Best Time to Visit

Galway is a wonderful destination to visit almost all year round, but the period between July and September offers the best weather conditions. This is due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, which results in a mild summer characterised by temperatures ranging from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius (60 to 70 Fahrenheit). During the winter, temperatures drop to 4 to 7 degrees Celsius (30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit), making it quite cold and wet. While the city gets lively especially during the warmer months, with numerous events like The Clarenbridge Oyster Festival and The Galway Arts Festival and people sitting outside in restaurants and cafés, the winter can also be cosy, as people gather at pubs for a pint and socialise.

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland can enter Ireland without a visa, while holders of a Residence Card of a family member of a Union citizen, or of a red United Nations laissez-passer also enjoy a visa exemption. Other citizens best check whether they need a visa, and what prerequisites and fees may apply:

• Web:

  www.irishimmigration.ie

Airports

Since its closure in 2011, Galway Airport no longer offers direct flights to the city. However, Galway is easily accessed from alternative airports. Dublin Airport is approximately a 2.5-hour drive away, Ireland West International Airport at Knock is a 1-hour drive, and Shannon International Airport is also just a 1-hour drive from Galway. To travel from any of these airports to Galway, the most straightforward and cost-effective option is by bus. Bus Eireann provides bus services connecting all three airports to Galway, ensuring a hassle-free journey for travellers.

• Web:

  www.shannonairport.ie

• More info:

  www.dublinairport.com

Public transport

Exploring Galway on foot is the best way to navigate the city. With its maze of narrow streets and pedestrian-only areas, it's easy to reach any destination within the central business district by simply walking. And while walking is the preferred mode of transportation, there are, however, two bus companies, namely Bus Éireann and Galway City Direct that provide bus services throughout the city. These services can be convenient if you need to travel beyond the central area or explore the outskirts of Galway. To make your bus travel even easier, both companies accept the Leap Card — a prepaid travel card that simplifies fare payment on public transport across Ireland. Whether you're hopping on a bus, train, DART, or Luas tram in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, Sligo, Athlone, Kilkenny, or Wexford, the Leap Card has you covered. It also extends to city and town services throughout Ireland, making it a versatile option for seamless travel.

• Web:

  citydirect.ie

Taxi

Procabs +353 91 535 353 Big O Taxis Galway +353 91 585 858

Driving

If you're a resident of the U.S., Canada, or the European Union and you have a valid driving licence, then you will be able to drive in the Republic of Ireland. Drivers from other countries will need to obtain an International Driver's Permit. Also, make sure to familiarise yourself with the Irish road rules. As a start: Ireland has left-hand traffic and speed limits are determined to be 50 kph (30 mph) in urban areas; 80 kph (50 mph) on single open roads; 100 kph (60 mph) on national roads (marked by a green sign); and 120 kph (74.5 mph) on motorways.

• Web:

  www.rsa.ie/en