Exploring Galway City

Galway, known as the "City of Tribes," is a bright and bohemian harbor city on Ireland's west coast where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay. Celebrated for its artistic vibe, traditional music, and colorful shopfronts, Galway serves as a gateway to Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Our interactive Galway City Map helps you navigate the pedestrianized Latin Quarter, the historic Spanish Arch, and the famous Salthill Promenade. Use this map to locate the grand Galway Cathedral, the bustling Eyre Square, or find your way to the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Top Galway Landmarks

  • Eyre Square The city's central hub, perfect for watching the world go by.
  • The Latin Quarter A maze of narrow streets filled with shops, pubs, and restaurants.
  • Salthill Promenade A stunning seaside walk overlooking the vast Galway Bay.

Arts & Festivals

Galway is UNESCO City of Film and a former European Capital of Culture. It hosts the world-renowned Galway International Arts Festival and the famous Galway Races. The city's streets are often alive with buskers and performers, reflecting its deep creative roots.

Useful Visitor FAQs

How do I get from the city center to Salthill?

Salthill is about a 20-30 minute walk from the city center along the beautiful sea-front. Alternatively, the 401 bus runs frequently from Eyre Square directly to Salthill village and the promenade.

When is the Galway Market open?

The famous Galway Market, located near St. Nicholas' Church, is open every Saturday (8am-6pm) and Sunday (12pm-6pm). It's the best place to find local food, crafts, and the famous 'Galway vibe'.

Where can I hear traditional Irish music?

Galway is the capital of 'Trad'. Head to the Latin Quarter and look for pubs like Tigh Coili, The Crane Bar (renowned for sessions), or Taaffes on Shop Street. Sessions usually start in the early evening.

Can I walk to the University (University of Galway)?

Yes, the university campus is located on the banks of the River Corrib, just a 10-15 minute walk from the city center. There is a lovely riverside path that connects the city to the college grounds.

How do I get to the Aran Islands from Galway?

You can take a ferry from Rossaveel (40 mins west of the city, with a shuttle bus from Queen Street) or fly with Aer Arann from Connemara Airport. Recently, 'fast ferries' also depart directly from Galway City Docks during the summer months.

How do I use the interactive Galway City map?

Our interactive Galway City map is designed to help you easily navigate the city and plan your trip. Simply click and drag to pan across different areas, or use the zoom controls to view detailed street layouts around Eyre Square or zoom out for a wider look at the surrounding County Galway region. You can use the map to pinpoint specific hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it the perfect tool to map out your daily itinerary or find your way while on the go.

Is it easy to walk around Galway City?

Yes, Galway is a highly walkable and pedestrian-friendly city! The city center is incredibly compact, with many of its most famous areas, like Shop Street, the Latin Quarter, and the Spanish Arch being largely pedestrianized. Because of this medieval street layout, most major shops, historic sites, and traditional pubs are within a short 10 to 15-minute walk of each other. You can use our Galway City map to check distances between landmarks and plan the most comfortable walking routes for your visit.