Located in a wide bay on Ireland’s western coastline, Galway is a thriving cosmopolitan city that has retained its medieval charm and is renowned for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. Galway is large enough to provide every metropolitan convenience, yet small enough that it can be easily traversed on foot with relatively short walking distances.
Most of our events take place in the vicinity of the city's historic neighbourhoods, The Claddagh and the Latin Quarter. Here, amidst the quaint cobbled streets and brightly-coloured buildings, you can find a rich variety of restaurants, traditional pubs, unique stores, and street markets.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO GALWAY
Galway can be reached by air, ferry, train, bus, or car, or a combination of these. As a major tourist attraction, there are many well-developed transport options available. Irish airlines include Aer Lingus and Ryanair. There are two airports in the western region and several other airports that are easily accessible by public transport. Understandably, there are more services to Dublin - the capital city - than any other, but it is worthwhile also checking the regional airports for good deals and often shorter transfer times.
Dublin Airport (approx 2.5 hours drive to Galway)
Shannon Airport (approx 1 hour drive to Galway)
Knock Airport (approx 1.5 hours drive to Galway)
For sea routes to Ireland, see ferries.ie
If you would like some suggestions about the easiest way to get to Ireland from your home country, please contact us and we will be happy to provide extra assistance where possible.
TRAVEL WITHIN IRELAND
Generally buses are the preferred mode of public transport in Ireland, due to their lower cost and overall better services, often including free wifi. Unless you want to see the smaller towns and villages along the way, opt for the express or non-stop services.
Buses: Citylink, GoBus, Bus Éireann
Train: Irish Rail
ACCOMMODATION
Below is a list of accommodation options suggested based on their proximity to our event venues. As everyone has different requirements and priorities when it comes to choosing accommodation - from budget to comfort to luxury - we recommend that you research the options independently.
Barnacles Hostel
Nimmos Hostel
Spanish Arch Hotel
The House Hotel
The Galway Arms Inn
Jury's Inn
The Heron's Rest B&B
Niland House Self-Catering Apartments
EATING OUT
A stroll along Quay Street in Galway's Latin Quarter will offer a wealth of culinary options. Vegetarian and gluten-free food is readily available, and most establishments are happy to work with other special dietary requirements on request.
Cupán Tae - traditional Irish tea rooms with great gluten-free and dairy-free options
McDonaghs - traditional fish & chips; also a seafood restaurant
Upstairs at McCambridges - a little further walk towards the city centre, this cafe on Shop Street offers light snacks and sweet treats, including gluten-free
Boojum - Mexican-style fast food made to order (on Spanish Parade)
Rouge - affordable and very popular French restaurant on Dominick Street (advance booking recommended)
Aniar - Galway's first Michelen-starred restaurant, located on Dominick Street. Or try Eat, their sister gastro-pub, at Massimos on William St. West
The g Hotel - for a special treat, walk along the banks of Lough Atalia (literally "Salty Lake") and find yourself at this sumptuous hotel, unremarkable from the roadside, but with a sumptuous interior designed by Galway native, Philip Treacy, miliner to royalty and countless international celebrities. There you can enjoy the superior cuisine in the restaurant or a delightful afternoon tea in one of their colourful and distinctive lounges.
MORE ABOUT GALWAY
If you are planning on a longer stay, here are some ideas for other fun stuff to do in the west of Ireland ...
Galway for Visitors
See also: