Galway

Galway - The Heart of the West

Galway is one of the brightest and most intriguing jewels of the West of Ireland. It marks the halfway point on the Wild Atlantic Way and is the only city on the entire 2500km route.

The city is wild and bohemian, and at the same time full of culture, artistry, exceptional food and music. As well as being a popular seaside destination with long sandy beaches, Galway is also a thriving and cosmopolitan city centre.

It is always a joy to explore with its wonderful cobbled streets, colourful shop facades, and its offbeat café/bar culture. Galway is also well known for its proliferation of festivals and civic events, with huge crowds gathering for the much-celebrated Galway International Arts Festival, the craic of the Galway Races, the spectacular Macnas Halloween Parade and numerous other events throughout the year.

Ireland’s great traditions of hospitality have their place in the city too, with turf fires and traditional music featuring in many of the city’s pubs. Galway is home to the province's professional rugby team Connacht Rugby as well as Galway GAA and Galway United FC, all of which are easily accessible from Galway City Centre.

Galway’s City Streets & Sites

Begin your trip from the heart of Galway City’s Eyre Square with its landmark sculpture of a Galway Hooker boat. Take a stroll down Galway’s main street aptly named ‘Shop Street’ which contains numerous famous bars, such as The King’s Head a historic pub dating back to the 13th century, also Taaffe’s and Tí Cholí. Shop Street leads onto the wonder of Quay street which is a host to some of Galway’s fantastic restaurants, Tigh Neachtains bar and the famous Quays Bar. Quay street will take you to The Spanish Arch-this famed Arch dates back to 1584. Here you will locate Galway’s City Museum where fascinating relics from the city’s past and interpretive exhibits are on display.

Galway Market

Sample the very best of Galway culture from this bright and bohemian market on Lombard Street. From hand-made jewellery and authentic arts and crafts to the delicious aroma of warm donuts, rich coffee and vegetarian fare, this festive market is a Galway must-see.

WYLDE Café

Situated directly across from our primary stop in Galway, WYLDE Café is the perfect place to grab a delicious coffee or some food in Galway. With nutritious salad boxes, delectable pastries, and morish sandwiches, you will be well set up for exploring Galway after a bite at this Galway institution - perfect for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.

If you're on your way into Galway, why not use their Click & Collect service to have your food ready to collect when you arrive!

Don't forget to show your Citylink ticket valid for travel that day to get a 10% discount on your food/drinks in WYLDE.

Salthill Galway’s Seaside Village

Visit Galway’s popular seaside village, home to the famous Blackrock Diving Tower and promenade affectionately known as ‘The Prom’ a fantastic seaside walk ”Bóthar na Trá -meaning road by the sea!!

The 2km long seaside prom offers a fantastic view of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands and County Clare on a clear day. Take a walk along the prom and kick the wall as locals famously do when they reach the end of this scenic walk. Check out Salthill’s wonderful restaurants and bars, Leisureland’s amusements and the Galway Aquarium or simply take a dip in Galway Bay.

Galway festivals

At the heart of Galway’s vibrant culture is its diverse, year-round program of dynamic festivals. From the Summer Racing Carnival and the Galway International Arts Festival (lauded as one of the Top 5 Summer Festivals in Europe) to the jaw-dropping Macnas Parade at Halloween (watch video of Macnas Parade) and the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival, Galway brings artists, musicians, writers, actors and performers from all over the world to deliver its truly show-stopping line-up of festivals and events.

Connemara

There is so much more to Galway other than our fantastic city centre, Galway offers a range of tours that will take you to visit the majestic countryside of Connemara. Located on the famous Wild Atlantic way , Connemara’s coastline has tiny coves, bays and fishing villages such as Roundstone. Connemara National Park is a vast expanse of mountains, bogs ,heathlands and lakes that will take your breath away. Take a visit to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920.