Is it easy to get around Galway without a car?

The best way to get around Galway is by foot. There are lots of tiny streets and pedestrian-only areas, so it's easy to get anywhere within the central business district on your own two feet. Another convenient, inexpensive option is the city's bike-share program.



Galway is widely considered one of the most walkable cities in Ireland in 2026. The medieval city center is largely pedestrianized, meaning you can easily explore Shop Street, the Spanish Arch, and the Latin Quarter on foot. For destinations further out, like the seaside suburb of Salthill, the Bus Éireann network is frequent and reliable; using a "Leap Card" can save you significant money on these fares. Additionally, the city is increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes along the coast. For those wanting to see the nearby Cliffs of Moher or Connemara, numerous guided coach tours depart daily from Eyre Square, making a car almost unnecessary for a typical tourist itinerary focused on the city and its major surrounding highlights.

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This coastal town is a charming mixture of historical landmarks and a modern atmosphere. Wandering down cobblestone streets with background music coming from every corner, it's easy to lose your heart to Galway. While many people only spend a day here, I do recommend a full two days in Galway.

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Galway might be Ireland's most charming city: compact, walkable and filled to the brim with independent shops and restaurants that walk the fine line between cool and kitsch.

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Is Galway too touristy? Galway is popular for tourists, both Irish and international. Like any popular city, it has its peak touristy times. July is the most popular month to visit tourists.

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Head out on this 1.4-mile loop trail near Galway, County Galway. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 29 min to complete. This is a popular trail for running and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.

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The travel time from Galway to Dublin is about 3h, although the fastest bus will take 2h 19m, on average. This is the time it takes to travel the 115 miles (184 km) that separate the two cities.

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Galway is widely regarded as Ireland's most bohemian city. It has a long-standing reputation as a cultural hub that attracts musicians, painters, and all manner of other artists. There's something in the air here that compels creative people to, well, create.

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Galway has 689 kilometers of coastline, all of which is part of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. Galway is famous for being the festival capital of Ireland, hosting on average 122 festivals and events per year.

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When it comes to tipping taxi drivers in Ireland, there's no strict rule. However, it's common practice to round up the fare to the nearest euro as a token of gratitude for their service. So, when you reach your destination, you can simply say, “Keep the change!” — easy as pie.

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The airport is located 6 km (3.7 mi) by road from Galway city centre.

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