Top things to do in Galway
Attractions, tours and activities in Galway
Recommended museums in Galway
Where to discover culture and the arts in Galway
Galway: the city's best neighbourhoods
Find a great area to stay in Galway
About Galway
Including tips for the best time to visit Galway
Galway, a harbour city on the opposite coast from Dublin, enjoys pride of place away from the capital's tourist crowds – allowing it to retain an identity that's entirely its own. It doesn't get more Irish than this coastal town, whose local population still speaks Gaelic and whose wealth of culture and atmosphere make up for a lack of major landmarks.
Nearby schools, including the National University of Galway, keep the city's population young and lively. The pub scene is strong, complete with regional beers on tap and Irish folk music performances that last through the night. Just as much fun is had when summer welcomes the Galway International Arts Festival and the Galway International Oyster Festival, the latter of which showcases the bounty of Galway Bay.
While Galway may not offer as many historic sights as other large Irish cities, there are a few landmarks worth checking off in town. Christopher Columbus is rumoured to have prayed at St Nicholas Collegiate Church, a medieval parish founded in the 14th century. During your sightseeing, make sure to stop by Eyre Square, a public park where you'll find many of Galway's main transportation hubs.
For all of Galway's urban charms, there's incredible nature to discover nearby. Hop a ferry bound for Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands home to ancient sites and windswept landscapes. Drive less than two hours down the coast and you'll reach the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland's most famous sights.
Tonight
From £84 per night
This weekend
From £597 per night
Next weekend
From per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.63 |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | £149 per night |
| Average weekday price | £125 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Points of interest in Galway
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Galway
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Spanish Arch
0.4 miles from city centre
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The Market
0.2 miles from city centre
Galway reviews
What other travellers say about Galway
Galway is one of the best places we have been to and a...
17 April 2024
Galway is one of the best places we have been to and a favourite spot for our 1 or2 day trips very good for shopping and restaurants it’s a lovely city and one of our favour eating cafes is the Quays (the darling girl)and the Skeffington hotel (the Skeff) and Mcswiggens restaurant and the Ayer sq hotel
I found the hotel great.
2 April 2024
I found the hotel great. It was 10 min drive to city center for shopping cafe and pubs. And salthill beach was 10min drive also. Great location to be able to do a range of activities for couples or families The hotel was great very child friendly
Heard for many years that Galway is a beautiful romantic...
25 March 2024
Heard for many years that Galway is a beautiful romantic place and always wanted to go there. Now I've been, and I won't be going back. Average looking place, nothing to really do, everything is very expensive and overpriced, especially the food. Some of the buildings are kinda cool, but the famous landmark road with the painted houses is literally 3 houses painted a colour and you will need to photoshop a bit of contrast to your photo afterwards!
Galway, although a city, feels more like a town with its...
23 March 2024
Galway, although a city, feels more like a town with its cobblestone streets and square. There was plenty to see and do in Galway but it also allowed for excursions that were shorter in length. Bus, train, and tour companies were all close together which was extremely convenient.
Galway is perfect for a 1-day-stroll, but what really makes...
6 March 2024
Galway is perfect for a 1-day-stroll, but what really makes staying in Galway perfect or a must is what’s around Galway: cliffs of Moher, Aaran islands & Connemara. Those attractions/landscapes are what’s making Galway worth it. And for Galway itself it’s the authentic pubs, the compact city where you can reach the „beach“ within 20 mins.
Galway Isa beautiful small city on the coast with much to do.
4 March 2024
Galway Isa beautiful small city on the coast with much to do. The Latin Quarter is like what Nashville used to be before the big corporations took it over. You can walk down the street and hear music coming out of every pub door. It’s also a good staging point for trips into the countryside. The Cliffs of Moher sit about 1.5 hours away through the Burren, where you can see a very interesting environment and (I think), the oldest megalithic structure in Ireland. Locals recommended the An Púcán pub and we enjoyed the food and atmosphere.
Popular places to stay in Galway
Stay in some of the best accommodation Galway has to offer
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Fuchsia Apartment Tranquil Modern Seaside Apartment on the Wild Atlantic Way Galway, Ireland
From £104 per night
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An Crann Glas Galway, Ireland
From £104 per night
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Corrib View Farmhouse Galway, Ireland
From £156 per night
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Dunguaire Thatched Cottages Galway, Ireland
From £302 per night
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Other accommodation in Galway
Choose from a wide variety of places to stay in Galway
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Apartments
From £50 per night
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Villas
From per night
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Cabins
From £78 per night
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Cottages
From £78 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From £56 per night
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Holiday Homes
From £78 per night
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Guest Houses
From £47 per night
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Hostels
From £16 per night
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B&Bs
From £39 per night
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Homestays
From £70 per night
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Self Catering Accommodation
From £18 per night
