County Galway in 3 Days: A Complete Travel Guide

Galway, the picturesque festival capital and gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way, can be explored on foot in just one day.

Galway was first really put on the global map by Ed Sheeran’s hit 2017 single ‘Galway Girl,’ and more recently by being the hometown of the actress Nicola Coughlan (the esteemed Lady Featherington).

There’s not many sights to see, but rather it is the atmosphere of a small Irish village that attracts so many visitors.

Galway makes the perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands.

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Galway Ireland Basics

Currency: The Euro. 

Cash or Card: Either is perfectly fine, I never had an issue with not carrying cash. 

Visas: Ireland provides 90 day tourist visas to most passport holders.

Although the Republic of Ireland is part of the European Union (EU), it is not part on the Schengen Zone.

If you haven’t heard about the Schengen Zone, read about it here before visiting Europe. It is a group of countries in Europe that allow visitors to apply for one encompassing tourist visa that covers all the countries in the Zone. With a Schengen Visa you can enter and move between any country in the agreement freely for up to 90 days in every 180 days.

Basically, this means that most tourists can visit Ireland for up to 90 days in addition to 90 days in Schengen countries.

Check on the Irish Immigration page whether you need to apply for a visa before arriving. Travellers from many countries can get a visa on arrival.

How to Get to/from Galway

The easiest way to get to Galway is to first fly to Dublin, then catch a bus or train (3 hours).

The closest airport is Shannon Airport, which is 1 hour drive from Galway. Flights to Shannon Airport from abroad are sparse and expensive.

Where to Stay in Galway

$ Hostel $

Woodquay Hostel
3/24 Woodquay, Galway, H91 P8RP, Ireland
This hostel is the best and cheapest in Galway. Housed in a cosy and quirky building, Woodquay Hostel offers free cancellation and easy access to Dublin’s nightlife and train station. Check availability or see other options.

$$ Hotel $$

Urban Nest Townhouse
25 College Rd, Galway, H91 P688, Ireland
This family-run guesthouse has been recently renovated. There are single, double and combination rooms, and they all have a private ensuite. Check availability or see other options.

How to get around Galway

Galway is a very compact city. All the sights in town are in walking distance, while those out of town such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands can be accessed via bus or tour.

What to Pack for Galway

If you are not sure what to bring to Galway, my UK packing list for backpackers gives a good overview of what clothes and items you’ll need.

It is absolutely crucial that you pack a rain-jacket and/or an umbrella! It is most likely that it will rain at least once during your visit, so best to be prepared. 

DAY 1: Galway City

I began by walking down the main street (it’s William Street which becomes Shop Street which becomes High Street). There are tons of gift shops, cafes, and bars along this street, so take your time.

I saw crowds down a side street so I decided to follow them.

Galway Market

Churchyard Street
9am-6pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)

There was a little market taking place next to the Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

It was a small market but it had a lot of variety. There were stalls selling handmade crafts, flowers, fresh vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, jewellery and more.

I got a huge falafel from a food truck and ate it while sitting in the church grounds.

Galway Cathedral

Gaol Rd, Galway, H91 A780, Ireland
8:30 am–6:30 pm
Free, although they ask for a ask €3 donation
Website

Head north to Salmon Weir Bridge. This pedestrian-only bridge leads straight to the Galway Cathedral.

You might spot some fisherman standing in the river, catching the salmon as they dash past.

The church’s full name is actually Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas.

It’s a very new church, completed in 1965, although you wouldn’t guess that by its appearance. It is made of grey limestone with a flower-shaped window in the centre and a green dome.

The church was actually built where the old prison used to be, which is why the surrounding street is called Gaol Road.

Behind the cathedral is Nun’s Island. The white building is the Poor Clare Monastery, which has been the home of the Poor Clare Sisters for over 375 years!

Nimmo’s Pier

I walked along the River Corrib to Nimmo’s Pier. From about 1/3 of the way along the pier, I got a great picture (above) of the Long Walk, a street of colourful houses on the other side of the river.

I continued walking around Grattan Road until I reached Grattan Beach.

You could walk along the Mutton Island Causeway, a thin strip of land that takes about 15 minutes to reach Mutton Island. You can’t actually get onto the island, it has restricted access, but there is a nice view of the ocean there.

Travel Essentials 

SIM cards: Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries which you can install BEFORE travelling, saving you the stress of running around to find a store or from being ripped off by local vendors. This is perfect for backpackers who are travelling to multiple destinations in a short period of time.

Insurance: You should NOT go overseas without getting travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you in case you get injured or your plans change or are cancelled. I always use Covermore, because the cover is comprehensive and they were easy to work with when I needed to make a claim.

Banking: When travelling and saving for travel I use Up Bank, an online Australian bank, that allows fee-free overseas transactions, unlimited savings ‘pools’ and easy transfers. If you join Up with my invite code we both get $13! 

Grattan Beach

I’ll be honest, Grattan Beach is not very impressive. There’s not much sand and the sand that’s there is covered in seaweed. Not to mention that the water is absolutely freezing.

It was the middle of summer, but this is not the sort of beach that people swim at.

There’s also a little war memorial next to the beach.

Spanish Arch

I cut across town to the Wolfe Tone Bridge.

To the right of the bridge is the Spanish Arch. Built at the key location where the River Corrib meets the sea, this arch and wall dates back to the 12th century. Here soldiers lived, defended the city and accepted merchant cargo.

Galway City Museum

Spanish Parade, Galway, H91 CX5P, Ireland
Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm
Free
Website

Just beyond the Spanish Arch is the Galway City Museum. This small museum outlines the history of Galway city and the surrounding county.

Spread across 3 levels, there are exhibitions on Gaelic culture, the turbulent relationship between Ireland and Britain, local folklore, and life on the nearby Aran Islands.

The Long Walk and Dock

Stroll along the Long Walk, a historic road of brightly painted townhouses.

If you continue around the bend, you will reach Dock Street. Dock Street is exactly what you think, it’s where the fishermen dock their boats!

The closest yacht was my favourite, I had a historic pirate-y feel to it. Make your way back to the high street by weaving through the historic Druid Lane.

Grab some dinner in one of Galway’s many pubs, relax in Eyre Park, or go shopping (or hide from the rain) at Eyre Square Centre.

DAY 2: Cliffs of Moher

How to Get to the Cliffs of Moher

Ireland’s bus service, Bus Éireann, operates a route from Galway to Ennis.

This bus (bus 350) is just a local bus, so it will stop regularly along the way.

I recommend taking the first available bus from Galway at 8am. You will arrive in the Cliffs of Moher parking lot at around 10:12am.

Try to sit on the right-hand side of the bus because the bus hugs the coastline as it heads south and the view out the window is just incredible.

You’ll find the buses just in front of Galway Train Station. You can buy your ticket on board with cash. If you need to use card, purchase your ticket at the machine inside the train station.

Be sure to purchase a RETURN ticket.

What to See and Do at the Cliffs of Moher

At the Cliffs of Moher you can walk along the cliffside trail of Burren Way, visit O’Briens Tower, take the picture at Pollboy Lookout and explore the cafes and gift shops at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.

Read Cliffs of Moher: How to Plan an Independent Day Trip from Galway for more details!

DAY 3: Aran Islands

How to Get to the Aran Islands

Option 1: Galway City Docks to Inishmore, return via Cliffs of Moher

This ferry departs from the Galway City Docks at 9:30am every day, arrives on Inishmore at 11am. You have until 3:30pm to explore the island, after which the ferry sails past (doesn’t stop at) the Cliffs of Moher and arrives back in Galway at 6pm.

Tickets cost €49 for adults.

This tour is seasonal, so it’s only available during the summer.

Option 2: Shuttle to Rossaveel, return ferry to Inishmore, shuttle back to Galway

This ferry departs from Rossaveel Pier 4 times each day: 10:30am, 11:45am, 1pm and 6:30pm. A shuttle will take you from Victoria Place in Galway city to the pier. Departures from Inishmore take place at: 8:15am, 12pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6:30pm

Tickets (including shuttle bus) cost €40 for adults.

This ferry takes place all year round.

Best choice?

I chose option 2 because I visited the Cliffs of Moher the day before. I wanted to maximise my time on the island and I don’t think that 4 hours is enough.

What to See and Do on the Aran Islands

On Inishmore you can rent a bike and cycle around the island, visiting Kilronan Village, the seal colony, Kilmurvey Beach and Village, the medieval ruins of the Seven Churches, the prehistoric fort of Dun Aonghasa and the natural phenomenon of the Wormhole.

Read Ultimate Aran Islands Day Trip: How to Visit Inishmore from Galway for more details!

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