Galway

Its population of 75,000 swells multi-fold during the spring and summer months as the city plays host to an International Literature Festival, the Galway Arts Festival and the famous Galway Races. In May 2009, Galway was a stopover port for the Volvo Ocean Race and has now been awarded the finish of the event in 2012.

Renowned for its vibrancy, festivals, events and lifestyle, Galway is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland. All musical tastes are catered for in the city's renowned pubs and venues, but there are several bars where you can simply have a quiet drink. As you walk through the labyrinth of winding streets, you can encounter street performers of all kinds. The presence of two large third level institutions make Galway a perennial 'young' city.

Galway experiences a year-round temperate climate.

How To Get To Galway

By Air

Galway Airport (GWY) is located 6km from the city centre. Aer Arann operates flights to Galway Airport from Dublin, London (Luton), Manchester and Edinburgh as well as other cities in continental Europe. Direct return flights from the UK cost GBP100 approximately (including taxes).

Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland's major airport and serves a huge variety of global destinations via multiple carriers. It is located on the East coast of Ireland (220km from Galway) and travellers can connect onward to Galway by air bus, car or rail.

Shannon International Airport (SNN) is located 85km from Galway and has routes servicing numerous destinations in the USA, UK and Europe, including London Gatwick and London Stansted, Atlanta, Boston, New York and. The low fare airline, Ryan Air, serves many of the UK and European routes such as Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow (Prestwick), Liverpool, Paris and Brussels. It is possible to connect to Galway by bus or car hire.

Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) is 80km from Galway and also has direct connections to a number of UK destinations, including Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester. These are operated by BMI, Aer Lingus and Ryan Air. It is possible to connect to Galway via bus or car hire.

By Road

Galway is serviced by 3 national primary routes - M6 to the East (Athlone & Dublin), N18 to the South (Shannon, Limerick and Cork) and N17 to the North (Sligo & Donegal). The M6 is Ireland's only complete motorway connecting two major urban areas and transit time is a mere 2hrs from Dublin to Galway.

By Train

There are seven daily return services from Dublin Heuston Station (approx. 2.5 hrs travel time). See Irish Rail for details. Galway's railway station (Ceannt Station) is located in the city centre.

By Bus

The national bus company Bus Éireann and several private bus operators, including Citylink and Go Bus operate regular daily services to/from Galway to/from Dublin and Shannon Airports.

By Ferry

The closest ferry ports include Dublin Port, Dun Laoghire, Belfast, Rosslare (4 hours travel time by road) and Cork (3.5 hours travel time by road).

Car Rental

Most major car hire companies operate from airports and seaports in Ireland.