The Ultimate Guide To Galway, Ireland (Updated 2026)
Eclectic shops, wild pubs, and enchanting cobblestone streets surrounded by natural beauty - Galway is a one of a kind place. Located on the west coast of Ireland, just 2 hours and 30 minutes by train from Dublin, Galway is tiny city of only around 83,000 people, but packs its punch with culture, beauty, and history.
Galway is well-preserved, making walking through it feel like you have stepped back in time. The cities recorded history started in 1124 AD and the oldest building, The Hall of the Red Earl, dates back to 13th century. As you walk through the city keep an eye out for historical buildings - there is often a crazy story that goes along with it! Read on to discover what to do in Galway, Ireland!
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About Galway
Currency: Euro
Safety: Galway, overall is a very safe city just take normal precautions. Avoid Ballybane, Westside, Ballinfoyle, Doughiska, Knocknacarra, Bohermore and Tuam as they tend to be dodgy. Be sure to listen to locals when they tell you somewhere is unsafe.
Plugs: Type G
Best Galway Hotels
Hostel: Kinlay Hostel - Kinlay Hostel is in a lovely location right in the city and they offer great tours. I did my Cliffs of Moher tour through the Kinlay Hostel and it was amazing and well organized.
Mid-Range: Number 31 Boutique Townhome - I loved staying at Number 31 Boutique Hotel (or The Lane Hotel). While the room was a bit small it is a perfect place to stay for a couple of days in Galway. The Number 31 Boutique Hotel is in the perfect location and has an amazing coffee shop called Jungle Cafe right next to it.
High-Range: Harbour Hotel - The Harbour Hotel is in a great location by the water. Offering comfortable accommodation and a lovely restaurant, the Harbour Hotel is a great option while in Galway.
Luxury: The Hardiman - The Hardiman is a luxury hotel in the center of Galway. The decor in the Hardiman is very chic and elegant. You will find a comfortable stay at the Hardiman Hotel in Galway.
🛎️Read Next - The Best Hotels In Galway, Ireland
What To Do In Galway
Visit The Galway Cathedral
The Galway Cathedral is a must see while in Galway. Built in the 1900s the exterior of the Galway Cathedral is strikingly dark and almost scary looking. The interior has stunning stained glass windows and a massive organ.
The Galway Cathedral is completely free to visit!
Explore The Enchanting Latin Quarter
You cannot go to Galway without stopping by the Latin Quarter. The Latin Quarter is a pedestrian only quarter full of shops and restaurants. You will find all types of Irish shops including wool shops, Claddagh shops, and much more.
Be sure to stop by the Claddagh Museum, The Hall of the Red Earl, and, Lynch's Castle while in the Latin Quarter.
Long Walk
The Long Walk was my favorite part of my trip to Galway. You will get to see the historic Spanish Arch built in the early 18th century, and walk along the Galway Harbour with a view of the picturesque colorful homes and boats.
Bring a windbreaker because the wind in Galway tends to be very strong.
Charlie Byrne's Bookstore
Even if you are not a fan of reading, Charlie Byrne's Bookstore is a must see on your trip to Galway. Founded in 1989, this charming bookshop has a never ending selection of books. When you think that you entered the last room full of books you will find another hidden door leading to another room full of more books. It felt like it had every book ever written.
Cliff Of Moher
The Cliffs of Moher is about an hour drive from Galway. To get there I would recommend renting a car or doing a tour. I did a tour because I don't feel comfortable driving on the left side of the road, and it is less expensive and less stressful.
The Cliff are a must see while in Ireland. They are absolutely stunning. I did this tour which included tickets to the cliff, transportation, and a knowledgeable tour guide. This tour also looks good!
Stop By Dunguaire Castle
Built in the 15th century the Dunguaire Castle is only a 20 minute drive from Galway. While I didn't have the opportunity to see inside the Castel it is worth a visit. The picturesque castle sits right on Galway Bay and is a perfect stop on your way to the Cliffs Of Moher.
Learn About Ireland's History At The Burren
The Burren is a National Park near Galway. We stopped here on the Cliffs Of Moher tour as well. The Burren limestones are estimated to be 350 million years old. You can do hikes here or explore the underground caves.
Stop By Ballyvaughan
Ballyvaughan is a tiny village located about thirty minutes from the Cliffs of Moher. It is worth a stop because of the stunning rocky coastline and the unique terrain. You only need a few minutes to admire the coastline, and it is an easy stop because it is on the way back to Galway from the Cliffs of Moher.
Where To Dine In Galway
Best Coffee Shops In Galway
☕Jungle Cafe- I went to Jungle Cafe every morning I was in Galway. The cafe located right in downtown, by Eyre Square is great for a quick coffee and croissant! Picture above.
☕Coffeewerk + Press - Located right in Galways stunning Latin Quarter, Coffeewerk + Press is the perfect place for an afternoon pick me up.
Best Restaurants In Galway
🍴Finnegans - I mainly stopped for a meal at Finnegans because that is the name of one of my dogs, and as any traveler does, I missed him greatly on my trip. I was delighted that Finnegans has a great food along with the best name ever. Finnegans is a lovely pub for breakfast, lunch, or dinner that serves classic Irish food.
🍴Sonny Molloy's - Really cool environment, serves mostly Irish food but you can get pretty much anything. Sonny Molloy's is a great place to grab a drink as well - it is an award winning whiskey bar.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Galway?
Galway is lovely year round. During the holidays the decorations are stunning and during the summer Galway comes alive.
Galway is home to one of Ireland's best Christmas Markets, so the holidays are definitely a cheerful and beautiful time to visit Galway.
The summer is tourist season so watch out for crazy prices and crowds. With that said the summer is sunny and lively in Galway and is unquestionably a wonderful time to visit.
My favorite season in Galway is the fall though. You will be able to see the changing leaves and Ireland in its famous gloomy weather.
So there's really no best time to visit Galway, it's your preference.
How Long Should I Stay In Galway?
The amount of days you spend in Galway really depends on if you want to see the Cliffs of Moher or not. I found that the city itself can be seen is two days or even one if you are on a tight schedule, but if you are adding a trip to the Cliffs of Moher give yourself 3 days in Galway.
How To Get Around Galway
Getting to Galway from Dublin or other Irish cities is super easy and affordable. I took the train from Dublin to Galway and it was much shorter than I expected. Only about 2 hours to cross the country! I used Omio to book my train tickets.
Galway is super walkable! It is a small city so, if you don't need transportation just walk. Walking is the best way to see a city and you often come across cool things that weren't on your itinerary.
There is a public bus if you need it! Checkout the schedule here.
Best Tours To Take In Galway
- Cliffs of Moher Tour
- Aran Islands Tour
- Connemara Day Trip Including Leenane Village and Kylemore Abbey from Galway
- Walking and Tasting Tour of Galway City
- Galway Walking Tour
- Trad on the Prom Ticket with Irish Music and Dancing
The Ultimate Guide To Galway Wrap Up
Galway is definitely worth adding to your Ireland Itinerary. The cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, pub culture, surrounding nature, and friendly locals make Galway a special place in the world. I hope this guide to Galway helps you plan the best trip to Ireland! If you liked this post I think that you will love my Ultimate Guide To Dublin post.
Happy Travels,
Daisy
This is such a lovely guide to Galway! Thank You!!
I’m glad you like it:)