←Ireland travel guide
County Galway, Ireland
Galway
Bohemian harbour city with a legendary music and festival scene
CultureFood & DrinkNightlife
Galway is a harbour city on Ireland's west coast known for its vibrant arts scene, traditional Irish music, and festivals. Its medieval streets are lined with pubs and seafood restaurants, and it serves as a gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands. The city has a relaxed, bohemian character.
Check Ireland visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to September
Region
County Galway
Main airport
Knock (NOC)
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Ireland. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
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Airalo eSIM
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Galway
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Ireland
Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can visit Ireland visa-free. Note that Ireland is NOT in the Schengen Area — a UK visa does not grant entry to Ireland, and vice versa. Check your specific nationality with the Yoogo visa checker.
Visa-free visitors can typically stay for up to 90 days per visit. Stays beyond 90 days require applying for an extension from the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS).
A valid passport or, for EU/EEA nationals, a national identity card. Evidence of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and a return or onward ticket may be requested.
Ireland is one of the safest countries in Europe for tourists. Crime levels are low. Normal precautions against petty theft in city centres apply.
The Euro (EUR, symbol €) is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. Note that Northern Ireland (part of the UK) uses Pound Sterling (£). ATMs are widely available, and card payments are accepted almost everywhere.
English is the main language used throughout Ireland. Irish (Gaelic) is the first official language and is widely taught in schools. It is spoken as a community language in certain western coastal areas known as the Gaeltacht.
May to September offers the best combination of longer days, milder temperatures, and drier weather. June and July are the sunniest months. Ireland can be visited year-round — winter has lower prices and fewer crowds, though weather is wetter and some attractions have reduced hours.
Walk the Cliffs of Moher, drive the Ring of Kerry, visit the Book of Kells at Trinity College Dublin, explore Killarney National Park, discover the Giant's Causeway, tour Blarney Castle, enjoy live traditional music in a Galway pub, and hike in Connemara.
Dublin Airport (DUB) handles the vast majority of international arrivals. Cork Airport (ORK) and Shannon Airport (SNN) also receive some international flights.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) have access to state healthcare, but most visitors should carry private travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip disruption.
No vaccinations are required for entry to Ireland. Standard routine vaccinations are recommended.
Yes. Visitors can drive with a valid foreign licence for up to 12 months. Note that driving is on the left side of the road, and many rural roads are very narrow. An International Driving Permit is useful.