Galway, Ireland is known for its energy and spirit, with a history that dates back 800 years! Galway is also an ideal base for exploring the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands. Easily accessible from Dublin, Galway offers more than enough to keep all types of travellers entertained, whether it’s strolling through Galway’s cobbled streets lined with shops and restaurants, or immersing yourself in Galway’s rich culture, filled with traditional Irish music and some of the world’s best seafood.
The idyllic location of Galway in Ireland
Galway, located in the west of Ireland, is home to County Galway in the province of Connacht, which is 214km from Dublin and 110km from Limerick. Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in County Galway with its famous Connemara National Park, Lough Corrib, the Aran Islands and Inishbofin Island and the Twelve Bens mountain range. These natural attractions make Galway an ideal destination for those wishing to explore and enjoy all that Ireland has to offer.
What you need to know about the weather in Galway
Galway, Ireland is known for its harsh and unpredictable climate. With an oceanic climate, Galway summers are not too hot with maximum temperatures of 19-20°C in July and August. During the winter, the temperature remains mild with lows of 4°C in January. The rainy season in Galway usually starts in October, while from April to July there is less rain. So if you’re wondering when to visit Galway, plan to go between April and July for generally drier weather.
How to get to Galway?
Galway is an ideal destination to explore, but getting there can be tricky. Galway has an airport just 6km away, but unfortunately it has been closed to commercial flights since 2015. The nearest international airport is Shannon, 95km from Galway, although the number of flight options from Shannon is quite limited. For most people, the best option is to fly into Dublin and then take a bus or train ride to Galway. This will give you a great view of the Irish countryside en route and you won’t have to worry about finding transport once you arrive in Galway itself.
Galway is a convenient destination for those travelling by train, with its station conveniently located at the end of the main Galway line from Dublin. The journey takes 2.5 hours and departs from Dublin’s Heuston station, which is located west of the city centre. Travellers wishing to save time should opt for other modes of transport, as Galway station is not directly accessible from Connolly, one of Dublin’s central stations.
What you need to know about public transport in Galway
Galway is remarkably well served by public transport, making it easy to get around without a car. Detailed maps of Galway’s bus routes are available online and fares for Galway Local Link bus services are readily available on their website. Tourists visiting Galway can also take advantage of the local sightseeing bus which provides unlimited journeys over 48 hours and covers the main sites in the area.
