway International Arts Festival in July and the Galway Races in August, creating an electric atmosphere in the city’s streets, pubs, and cultural venues.
Autumn brings crisp air and stunning autumnal colours to Galway’s parks and the nearby countryside. Temperatures start to cool, with highs of 17°C (63°F) in early September dropping to around 10°C (50°F) by November, while night-time temperatures fall to 5 to 8°C (41 to 46°F). Rainfall increases, but there are still plenty of clear, brisk days to enjoy.
This is a wonderful time for culture lovers, as events like the Clifden Arts Festival and the Galway Comedy Festival take place, filling the city with performances, laughter, and creativity.
Winter is the coldest season in Galway, with daytime highs ranging from 6 to 9°C (43 to 48°F) and night-time lows occasionally dropping to 1 to 3°C (34 to 37°F). Frosty mornings and short days (with as little as 7 to 8 hours of daylight) create a cosy, intimate feel in the city. Despite the chill, Galway is a magical place in winter, with festive lights decorating the streets and the famous Galway Christmas Market bringing a cheerful buzz to Eyre Square.
It’s also the perfect time to experience traditional Irish pub culture, with roaring fires, hearty food, and live music sessions creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
If you’re concerned about the weather, read our blog Top 5 Apps and Websites for Tracking the Weather in Ireland when you have finished here. It’s filled with valuable tips and insights from locals!
With a city that offers so much to visitors and locals alike, where do we even start to list the best things to do in Galway? This remarkable city is home to a wealth of attractions, from historic sites and scenic walks to vibrant streets and wonderful shopping.
But this is a guide to Galway City, so we need to start somewhere! Below, we have listed some of our local picks for Galway’s best attractions and experiences!
Take a Tour with Lally Tours
Our Galway day tours are perfect for finding your bearings after you’ve arrived in our city and immersing yourself in its history and culture. Our Welcome to Galway City Walking Tour is the perfect introduction to Galway, but browse our full range of excursions to find the perfect fit for you.
Looking for a more exclusive experience? Discover more about our premium Galway private tours!
Eyre Square
Eyre Square is the heart of the city and is the perfect place for people-watching, shopping, and getting off your feet after some exploring. Known officially as John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, the square has a rich history dating back to Medieval times. This was when it hosted markets on the green in front of the city gates.
The square is a popular meeting place for all in the city and you’ll typically find the grassy areas bustling on sunny days. And if you need some retail therapy, make a beeline for Eyre Square Centre and its 70+ shops!
Galway Cathedral
This magnificent limestone cathedral blends Renaissance and modern styles to stunning effect. Dedicated in August 1965, Galway Cathedral is the youngest of Europe’s great stone cathedrals. As an interesting note, construction, which began in 1958, took place on the site of the old city prison.
Salthill Promenade
Looking for a scenic seaside walk? Salthill Promenade covers around 3km of coastline from the Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock diving tower. This scenic walk offers gorgeous views across Galway Bay. You can even see the hills of the Burren on the other side of the bay.
Local tip: Be sure to kick the wall once you’ve finished your walk!
The Long Walk
Despite its name, The Long Walk offers a charming short stroll along one of Galway’s best-known corners. With waterfront houses, bobbing boats, and a small harbour, this picturesque spot is a joy to explore. The Long Walk starts near the Galway City Museum, which itself is close to the Spanish Arch.
The Spanish Arch
Located on the left bank of the Corrib River, the Spanish Arch is one of Galway’s historical gems. Built back in 1584, and an extension of the Norman-built city wall that dates back to the 12th century, this famous landmark is a key feature of our city’s living history. The name is thought to come from the merchant trade with the Spanish galleons that frequently docked here.
Galway City Museum
Located in Comerford House, the Galway City Museum is a centre of learning and engagement. The museum displays a collection of Galway’s material heritage through artefacts, resources, events, and exhibitions relating to everything from history and archaeology to sea science.
The Latin Quarter and Quay Street
Welcome to Galway’s most vibrant area. Starting south of Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter is packed with pubs, shops, restaurants, and street entertainment! Quay Street is a particularly popular highlight within the quarter, with its pulsating energy, welcoming vibe, and, of course, the Galway Girl statue.
Join a Galway Tour with WeWheel
Do you want a more energetic tour of Galway? Look no further than WeWheel’s Galway experiences! From guided and self-guided e-bike tours to scavenger hunts, these tours are ideal for anyone who likes to stay active on their holidays.
The Claddagh
Considered one of Ireland’s oldest fishing villages, The Claddagh sits on the western side of the mouth of the River Corrib, where it meets Galway Bay. Fishermen here used to sail Galway Hooker ships and sell their catches at the market near the Spanish Arch. This picturesque pocket of Galway is also home to the Claddagh Ring, a powerful symbol of the city.
Did you know that Galway is considered Ireland’s cultural capital? It was even named the European Capital of Culture for 2020. And while many threads come together to make our city’s cultural scene so special, it’s best reflected in the year-round program of festivals you can find here.
So, what festivals can you enjoy in Galway? Here are some of the highlights:
Foodies are spoiled for choice in Galway! Our city boasts an outstanding food scene, from traditional Irish fare to Michelin-starred dining. We could spend all day talking about our favourites, so here are just a few of our recommendations:
Looking for a tour experience centred around food? Our partners at Experience Galway have the ideal solution — Walk, Talk & Taste: Walking Food Tour of Galway. This isn’t just a run-of-the-mill food tour; it’s an Irish welcome filled with talking and the tastiest bites in the city!
Galway’s pubs are famous for their live music, warm atmosphere, and excellent Guinness. And we could easily have included some of them in our picks for the best places to eat in Galway too! Be sure to check out if the pubs you go to serve food, as you could be in for a pleasant surprise.
The good news is that the city has plenty of amazing pubs to choose from! As locals, we’ve got you covered with some of our favourites, including:
Be sure to read our blog Live Traditional Irish Music in Galway to find out even more about authentic trad session experiences!
Choosing accommodation is a highly personal decision. Some people see their hotel as a place to sleep between adventures, while others look upon theirs as a home away from home. Fortunately, Galway has something for every traveller, from boutique hotels to luxurious stays.
To help get you started on finding the perfect place, here are some of the most popular stays in our city:
Looking for even more pre-trip inspiration. Check out our tips on visiting Galway City for even more recommendations!
If you’re lucky enough to be in Galway for long enough to explore beyond the city, some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes are waiting for you! Just some of the natural and man-made wonders worthy of any itinerary include:
Tempted by any of these experiences? Browse our range of day tours from Galway! These guided outings include many of the attractions above, so you can enjoy the outstanding Lally Tours standard even outside of Galway City.
Just one example of these highly-rated excursions is our Cliffs of Moher Cruise, Aran Islands, and Connemara Full Day Tour. This itinerary is packed with everything that makes Western Ireland such an iconic destination.
Absolutely! Our Cliffs of Moher and Burren Tour from Galway is one of our most popular excursions. Located in neighbouring County Clare, these jaw-dropping attractions are only around a 90-minute drive south of Galway along the Wild Atlantic Way. And with Lally Tours, you can enjoy a hassle-free guided experience that truly immerses you in the grandeur of these geological marvels.
Find out even more about getting to the Cliffs of Moher from Galway.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this Guide to Galway City! Are you ready to start planning your trip to the City of Tribes? Browsing our Galway day tours and day tours from Galway is the perfect place to start. Let our local expert guides bring this fun and fascinating city to life for you!
Do you have any pre-booking questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need!
