Galway
Known throughout the world for its scenery, Galway is a gateway to the vast and wild countryside of Connemara, to the Burren region, internationally famous for its karst landscape, to the Cliffs of Moher a designated UNESCO Geo Park and to the mythical and historic Aran Islands.
Galway, a harbour city on Ireland’s west coast, sits where the River Corrib meets the Atlantic Ocean right in the middle of the Wild Atlantic Way - the longest defined coastal drive in the world.
From the stark wilderness of Connemara and the gorgeous desolation of the Burren, Galway city eases you gently into its urban surrounds. Once dominated by 14 merchant families from the 13-19th centuries, the past lingers in the air at the distinctive Spanish Arch, along its winding lanes and inside its traditional shops.
Galway may be at the edge of Europe but it sees itself as being at the centre of a web of international cultures. Long renowned for its quirky cool, the City of the Tribes was designated European Capital of Culture for 2020.
How to get here
Galway is situated on the West Coast of Ireland and is easily reached by air, ferry, train, bus or car or a combination of these. As a major tourist destination, there are many well-developed transport options available with daily flights from the UK, Europe, Middle East and North America to:
- Shannon Airport (c. 1 hour drive to city centre)
- Ireland West Airport / Knock (c. 1 hour 15 minutes drive to city centre)
- Dublin Airport (c. 2 hours 15 minutes drive to city centre on M6 Motorway)
You'll find our comedy the festival venue locations and directions from airports to Galway City Centre in the map below. (Hint: Click on the top-left icon to expand the menu)
Important links
Airlines that fly into Shannon, Knock & Dublin from the UK
Ferry Companies
- Irish Ferries: www.irishferries.com
- Stena Line: www.stenaline.ie
- P&O Irish Sea: www.poferries.com
Best way to get to Galway city from any airport is by car. We recommend:
- Enterprise Rent A Car: enterprise.ie
Bus Eireann operates Expressway Services to and from Dublin Airport on its Expressway Route 20/X20 services.
For more information
From Dublin airport we can also recommend the direct coach services provided by:
From Shannon & Ireland West / Knock Airport, we recommend:
- buseireann.ie
Shannon (Expressway X51) / Knock (Expressway Route 64)
