Last Updated: 2026-10-20 20:24:01
Galway City
The west of Ireland's liveliest city, where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay.
Music on every corner
Galway is compact, colourful and full of energy. Its nickname, the City of the Tribes, comes from the 14 merchant families who ran the town in the Middle Ages. Today the pedestrian streets of the Latin Quarter, Shop Street and Quay Street, are lined with pubs, bookshops and buskers, and there is a traditional music session somewhere almost every night of the year.
The city is also the natural gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands, so it makes an easy base for a few days in the west.
Don't miss
- The Spanish Arch, a remnant of the 16th-century city walls by the river.
- A walk along the Salthill Prom, and the local tradition of kicking the wall at the end.
- Galway International Arts Festival in July and the Galway Races at the turn of July and August.
- Oysters: the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival is held every September.
Quick facts
Where: Galway, Co. Galway
Region: Wild Atlantic Way
From Dublin: about 2 h 30 min by car or train
Getting around: on foot; the centre is small
Best time: July and August for festivals; any time for music
Good for: music, food, nightlife
Local tip
Book accommodation early for Arts Festival and Race Week: the city fills up and prices climb. Outside those weeks, Galway is easy to do on short notice.
Nearby
Connemara & Kylemore · Aran Islands · The Burren · All destinations