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Galway

Practical know-how for Galway: when to go, getting around, money, tipping and the small things that make a trip easier.

Plan your Galway trip

Best time to go
May–September; July hosts an arts festival.
Currency
Euro (€) in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling.
Tipping
10 to 15% in restaurants for good service; not usual for a pint.
Language
English and Irish.
Plugs
Type G (three rectangular pins), 230V. Same plug as the UK.
Emergency
999 or 112
Getting there and around

Airport: Shannon (SNN). About 1.5 hours from Galway by bus or car. Galway has no scheduled flights. Direct flights from London take about 1h 35m.

Public transport: a single ticket is typically £2–£3. A day pass or a travel card is usually better value if you ride several times a day.

Search flights to Galway

Money and tipping

Currency: Euro (€) in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland uses pounds sterling..

Tipping: 10 to 15% in restaurants for good service; not usual for a pint.

Take a debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees if you can, carry a little cash for markets and small cafés, and when a machine offers to charge you in pounds, choose the local currency.

Typical daily spend: see the Galway cost guide.

Language, culture and daily rhythm

Language: English and Irish.

Rhythm of the day: Pubs are the heart of social life, with live music most evenings. Some rural places close early in the off-season.

  • Traffic drives on the left. Rural roads can be narrow, so allow extra time.
  • Live traditional music sessions are often free: arrive early for a seat.
  • Rain can arrive any day: pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Booking ahead and saving money

Free things to do: 8 of the 12 places in our Galway guide are free. See them.

Book timed-entry sights, popular restaurants and weekend trains ahead. Flights and hotels are usually cheapest booked 6 to 12 weeks out for city breaks, and earlier for summer beach holidays.

Safety, health and watch-outs

Emergency number: 999 or 112.

  • Remote areas have limited public transport, so a hire car helps outside the cities.
  • Book accommodation early in summer and around festivals.

A UK GHIC gives you access to state healthcare in the EU on the same terms as locals, but it is not a substitute for travel insurance. Take out insurance that covers medical care, cancellation and your activities.

Practical details

Plugs and voltage: Type G (three rectangular pins), 230V. Same plug as the UK.

Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.

Entry and documents: Entry rules, passport validity and any pre-travel registrations change. Always check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice page for your destination before you book and again before you travel.

General guidance for Ireland, written for UK travellers. Rules, prices and opening hours change: check official sources (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, venue websites) before you travel.