Galway City Travel & Vacation Guide

Held in mid-June, in the Connemara region, Gaelforce West stands as the world's largest one-day adventure race of its kind. This multi-sport event combines cycling, running, hiking, and kayaking, offering competitors a one-of-a-kind test of endurance. Spanning approximately 66km, the course winds its way from the breathtaking Lough Inagh Valley in Connemara all the way to Westport. Participants will encounter notable challenges along the route, including crossing the majestic Killary Fjord and conquering the renowned holy mountain of Croagh Patrick.

Since 1978, the Galway International Arts Festival has been a highlight of Ireland's cultural calendar. For two weeks every July, Galway becomes a hub of artistic expression, as the festival presents a diverse range of programmes across theatre, music, visual arts, opera, street spectacle, dance, discussion, and comedy. So mark your calendar and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Get ready to indulge in a weekend of fun and mouth-watering seafood where the oyster takes centre stage at the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival. Held annually on the last weekend of September in the heart of Galway City, this festival features the freshest seafood that your taste buds have ever experienced, live music, oyster opening competitions, as well as cookery demos by both national and local chefs, making sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Regarded as Ireland's largest horse racing festival, the Galway Races is an exciting event featuring thrilling horse racing, fashionable outfits, live bands and DJs, and an unforgettable atmosphere that draws crowds from far and wide. Starting on the last Monday of July every year, the festival lasts for over seven days, making it an extended celebration of sport, entertainment, and style.

A Galway institution dating back to 1615, Busker Brownes has served as a meeting place for the Tribes of Galway, a soldiers' barracks, a Dominican convent, and a gathering spot for the Galway Society. Today, it stands as one of the city’s premier bars and restaurants. Its impressive design seamlessly blends medieval stonework with contemporary furnishings, and includes multiple bars and floors, creating an inviting and dynamic atmosphere. However, the true magic of Busker Brownes is unleashed on weekends, when talented DJs take the stage, filling the air with energetic beats that bring the entire pub to life.

Immerse yourself in the lively energy of Galway's Westend at Massimo, a spacious pub that lies at the beating heart of this vibrant neighbourhood. Step inside and discover a modern menu featuring a delightful array of brunch options and locally sourced dishes along with cask ales while you cheer for your favourite sports teams on the TV screens scattered throughout the venue.

Monroe's Tavern is a historic family-owned bar and music venue, proudly standing as the cornerstone of Galway's Westend since 1964. This iconic establishment exudes a vibrant atmosphere, complete with open fires that add to its charm. Notably, Monroe's remains the sole pub in the city to host regular Irish dancing (on Tuesdays), offering a unique experience for visitors. And if you're feeling peckish, the attached Monroe's Pizza Cabin is the go-to spot, allowing guests to enjoy their pizzas right at the bar.

Just off Eyre Square, Murty Rabbit's is a beloved pub featuring a heated beer garden, where you can bask in the outdoors while savouring your favourite drink, TVs scattered throughout the pub, so you can catch up on the latest sports events, and regular live music performances, ensuring an unforgettable night. And when hunger strikes, indulge in their hearty pub grub, including mouthwatering delights like fish and chips and comforting cottage pie.

Steeped in history, Taaffes Bar has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike for many years. Step inside and experience its warm and cosy atmosphere, complete with rustic decor, wooden furnishings, and traditional Irish music in the background. One of the highlights of Taaffes is its live music sessions. Throughout the week, talented local musicians take the stage, entertaining guests with traditional Irish music and lively performances. The bar offers an impressive selection of beverages, including an extensive range of Irish whiskeys and a well-stocked bar featuring local and international beers. To complement your drinks, Taaffes serves delicious pub grub, with a menu featuring a mix of traditional Irish dishes and international favourites, from hearty stews and fish and chips to gourmet burgers and vegetarian delights.

The Cellar Bar is a beloved, two-storey venue that transforms from a busy restaurant by day to a buzzing late bar by night. With its modern interior featuring exposed stonework and an open fire, it provides a cosy and inviting atmosphere, where you can enjoy all-day comfort food, a variety of drinks, live music on the weekends, and catch the latest sports games on TV.

In the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter, The Dáil Bar is a firm favourite of foodies and cocktail connoisseurs alike. As the sun sets, the bar comes alive with live bands gracing the stage five nights a week and top DJs on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere that lasts well into the night.

Located in the heart of Galway's bustling social scene, the Front Door is a popular and long-standing pub featuring five bars spread over two floors. It is known for its assortment of cocktails and whiskeys, as well as a diverse menu of hearty pub grub, including burgers, steak, pizza, and seafood. Adding to the lively atmosphere, live music is offered daily, making The Front Door Pub a great spot for those looking for an entertaining night out in Galway.

Founded in 1849 in Dublin, Brown Thomas has become Ireland's leading department store, providing customers with the finest fashion, beauty, and homeware products for over 170 years. The store has become synonymous with impeccable style, exceptional quality, and unparalleled customer service. Step inside any of the Brown Thomas stores across Ireland, and you'll be wowed by the stunning displays of designer clothing, accessories, and beauty products from the world's leading brands. From designer handbags and shoes to luxury skincare and makeup, Brown Thomas has got it all.

Located in the vibrant heart of Galway City, Charlie Byrne's is Ireland's most cherished independent bookshop. Embark on a literary adventure through their labyrinthine maze, featuring a remarkable collection of over 100,000 books—from new releases to second-hand treasures to bargain gems, and rare antiquarian works. As a bustling cultural outpost, Charlie Byrne's is a hub for literary events, playing host to book launches, author signings, readings, and a delightful Saturday-morning storytime tradition.

Located by the Spanish Arch in Galway, Cobwebs is the ultimate destination for jewellery enthusiasts. As the most renowned jeweller in the west of Ireland, it offers an extensive collection of high-quality antique and contemporary pieces, including dazzling engagement rings.

Since its foundation in the 1970s by John and Bridget Roberts, Connemara Smokehouse has stood as one of Ireland's most esteemed and time-honoured smokehouses. The Roberts family has even achieved global recognition as masters of the traditional Irish fish-smoking craft. At Connemara Smokehouse, only the utmost quality wild and organic salmon, tuna, mackerel, trout, and herrings sourced from the wild Atlantic Ocean are carefully selected for smoking. Located on the picturesque Connemara coast in County Galway, the smokehouse has evolved into a cherished destination for visitors. Year after year, enthusiasts of fine cuisine gather to witness firsthand the meticulous craftsmanship of the Roberts family, as they continue to create the world's most exquisite smoked seafood delicacies.

Located in the heart of Galway, Eyre Square Centre is a bustling retail destination and social hub featuring over 70 shops, including a mix of local Irish retailers as well as international brands, plus a variety of dining options. The centre also boasts a dynamic entertainment scene, hosting live performances, cultural events, and exhibitions throughout the year.

The Galway Market is a vibrant and bustling open-air market that has been a fixture of Galway's city centre for centuries. Every Saturday and Sunday, local traders and artisans gather in the historic St Nicholas Churchyard to sell their goods — from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The Market is also a hub of community activity, where locals and visitors come together to socialise, listen to live music, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Founded in 1938 in the heart of Galway City, O'Máille has become a household name when it comes to Irish traditional clothing and crafts. Their fame largely comes from their hand-knitted Aran sweaters — a quintessential Irish souvenir for anyone visiting Ireland. But the shop offers more than just this iconic garment. O'Máille also boasts a wide selection of Irish knitwear, tweed caps and hats, wool throws, and unique designs for men, women, and children.

Galway is a wonderful destination to visit almost all year round, but the period between July and September offers the best weather conditions. This is due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, which results in a mild summer characterised by temperatures ranging from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius (60 to 70 Fahrenheit). During the winter, temperatures drop to 4 to 7 degrees Celsius (30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit), making it quite cold and wet. While the city gets lively especially during the warmer months, with numerous events like The Clarenbridge Oyster Festival and The Galway Arts Festival and people sitting outside in restaurants and cafés, the winter can also be cosy, as people gather at pubs for a pint and socialise.

Ireland’s passport and visa requirements vary for different nationalities. Citizens of the United Kingdom and EU countries (including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein), need a passport or a valid ID. The rest of the citizens of other countries will need a passport. Many countries, including the United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for tourism short stays of up to 90 days maximum. For those requiring a short-stay visa (valid for 3 months maximum), such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, the visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay. If you're not sure whether or not to apply for a visa, we recommend you contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

Since its closure in 2011, Galway Airport no longer offers direct flights to the city. Nevertheless, Galway is easily accessed from alternative airports. Dublin Airport (DUB) is approximately a 2.5-hour drive away, Ireland West Airport (NOC) at Knock is a 1-hour drive, and Shannon International Airport is also just a 1-hour drive from Galway. To travel from any of these airports to Galway, the most straightforward and cost-effective option is by bus. Bus Eireann provides bus services connecting all three airports to Galway, ensuring a hassle-free journey for travellers.

Exploring Galway on foot is the best way to navigate the city. With its maze of narrow streets and pedestrian-only areas, it's easy to reach any destination within the central business district by simply walking. And while walking is the preferred mode of transportation, there are also two bus companies — Bus Éireann and Galway City Direct — that provide bus services throughout the city. These services can be convenient if you need to travel beyond the central area or explore the outskirts of Galway. To make your bus travel even easier, both companies accept the Leap Card — a prepaid travel card that simplifies fare payment on public transport across Ireland. Whether you're hopping on a bus, train, DART, or Luas tram in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Sligo, Athlone, Kilkenny or Wexford, the Leap Card has you covered. It also extends to city and town services throughout Ireland, making it a versatile option for seamless travel.

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If you're a resident of the U.S., Canada, or the European Union and you have a valid driving licence, then you will be able to drive in the Republic of Ireland. Drivers from other countries will need to obtain an International Driver's Permit. Also, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Irish road rules. As a start: Ireland has left-hand traffic and speed limits are determined to be 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas; 80 kph (50 mph) on single open roads; 100 kph (60 mph) on national roads (marked by a green sign); and 120 kph (74.5 mph) on motorways.

In Ireland, the standard plug type is G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, which is also used in the United Kingdom. The country utilises a 230V supply voltage and operates on a 50Hz frequency.

Pharmacies can be found across Galway City and Galway County, and they are usually marked by a brand logo. University Late Night Pharmacy, near the University of Galway, is open daily. Below are the directions to Walsh's Pharmacy, which can be found in the Corrib Shopping Centre in the heart of Galway City.