How many days Galway needs Galway city needs one day. The islands, Connemara and Clare each need another. A three day plan covers the city, Inis Mór and Connemara. A fifth day adds County Clare and a Killary Fjord outing. All prices are in euro. Getting to Galway Galway Airport has had no scheduled flights since 2011. Fly to Shannon (about 85 km south), Ireland West Knock (about 85 km north) or Dublin (about 215 km east).

The old town in eight stops Galway’s medieval core packs into a few streets between Eyre Square and the quays. These are the sights people come for, with the facts that matter for a visit. Planning the day Galway Ceannt Station sits on Eyre Square, with direct Irish Rail trains from Dublin Heuston in about 2 hours 20 minutes, roughly 9 to 10 a day. Every sight on this page lies within about 20 minutes’ walk of the square, apart from Salthill, which is a longer stroll or a short bus ride.

Three routes, all on foot Galway is easy to walk. These three routes start from Eyre Square or the Spanish Arch and none needs more than comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket. Rain is frequent in any month. Route 1: the old town and the Claddagh Start at Eyre Square, beside Ceannt Station. Walk down Shop Street to Lynch’s Castle, a 16th-century townhouse that is now a bank branch. Continue to St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, founded in 1320 and the largest medieval parish church in Ireland still in regular use.

A couple’s Galway Galway suits couples who like evenings: long light over the bay, live music in small rooms and a table somewhere with a good story. Most of this is within walking distance of Eyre Square. Prices are in euro. Sunset on the Long Walk The Long Walk is the row of coloured houses along the quay where the Corrib meets Galway Bay, starting beside the Spanish Arch. At sunset the light falls across the bay toward the Burren hills.

Choosing a day trip Galway sits between three very different landscapes: the Atlantic islands to the west, the mountains and bogs of Connemara to the north-west, and the limestone Burren and sea cliffs of County Clare to the south. Each one is a full day. All prices are in euro. Inis Mór and Dún Aonghasa Aran Island Ferries runs from Rossaveel all year. A shuttle bus leaves Victoria Place in Galway and takes about 50 minutes, and the crossing to Inis Mór takes about 40 minutes.

Plan around the weather Galway rains often, so a family day works best with one indoor stop and one outdoor stop. Everything below is in or near the city, and prices are in euro. Galway Atlantaquaria The National Aquarium of Ireland on Seapoint Promenade, Salthill, shows native species including sharks, rays and an octopus. Online prices: adult €15, child €10, senior or student €12, and family tickets from €32 to €45 depending on the group (two adults and two children is €45).

Where Galway’s days and evenings go Galway is a compact city on the River Corrib, where the river meets Galway Bay. Most of what people do here sits within a 20 minute walk of Eyre Square, with Salthill a short stroll or bus ride to the west. Prices below are in euro. Traditional music sessions Galway is known for unamplified traditional music in pub corners. Four names come up again and again:

Paid attractions worth planning around Galway’s best organised attractions are a river cruise in the city and three day-out destinations: Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare. Prices are in euro and several change by season, so confirm them with the operator. Corrib Princess cruise The Corrib Princess leaves from Woodquay for a guided cruise of about 90 minutes on the River Corrib and Lough Corrib.