We have visited Ireland a few times in recent years but always ended up in the capital of Dublin, never quite making it to other well known destinations such as Galway. So we reached out to a fellow travel blogger who has recently visited and asked, ‘Is Galway worth visiting?’. Here is what Paige Minds The Gap had to say;
Is Galway worth visiting? This city on the west coast of Ireland is a must-see destination and is definitely worth the trip. From fresh seafood to quaint cobblestone streets, it is easy to see why there’s so much to love about Galway.
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Is Galway Worth Visiting?
Galway is definitely worth visiting. With friendly locals, vibrant pub life, incredible museums, and the most stunning landscapes, a visit to this Irish city is a must. Stroll along Salthill Promenade, enjoy traditional Irish music in a pub, and buy your own Claddagh ring, and you’ll soon discover all the wonderful experiences you can have in Galway.
Is Galway Worth Visiting – Month by Month
Is Galway worth visiting in January?
January is typically the coldest month in Galway so you’ll have short winter days that only last from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m, but luckily Galway has plenty of nightlife. During January, you can attend the Music for Galway Midwinter Festival celebrating classical music, and AstroFest, (Galway Astronomy Festival), where you can join fellow astronomy enthusiasts for some stargazing. Average high of 9°C / 47°F and average low of 3°C / 37°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in February?
February is an excellent time to visit Galway. You’ll be able to celebrate Brigit’s Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde), Imbolc, the Celtic fire festival, and the traditional beginning of spring in Ireland. Average high of 9°C / 48°F and average low of 3°C / 38°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in March?
If you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Galway, then a visit in March is a must. The city comes alive with parades, music, film screenings, dancing, and family fun entertainment.
Also during March, you have the Seachtain na Gaeilge Festival, the world’s largest Irish language festival; the Claregalway Drama Festival, featuring the country’s best amateur dramatic productions; and Múscailt, a spring arts festival hosted by the National University of Ireland, Galway. Average high of 10°C / 50°F and average low of 4°C / 40°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in April?
April is considered “off peak” tourist season, so this is a great time to visit Galway without a ton of crowds. Enjoy the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, with a focus on Irish and international writing. This is one of Europe’s oldest book festivals. Average high of 12°C / 58°F and average low of 5°C / 42°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in May?
May is often a good time to visit Galway before the summer rush, so you can typically find good deals on flights and accommodations. During May, you can attend the Galway Early Music Festival, which celebrates medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music. Trad on the Prom runs from May to September, and you’ll be able to see world-champion Irish dancers, talented instrumentalists, and award-winning singers. Average high of 15°C / 59°F and average low of 8°C / 46°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in June?
June is summer in Galway, so the city will likely be busy with other travellers. In addition to Trad on the Prom, you can also enjoy The Galway Sessions where you can listen to the country’s best traditional musicians. Average high of 17°C / 63°F and average low of 10°C / 51°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in July?
July is typically the warmest month in Galway. You’ll have long summer days in June and July with daylight from 4 a.m. to after 11 p.m. This is also the height of tourist season in Galway, and you have no shortage of great festivals to attend.
The Galway Film Fleadh showcases exclusive international films. The Galway International Arts Festival brings artists, dance companies, and theatre troupes from around the world. The Galway Races Summer Festival is an exhilarating show of horse sportsmanship as well as a fashion parade of racing attire.
You also still have the festivities of Trad on the Prom going on all month long. Average high of 19°C / 66°F and average low of 12°C / 54°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in August?
August is one of the best times to visit Galway. You’re likely to get lucky with the weather, and though the city will likely be busy, it won’t necessarily feel crowded. Trad on the Prom continues through August so you can enjoy traditional Irish music. Average high of 19°C / 66°F and average low of 12°C / 54°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in September?
September usually sees decent weather in Galway. The days are still long and there is plenty of time to explore the city. Trad on the Prom finishes up its summer celebration in September.
You’ll also have the opportunity to attend the Galway International Oyster Festival, the oldest oyster festival in the world, and eat your way around Galway on the festival’s Seafood Trail. Average high of 17°C / 62°F and average low of 10°C / 51°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in October?
The weather in Galway in October starts to turn cool and crisp and is a great time to enjoy the city’s pubs. Events during October include the Baboró International Arts Festival for Children and the Galway Comedy Festival. Average high of 14°C / 57°F and average low of 8°C / 47°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in November?
November is a magical time in Galway. While the weather starts to turn chilly, the city starts to become aglow in holiday decorations. Towards the middle of the month, you can attend the Galway Christmas Market and begin the holiday festivities. Average high of 11°C / 51°F and average low of 5°C / 41°F.
Is Galway worth visiting in December?
If you’re looking for festive cheer, then a visit to Galway in December is a must. Enjoy the outdoor stalls of the Galway Christmas Market, the holiday lights strung from every building, warm mulled wine, and unique shopping. You’re not likely to see snow, but you are likely to get rain. Average high of 9°C / 48°F and average low of 4°C / 39°F.
Planning your own trip to Galway? Make sure you check out our Travelling Tedaldi Amazon Store Travel Guides for all your guidebooks and maps. (We’ve done the hard work for you and linked all the things we used to plan our trip!)
10 Best Things To Do & Where To Go In Galway
1. Walk along Quay Street
Quay Street is the pedestrian area that’s at the heart of Galway City. The cobblestone streets are lined with Medieval buildings dating back to the 1400s. Enjoy live music from buskers on the street, stop in at a pub for a pint and traditional Irish food, pop into the shops and find a unique souvenir to take home with you. This is where Galway really comes alive.
2. Stroll Salthill Promenade
Salthill Promenade runs along Galway Bay and offers incredible views of Galway City to your left, the Aran Islands across the water, and the Burren to your right. Stroll the entire 3km of coastline pathway from the Claddagh Quay to the Blackrock diving tower. Be sure to kick the wall at the end of the Prom, as is the local tradition.
3. Visit Galway Cathedral
The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed of Heaven, or as it’s commonly known, Galway Cathedral, is an impressive house of worship with a 145-foot-high green dome, Connemara Marble floors, spectacular stained-glass windows, and a specially-built pipe organ.
4. Discover Connemara National Park
Connemara National Park is a beautiful look at the natural wonders of Ireland. A trip through Connemara is one of the most popular day trips from Galway, taking you through 7,000 acres of mountains, bogs, and grasslands. Visit the famous Kylemore Abbey, hike to the peak of Benbaun, or climb Diamond Hill.
5. Explore the Galway City Museum
Located behind the Spanish Arch, the Galway City Museum highlights the city’s history, archaeology, and art. You’ll get a deep dive into Galway history from pre-historic times to modern times, including Medieval Galway, World War I history, Irish independence, and local writer Pádraic Ó Conaire.
6. Eat Fresh Seafood
Galway has long been fishing village, so there’s no better place to get some fresh seafood. Whether you’re in the mood for classic fish and chips or elevated oysters, you have plenty of great restaurants to choose from in Galway. The Seafood Bar at Kirwan’s, McDonagh’s, and O’Grady’s On the Pier are three of the best seafood restaurants in Galway.
7. Buy a Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh region in Galway is considered the oldest fishing village in Galway. It’s also where the iconic Claddagh ring was created. The ring’s design (two hands holding a crowned heart) is supposed to symbolize friendship, loyalty, and love.
Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold on Quay Street is the oldest makers of Claddagh rings and is a great place to buy a Claddagh ring or other jewellery with the design.
8. Listen to Trad Music
As the “Cultural Heart” of Ireland, Galway is known for being an amazing place to experience traditional Irish music. You’ll find live performances of Trad music at pubs all over Galway; check out Taaffes, The Crane, or The Quays for music all throughout the week.
9. Take a trip to the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands are another great day trip from Galway. These islands at the mouth of Galway Bay are known for their Irish-speaking community as well as their Celtic and Christian ruins and sacred sites. Rent a bike and spend your day exploring the island’s prehistoric stone forts.
10. Drive along the Wild Atlantic Way
If you’re in need of another great day trip, take a drive along the Wild Atlantic Way. This coastal route spans the western coast of Ireland and sees incredible landscapes and quiet country towns. Take your time driving the section of the Wild Atlantic Way near Galway, and stop at the scenic beaches, castles, and causeways along the way.
Where To Stay In Galway
I highly recommend staying in the city centre so you can have the ease of getting around this pedestrian-friendly city. You can walk along the cobblestone streets to the pubs, shops, and attractions. When you’re ready to explore further out, you can easily book a tour or rent a car.
Is Galway Worth Visiting FAQS
Where is Galway?
Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland along the River Corrib and Galway Bay.
What does Galway mean in Irish?
Galway, or Gaillimh, means “stony” in Irish and refers to the “stony river”, the River Corrib.
How to get to Galway
You can easily get to Galway from the Dublin, Shannon, and Knock airports. From Dublin, you can get a direct transfer by bus or by rail. Travel time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Shannon and Knock, you can get a direct transfer by bus. Travel time is about 2 hours.
How to get around Galway
Galway City is very pedestrian-friendly and is easy to walk around. If you want to see more of the sights of the countryside, you’ll want to rent a car, book a tour, or get familiar with the bus routes.
What is Galway known for? / What is so great about Galway?
Galway is known for being Ireland’s “Cultural Heart”. You’ll find tons of festivals all year-round, and this is the best place for traditional Irish music. It’s also in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way and provides a great point from which to enjoy Ireland’s coastal gems.
Is Galway worth going to for only one day? / How many days in Galway is enough?
If you only have one day in Galway, I recommend spending it exploring Galway City. There is plenty to do in the city centre to fill a day trip. If you want to see more of the surrounding countryside as well, I recommend spending at least 3 days in Galway to see everything from the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Burren, and the Aran Islands as well as the city centre.
Best time of year to visit Galway
The best time of year to visit Galway is between July and October when the weather is favourable and there are a lot of fun cultural events and festivals taking place.
Best day trips from Galway
The best day trips from Galway are the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, the Aran Islands, and Blanrey Castle. Check out the tours below for some of the best deals on these day trips:
Is Galway or Dublin better to visit?
Galway and Dublin are so different, there’s no comparing which is better or worse. Visit Dublin if you want a more city experience with tons of museums and pubs. Visit Galway if you want a quieter, small town feel with a lot of culture and natural beauty.
Should you go to Cork or Galway?
Cork is a great foodie destination, with some of the country’s best restaurants and pubs. Galway is great for traditional Irish music and learning about the traditional culture of Ireland.
What is the most famous sight in Galway?
The most famous sight in Galway is the Latin Quarter, the pedestrian streets in the heart of the city that have all of Galway’s best shops, pubs, restaurants, events, and landmarks.
Is Galway safe?
Galway is a very safe destination for tourists.
How touristy is Galway?
Galway can be touristy in the height of the travel season in summer. It is not as popular or as crowded as Dublin, but it can get busy.
Is Galway cheap to visit?
Galway is an affordable city to visit. You’ll be able to find plenty of budget and mid-range accommodation options, the city is walkable so you don’t need to spend on public transportation, and the food is reasonably priced with large portions.
Is Galway walkable?
Galway is a very walkable city. Much of the city’s top sights, like the Latin Quarter, are located in pedestrian zones, so you won’t have to worry about taking public transit.
Conclusion: Is Galway Worth Visiting?
If you’re looking for an authentic Irish experience, then Galway is the perfect destination. From exploring the cozy cobblestone streets of the Latin Quarter to having a pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Visit the stunning Connemara National Park, listen to world-class Irish music and feast on the best seafood.
No matter what time of the year you’re planning a visit, Galway is a must-see destination and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore the “Cultural Heart” of Ireland.
Gemma Tedaldi
Gemma is the owner and author of The Travelling Tedaldi, a travel blog helping travellers to discover the best road trips and travel itineraries throughout the UK and Europe. When she isn’t writing about her favourite travel destinations, she can often be found out exploring local hikes or planning future trips.